Thoughts for Life: Our Challenge: A Sanctified Life

Jean Oathout- When we hear that Jesus paid the price for our redemption from our sins through His blood shed on Calvary, and we believe and receive it, there is a process called sanctification which takes place.

Father God applies Christ Jesus' blood to us and we're covered and challenged to live out our lives to honor Him. (Google image, Preaching God's Word).

The challenge comes through God's plan to receive from the Holy Spirit; to repent of daily sins and learn to be obedient and submissive to Him. (See 1 Peter 1:5,7)

So many new believers aren't challenged to make every effort to live for Christ Jesus, so their lives don't show much change, and they may soon fail to follow Him. Our prayers for the new believers are so important, as well as our contacts with them to encourage them to seek the Lord in their devotions and their attendance in a fellowship of believers.

To gather with other believers hasn't become important yet, as they have activities and habits that hold them captive. To release these to Christ so their lives can become aflame for Him, becomes a challenge they don't usually pursue without other believers' help.

Habits, motives, attitudes, as well as our normal feelings are what the Lord must deal with, if we are to become like Him. It will be a daily work (confrontation) of the Holy Spirit in each of us, as we walk out our sanctified lives.

This may be what the Bible calls, "work out your salvation with fear and trembling." (Phil. 2:12). It will be a "work" for sure, as we find ourselves in the midst of changes that aren't always pleasant or wanted. To be like Christ is a challenge we need to undertake, as He wants us to be prepared to live with Him for eternity in heaven.

As Father God is perfect, He asks us to also be perfect, (Matt. 5:48), and as none of us are, let's be cooperative with His Spirit's work in our lives, to change us from glory to glory. (2 Cor. 3:18).

When we fellowship with other believers, hopefully, we’ll find it a great help to be encouraged and challenged with good advice and corrections by mature Christians. We’re to make every effort to learn how to have a vibrant faith that works godly changes.

Earnest believers come to the place where they're ready to exchange their lives for Jesus' life, and completely surrender to Him. (Gal. 2:20). When we read about persecuted Christians, we often read about the full devotion that takes place, as often their lives are in danger if they even read the Bible. They may be jailed, beaten or killed as they gather in secret to worship the Lord God!

For our perspective to become more real, we need to pray for a total change of perspective in new believers; a change of priority in those who profess to know Him. (See Luke 19:1-9 of the story of Zacchaeus).

So, our challenge is to choose to walk a transformed sanctified life [with God's help of course]. (See 1 Peter 1:5 "who are kept by the power of God.") As we cooperate with the Lord's directions found in the Bible, real joy comes as we obey Him. We all have a long way to go to be like Jesus, so let's make every effort to arrive there at the pearly gates, ready for eternity!

A special link: What Will You Choose?

Debbie McEwen

"Life is a series of opportunities.
A right or a left turn.
A good or a not so good response to
a situation . . . "

Today's quotes:

~ Marsha Hubler- "Be involved with a local church and develop DEEP friendships with your church family. In time of crisis, those folks will be there to support you with their prayers, meals, gifts, and all kinds of offers to help. Jesus shows his love through his people. Let your church family love you. You'll be so grateful for them. You don't have to walk through the deep fiery trial alone.

Stay in God's Word. There's a Balm of Gilead that offers peace, hope, and love in the Bible. Our strength comes from God and His precious Word. "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path" (Psalm 119:105).

~ Sharon Jaynes- "When we base our identity or our worth on the accomplishments, opinions of others, or appearance, we are in danger of crumbling to pieces with a word of criticism, a bad hair day, or hint of rejection. We will always fall short in our quest to be better, look better, or accomplish more.

Self-worth is really an identity issue. When you base your self-worth on your identity in Christ and His finished work of redemption on the cross, it is unconditional, unshakable, and unchangeable. Lord, help me to remember that my worth is based on who I am as Your child. According to Your Word, I am valuable, worthy, cleansed, forgiven and free. I am more than a conqueror who has been sealed by the Holy Spirit. I am Your workmanship created in Christ Jesus to do good works that You have prepared in advance for me to do.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen."

Today's Bible verses-

"I waited patiently for the Lord; He turned to me and
heard my cry. He lifted me out of the mud and mire;
He set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to
stand" Psalm 40:1-2 NIV.

“Take in with all Christians the extravagant dimensions
of Christ’s love. Reach out and experience the breadth!
Test its length! Plumb the depths! Rise to the heights! Live
full lives, full in the fullness of God” Eph. 3:18-19 MSG.

"Let your speech at all times be gracious (pleasant and
winsome), seasoned [as it were] with salt, [so that you
may never be at a loss] to know how you ought to answer
anyone [who puts a question to you]" Col. 4:6 (AMP).

Today's question-

Do you know that God's desire is to break in; to invade your comfort zone, your heartache or your needs?

There are great ways to get into God's presence. One way is to read Ps. 91. God will show up, as we'll be in the "secret place" with Him, and anything can happen! We can actually be overcome by His Presence! Spend some time alone with Him, and request Him to meet with you. He will! His love is unconditional. Which means, that, as a child of His, no matter what you're guilty of, He's there to hear your cry for mercy. (See Psalm 40:1-2 (NIV written above).

List of recent sermons of CFC ministers. CFC Potsdam church has a live service at 10 am Sunday's for shut-ins. If for some reason you can't make it to the church you usually attend, click on the above link, and still get fed!

Upcoming posts-

#19 You Need Repeated Empowering

#19th- Tuesday's post by Dr. Wesley L. Duewel

#20 Do You Lack Spiritual Power?

21st- Thursday's post by Dr. Wesley L. Duewel

Light Us Up!

23rd- Saturday's post by Lisa Buffaloe

#21 Depleted Spiritual Power Can be Renewed

26th- Tuesday's post by Dr. Wesley L. Duewel