| You Need an Outside Power Source |
|
|
| By Rick Warren — Sep 20, 2015 |
“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?” (Romans 7:24 MSG)
Have you figured out yet that a lot of times you are your own worst enemy? It’s your own reactions, your own fears, and your own inadequacies that cause you to act in foolish ways. I know that’s true for me.
I need to be saved from myself because there are things I don’t like about me — things I wish I had done differently, things I’d like to change. But I can’t change them, at least not on my own power. I need an outside power source.
You may be saying, “I can change.” I hate to say this, but you can’t. Every New Year, you may make a list of resolutions, and by the end of January, that list will be in the dumpster. Why? Because you can’t change on your own; you need God’s power. You need a Savior, someone who can make the changes you can’t make yourself.
The truth is if you are honest about it, sometimes you feel like your life is out of control. That’s a pretty common feeling. Welcome to the human race!
The apostle Paul felt that way over 2,000 years ago. He says this in the Bible: “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? The answer, thank God, is that Jesus Christ can and does” (Romans 7:24-25 MSG). That’s the answer!
You may be looking for that one thing that’s going to give you fulfillment and meaning and peace in life. But if you’re not looking to Jesus for salvation, then you’re looking in all the wrong places, and that’s why you’re frustrated.
Some of us think that if we could just get married, or get a certain job or a promotion, or attain a certain level of wealth, or have a baby — or if our babies would grow up and graduate! — things would be great. A lot of people are looking for salvation in a self-help book, therapy, a fad, a diet, or a vacation.
If you’re doing that, you’re looking in the wrong places.
The answer is not in your circumstances. It’s not in a place or a program or a pill. The answer is a person: Jesus Christ. You were made by God and for God, and until you understand that, life is never going to make sense.
PLAY today’s audio teaching from Pastor Rick>>
Talk It Over
- How would your life change if you fully accepted your dependence upon Jesus? What would a “fully accepting” faith look like?
- What step do you need to take to give control of your life to God? How often do you need to take that step?
- What does it mean to be made “for God”?
|
|
| Today’s Scripture |
“I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live.”
(Deuteronomy 30:19, NKJV) |
|
|
|
|
| Choose Blessings for Your Future |
Your words have creative power. With your words, you can either bless your future or curse your future. If you want to know what your life is going to be like five years from now, just listen to what you’re saying about yourself today. Too many people go around saying, “I’ll never get well. I’ll never get out of debt.” “It’s flu season. I’ll probably get it.” “This marriage is never going to last.” Then they wonder why they don’t see things turn around. It’s because they’re calling defeat into their future. They’re calling in mediocrity. Don’t let that be you!
When you wake up in the morning, no matter how you feel or what things look like, instead of using your words to describe your situation, use your words to change your situation. Make a declaration of faith by saying, “This is going to be a great day. I have God’s favor. He’s directing my steps.” When you do that, you are choosing to bless your future. You are calling in favor, increase and opportunities. You are opening the door for God to move on your behalf so you can live the abundant life He has for you!
|
|
| A Prayer for Today |
|
“Father, thank You for the blessings You have prepared for my future. I submit my ways and my words to You. Help me to speak what You speak and keep me close to You. I give You the glory in all things in Jesus’ name. Amen.”
PS https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s7g5ol4HLcc
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
No comments:
Post a Comment