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And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death. -- Revelation 12:11 Sometimes, when you and I really blow it, we get the idea that we can't come to God. But then on other days we may feel like, "I've had a great day today. I feel like I can ask God for his blessings." Well, let me remind you that on our best day, you and I aren’t worthy to come into the presence of a Holy God. The only righteousness that we have is found in the blood of Jesus Christ. And that’s how we overcome in every situation. Apart from the cross and the blood of Jesus Christ, we are not overcomers… we are overcome. But because of what Jesus did on the cross, Satan is a defeated foe and he rules over a doomed domain. So that means we’re not fighting for victory. We’re fighting from the position of victory! And whatever you're going through… whether you’re sick, brokenhearted, or fraught with temptation… whatever it is, in Christ Jesus you are more than a conqueror. Believe it, but don’t stop there. Testify to that fact! There is overcoming power in your testimony! Stand on the promises of God and testify of his greatness. "He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world" (1 John 4:4). THERE IS OVERCOMING POWER IN YOUR TESTIMONY!

Pleasing Sacrifices

by Dr. Paul Chappell

“Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account. But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God. But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:17–19

Dr. Curtis Hutson was a full time mailman and part time pastor when he started out in the ministry. His small church wasn’t able to pay enough for him to support his family. So he continued to work day after day delivering mail, and fitting his ministry around his job schedule. God began to work on his heart to give up the mail route and enter the ministry full time despite the fact that his starting salary would be $75 a month. Years later when he told the story, Dr. Hutson said, “I finally told God I’d do it, even though I wasn’t sure how we could. I told Gerri [his wife], ‘If I starve to death, you tell the devil I was fasting!’” God blessed him with an amazingly fruitful ministry first as a pastor and then as an evangelist. His faith was honored.
When it comes to making sacrifices for the work of God, whether it involves our time, our talent, or our treasure, we must remember two things. First, God doesn’t need our help. He has infinite resources. We do not add to His supply in any way when we give to His work. He allows us to give and reap the benefits even though He does not need what we contribute. Second, God doesn’t overlook our help. When we step out in faith to be part of His work, He sees what we have done and rewards us. Our giving is pleasant in the sight of God not for the gift itself, but for the heart that gives it.
 

Today’s Growth Principle: 

No one ever makes a sacrifice for God that goes unnoticed or unrewarded.