Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us . . . Hebrews 12:1

"Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us . . . " Hebrews 12:1



Almost 18 years ago, life changed in an instant when Steven Sauder sustained a head injury after a car collision. Although there have been many difficulties, God's grace has been clearly evident. The past few years, Steven continued to decline, yet God gave him the strength to "never give up". On May 9, 2011, he reached the end of his journey.



Monday, March 24, 2014

FAULTLESSLY PURE


The Lord’s been working with me on sin areas in my life – kicking out bricks in strongholds that I’ve become comfortable with and accustomed to……and dependent upon.  Idols” – He calls them – because they fight for a place on the throne with Him.

And I’m not making it an easy job for Him.  Two steps forward and one step back; sometimes one step forward and two steps back.  My flesh fights to have its “fix”.  I hold onto those bricks with my teeth.

Yesterday He showed me I Thessalonians 3:13 again:  “…that He may strengthen and confirm and establish your hearts faultlessly pure and unblamable in holiness in the sight of our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all the saints!”  (Amplified version)

It struck me that what He is pushing and prodding and spurring me toward IS POSSIBLE.  I can get rid of this unholy “stuff” in me – these mind thoughts, these words, these actions and reactions and attitudes, this “self-on-the-throne, dance around me” mindset.

He says He will strengthen the good that is there in my heart – make it stronger, more able to withstand Satan’s attacks.

He will confirm what is good in my heart, so it may not be lost – that Satan may not be able to lie and discourage me into thinking it’s not there at all and bug me into giving up trying.

And He says He will establish my heart.  He will (1) open my eyes to ways I need to change,
(2) grant me the willingness to change, and (3) firmly establish me in this “new” holiness, not letting me backtrack.

He won’t do all the work for me, though.  I have to learn to let him reign – in my mind, in my day, in my heart.  I have to give Him my will.  He’s slowly unclenching “will” from my clutching fingers - through daily nuggets in His precious Word, through glimpses of His glory and His great love for me, through blessings undeserved, through seeing His grace and patience and so unbelievable mercy…and through suffering…and struggles…and hardships…and tough times. 

But look!  Look what He’s heading me toward – and you……….

FAULTLESSLY PURE and UNBLAMABLE IN HOLINESS!!!!
IN THE SIGHT OF OUR GOD and FATHER,
at the COMING of OUR LORD JESUS with ALL THE SAINTS!

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