Intimacy with Christ

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There is a little verse that I love in Psalm 25:14. It says, “The Lord confides in those who fear him. He makes his covenant known to them.” Now the Lord has no favorites, but he does have intimates. My pastor said that and I like it. The intimates are those who have a holy fear of God, a love for holiness, and who repent and confess their sins. The result is intimacy with God.

This intimacy is what helps us in sharing our faith. When theres this kind of closeness in our relationship with Christ, we can hear His voice speak to us very directly about certain situations and people. We can walk in confidence knowing that when the right time and place come, the Lord will reveal exactly what He wants us to do or say. We will be willing vessels for the Holy Spirit to flow through us onto others.

Every believer has a right to intimacy and depth with God where God explains things that are close to His heart. But in order to have this intimacy, we need to walk closely with the Lord with a broken and contrite spirit. Then, well understand where He wants us to go, and how He wants to use us to draw people to Himself.

The Joy of Salvation

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Have you ever lost the joy of your salvation? King David certainly had! In Psalm 51 we see David repenting of his sins, and he ends this section with an appeal, O God, grant me a willing spirit. In other words, incline my heart to obey you, Lord. And then he says, “Restore to me the joy of your salvation.” King David had lost the joy because of his sin.

Having a joyful heart is an essential part of sharing the Good News — you have to truly believe its good in order to convince someone else of it! But I think many Christians today have lost the joy of knowing Jesus because of un-confessed sin. So let me ask you: Are you rejoicing in the Lord today? Are you truly happy in your heart? Are you free from your sins? Are you enjoying all the good things that God has for you, all the beauties of why its called “the Good News”?

If you are rejoicing, thats wonderful. But if you arent, then take time and let the Lord cleanse you today. Ask Him if theres an area in your life that needs to be settled, and then settle it right. Then the Lord can use you to spread the Gospel, because youll finally believe, yourself, that its good news!

Helping Sinners

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This week weve been looking at the importance of repentance when it comes to sharing our faith. Psalm 51 is a beautiful psalm by King David that depicts what true repentance looks like. It reveals a person with a broken and contrite spirit. And whats the result of this type of repentance? Evangelism!

David ends the Psalm by saying: “Then I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners will turn back to you.” Remember, David has already confessed his sin, hes pointed the finger only at himself; hes pleaded for forgiveness. Now, he looks forward to the future. Davids thinking, Lord, youve done something amazing for me. Now I will help others turn back to you.

You know, a truly forgiven person wants other people to know God the way they know him. Once youve been forgiven and set free, you almost cant help but tell everyone around you about Gods amazing grace. Youll want others to experience that same forgiveness and freedom.

Do you love the lost and want them in the kingdom of God? When youve been repentant and your conscience is clear and youre singing again, you too will say, Lord, Ill help sinners turn back to you. Its a prayer God longs to hear!

The Christian Life Begins at Home

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Children dont become Christians by osmosis. Its true that God has no grandchildren. As parents, we should deeply care that our children make a genuine commitment to Jesus Christ. We cant make the decision for them, but we can take an active part in leading our sons and daughters to a solid and lasting faith.

Proverbs 11:30 says “the fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he (or she) who wins souls is wise.”

Its thrilling to win someone to Jesus Christ. Your life may be full of exciting moments, but none will match that special time when your child gives their life to the Savior.

I made the decision to follow Christ at a summer camp. Still, the seed of the Gospel had been planted and watered by my parents at home. Its in the home where lifes most crucial curriculum is taught. God designed the home as the place where His word is to be taught, lived and passed on from generation to generation.

The Lord longs to welcome children into His family. Through our instruction, our example and our prayers we can have an active part in seeing God work in our childrens lives.

An Unshakable Kingdom

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Hebrews 12:28 says, “You are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken.” Thats an interesting verse to think about. You represent a kingdom that will last forever!

So whatever your past may be, it doesnt matter. You may have been on drugs and maybe you were a real clown. But now that youre redeemed youre not that way anymore. Now, not only are you a child of God, but in Gods eyes you are a king or queen with all the dignity and the authority that comes with royalty. You represent Gods kingdom and He wants to use you in a mighty way.

The Bible says that we are seated with Christ in the heavenly places. If we accept that truth, what a difference it would make in our witnessing and evangelism! If every believer said to himself in the morning, “I am a king exalted at the right hand of God. I am seated with Christ in heavenly places…”

Youd be blessing other people, reaching out with authority and power, and sharing the Good News with conviction. So remember, no matter what you may have been through, or what your past looks like, God sees you as a king today. Will you use the authority Hes given, to share His truth with those who are lost.