DECEMBER 9, 2019

“Our anxiety does not empty tomorrow of its sorrows, but only empties today of its strengths.” 
― Charles Haddon Spurgeon

HOSEA 1-4

A spirit of prostitution leads them astray;

they are unfaithful to their God.(4:10) 

JUDE

17But, dear friends, remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ foretold. 18They said to you, “In the last times there will be scoffers who will follow their own ungodly desires.” 19These are the people who divide you, who follow mere natural instincts and do not have the Spirit.

20But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, 21keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life.

22Be merciful to those who doubt; 23save others by snatching them from the fire; to others show mercy, mixed with fear—hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh.^f

24To him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy— 25to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.

JOURNAL 

Salvation and being a believer means the spirit of God lives within. It means that no longer does an individual depend on their own "natural instincts" but rather are guided and depend on the spirit and word of God. This then becomes the anchor of the personality. Individuality then flows out of this foundation. No longer is the foundation based on instinct, tradition and how a person is raised. The actions and soul of the individual are transformed in the love of God. This is what they depend upon, this is what they follow at all cost. No matter the consequences. 

It seems logical and simple but oh my...it's not! In my own life I know that the simplicity of this truth is countered by the daily and moment by moment war that goes on in my mind and heart. I know there are times when I wish it was easier, I wish it was not such a struggle, yet the reality is that the struggle pushes me to God and helps me to confront my own sin.

Thank you Father for the struggle and the reminder that all that is good is because of you. As the days wind on to Christmas, help me to remember that all of us fall into this battle, every child, man and woman, fight this battle moment by moment. We all need a savior and thankfully we have one.

6Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 7Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

1 PETER 5:7