June 2022
Happy Father’s Day! The absence of a responsible father causes a tremendous lack in one's life. But one thing we can count on, our Heavenly Father is “…always ready to help in times of trouble.” 1
“So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.” 2
A Thankful Response…
Billy from Pennsylvania wrote: “I want to personally thank you for sharing your story.”
“It has helped me take a serious look at my life, take inventory and personal accountability for my actions, and at times, lack thereof. You also helped me understand that I am more than my past actions, helping to pull me out of a pretty dark place. For this I am grateful!
“It’s hard to stay on the straight and narrow without positive feedback. When I was in Iraq (2008-2009), I had a roadside bomb blow if under the seat of the vehicle I was driving. Long story short, it really shook some things loose upstairs. When I came home, I had a real tough time adjusting. I honestly felt overwhelmed with all the freedom and responsibility. Your sharing really empowers others to do the same.
“I struggle separating who I am from the things I have done. I’m not sure if I’ll ever be able to separate the two. Maybe the feelings are part of the process, possibly doing what I should be doing in spite of my own personal feelings and insecurities. I would be interested in your thoughts on the process. Does the doubt ever go away? I hope this letter discovers you happy, healthy and doing well. Best wishes, Billy, PA.”
Greater than our Past…
As a Christian, Billy understands that we are now more than our actions, “…because the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world.” 3 This simple revelation separates who we are in the Spirit versus what we have done in past sins, which we have already won the victory over in Christ. “For every child of God defeats the evil world, and we achieve this victory through faith.” 4
Billy’s praise report refreshes me that the message is getting through to the masses, “…that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!” 5 We used to live that old life in the world, but now we live the new life in the Spirit. The apostle John wrote: “And God has given us his Spirit as proof that we live in him and he in us… All who declare that Jesus is the Son of God have God living in them, and they live in God. We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in his love.” 6
“God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them.” 7
Dealing with Doubt…
In the world, we’re always dealing with doubt and must test if the spirit comes from God, especially while surfing the internet. For there are many who have the spirit of the Antichrist. “Those people belong to this world, so they speak from the world’s viewpoint, and the world listens to them. But we belong to God, and those who know God listen to us. If they do not belong to God, they do not listen to us. That is how we know if someone has the Spirit of truth or the spirit of deception.” 8
The antidote to the spirit of deception is the living Word of God. This is Good News for those like Billy, and myself, who desire to overcome our personal feelings and insecurities. “For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes, and he is the one to whom we are accountable.” 9
Overcoming the World…
These are very difficult times with wars, murders, storms, famines, border crises, inflation, COVID-19 and fears in our homes and streets. It’s time to “…humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world.” 10 I share these words from James, the half-brother of Jesus because God loves you, and He desires you to know that His “…love covers a multitude of sins.” 11
With arms wide open, our Heavenly Father wants you to share His righteousness, peace and joy in the Spirit, and to experience His desires in your hearts as secure sons and daughters in Christ, our Savior. “And as we live in God, our love grows more perfect. So we will not be afraid on the day of judgment, but we can face him with confidence because we live like Jesus here in this world.” 12 Yes Billy, this life is a process, “And who can win this battle against the world? Only those who believe that Jesus is the Son of God.” 13
A Prayer for You…
Father, thank You for forgiving my sins and saving me from eternal separation from You. By faith in Jesus, I accept His finished work and death on the cross as sufficient payment for my sins. I rejoice that His resurrection from the dead shows His complete victory over sin, death, the grave and the devil – making me holy and acceptable in Your sight. Thank You for providing the way for me to have a relationship with You and for eternal life. Thank You for hearing my prayer and for sending the Holy Spirit to regenerate my dead spirit, thereby making me a new creation – the righteousness of God in Christ. Thank You for the strength and wisdom to walk in the center of Your will now and forevermore. In the precious name of Jesus, I pray, Amen!
Scripture References (NLT):
1) Psa. 46:16
2) Deut. 31:6, 1 Chr. 28:20, Heb. 13:5
3) 1 John 4:4c
4) 1 John 5:4
5) 2 Cor. 5:17
6) 1 John 4:13, 15, 16a
7) 1 John 4:16b
8) 1 John 5:6
9) Heb. 4:12
10) James 4:7,8
11) 1 Pet. 4:8
12) 1 John 4:17
13) 1 John 5:5