Dan Gould

Tag: Freedom is Here by Hillsong United

  • Bible Challenge – 2 Corinthians 11

    “But I am not surprised! Even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. 15 So it is no wonder that his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. In the end they will get the punishment their wicked deeds deserve.” v 15-16 (NLT)

    It was true then and it is true now, Satan is a liar, and he is doing everything he can to deceive as many people as he can, in the time he has left. We don’t have time to go into all the different ways that Satan tries to lead us astray. To be honest, there are way to many to count. But, we can know what the Word of God says … and to be honest, when we know what the Word of God says, we can have a better chance of determining what is truth and what are lies.

    I’ll be honest, we live in a world that tries to justify everything! We have become smooth talkers and experts on spinning things to get what we want. If we aren’t careful, we can begin to convince ourselves that something is ok when we know it is wrong.  The Bible calls this the Hardening of the Heart.  “Their minds are full of darkness; they wander far from the life God gives because they have closed their minds and hardened their hearts against him.” Eph 4:18 (NLT) Knowing the Word of God, Testing the things we hear with the Word of God, and Praying through the Word of God, are the only ways we will be able to know the truth and not be deceived.

    Today, what will you believe? We have to understand that the enemy would like nothing more than to lead you and I astray, that’s why it is curtail for us to know the Truth of God’s Word. When we know the truth, the truth will set us free!!!

  • Bible Challenge – Hebrews 2

    “We also know that the Son did not come to help angels; he came to help the descendants of Abraham. 17 so that he could be our merciful and faithful High Priest before God. Then he could offer a sacrifice that would take away the sins of the people. 18 Since he himself has gone through suffering and testing, he is able to help us when we are being tested.” Hebrews 2:16-18 (NLT)

    In the Old Testament, the high priest was the mediator between God and his people.  His job was to regularly offer animal sacrifices according to the law and to intercede with God for forgiveness of the peoples sins.  Jesus Christ comes on the scene, stepping down from Heaven and to our world, to represent us on our behalf as our high priest.  Our mediator …. the person who stand before God on our behalf. Because he came to earth as a human being, he understands our weaknesses and shows mercy to us.  He has once and for all paid the penalty for our sins by his own sacrificial death, and he can be depended on to restore our broken relationship with God.  e are released from sin’s domination over us when we commit ourselves fully to Christ, trusting completely in what he has done for us.

    Knowing that Christ suffered pain and faced temptation helps us face our own temptations.  Jesus understands our struggle because he faced the same things.  We can trust Christ to help us survive and overcome temptation.  When you face trials, go to Jesus for strength and patience.  He understands your needs and is able to help.

    Today, when you are tempted, remember that Jesus was tempted also, but resisted the temptation.  Ask him to give you the strength you need to get past the temptation with out giving in!

    When you read Hebrews 2 what speaks to you?

  • Bible Challenge – Romans 6

    “Don’t you realize that you become the slave of whatever you choose to obey? You can be a slave to sin, which leads to death, or you can choose to obey God, which leads to righteous living.” Romans 6:16 (NLT)

    Let’s be honest, we all surrender to something or someone! I have seen this in my own life! I’ve been controlled in negative ways by relationships, my attitude, addictions, friends, pride, selfishness, and the list goes on.  When you look at this list it’s easy to ask, what’s wrong with …? That’s a great question! My answer is simple, when I allow those things to dominate my thoughts, influence my actions toward sin, or have to worry that I don’t get caught … that’s a sign that things aren’t going the way they should and that I am choosing to let sin control me more than I want to admit.

    However, when I make the choice to obey God, it puts things in perspective.  I begin to look at things differently, because now I am trying to live in the newness of life that God has given me through what Christ has done on the Cross.  This impacts my relationships, changes my attitude, convicts, corrects, and begins to cure my addictions, filters my friendships, humbles my pride, and encourages me to be selfless instead of being selfish.

    Now, to be honest, this sounds real pretty in a blog post, but this process is very messy in my life.  Some things are easier than others to grow past!!! But sometimes old habits, attitudes, thoughts, and temptations come like a raging wind hoping to take me out.  Sometimes I get caught in the moment and have to confess the sin. The good news is that God forgives me, cleans me up, and reminds me of His love.

    Father, Today, I am thankful for your love, grace, and forgiveness.  Today I choose to live for you! When temptations come, let me be reminded of your love and your way, so I don’t get caught in the moment, and do the things that are unpleasing to you. Today, I surrender all of me for all of YOU, may you be glorified by the way I live today!  In Jesus Name I pray, Amen.

    When you read Romans 6 what speaks to you?