“But to him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness.”
Romans 4:5
When you approach God, He wants you to approach Him with boldness. He doesn’t want your sins to make you feel unworthy and make you frightened to approach Him. He wants you to approach Him with confidence, knowing that your justification and eligibility to receive from Him are based on the death, burial, and resurrection of His Son, Jesus.
“And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force.”
Matthew 11:12
As we approach the end of the age and the soon coming of our Lord, the devil has been running amok. He knows his time is short, and he would do his best to bring as many souls down as possible. We as believers must stand up more than ever against him, ready with all the spiritual arsenal God has given to us.
“Charge those who are rich in this world that they be not haughty, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy.”
I Timothy 6:1
It is God’s desire for you to live blessed in your emotions, health, and worldly riches. He wants you to enjoy life to the fullest and more abundantly. In truth, God wants you to ask more of Him until your joy is made full. (John 16:24) God wants to entrust you with the riches of His kingdom here on earth. It is God who gives you the power to get wealth and be wealthy.
“Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.”
John 16:24
We all know how important faith is. The Bible says, “Without faith, it is impossible to please God.” (Hebrews 11:6) Love is also essential because faith without love is meaningless (1 Corinthians 13:2). But there’s something just as important as faith and love—joy. Why?
“The son started his speech: ‘Father, I’ve sinned against God, I’ve sinned before you; I don’t deserve to be called your son ever again.’”
Luke 15:21 (Message)
In the story of the prodigal son, when the reckless son returns to his father, he has all the sorrowful words of repentance ready to be presented before the father. The negative thoughts of guilt, regret, unworthiness, and shame must also play out constantly in his already tormented mind.
“That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ: that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.”
Galatians 3:14
It is God’s will to bless you. He desires to see you blessed. But not too many believers believe the truth of the blessing. They think that the blessing of God is limited to only physical materials such as a good-sized bank account, cars, and homes.
“But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him.”
Luke 15:20
We all can remember the times we have messed up. When we fall short, hurt someone knowingly, and even sin intentionally. In our failures, our conscience is always ready to condemn us and fill our minds with guilt and shame.
“Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marveled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.”
Acts 4:13
Boldness. A word that is hardly known anymore in the Body of Christ today. Many Christians think that to be bold is to be arrogant. Boldness is not arrogance. Boldness isn’t for self-gain. Its characteristic has a defined purpose. It is being courageous in standing up against the evil forces of this world through the faith and power of the Holy Ghost that dwells inside of you.
“You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.”
I John 4:4
As we go through life, we will find ourselves faced with circumstances that may be overwhelming to us. It could be the death of someone close to us, a financial crisis, a severe health diagnosis, pressure at work, or people mistreating us. The list can go on and on. When negative things come against you unexpectedly, you may feel like God is one million miles away.
My Declaration of Faith:
Some days, the weight feels heavier than others. Whether it’s fear trying to creep back in, an old struggle resurfacing, or a feeling of being stuck in lack or anxiety, it can feel like I’m fighting the same battle over and over again. But today, I remind my soul of this truth: I am already free in Christ.
