So you did it again… that thing that you’ve been doing that you desperately want to stop doing.
Yep, you slipped again.
You allowed your anger to get the best of you.
You overspent even though you promised.
You got jealous, prideful, and judgmental.
You really, REALLY wanted to trust God in that matter, but…
Four days into the new study and you’re already behind.
Aahhh, I know we can all relate to Paul when he writes:
“ …for I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out.” – Romans 7:18
The truth is, we ALL feel that way because we are all sinners. EVERY SINGLE ONE OF US. We like to pretend that we aren’t, but even our pretending reveals that we are. We all need a Savior – someone to rescue us from ourselves: our habits, our sins, our addictions, our mistakes. I know talking and reading about sin isn’t fun, but it is important. We must understand what sin has done to us, how it has hurt us, and why we need forgiveness because of it.
Only through our understanding of the cost of our sins can we truly understand the depth of Christ’s love.
“It is only when we begin to see the depth of our need that we can begin to see the greatness of God’s love for us in Jesus Christ.”- Jen Thorn
We cannot fully appreciate what Jesus has done on our behalf until we understand why we needed it.
We have the desire to do good, to be good… but EVERY SINGLE DAY we fail. We fall short. We miss the mark.
So what then?
Try again tomorrow? Work harder? Come up with a new plan? A better plan?
No, we surrender.
We surrender our hearts, our wills, our motives, and our good intentions.
We lay all of it at Jesus’ feet.
We surrender to the truth that we are sinners in need of a Savior. We surrender to the truth that we cannot save ourselves through our good works or even better intentions. We surrender to the One who loves us; to the One who surrendered His life for ours.
We turn to God’s Word and believe what He says.
Yes, we sin and yes, we need to confess our sins and seek forgiveness, but we know from Romans 8:1 that we are no longer condemned.
“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” – Romans 8:1
Friend, we were once slaves to our sins, powerless in a broken and sin-stained world. But now, Christ has changed all that. Now we have hope. Now we have power to do God’s will and we no longer have to fear death and penalty for our sins! Now we have freedom from our sin.
Yes, the truth is, we will all struggle with sin until we meet Jesus face to face. BUT, now we do not struggle alone! We have our Rescuer, our Savior, our Redeemer by our side to fight our battles with us. No longer do we fight our battles alone. That same power that raised Jesus from the dead is now made alive in us!
“If the spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit, who lives in you.” – Romans 8:11
Now is the time to embrace the amazing gift of forgiveness Jesus has given to us on His behalf. Now is the time to walk in freedom, no longer allowing our past sins to entangle us!
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith…” – Hebrews 12:1-2
RUN this amazing race that God has called you to! RUN for His glory and allow the testimony of your life to draw others to God. Let’s PRAISE Him for the amazing work He has done in each of our lives through the forgiveness of our sins!
Love God Greatly!
Let’s Talk: Why do you think it’s important to understand that we are sinners in need of a Savior? What does it mean to you to know that you are forgiven?
Missed this week’s blog posts? You can find them here:
Oh dear Lord! Convicted once again! I pray each morning to do better today, yet; I know no matter how hard I try or even faking it til I make it, does not bring me any closer to saving myself. I need Jesus. It is futile to think I can make things right when I know only full surrender is what will work -is what is necessary.
Knowing I have Jesus’ forgiveness, and his special gift of the Holy Spirit means I have hope in my future, it means I am not alone in the struggle against my sinful nature. With His help who can fail!
I know exactly what you mean Jo- Ann, even on my best day I lie to myself if I think I can do it on my own!! God is so good and faithful to us!! <3
So true! I find comfort knowing Jesus is by our side and the Holy Spirit is in us, we just have to grab their hands and let them lead us!
Mondee~LGG Encourager
Very true, we are all sinners that need a Savior to saved us, “for all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God”, none is righteous we are all filthy rags in His sight. That is why Jesus stands in our gap so we can be right and face our Holy God, the only unblemished ONE. We are saved through GRACE and NOT our works so that no one should boast. Thank you Father God for the forgiveness of sins for sending your one and only begotten Son, Jesus Christ to die for our sins on the Cross. Thank you for his precious and powerful blood that cleanses us and redeemed us to be Your child.
I subscribed to this study, but I don’t have the weekly scriptures we are to read each day. Where is that found? It used to be included in each Monday blog post. What am I missing?
Thank you for your help,
Ally
Hi Ally! You have several options! One the book, two download the phone app and everything is in one place, three go to love God greatly website and download free materials-the whole reading plan will be in that, and last, are you part of a group? If you find me on face book. Friend me and I’ll add you to my group! My name is Mondee Nelson. Glad your doing the study! God is Good!
Mondee~LGG Encourager
Oh yeah, the app! I forgot! Thank you for the many options.
Blessings,
Ally
Most people who know me would be surprised to know that I have a temper and I don’t mean just any temper either. My pupils will blow out until my eyes are almost black in certain situations. I’m not possessed,it is a trait I got from my daddy’s side the family and only 3 if us have it. I try so hard nit to lose it but sometimes I just can’t hold on to it. If I see the elderly or children or animals being mistreated it happens. If someone is treating my husband unfairly, it comes out. The problem is that before I can even begin to pray, that…vicious anger has flown all over me.
Hi Beth! We all have our weakness, or flaws. We are made perfectly imperfect sinners, thank goodness we are saved by grace! When I’ve found something that is really heavy on my heart, I’m learning to pray with intention, pray for help in that area consistently no matter what it is, everyday. I’ll keep you in my prayers,. These studies changed me, really helped my hardened heart open back up and let those around me love me and be loved. Keep digging in the bible, and praying, Jesus is beside you to help you fight this battle! God is good!
Mondee~LGG Encourager
Ladies I am new to the group and enjoying this study in particluar…. Asking for extra prayers for guidance and grace in my life….loving this new app and interested in a group I’m a wife and mother thank u ladies blessings to all
Hi Amber! Welcome to the study. The app is wonderful thank you for checking it out to use ? I would love to invite you to join one of my Facebook groups. I’ve posted the link here in the comments (WSG Bible Study Group). It is a safe zone where we share and support one another during the study. In the meantime I’ll be saying a prayer for you dear.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/889050354560543/