This post is a compilation of my quiet time in Zephaniah and a most excellent sermon given by Darren Kinney at Gulf Coast Community Church.
The Lord so moved my heart as I listened to this message. My hands
could not move fast enough when taking notes. It is a JOY to share what
HE showed me!
I pray you are as encouraged as I was
when you read through the scriptures below! My prayer for all of us is
that we are reminded of who we are,(In Him) and even more importantly
who HE is!
Can anyone relate to this thinking?
(Please
note that the quote below was taken from a book, but for the life of me
I cannot remember which one Darren said he took it from?)
There are days when it seems to be going
so slowly and you do not feel like a new creation in Christ Jesus. You
are painfully aware of the lingering corruption in your soul, or haunted
by memories of some past sin, or feel a pain from some old wound.
Shame sneaks up and whispers this is the real you.....Guilty! Corrupt! Violated! Damaged!
The enemy seizes the moment of weakness
to condemn and accuse you, pointing to the not yet completeness of your
healing, as evidence that you aren't who you thought you were.
Oh He would have you believe that your
past sins are what define you, instead of the NEW creation that you
ARE! He may even plant the seed of doubt about God in your mind. How
can you believe God heals? You aren't healed, look at you! God doesn't
love you. You haven't lived up to his standard. You're commitment to
your faith is pitiful. God's angry! How can you approach him today?
THEN.......
There's a voice that breaks through
these relentless lies. There's a conquering voice that breaks through
the lies, condemnation, and utter desolation! Put your ear to God's
word and listen to THAT voice! Become ever so familiar with THAT
voice.
Therefore, since we have been
justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus
Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in
which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. Not
only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that
suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and
character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love
has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has
been given to us.~ Romans 5:1-5
Sing, Daughter Zion; shout aloud,
Israel! Be glad and rejoice with all your heart, Daughter Jerusalem!
The Lord has taken away your punishment, he has turned back your enemy.
The Lord, the King of Israel, is with you; never again will you fear
any harm. On that day they will say to Jerusalem, “Do not fear, Zion;
do not let your hands hang limp. The Lord your God is with you, the
Mighty Warrior who saves. He WILL take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.” ~ Zephaniah 4:14-17
And because we are his children, God
has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, prompting us to call
out, “Abba, Father.” ~ Galatians 4:6
"For the Lord your God is living among you. HE IS MIGHTY TO SAVE!!!
He will take delight in you with gladness. With HIS Love, HE will calm
ALL your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs!!!" Zeph 3:17
You have been Redeemed and Forgiven!
As my sweet friend Debbie always says, we
don't have to work for the victory.....we work from the victory!
