Dear one, God has predestined you to be conformed to the image of His Son Jesus. Therefore, stop seeking approval or identity in the things of the world, both material and immaterial things. Things don’t work that way. Stick to Christ, keep fellowshipping with Him, and make sure that He’s the number one priority in all you do.
Because of Jesus’ atonement of sins for all humanity, each believer has become the righteousness of God. Therefore, before God, all your sins have been nailed to the cross, and you are cleansed from within. However, to see the full manifestation of your nature as God’s justified one, you need to keep hearing the gospel. But why? Because it is through the gospel that you’ll gradually get to know and understand who God has made you.
The Bible entreats all believers to preach the gospel, both in and out of season (see 2 Timothy 4:2). So, the matter of preaching the gospel isn’t about when you feel comfortable to do it. Instead, it is about being faithful to God’s commission. However, there are precautions to take as you keep doing this. That is, remain separate unto the Lord.
The spiritual battle is real, but so is your victory through Christ. You are not defenceless against the enemy’s attacks. God has equipped you with mighty weapons.
Many people are abandoned by their families and friends. They are lonely in remote places but have big dreams to fulfil without knowing how that will happen. To such people, I want to tell them (including you reading this devotional) that they are not useless. You are too needed to be wasted before God.
There is something you need to have if you are to fear the Lord and shun evil. It is called wisdom. That is why Proverbs 14:16 tells us that “the wise fear the Lord and shun evil…”. If you lack wisdom, ask the Lord. He will give it to you liberally (see James 1:5) because He knows when His wisdom is abundant in your life, you will live in reverence for Him, and your life will be beautiful.
There is a purpose God created you to live for. And one of them is to live to express Jesus in every area of your life. You may not know how important this is, but I tell you, it is very essential. If every area of your life reflects Christ, think about how your life will be to the world. Devoid of any evil. Right?
No matter all the impure things you have done, call all of them out and tell God to cleanse your heart of filth. Only then will you live freely from evil thoughts.
In Christ, you experience a unique freedom that goes beyond just being liberated from sin; it helps you to live in a way that honours God. This freedom empowers you to make wise choices and discern what truly benefits your faith in Christ.
While Paul in Romans 12:2 cautions believers not to conform to the pattern of the world, 1 John 2:16 opens up what’s in this world that forms its pattern. They are the lust of the eyes, the lust of the flesh and the pride of life. If you look at what is going on in the lives of worldly people very carefully, you’ll be able to discern that at least one of these three things is at work in their lives.
Being conscious of this truth, Peter clearly said in 1 Peter 2:11 that we should abstain from sinful desires that wage war in our souls. Why? Because we are foreigners on Earth, not permanent inhabitants. That means that every sinful desire that wages war in your soul is a signal from the devil that is geared towards making you settle your mind on earthly things rather than setting your affection on things above.
Sometimes, that desire to go back into those secret sins will come. But hey, when that moment comes, it’s time to pray. Do not let the devil’s evil suggestions overpower you. Submit your ways to God.
