Hope

Do You Feel Your Sins Cut You Off From God and All Hope of Change?

This is written for those who say:
“The things I have done and said weigh on my heart like a mountain of lead. This burdens me and keeps me from Christ. My sins cut me off from all hope of heaven. I am afraid that my past eagerness to relish my behavior has so twisted my mind, seared my conscience, and hardened my heart–that I will never be able to repent with any hope of pardon!”

But I answer you,
Is your sin greater than wicked King Manasseh’s, who “sacrificed his own son in the fire, practiced witchcraft and divination, and consulted mediums and spiritists”? (2 Kings 21:2-7)

Is your sin greater than Paul’s drinking up the blood of saints?

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When the Wheels Come Off

I grew up in the 70’s and 80’s when parents still told their kids to go outside and play. My friends and I would spend all day in the yard and when we got hot and sweaty enough we’d run to the back patio, open the water spigot on the side of the house and get down on our hands and knees so we could get low enough to turn our mouths up for a drink of water that splashed all over our faces and down our necks. In the evenings I remember seeing my parents shaking their heads as they watched the oil crises in the 1970’s unfold on the nightly news. Gas prices skyrocketed to 73 cents a gallon! “Turn it off,” my mother would say to my dad. “Good grief! The wheel’s are coming off but they make it sound like the world’s ending.”

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Revelation: Don’t be Aftraid

Many people shy away from the Book of Revelation thinking it is too frightening or not applicable to the daily life of a Christian; certainly not to someone in recovery. No so! Revelation has many themes running through it. In this Book great evil is given full reign over the earth. Horrible and terrifying images are presented. There seems to be no way to overcome this terrible evil.

But if you read to the end of this book we learn that God is sovereign. He is greater than any power in the universe. Satan and his minions are defeated. In the end, a new heaven and a new earth are created where we, as believers, live in peace and security for eternity.

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Amazed by Common Grace

Common Grace. It is a term used in theology to describe the grace God gives to every living person on planet earth. It is called “common,” not because it is not worth that much, but because everyone alive gets it.

Grace by definition can never be demanded. God gives grace, not because He has to, but because He decides to. The scripture says that God “makes His sun rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust” (Matthew 5:45).

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How can I find peace and hope in the midst of desperate circumstances?

How does one find peace and hope in the midst of desperate circumstances?

John 14:27: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

Ephesians 2:14: For he himself is our peace.”

Philippians 4:7: And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”

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I just want to end my pain. Is it wrong to feel that way?

I am in constant pain. Sometimes, I just want to be out of my misery, whatever it takes. Is it wrong to feel that way?

It is not wrong to want to be in God’s presence, free from the effects of this world. It isn’t wrong to desire relief from your physical ailments either. But, suicidal thoughts are symptoms of a lack of hope and trust in the Lord. He has a perfect purpose for you, even in the midst of your ailment.

God loves you so much and He has a plan for you, even in the midst of your suffering. Look at what He accomplished through Jesus’ suffering. He can still use you to bless those around you as the watch your strong witness for Christ.

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