Thank GOD for His Presence – Pt. 2

The Bible has a warning for believers “Be sober-minded, be alert. Your adversary the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for anyone he can devour. Resist him…” 1 Peter 5:8.

You have an enemy, the devil, whose job it is to destroy the testimony of as many believers as he can. But you can resist his attempts to lure you into disobeying your Father. 

Be aware always that you belong to the LORD; your body is His temple where He lives and everything you do must represent His character to the rest of the world. Examine your thought life. Thoughts become actions. Does your lifestyle grieve or glorify GOD; demean your faith and give the heathens reasons to mock, or draw people out of their darkness towards the light and truth of the gospel?

Making careless lifestyle choices because you know that GOD will not withhold forgiveness is an insult to His grace.

“Are we to continue in sin so that grace may increase? May it never be! How shall we who died to sin still live in it?” Romans 6:1-2

The throne of grace is not a get-out-of-trouble-with-GOD tool to be abused. One cannot truly love the Father and think this way. In light of what JESUS did for you, you ought to be doing all in the power He makes available to you (not your own) to live the life He purchased for you. The Bible warns us not to “grieve God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live…. Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of malicious behavior.” (Ephesians 4:29-32)

Yes, GOD does know you will sin but your sin still causes Him great sorrow (grief), more especially when it is a continuing and deliberate choice. Your sin hurts GOD because it shows a lack of faith and belief in Him and causes needless pain and suffering to you and others He loves. No one sins in a vacuum, and sinful acts do not glorify GOD. Believers are to “let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16.

GOD wants you to come to the throne of grace for help to keep from sin. GOD already knows the intent of your heart so it is to your benefit to do a daily self-examination and take your plans, desires, doubts, fears and recurring temptations to His throne of grace. Ask GOD for wisdom and courage to help you resist the devil. His strength is perfect in your weakness. GOD is faithful to answer any honest prayers that are according to His will.

Some may ask, but how can I know GOD’s will? That’s easy – read your Bible, His WORD. It’s where we learn who GOD is and what He expects from His children. To go back to Ephesians 4:29-32 – these Scripture verses are specific about what things one must get rid of: all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of malicious behavior.”

There’s nothing new under the sun and nothing surprises GOD. Whatever temptations you face the WORD will guide and support you in overcoming it. Your Bible is GOD’s rule book for godly living. Know what it says so you can pray it back to GOD as you petition Him for help. GOD cannot deny Himself when you bring His own WORDs of life to Him.

 “For the word of God is living and effective and sharper than any double-edged sword, penetrating as far as the separation of soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12 CSB

While King David was thrilled to know that GOD so loved him as to be always occupied by all of David's thoughts and actions, he was troubled that he was capable of human failings that could grieve the heart of GOD. So, He petitioned GOD for help in keeping his heart and thoughts pure for the rest of his life: “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”  Psalm 139:23-24

GOD knew all of David’s ways (Psalm 139:1-4) and was still able to say about him: “I have found David the son of Jesse to be a man after my own heart, who will carry out all my will.” Acts 13:22.

Your GOD and Father is also intimately acquainted with all of your ways.  What would you like Him to testify about you?

Teach me your way, Lord, and I will live by your truth. Give me an undivided mind to fear your name. Psalm 86:11 CSB

Prayer and Thanksgiving: Omniscient Father, GOD of mercy and grace, thank YOU that YOUR presence never leaves us. Forgive us when we stray and choose our own way and thank YOU for making it possible for us to be restored in our walk with YOU and our faith through YOUR SON. Thank YOU for the WORD that teaches us and changes our desires so we choose YOUR will over ours. Thank YOU, Father for patiently loving us and nurturing us unto eternity. To you belong all dominion and power for ever and ever. We pray in the name of JESUS, our LORD and Savior. Amen!

Always by God’s Word and prayer,

Cecile