Merry Christmas and a Safe and Healthy New Year to All

Things are really busy right now for all of us, as you already know, with Christmas and New Year coming up. I will be spending time with family outside of country as well as spending time with other family inside so will not post until mid-January.  In the mean time...

I would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a safe and healthy New Year! I hope everyone will be able to get together with their loved ones and enjoy time together as we celebrate the birth of our dear Savior, Jesus Christ, and prepare to begin a New Year. 

It is a joy to watch the little ones open gifts from under the tree.  That is something you miss when your children grow up. If you have grandchildren, you can kind of re-live that through them. 

For those who may be alone at Christmas, I hope you can find someone else who may be alone to share it with, or maybe someone will invite you to share Christmas with them.Years ago when my children were in University and one of their friends had no where to go for Christmas we would invite them to share Christmas with us. It became a tradition which we all enjoyed and felt blessed doing.  I know that if my children, even adult children, had no one to spend Christmas with, I would be so pleased if someone offered to share Christmas with them. We can do for others what we would like others to do for our own child (grown child) if they were unable to spend Christmas with us for some reason.  It really is more blessed to give than receive!  No one should have to spend Christmas alone.

As a tradition, my grandchildren play piano recitals and sing at a Nursing Home on Christmas afternoon for the old people. They then go around to speak with, and sometimes give hugs to, the older ones. It is very nice. 

Traditions are good!  There is always someone, somewhere who could use some Christmas cheer, or maybe Christmas dinner.  Maybe someone on the street could use mitts or warm hat as well as a meal. I think there are many ways to share the joy of Christmas with someone who is alone at this time.

What traditions do you have in your family? 
What traditions might you want to start?

Have you asked your children what they might like as a new tradition for bringing joy to the heart of someone who is alone.  Your children would probably have some great ideas!  It would be an interesting discussion to see what they come up with. They probably notice more than we sometimes realize.

Enjoy Christmas and New Years celebration...

In Christ's love,

~Annie~

Lessons From the Harvest Field

Let us go forth into the field and learn

(Title and outline is from Handfuls on Purpose)

That a harvest time will come.  Seed sown shall not always remain a hidden thing.          (1 Corinthians 3:6-7). One may plant the gospel seed, several may water the seed, but only God can make it grow).

 

That much comes from little.  Some a hundredfold. But they who sow wind will reap whirlwind. We need to be mindful of how we live our lives and of what our priorities are, or we may end up wasting precious time on worldly things rather than on what God had previously planned for us (see Ephesians 2:10). We need to nourish the soil of our hearts with the Word of God, and with the Spirit’s enablement, to mature spiritually, as we put what we learn into practice. Then we will be able to share the gospel with others that they may come to a saving faith and avoid the coming wrath of God against all who reject Christ Jesus.

That a fruitful life comes through death.  “Except a corn of wheat die, it abides alone (John 12:24). We must die to sin and live for Christ Jesus if we are to be fruitful. Romans 12:1-3 and Hebrews 12:1-3 will explain how to do this. 

That like comes from like.  “Whatsoever a man sows, that shall he reap” (Galatians 6:7). Where is your treasure? What do you most enjoy doing? Where your treasure is, your heart will be (Matthew 6:21). What is your top priority?

That when we cease to grow we begin to die. Like a plant, when fully grown if we don’t regularly nourish it, it will die.  Feeding our hearts with God’s Word and reliance on the Holy Spirit to put it into practice are essential for our spiritual growth and life.

That grain is most valued when ripe.  Mature Christians are able to be mentors  to the new Christians by showing, by example, how to live a godly life in a corrupt world, whatever the cost. (By their fruit you will know them)

That the harvesting does not alter its character.

That the harvest is followed with sifting.  (Satan requested permission to sift Peter...see Luke 22:31).  God will sift the tares from the wheat when Jesus returns.

Being a good model is a form of sowing that can result in reaping Christlike changes in the lives of new Christians. Life is filled with choices, choices that affect us on an everyday basis in everything we do, which means our everyday choices are not without significance. Our choices affect us and others in dramatic ways whether we see it immediately or not (2 Chronicles 17:3; John 13:15; 1 Thessalonians 1:7;  2 Thessalonians 3:7-9; 1 Timothy 4:12; Titus 2:7).

Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men, but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil. So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.  And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit (Ephesians 5:15-18).

 So teach us to number our days, That we may present to You a heart of wisdom (Psalm 90:12). 

Why do we need wisdom?  So we can make wise choices!

If we sow indifference to God, spiritual values and priorities, we reap the fruit of indifference—ignorance, hardness, greediness, futility, and frustration (Ephesians 4:17-19). 

Here is something for us to think about:

Sow a thought, reap an act; 

Sow an act, reap a habit; 

Sow a habit, reap a character; 

Sow a character, reap a destiny.

~Annie~

Temptations Can Be Overruled For Good By the Children of God - by Thomas Watson

Temptations

 

 

Satan observes the temperament and the constitution: He lays suitable baits of temptation. Like the farmer, he knows what grain is best for the soil.  Satan will not tempt contrary to the natural disposition and temperament.  This is his policy, he makes the wind and tide go together, that way the natural tide of the heart runs the way the wind of temptation blows.  The devil cannot know men's thoughts, yet he knows their temperament, and accordingly lays his bait.

 

Satan observes the fittest time to tempt in as a cunning angler casts in his angle when the fish will bite best.  Satan's time of testing is usually after an ordinance: and the reason is, he thinks he shall find us most secure. Just as a soldier, who after a battle leaves off his armor, not once dreaming of an enemy, Satan watches his time, and when we least expect, then he throws in a temptation.

 

Satan can tempt by proxy. Thus he handed over a temptation to Job by his wife (Job 2:19).

 

Satan tempts to evil by them that are good, thus he gives poison in a golden cup. He tempted Christ by Peter--- Peter dissuaded Christ from suffering.

 

Satan tempts to sin under pretense of religion. He is most to be feared when he transforms himself into an angel of light.  He came to Christ with Scripture in his mouth. "It is written." If you compare Matthew 6:6 and Psalm 91:11, you will notice Satan omitted part of the Scripture. When in Matthew he quoted, "For he will command his angels concerning you" but omitted ... to guard you in all your ways.  (Satan adds to, takes away, and twists Scripture).

 

Satan can instill blasphemous and evil thoughts into one's mind, as well as use subtle arguments to dispute us into sin. He will also use a weakness to incline us toward temptation.

 

Temptations can be overruled for good by the children of God. A tree that is shaken by the wind is more settled and rooted; so the blowing of a temptation does but settle a Christian more in grace.

 

Temptations are overruled for good in the following ways.

 

Temptation sends the soul to prayer. When Satan shoots his fiery darts at the soul, it then runs faster to the throne of grace.

 

The more a child of God is tempted, the more he fights against that temptation. The more Satan tempts to blasphemy, the more a saint trembles at such thoughts and says, "Get thee hence, Satan!"  That temptation that the devil uses as a spur to sin, God makes a bridle to keep back Christians from it.

 

Temptation works for good as it abates the swelling of pride. Paul said "Lest I should be exalted above measure, there was given me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger from Satan to buffet me (2 Corinthians 12:7).

 

Temptation works for good, as it is a touchstone to try what is in the heart. The devil tempts that he may deceive; but God suffers us to be tempted, to try us.  Temptation is a trial of our sincerity, it argues that our heart is chaste and loyal to Christ when we can look at a temptation in the face and turn away from it. Also it is a trial of our courage when rather than yielding to the temptation, the Christian brandishes the Sword of the Spirit against Satan.

 

Temptations work for good when God makes those who are tempted fit to comfort others in the same distress. A Christian must himself be under the buffetings of Satan, before he can speak a word in good season to him that is weary.

 

Temptations work for good as they engage the strength of Christ. Christ is our Friend, and when we are tempted, He sets all His power working for us. In that He himself has suffered being tempted, He is able to succour them that are tempted (Hebrews 2:18). "And through Him we are more than conquerors" (Romans 8:37).

 

 

Question:  But sometimes Satan foils a child of God. How does this work for good?

 

Answer:  Through the suspension of divine grace, and the fury of the temptation, a saint may be overcome; yet this foiling by a temptation shall be overruled for good. By this foil God makes way for augmentation of grace. Peter was tempted to self-confidence. He presumed upon his own strength; and when he would needs to stand alone, Christ let him fall. But this wrought for his good. It cost him many a tear."He went out and wept bitterly"  (Matthew 26:75). And now he grows more modest. He durst not say he loved Christ more than the other apostles. "Do you love Me more than these"? (John 21:15). He durst not say so. His fall broke the neck of his pride.  The foiling by a temptation causes more circumspection and watchfulness in a child of God.  Though Satan did before decoy him into sin, yet for the future he will be more cautious. He is more shy and fearful of occasions of sin. He never goes out without his spiritual armor, and he girds on his armor by prayer.  He knows he walks on slippery ground, therefore he looks wisely to his steps.

 

This is all the harm a devil ever does when he foils a saint by temptation. He cures him of his careless neglect; he makes him watch and pray more.



From All Things For Good by Thomas Watson

 

 

 

 

~Annie~



What Are the Lord's Requirements

Deuteronomy 10:12-22

 

The secret of rest and victory lies in ceasing to struggle against

the requirements of God.

 

Here is a question which should come with searching power to the heart of every child of God; what does the Lord require of me?  Surely such a question ought to constrain us honestly to make this inquiry: Lord, what will You have me to do?

(Handfuls on Purpose - James Smith)

 

 

He is our Creator and every good thing comes from Him. For You created my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother's womb (Psalm 139:13). What do we have that we have not received from Him?  Therefore we should be joyful always; pray continually; and give thanks "in all circumstances," for this is God's will for us in Christ Jesus (1Thessalonians 5:16-18).

 

He is our Redeemer.  Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law.  We were bought at a price, therefore we are to glorify God in our body and our spirit, which are His. We belong to Him.  He only, shall we serve (Matthew 4:10). For He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son He loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins (Colossians 1:13-14).  In Christ we are new creations. God has reconciled us to Himself through Christ Jesus and gave us the ministry of reconciliation. God made Him who was sinless, to be sin for us, so that in Him, we might become the righteousness of God.  ( 2 Corinthians 5:17-20).

 

 

What are some of these requirements...

 

A Reverent Fear of Our Holy God.  Fear the Lord your God, not as a slave who fears his master because of the lash, but as a loving son or daughter fears to grieve or dishonor their father.  God is our Father, but He is also Judge and we each, as His children, will give account for everything whether good or bad (Hebrews 12:13) This has not to do with our salvation but rather what rewards will be given or with-held according to our heart and our ability with the gifts He has given us.

 

An Obedient Walk.  "To walk in all His ways" (Deuteronomy 10:12). What does this mean? Colossians 1:10 tells us we are to ask God to fill us with the knowledge of His will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. Why? in order that we might live a life worthy of the Lord and may please Him in every way. How? By bearing fruit in every good work, and growing in our knowledge of God. By doing this we will be strengthened with all power according to His glorious might. Why? So that we can have great endurance and patience in every test and trial, and joyfully give thanks to the Father for giving us His Son and His Spirit. Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God (2 Corinthians 7:1).

 

An Affectionate Heart. He who looks upon the heart requires truth in the inward parts             (Psalm 51:6).

Jesus said, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself (A neighbor is anyone you have contact with). On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets" (Matthew 22:38-40).   Jesus said, "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another" (John 13:34).

 

A Forgiving Heart.  In Matthew 6:5-14 after teaching His disciples how to pray Jesus ends with this...(v.14) "For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but... if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

Check back at the top under fear of God re- we must give account of everything whether good or bad. We often need God's help in order to forgive and to keep forgiving.  He is waiting to hear our cry so He can help us.

 

A Whole-Hearted Service.  We are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do (Ephesians 2:10). Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men (Ephesians 6:7). Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly... and whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him (Colossians 3:12-17). Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not men... it is the Lord Christ you are serving (Colossians 3:23-24).

 

A Submissive Will.  A submissive will is a will surrendered to God. It is a desire to do His will rather than our own. When Jesus separates the sheep from the goats it will be those who do the will of God who Jesus will recognize as His own (Matthew 7:21).  What does it mean to do the will of God?  It means to have compassion on others and do for them what you would have someone do for you or your loved ones if they were in desperate need (Matthew25:31-46).   It means to obey Christ's teachings.  Everything in the New Testament (Covenant) comes from the teachings of Christ Jesus.  Before Jesus ascended back to heaven He told His disciples He would send the Holy Spirit who would bring to their minds all that Jesus had previously taught them. Jesus also taught the apostle Paul. Therefore everything in the New Testament comes from the teachings of Jesus Christ. The Old Testament teaches about Jesus Christ in types and shadows and prophecies. Jesus, Himself gave evidence to this when He said,  "Did not the Christ have to suffer these things and the enter His glory?"  And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, He explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning Himself (Luke 24:26-27).

 

A submissive will desires to do God's will by obeying His Word and trusting Him to work things out for our benefit and His glory. God wills that we grow in grace and knowledge of His Word and to put it into practice in our daily lives with the help of the Holy Spirit. In John 17:17 in Jesus' high priestly prayer Jesus prays that all God's children would be sanctified by the truth. His Word is truth. We need both the Word of God and the Holy Spirit to enable us to live godly lives in Christ Jesus. We need to be in God's Word and reliant on the Holy Spirit daily in order to walk in the will of God. We need also to be in a spirit of prayer for opportunities God may bring across our path. And we need to be prepared to give an answer to any who ask us, what is the reason for our hope, and to do this in gentleness and respect ...                                                                 (1 Peter 3:15).

 

A Tenacious Faith.  By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be known as the son of Pharaoh's daughter. He chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a short time. He regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt, because he was looking ahead to his reward. By faith he left Egypt, not fearing the king's anger; he persevered because he saw Him who is invisible (Hebrews 11:24-27).

 

For Christ's love compels us... He died for all that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for Him who died for them and was raised again (2 Corinthians 5:14:15).

 

Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal (2 Corinthians 4:16-18). We fix our eyes on Christ Jesus the Author and Finisher of our faith...(Hebrews 12:1-3).

 

May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing His will, and may He work in us what is pleasing to Him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen (Hebrews 13:20-21).

 

 

~Annie~

 

 





The Almighty Shepherd

 

 

“The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want." (Psalm 23:1)

This is a fountain of Living Water, an unfailing star in the night of sorrow and suffering.  Look at it as the language of---

1.    Real Confession.  The Lord is my Shepherd, because I have taken my place at His feet as a sheep---

·         Acknowledging my ignorance--- Mind blinded.

·         Acknowledging my waywardness--- Gone astray.

·         Acknowledging my helplessness---Undone.

·         Acknowledging my dependence--- I will trust.

 

2.    Peaceful Assurance.  The Lord is my Shepherd. He is mine---

·         Because He has purchased me with His blood.

·         Because He has led me by His Spirit.

·         Because He has fed me by His Word.

·         Because He has kept me by His power.

 

3.    Unwavering Confidence.   I shall not want.---  Because whatever He thinks, will  be for my highest good and for His glory---

·         Because His riches are unsearchable.

·         Because His power is almighty.

·         Because His faithfulness is unfailing.

·         Because His love is unchanging.

 

Taken from ”Handfuls On Purpose” by James Smith.  First published in 1947 – Re-printed in July 1984 by William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company

~Annie~

I AM the Door (Gate)

Jesus said, I AM the Door (Gate). If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture (John 10:9).

 

There is a Gate.  Jesus Christ is that Gate.  What a dark world this would have been had there been no way of entrance into the knowledge of and into fellowship with God!  “Behold, I set before you an open door” (Revelation 3:8).  But note that there was but one gate. The Gate said, “I AM the Way” (John 14:6). There is no other name under heaven given by whereby you may be saved (Acts 4:12).

This was a wide Gate. What it lacked in height it had in width. Height means more or greater spiritual experience; breadth means great liberty of access. Whosoever will may come!  The Gate of atonement is as wide as the world (1John 2:2). The way of substitution is as straight as the new birth.  If few find it, it is because few there be that seek it (Matthew 7:7).  You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart, then I will be found by you, declares the LORD (Jeremiah 29:13).

This was a strongly-supported Gate. It hung on four pillars. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is supported by four infallible pillars.  Each holds up a different aspect of Him who is, “The Way, the Truth and the Life” (John 14:6). Their names are Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.

This Gate was the way into life. Immediately, in front of the Gate stood the altar of sacrifice. It was impossible to pass in without coming in sight of God’s provision for the sinner.  Passing through the Gate meant the acceptance of God’s Way of salvation.  What do we learn from this?  (Even though there are two steps before this, such as recognizing we are sinners in need of a Savior, and the humble, sincere willingness to turn from known sin and live for Christ). Salvation is but one step. When the sinner trusts the Lord Jesus Christ as the Way to the Father, at that moment he comes into personal contact with the atoning blood of the Lamb. Christ is both the Gate and the Altar. We decide at the Gate and are justified at the Altar.

The word “altar” simply means “high place” or that which lifts up. The altar with its sacrifice is profoundly significant of Christ on the Cross (John 14:6). At the Cross the sinner comes into contact with the goodness and the sincerity of God --- condemnation of the sin, but mercy for the sinner. This Altar of burnt offering ”lifted up” all that was laid upon it. The “burnt offering” represented Christ as the wholly devoted One.

The brazen altar standing at the Gate of entrance represented the claims of God.  As a holy and righteous God He had claims that must be satisfied before He could, in mercy, meet with man and bless him. The altar was filled, and all the demands of a holy God fully met when Christ cried on the Cross, “It is finished” (John 19:30).  Here the “sin- offering”  was  slain, then carried without the camp, but its blood was poured out at the “bottom of the altar.” The value of the sin-offering lay in the blood.  “The blood is the life,” or, “the life is in the blood.”  This was left at the foot of the altar.  Here we see Christ as the sinner’s  substitute, pouring out His soul unto death. “They overcame by ‘the blood of the Lamb’ and the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death” (Revelation 12:11).

The altar was positioned right in front of the Gate. This reminds us that atonement is the first necessity in our approach to God. The first blessing our God desires to give us is the forgiveness of our sins, but “without the shedding of blood there is no remission” (Hebrews 9:22). See also, Hebrews 9:12-14;  10:19-23).

Those who refuse “Christ Jesus and Him crucified” as their sin-atoning Substitute have no liberty of access to God. To approach God disregarding the altar meant death. Cain tried it; he ignored the blood, and brought the curse of God upon himself.  Cain knew it had to be a blood sacrifice, and God reminded him if he does it the right way he will be accepted. (Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness (Hebrews9:22). Cain was angry and did not repent. Therefore God warned Cain that if he doesn’t offer a blood offering, sin would be waiting at his door to have him, and that he must rule over it. Cain let his anger rule him and went out and killed his brother (Genesis 4:1-16).  “A sin-offering lies at the door” (Genesis 4:7). God has laid it there; it is there for us. It has a voice, “Look unto Me and be saved…for I am God” (Isaiah 45:22). Do not trample on it.
 

 This was taken from - Handfuls On Purpose - by James Smith

 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door (of your heart) I will come into him, and eat with him and he with Me (Revelation 3:20).
 

~Annie~

 

Your Word Is A Lamp For My Feet and A Light for My Path

Thy Word is a lamp for my feet and a light for my path

 Psalm 119:105

 

A lamp for my feet:  My feet carry me to the crossroads and there I must choose which direction I will take.

A light for my path: The Word of God is the light for our path and we will gain wisdom and direction from it.

The lamp reveals what is ahead on each step I take so that I am aware of where I am.  Therefore when I have reached a crossroad the light of God’s Word will give me wisdom in which way to go.

 

This lamp for my feet and light for my path also reveals to me the dangers "masquerading as" delightful enjoyments lurking in darkness. 

Some of us were involved in some of these kinds of things before we came to Christ but we have been given the power to overcome through the blood of Christ Jesus and to be able resist these temptations. He has also given us a Helper, the Holy Spirit who will take the Word of God, which is living and active and powerful,(Hebrews 4:12) to give us the victory through our faith in Jesus Christ and His shed blood. Even though we are now Christians, we can still be tempted, but we will be given the power to resist as we turn to God and turn away from that “thing” that wishes to have us. We belong to Christ Jesus as we were purchased by His blood. We must focus on the cross and our Savior, and keep an eternal perspective, if we wish to conquer temptation and defeat the enemy.

These things that "masquerade as" delightful, exciting, daring, and sometimes forbidden, also have an attraction that has addictive powers that will eventually destroy the person and hurt those closest to him. They are really snares to trap you, and dark pits for you to fall into. Some examples of these would be drugs, alcohol, compulsive gambling, witchcraft, Satanism, pornography, rape,  torture, occult world, cults, unnatural sexual relations, pedophilia, incest, appetite for violent, sadistic movies or games, and murder. Out of these things will come lies, deceit, cover-ups, foul language, pride/arrogance, uncontrolled hatred, anger and abusive behavior.  People are no longer seen as made in the image of God, but as vessels to be used, abused and trashed. 

Any of the above can start innocently enough by being influenced to just try it once.  Some people get hooked easier than others and use any one of these things as a crutch to get through life. Once hooked, they will progressively get in deeper. It may begin insidiously, but will incrementally increase until they can no longer stop the addiction by their own  power. They have been caught in the evil one’s snare and are trying to claw their way out of a deep, dark pit. They feel alone, rejected, chained to this addictive habit or behaviors with no way out. They want to be released, but find their grip is still glued to the thing that has taken over them and is destroying them. These people are someone’s sons, daughters, or brothers, sisters, or parents. They are lost and don’t always know it until they are so without hope they want to end it--- one way or another.

Like the Prodigal son in Matthew 15, it is all about them and what their desires are, and about their wanting it now!  It may begin with peer pressure, or feelings of rejection, or abandonment. It may begin with having too many electronic things but not enough “expressed” love from a family that is time challenged with busy work schedules and other necessities that need to be done. Some parents may expect their children will be happily occupied with their electronic devices and games. The parents may be so busy with work, and bringing home more work to be prepared for a business trip. They may be just wiped out after finishing their job, running errands, cooking, and cleaning that they just want to sit in front of the television instead of getting involved in a sport activity or listening to their son or daughter’s day. It could be that their parents are so addicted and fighting their own demons that their ability to be a responsible parent is defective.

What is the answer to all this? Most often, I think many people have to get to the place where the prodigal son ended up before they regain their sanity and realize it was because of their wrong choices. If they were a child when introduced to the evil that has damaged their life, as an adult they have the choice to do something about it. No one gets through life without being scathed, so we have to take what was done, acknowledge it has messed us up, then seek to get healing so we can make a better life that will benefit both us and others. It won’t be easy but nothing worthwhile is. The first step is acknowledging we are trapped in chains, in a dark dungeon, with no way out, and need a Savior to rescue us. 

All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned - everyone - to his own way; and the LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all (Isaiah 53:6).

Cry out to Jesus, the Christ, acknowledging you are a sinner who needs saving. Thank Him for dying in your place, for taking your sins upon Himself and taking the punishment for you. Why?  So that you could have a new life lived in Him, for Him, and to Him, with a Helper. The Holy Spirit and the Word of God will teach you and lead you through in His path, encouraging and directing you all the way. Ask Him to heal and change you so you can leave the sins you are in… and live for Him from now on. Ask Him to give the Holy Spirit to help you live for Him, and trust that He can, and He will.  Prayerfully thank Him. Get a Bible and begin reading at the gospel of John and find a Bible teaching, Christ honoring, graceful church to hook up with. 

Just as the father of the prodigal son in Matthew 15 was watching for his wayward son to come home, your heavenly Father has been watching and waiting for you to come home. He will be over-joyed and all heaven will celebrate your new birth in the family of God as an adopted child with family inheritance rights.

Praise Him, for He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and delivered us into the kingdom of light, the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins (Colossians 1:13-14).

There is no sin so great that it cannot be forgiven if the person is sincerely contrite, and humbly cries out to Jesus Christ in repentance (a willingness to leave known sin behind), and put their faith in the saving work of Christ Jesus on the cross of Calvary, believing that He was raised from the dead on the third day and ascended back to heaven about forty days later with the promise to return.

If you are already a Christian and find yourself in an addictive behavior or habit you must admit this to your pastor, repent of it and ask God to break this addiction through the power of Jesus name and His shed blood. Remember, He has given us everything necessary to know Him and live a life honoring to Him (2 Peter 1:3-10) (even though it will not be perfected until He returns).  Ask Him to take away the desire for this thing and cause you to hate the thing that has taken you captive. Thank Him, and ask Him to enable you to live a victorious life for Him, and to help others on the way. Talk to your pastor about if there are others with similar addictions in your church, if there could be an arranged time to meet regularly for Bible, prayer, accountability, support and encouragement.  Do Not Hide It! You are not alone. You are not the only Christian who has slid into something that has taken him captive. Christ came to set the captives free.  He is your Hope as well as your Savior. Your pastor will (should) understand this. Talk to him after you talk to Christ Jesus.

~Annie~