By Emily Wooten
Isaiah 53:4-5 It is a forever settled subject: Jesus bore our griefs and carried our sorrows. . . But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. We can rejoice and be glad for our redeemer lives ever making intercession for us with the father.
1 Peter 2:24 Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.
We are forgiven! What a glorious thought that we have been redeemed. Have been. We aren’t waiting in line for God to get ready to make us free. His word says he has already accomplished victory for anyone who will call on his name.
Have you ever read Psalms 91:16 With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation.
Again, that is talking about anyone who has asked Jesus to forgive their sin and be their Lord.
He continues in verses 9-11 Because thou (that means you if you belong to Jesus) hast made the Lord, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation; there shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling. For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. The entire 91st Psalm is a declaration of God’s commitment to keep us safe and deliver us from fear.
2 Timothy 1:6-7 Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands. For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
Some of you are thinking you don’t have a purpose. Every member of the body of Christ is call to a purpose and redeemed so you can help others. Everywhere Jesus went he was teaching the word, rebuking devils and causing folks to be healed. He had compassion on them but he wasn’t led by compassion. He watched for the Father so he could tell him what to do.
John 5:19 Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise.
In these verses alone we are compelled to: live unto righteousness, remember and stir up the gift of God, do what the Father does.
Last week Pastor talked about fasting. There are many ways to fast. Sure withholding food to give yourself to study and prayer is one way. Another way to honor God with our time is neglecting fleshly desires to feed ourself on his word. How about instead of watching your favorite movie or TV show try turning off your devices and open your bible. Turn to the scriptures where Jesus walked this earth in Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. Read how he filled his day. Ask God to teach you how to fill your day like a redeemed Child of God with all his benefits.