Christian Life » Christian Devotionals

You Cannot Hide Your Sins from God

Robert — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 14:57:30 +0000

Reading for the day: Proverbs 28:13

“He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy.”

Have you done something that you know is wrong in God’s eyes? Have you confessed your sin with a contrite heart, or are you avoiding the issue, hoping the problem will go away?

Toddlers often do this. They may take a cookie they weren’t allowed to have, or push down a playmate. When we ask them if they did it, they look innocent and say, “No! Not me!” even when we saw them do it. As parents, we know that we can’t let them get away with lying about what happened, because even if they deny it, they did something wrong and they must admit it and learn from their mistake. We may even say, “It’s okay that you pushed your sister, but lying about it is wrong. I’d rather you tell me the truth even if you did something bad than lie to me.”

Then why do we so often try to ignore our own sins? Perhaps we’ve fudged a bit on our tax return, or gossiped behind someone’s back. Maybe we have cheated on our spouse or been unfair to our children. But whatever the sin, we cannot hide them from God. Like a watchful parent, He sees our sins even if we don’t acknowledge them ourselves. But we need to confess them openly and honestly; only then will we learn from our mistakes and gain God’s mercy and forgiveness. God asks us to confess so that we can move on – the burden of a ‘hidden’ sin is one we don’t have to carry.

Prayer Suggestion: If you have been avoiding confession of your sins, don’t wait another day. Lay all of them before God and ask for His mercy and forgiveness.

Robert Moment is a personal growth “throw the box away” inspirational life coach, speaker and author of bestselling book, God Will Always Be There For You. Robert is passionate about teaching individuals how to experience God’s love, peace, joy , power and prosperity in their lives. Visit http://www.ChristianInspirational.org and sign-up for the FREE online bible study titled, Christian Living. Follow me on Twitter www.twitter.com/ChristiansFaith.

God is Bigger than Your Problems

Robert — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 12:28:46 +0000

Reading for the day: Mark 4:35-40

“…Jesus got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, ‘Quiet! Be still!’ Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.
He said to the disciples, ‘Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?
’They were terrified and asked each other, ‘Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey Him!’”

Have you had days when you’ve wondered if God could really help you through the low points in your life? Perhaps sometimes you feel like the many problems you face are so many and so overwhelming that you can’t imagine how He could find a solution for you.

In moments like these, when you may be facing an illness in the family, the loss of a job, a bitter divorce or a child who has gone down the wrong path in life, you need to see your problems as God sees them rather than looking at them through your own eyes. Although you may not be able to come up with an answer, God will lead you toward a solution and shelter you during times of trial.

It can be hard to remember that, but putting aside your own fears and sorrows and looking outward rather than in will put things in perspective. Take a walk and enjoy the beauty of God’s creation. Think about how He keeps our world spinning safely on its axis and controls the sun, moon and stars. Remember the many miracles He has performed, even to controlling the storms! It’s much more difficult to calm a raging storm than it is to lead you toward a resolution for work woes, parenting problems or even the loss of a job. Yet He loves us so much that no problem is too small for His loving kindness. We aren’t insignificant to God – He is powerful enough to take on all of our cares and more!

Prayer Suggestion: Ask God to help you, reminding yourself that no problem is insignificant to our Lord, who commands the wind and rain.

God Knows Where You Are

Robert — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 04:01:30 +0000

Reading for the Day: Psalm 139:7

“I can never escape from your Spirit!
I can never get away from your presence!”

When you’re a kid, no matter where you go, it seems like your parents always can always tell where you are. It’s that uncanny ability that amazes and frustrates you at the same time, especially when you don’t want to be found. It’s the same with God. He’s our Heavenly Father and He can always find us even if we don’t want to be found.

In the verse above, it sounds like David is trying to escape from God. He realizes that it is useless and starts to yell in desperation. In actuality, he is happy that God can always find Him. You might not want to acknowledge it now, but when you are lost, all you want to be – is found.

God can see us when we sin and when we do good. Yes, He is disappointed when we don’t follow Him, but in His love, He still protects us. And, most importantly, He is always, always ready to accept us back into His fold.

When we do find God again, we are often scared to tell Him what we’ve been doing. Here’s a news flash: He already knows. He sees what we do in the light and the dark. It is not God’s nature to want to crush us in our sin or ridicule us for what we’ve done.

Yes, He wants us to confess our sins to Him but because we love and trust Him, not because He’s ignorant of what we’ve been up to. And, He will forgive and gather us up into His loving arms to be comforted – forever. How’s that for a welcome home greeting!

Prayer Suggestions: God is always watching you – with love in His heart.

God Knows Your Name

Robert — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 04:01:43 +0000

Reading for the Day: Luke 12:6-7

“What is the price of five sparrows—two copper coins? Yet God does not forget a single one of them. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.”

There’s a song entitled, “His Eye is on the Sparrow.” It reminds me of these verses. God values all life. He wouldn’t let even a sparrow fall and be harmed.

Yet, He knows how many hairs are on our head. We are made in His image – every man, woman, boy and girl who lives now, have lived or will ever inhabit this earth mirror Him. He loves us even more than those birds.

Fame is something that people want in this world. They want to be noticed by someone, anyone. It can lead to the wrong road in life just for love and attention. God loves us so much that it pains Him when we turn to others for the love that only He can give.

That hole you feel can only be filled by Him. Once He enters your life, then real love can grow. We can learn how to love others and also how to be loved by others.

What do you have to lose? You trust other people who don’t keep their promises. God will keep His. And, He knows you better than anyone else alive.

Prayer Suggestions: God knows your name, but do you know His? When you pray, say “Abba, Father.” He will hear you and answer.

God Always Keeps His Promises

Robert — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 04:04:03 +0000

Reading for the Day: Acts 2:39

“For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the LORD our God shall call.”

In the book of Acts, Peter delivers a promise to the people directly from God. Most people are familiar with verse 38, but not necessarily the one that comes after. He was talking about salvation and how it is available to everyone.

Many things in our lives are temporary; we just don’t always know it. Jobs that seem permanent go away when the economy gets bad. Love relationships go sour. Unfortunately, it is the nature of this world.

God is not of this world. He created this world. His son, Jesus, came to let us know how much we are loved by the Father. Part of that love comes in the form of promises.

But, how many of us actually believe them? Living this life can make you cynical and untrusting of those who make promises – even God. But, the Father is patient with us. Because He is God, He cannot lie to us like other humans can and do.

In the promise above, when you call on God through repentance and participate in the act of baptism, the Holy Spirit will inhabit your soul and guide your life. You will be in the palm of His hand where no one can steal your joy or your salvation unless you let them.

Standing on the promises that cannot fail,
When the howling storms of doubt and fear assail,
By the living Word of God I shall prevail,
Standing on the promises of God.

- R. Kelso Carter, 1886

Prayer Suggestions: If God promises it to you, it will come to pass.

Experiencing a God Encounter

Robert — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 04:01:23 +0000

Reading for the Day: Exodus 3:2

“There the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a blazing fire from the middle of a bush. Moses stared in amazement. Though the bush was engulfed in flames, it didn’t burn up.”

What is a God encounter? Is it like the burning bush or the Damascus road? Or, is it something different like Jesus talking with the woman at the well?

God comes to each of us in His own way. He only said that His sheep will know His voice and follow Him. Well, His “sheep” speak different languages.

On the Day of Pentecost, mentioned in the book of Acts, the Holy Spirit indwelled each believer in the Upper Room. When they went outside and spoke in tongues, each person who heard them received God’s message in their own language. How amazing!

Maybe God speaks to you in that “still, small voice” in your mind, in your voice. You know it is Him because you KNOW Him. When your relationship has developed enough and you are in constant contact with Him, you can recognize when He speaks.

Or, He may make His presence known through someone else in your life. The route of communication depends on you and God. But, when you hear from Him it is like the sweetest music to your ears. The God of the universe is talking to you, in your language!

If we stay in tune with Him, we can probably recollect at least one God encounter we’ve had every day.

Prayer Suggestions: Read your Bible. Recognizing God helps us to “see” Him more clearly.

God is Not Finished with You Yet

Robert — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 04:01:27 +0000

Reading for the Day: Philippians 1:6

“And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.”

It takes time to create a work of art. If you are a perfectionist, then you want it to be just right before you unveil it to the world. God is no different. Every time He knits a new life together in a mother’s womb, a creation that has never been seen before or since is in progress.

Each day of your life God has a plan. Now, we all don’t acknowledge Him from the beginning of our lives, but that doesn’t stop Him from reaching us. Bringing us to the place where we can hear about and accept Him is also part of the plan. Think about Paul on the road to Damascus. God may not speak to you like rolling thunder, but you will know when He does all the same.

And, once you are restored to Him, through your belief in Jesus Christ, the journey begins. God has lots for you to do. As His child, His mission is now yours – reaching people with the Good News of Jesus Christ.

It’s important work too. There are people living in pain and dying without knowing how good God is. Lives are messed up from abuse of all kinds because they don’t know that God can love them through their pain.

With so much to do, God needs your help. Maybe the vision He showed you hasn’t come to fruition yet, but it will. Why? God is not through with you yet!

Prayer Suggestions: Please be patient with me. I am a work of God in progress.

Robert Moment is an innovative forward-thinking “throw the box away” inspirational life coach, marketing expert, speaker and author of God Will Always Be There For You. Robert is passionate about empowering individuals on how to experience God’s love, peace, power and prosperity in their lives. Visit http://www.ChristianInspirational.org and sign-up for the FREE online bible study titled, Christian Living. Follow me on Twitter www.twitter.com/ChristiansFaith.

God Specializes in Extreme Makeovers

Robert — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 04:01:03 +0000

Reading of the Day: Colossians 3:10

“Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him.”

Change is a part of life. And, it doesn’t always come rolling in like gangbusters. Sometimes, it slides in unnoticed especially by you.

Have you ever watched that show “Extreme Makeover”? People’s lives are transformed through their home. Well, God specializes in Extreme Spiritual Makeovers – changing your life from the inside out.

Some think that before they can come to give their lives to God, they have to be perfect. When asked if they are saved, they reply, “I’m not ready yet, maybe when I get myself together.”

Let’s face it, if it were up to us to be “together” we’d never know God. also, if we had to be perfect first, there would be no need for God. these misconceptions keep many people from enjoying the blessings of a new life right now.

One worry that we do have is that God won’t be able to do anything with us because of our past mistakes. He used King David and he was a murderer and adulterer. He used Moses and he was a murderer as well. He used Rahab and she was a prostitute. You are never too messed up for God to accomplish His work in you.

Just give Him a chance. Through prayer with God and reading His word, His spirit will slowly wrap around your heart and your mind. With God as the focus, the rest of you can’t help but change. The only one who will recognize you is God because He knew what was underneath all along.

Prayer Suggestions: No matter what I’ve done, You can erase the shame. Whenever I encounter You, I never leave the same.

God Use Me Any Way You Want To

Robert — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 04:01:51 +0000

Reading for the Day: Psalm 27:4

“The one thing I ask of the Lord—
the thing I seek most—
is to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life,
delighting in the Lord’s perfections
and meditating in his Temple.”

King David had the right idea. He loved God but he made mistakes. Sounds like us, huh? Through repentance, he was restored in God’s sight so that God could continue to use Him to accomplish His goals among His people. He wants to use you too.

Maybe you feel far away from God right now. Repent and thank Him for His restorative power. Remember what it was like before – feeling His presence each and every minute? Listening to music that reminded you how special He is in your life. Meditating on the times God saved you from countless bad situations.

If God wasn’t in your life, where would you be? His love shelters us; His compassion strengthens us; His presence uplifts us. With a heavenly Father like that what more could you ask for?

There is one thing. Let the Lord use you how He sees fit. He has proved His trustworthiness time and again. To make Him happy, we would do anything. And, what makes Him happy is our faith in His purpose for our lives. Without faith, it is impossible to please God.

That faith can move mountains but only with our cooperation. Who knows what God can accomplish with you as the vessel, His humble servant? Living His way for one day is better than a thousand days without Him.

Prayer Suggestions: Any way you bless me Lord I’ll be satisfied. Allow me to serve You as long as you need me.

God’s Love Never Quits

Robert — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 04:01:57 +0000

Reading for the Day: 1 Corinthians 13:7

“Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.”

The word “love” has been used and abused throughout the ages. It’s no wonder many don’t know what it truly means. In 1 Corinthians, chapter 13, Paul talks about how to demonstrate love. If you’ve ever read it, then you know it’s a tall order.

But, there is one who shows this love time and time again to perfection. That would be God. He sent His son Jesus to die a painful and shameful death at the hands of His enemies for the sake of all human beings. He constantly endures when those same people use His name in vain and do despicable things in His name. If we were God, the human race would have been doomed long ago.

It’s such a good thing that we are not God. His love never quits. Despite the state of the world when Jesus died and the way it is now, God still desires that all men (and women too) be saved from eternal damnation. He patiently waits for us to say, “I love you Lord; save me.” Every day He holds back punishment we deserve, replacing it with love instead, because of who He is.

When we lose faith, God is faithful. When we feel hopeless, God brings about situations in our lives to restore our faith in others and most of all, in Him. It would be a woefully difficult life to live without knowing that He loves us more than life.

Prayer Suggestions: Every good and perfect gift comes from God. the most perfect is love. Jesus died to bring it to us and now He lives to sustain it in the world through us.

Christian Life » Christian Devotionals

You Cannot Hide Your Sins from God

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