Let's Fight!

If you fight, you will be hurt. The word tells us to fight the "good fight of faith". If we are trying to build or use faith, sooner or later, there will be pain, sorrow, loss, fear, doubt, worry, loneliness, and many other difficult circumstances. With all this in store, why bother? Every boxer knows that even in a winning match, some of the blows of the opponent will land. The reason we "bother"is found in the other side of the faith coin. Growing, alive and healthy faith brings: joy, health, friendship, gain, peace, love, power, overcoming, endurance, laughter, hope and praise. If I look at these two options ........ I fight!

S.O.A.P.

1-16-2015      Romans 4:4-13

S.       4 Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. 5 But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. 6 Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works, 7 Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered. 8 Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin. 9 Cometh this blessedness then upon the circumcision only, or upon the uncircumcision also? For we say that faith was reckoned to Abraham for righteousness. 10 How was it then reckoned? When he was in circumcision, or in uncircumcision? Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision. 11 And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also: 12 And the father of circumcision to them who are not of the circumcision only, but who also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham, which he had being yet uncircumcised. 13 For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith.

O.      Outward legal signs (circumcision) are not tokens of righteousness. Abraham was found to be righteous before he was instructed concerning circumcision.

A.      Righteousness is from the inside out; first the soul, then the body. I must conquer the secret, hidden and concealed sin in my heart and mind. Then, and only then, can I conquer the outward sin. All this is done with prayer, study of the word and the aid of the Holy Spirit. God supplies the word and his Spirit so all I need to supply is: heart, mind, hands ……… ME!

P.       Father; I come humbly before you seeking a full surrender, victory over sin, strength to endure and joy for the journey. I bring you my all: body, soul and spirit. Use me as you will. Amen.