Mark Vestal Proud of nothing of myself. Freed by Christ who did it all!

There are plenty of opportunities to be burdened with pain, suffering, sorrow, diminishing of hope, and even faith while here on earth during its current cursed state. There are times that I have found it helpful to repeat in my head some key verses, or at least portions of verses, when I find myself in a position of weakness. It is good to have them 'on the ready', so to speak, when these times arise.

It is very similar to a person with an illness in need of medication. The medication may be more effective if the person possess it in their time of need, rather than having to first go to the pharmacy to acquire it. Spiritual healing is no different. Having at least some of God's inspirational Word readily available from memory will certainly make the need of quick spiritual refreshing more instantaneous!

You didn't ask, but here are some thoughts I sometimes have along with abbreviations and combinations of verses I often use when I find a need of refreshed enlightenment:

1. God forgave me of all my sins through the blood of Jesus Christ and that by belief in this I have accepted His free gift of eternal (not temporary) salvation (Ephesians 2:8).

2. Christ died for me, but rose from the grave so that I may have eternal life in Him by belief. (It's not how I perform, it's my faith in Him having already performed for me, taking the punishment that I deserve, and conquering death for my justification). (1 Corinthians 15:1-4, Romans 3:24, Galatians 2:20).

3. I have on occasion knowingly, but regrettably, chosen the wrong path. I am refreshed and reminded that where sin has entered, God's grace is always greater! (Romans 5:20, 1 Timothy 1:15)

4. I used to ask God to remove a certain issue from my life, but He tells me (in His Word) that His grace is all I need. (2 Corinthians 12:7-9)

5. I terribly miss loved ones who have passed from this life, but I know we will be reunited again and even in greater glory! (1 Thessalonians 4:16-18)

6. I don't particularly care for the way things operate in the world in which we currently live, but that makes perfect sense! (Romans 12:2, 1 Corinthians 3:19, 2 Corinthians 4:4, Galatians 1:4, Ephesians 6:12)

7. I used to ask for signs from God (when I was weaker in faith), but now I know to walk by faith alone and not by sight! His completed perfect Word contains all of my spiritual needs (2 Corinthians 5:7, 1 Corinthians 13:10)

8. I would sometimes rather be somewhere else or doing something different than what I am currently doing, but I should be content in whatever state I am in! (Philippians 4:11)...I still struggle with this one, but I'll get there!

9. When I began to truly search for answers regarding salvation, I was actually discouraged by the gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. I would never be able to live up to God's requirements of righteousness. I found hope in the 13 epistles of Paul that the requirement by God was fulfilled in Christ, and that I am MADE the righteousness of God in Him by my FAITH in Him alone! (2 Corinthians 5:21, Romans 4:5, Titus 3:5)

10. I now find true joy with the hope that others may discover God's Word of truth, that He is not imputing our trespasses unto us today, and that we are not appointed to His wrath. We today are under God's grace! (Ephesians 3:2, 2 Corinthians 5:19, 1 Thessalonians 5:9, Romans 5:9, Colossians 1:9, 1 Timothy 2:4)

March 22 2023 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report