TODAY’S VERSE: ROMANS 10:9 That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord”, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
REVELATION:
Is it really possible to change from the inside out, and become better than you are today? To quit all your bad habits, and start anew? We all have the desire deep down inside to be better than we are. We want to become physically fit, better at parenting, financially stable, or whatever may seem most important at a given time in our lives. We are constantly seeking to improve ourselves, and this is a good thing — but can we really do it all on our own?
During the first week of 2010, many of us made New Year resolutions, laying plans to improve our lives in the year ahead. Speaking from my own experience, I have been down that road many times before, setting out eagerly to cast away my bad habits and correct particular aspects of my behavior. But when December 31st comes around, I have often found myself right back where I started at the beginning of the year. If this sounds familiar, you may recognize that it can make you feel exactly like a hamster on a wheel, running around and around, but never getting anywhere.
I was once so hooked on enjoying the nightlife that I went out clubbing every Friday or Saturday night. I would drink too much, and then spend the rest of the weekend recovering from a terrible hangover. This bad habit put a strain on my family life, and affected my performance at work as well. I knew that changing my behavior would improve my life, but my self-destructive urges were too strong, so I struggled in vain to reform.
I remember it was June of 2003 when I finally had a breakthrough that transformed my whole existence. God entered my life, bringing me a renewed sense of purpose, and the assurance of his unfailing love. I already knew most of the Bible stories, and I knew who Jesus was. But that day in June of 2003, I suddenly understood that He was the only one who could really understand what was wrong. I realized that I needed Him desperately.
I then found the strength to confess that I was a sinner, and that He was the only one who could lead me into a better life. Since that day, I can testify that I have not been the same man. My life now has real meaning, and with Jesus’ help, I have overcome the challenges that overwhelmed me when I was struggling against them on my own. Jesus has reached inside the cage where I was running in circles, and lifted me off of the wheel. My life has improved at home and at work, all because I have put my faith in Him. Am I perfect? Not yet! Do I still face challenges? Of course I do, but I enjoy life much more now, because I have surrendered it to the one who controls us all. If He has done all this for me, I know He can do the same for you.
Dear Reader, I don’t know your circumstances, but one thing I know for sure: Jesus awaits your invitation to comfort and guide you step by step towards a better life. I encourage you, as you prepare your quest for a better year, to include God in your plans. Let Him be your fitness trainer, your financial adviser, and your counselor, and you will find your resolutions easier to keep. All you have to do is confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, and you too will be saved!
PRAYER:
Lord Jesus, I need you in my life. I confess that I have been trying to find happiness in powerless and sinful ways. Thank you for dying on the cross to pay the penalty for my sins. More than any other thing, I know that to be happy I need to put my faith only in you to be my Savior and Lord. I invite you to take control of my life from this moment on and show me how to live by faith rather than by trying to be good in my own. Amen.
APPLICATION: I BELIEVE!
If you have just prayed the prayer above and truly mean it, I would like to send you a Bible and additional information that would help you cultivate your new walk with God. Please email me your mailing address at info@romans10-9ministry.com
I was reading “The Dad in the Mirror” by Patrick Morley and David Delk. In this book there is a practical insight that can help you immediately to overcome your personal struggles. Here is the exercise they recommended: the next time you become aware of sin in your life, don’t focus merely on the behavior. Instead, ask yourself, “What root is bringing forth this fruit?” Pray and ask God to reveal to you what is going on in your heart that led to this behavior. Next, ask Him to change you from the inside out. Ask Him to show you how destructive these attitudes are and how much joy you can find by turning to Him.
I AM STILL AN HONEST SKEPTIC
It is alright if you are still in disbelief. Jesus reveals Himself to different people in different ways, because He knows we are wired up different and we have different needs. However, I encourage you to take some time and listen to the following messages that will definitely make you think, and perhaps stir up faith. Remember faith is believing when common sense tells you not to. Enjoy the messages!
Credits:
The messages are from Chip Ingram. For additional information visit www.lote.org
The background music by Charles Guzo
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