Saturday, March 15, 2014

Broken World

There will always be pain, suffering, and confusion in this broken world we live in. We are surrounded by sin, and even though we are redeemed it still will bring us heartache and brokenness. It is hard for us to change our lives and habits. The Daniel Plan has changed my life, but it started with a changed heart and mind. Many have told me that they can't (eat vegetables, exercise, clear their minds, cheer up, etc.), but I remind them that while they can't God can. "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me", Philippians 4:13 reminds us that it is Christ who heals and restores.

It is still a battle. Paul tells us in Romans chapter seven from the Message:

14-16 I can anticipate the response that is coming: “I know that all God’s commands are spiritual, but I’m not. Isn’t this also your experience?” Yes. I’m full of myself—after all, I’ve spent a long time in sin’s prison. What I don’t understand about myself is that I decide one way, but then I act another, doing things I absolutely despise. So if I can’t be trusted to figure out what is best for myself and then do it, it becomes obvious that God’s command is necessary.

Allow God's grace and forgiveness to work in your life. Pray for it right now.

17-20 But I need something more! For if I know the law but still can’t keep it, and if the power of sin within me keeps sabotaging my best intentions, I obviously need help! I realize that I don’t have what it takes. I can will it, but I can’t do it. I decide to do good, but I don’t really do it; I decide not to do bad, but then I do it anyway. My decisions, such as they are, don’t result in actions. Something has gone wrong deep within me and gets the better of me every time.

Knowing you need help is the first step for recovery. Seeking and accepting help must follow in order to be well.

21-23 It happens so regularly that it’s predictable. The moment I decide to do good, sin is there to trip me up. I truly delight in God’s commands, but it’s pretty obvious that not all of me joins in that delight. Parts of me covertly rebel, and just when I least expect it, they take charge. 24 I’ve tried everything and nothing helps. I’m at the end of my rope. Is there no one who can do anything for me? Isn’t that the real question? 25 The answer, thank God, is that Jesus Christ can and does. He acted to set things right in this life of contradictions where I want to serve God with all my heart and mind, but am pulled by the influence of sin to do something totally different.

Jesus is the answer! Allow His Spirit to change and rescue you. His promises are real and are there to receive. Will you accept them?

For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.  Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. - Romans 8:14-17

Cry out to Jesus - you are one of His own. He will make you well.

But I will restore your health and heal your wounds, declares the Lord. - Jeremiah 30:17 

Read The Daniel Plan by Rick Warren (full of God's Word) and check out the Daniel Plan Website Here