God Does Not Give Up on You

 

Jesus Has NOT Given Up on YOU !

Pastor Allan was speaking as I took notes.  At times it seems we may give up on some who show no indication of turning to the Lord.  Especially those who persecute the “Church” and we call our enemies.

Matthew 5:44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,

Then there are the backsliders who fall back into sin after it appeared they were doing so well in Christ.  They were called into a higher standard, and their ministry still awaits.  Perhaps they were scared and believed the lies they were hearing from their own mind or from the lips of others. 

 

Our enemy will try to divide a household and will use the person closest to us to derail our advance.  If we have anger or bitterness the enemy will use that against you.  Paul reminded us that our battle is not against flesh and blood but against principalities and powers of darkness.

God has called us unto unity – one faith - - all of which is holiness.  We are soldiers, ministers to proclaim the gospel where ever we go. 

Trials happen and some times it is so that we learn patience.  It is a step into God’s grace.

We can put on a façade in front of a stranger, and when we get home change into a monster.  - - This ought not to be so.

There are many ways to get a job done, and we must learn to forebear and put up with those we work with.  Offence will stop the work of the Lord.

The person we don’t like is probably most like us.

Love one another and appreciate them for who they are in the body of Christ.  Each of us have a place.  Not all are Pastors, Prophets, Teachers, but all can be in the “HELP” ministry.  Find what needs to be done and volunteer.

Some things offend me.  The condition of our city offends me.  When someone comes in our yard and helps themselves to what is not theirs that offends me.

Jesus said to love your enemies and pray for them.  Peter asked Jesus how many times should we forgive?  Jesus offered 70 times 7 - - meaning keep on forgiving even if it hurts.

We must watch our attitudes and emotions.  The enemy has a field day when we begin to find fault and criticize.

Some do not like the lifting up of hands during worship.  Others say the songs are too fast, or repeated too many times.

Love God and others.  Love the person who is causing tribulation in your life.

Corrie Ten Boom was arrested for hiding Jews.  She was put in prison and abused while there.  Years after her release she saw her tormentor at a gathering.  She was able to embrace him and forgive him.  God had removed all of her bitterness.

The works of the flesh is our inability to love and forgive.  Obviously there is a lack or reason – and definitely a lack of forgiveness.  Instead we turn to alcohol, drugs and suffer the bitter dregs.  Do you find yourself doing things and you don’t know why? 

 

The reason is way back there - - the flesh prevailed with rebellion and stubbornness not to forgive.

Flush out all the nonsense our of your life with forgiveness.

Learn to Fear God, embrace patience, forgive and Love one another.

We are not worthy, but God can and will restore.  On the cross, Jesus knew all of our sins.

Don’t judge where you are, but reach toward where you should be.  Don’t let people talk down to you.  Realize you are not the same person you once were.  They are remembering the old you.  Even so, we are being changed every day into His likeness. 

 

We all are still a work in progress.  Daily allow the Holy Spirit to continue the clean up.   God has not given up on YOU.