Dan Gould

Tag: You Never Let Go by Matt Redman

  • Bible Challenge – Romans 5

    “Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory.” Romans 5:2 (NLT)

    I have much of Romans chapter 5 highlighted in my Bible. The contrast of Adams life when compared to the life of Christ and how each of their lives have impacted me for eternity, it gives me a great understanding of sin and my need for a Savior. I’m so thankful that my relationship with God is based on what God has done through Jesus and not on what I can try to do for myself.  We’ve all had situations where we do the wrong thing, say the wrong thing, and not long after-wards wish we could press pause, hit the rewind button, so we could do it all over again differently. However, because of faith and personal relationship with Jesus, I can have confidence.

    I can have confidence that GOD LOVES ME!
    “For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.” (v5)

    I can have confidence that GOD FORGIVES ME!
    “When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners. God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. And since we have been made right in God’s sight by the blood of Christ, he will certainly save us from God’s condemnation.” (v6;8-9)

    I can have confidence that GOD RECEIVE ME!
    “For since our friendship with God was restored by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies, we will certainly be saved through the life of his Son. So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God.” (v10-11)

    Confidence is a powerful thing.  It allows us to engage instead of retreat.  For a believer, it allows us to live fully, give deeply, and engage passionately!

    Father today, remind me of the things you have done for me, from the least to the greatest so that I can stand with confidence as I live, love, and lead! It’s all for you and in your Son, Jesus Christ’s Name I pray these things, Amen!

    When you read Romans 5 what speaks to you?

     

  • Mark 5:21-42

    “Don’t be afraid. Just have faith!” v. 36 (NLT)

    In this passage we see fear expressed in two similar but different ways.  Both however reveal that Jesus has the power over life and death.

    • The woman was fearful that her condition disqualified her from meeting Jesus.  She desperately wanted Jesus to heal her, but she knew that her bleeding would cause Him to be unclean under Jewish law if she touched him.  Therefore she tried the sneak attack!  She believed if she could just touch Him, she would be healed … and she was.  Sometimes we feel that our problems will keep us from God.  Our shame, our situation, or what others might think, say, or do, keeps us trapped from experiencing the Life Changing Power of Jesus. The good news is that He is always ready to help, no matter how impossible the problem seems to us.  We should never allow our fear to keep us from approaching Him!
    • Jairus was fearful that it was too late.  He had sought Jesus, but now he’s just gotten word that his daughter is dead.  In the midst of confusion, anger,  mourning and serious crisis, Jesus says these powerful words, “Don’t be afraid. Just have faith!“ These words speak to us today.  These words bring both hope and promise. The next time we feel hopeless and afraid, we need to remember these words and let them go deep into our heart. The situation we are facing may be intense, but Jesus can calm our fears and help us through any situation.

    Today, where do you need to experience Jesus? Is there something that you are holding back in fear?  Maybe its fear or maybe its shame, whatever it is, Jesus can bring healing to that situation if you will seek Him.

    Prayer: Father, we need you in every situation.  Help us not to hide in the crowd!  When things get intense, help us to not be afraid but to trust you completely.  Increase our faith, so we can experience the miracle! In our darkest hour let us remember that you never let go!