Daily Devotional

CEASE STRUGGLING FOR GOD’S FAVOR

December 28

eloved Disciples of Christ: You will notice that I call you "disciples of Christ." Of course, as you know, the word "disciple" is close akin to the idea of "discipline." The idea of a strictly ordered life, sprinkled with much self-control. Is that where you are going? If not, and your sincere prayer is, "Father, I am out of control a good part of the time, help me! I am going to help you now! It may be in your case you have been trying too hard in the past to walk out your life before the Lord. After a while anyone would get tired at working hard at their spiritual life as one gets tired of the relentless pursuit of anything. Remember, you never have to earn your way into the Kingdom of Heaven. You are blessed with the fact that from the first day of your salvation till the day you stand before the Father in Heaven, your full journey was bought and paid for with the wonderful offering on Calvary's tree! In His blood is contained enough power to cover the sins of the whole world a billion times over. Isn't that great? You are struggling to make your Father pleased and happy about you. You hope subconsciously to earn the favor of your Father by beating up yourself with too strict a discipline and spiritual life. Relax, repent of this self-persecution, and let your Father bless you with the gift of peace and joy in the Holy Spirit! Now, with this knowledge of the past, let's get a new start in the presence of your Father! Remember child, there is never enough that you will perform or beat yourself up about to win even one ounce of His favor! Do you believe this? You are already loved to the maximum by your Father! Cool off, leave off all excuses of failing in the past--- let's make a fresh start in the Lord. Here I am, waiting with open arms to forgive you for struggling and for the pride that you had in your spirituality.

Prayer

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You sure discovered my problem this time Father. I was sort of enjoying my life in the "flesh" until you told me this! Oh well, I am now ready to repent of my sensuality and fleshly pursuits and return to full joy and dedication to your precious Holy Spirit! It's not too late for an old sinner like me is it Father? I didn't think so! Praise your holy name for your "Mercy endureth (to me) forever!" (Psalm 136:1) I do repent and turn away from my sin and excuses for my coldness and backsliding. In the name of Jesus, I am so glad that your great forgiveness extends all the way from heaven down to me! I will lie down tonight in your perfect peace Father, in the name of the Lord Jesus, amen!