Friday, May 6, 2011

God is on my side!

Happy Mother's Day
Happy Mother's Day!

Note: Let me first say thanks to all who read this blog, many of whom are mothers. This Sunday is the day set aside to acknowledge and honor the many women who give birth, nurture, and raise children. There is no way a child can repay the sacrifices a mother makes, the love she freely gives, and the grace she extends. Yet, I do believe that a mother can be honored by the life I choose to live. In living for Christ, I offer to God and my mother the greatest honor I can give; my life. To mothers everywhere I say:

Happy Mother's Day!


This I know: God is on my side!
"God causes everything to work together for the good"

I’ve read them before as I sure many others have, but somehow the words echo in my thoughts. Perhaps it is the Holy Spirit providing me with gentle reminders that God hasn’t given up on me. I think most of us experience some measure of defeat in our life, moments of discouragement, a loss, a hurt, some degree of sadness.

I was thinking how God feels at times, when I didn’t trust Him, when I gave up on Him, or when I didn’t believe His word. The bible speaks of God repenting that He made humanity. How painful it must have been for the God who loves us so much that He gave His only Son, to regret His creative acts..

Yet God moves beyond His regrets and extends grace to all that would receive it.

…when I call to you for help. This I know: God is on my side!1

How do you know God is on your side?

And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.2

I can’t think of any words more affirming and assuring. Words proclaiming that The Living God cares about my life, every facet, aspect, and moment that He invests His love and life in me:
  1. The Holy Spirit is the investment which declares that we have been sealed: “When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit…3
  2. Jesus Christ is the redeemer who answers the demand of punishment for our sins: “…we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous; and He Himself is the propitiation for our sins…4
  3. God the Father is the adopter who defines us as His own children: “…so that He might redeem those who were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.5
I can doubt, but God doesn’t. He is certain about my position in Christ; for Him, I am secured. His word provides me with assurances, but I must trust and believe Him.

...God is on my side!

This is the confidence which we have before Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.6

Spiritual Sunday'sNote: This post is linked to Spiritual Sundays (hosted by Charlotte and Ginger).

Footnotes:
  1. Psalm 56:9, NLTB
  2. Romans 8:28, NLTB
  3. Ephesians 1:13, NIV
  4. 1 John 2:1-2, NASB
  5. Galatians 5:5, NASB
  6. 1 John 5:14, NASB
References:
  1. The Ryrie Study Bible (New American Standard Version), Edited by Charles C. Ryrie, Moody Publishers, Chicago, Illinois, ISBN 0-8024-8920-6
  2. The Message Bible, by Eugene H. Peterson, NavPress Publishing Group, Colorado Springs, CO, ISBN-13: 978-1600060250
  3. The NIV Study Bible, Edited by Kenneth Barker, Donald Burdick, John Stek, Walter Wessel and Ronald Youngblood, Zondervan Publishing House, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49530, USA
  4. The New Living Translation Bible, by Tyndale Charitable Trust, Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois, ISBN-13: 978-0842384896

17 comments:

Wanda said...

Even when we are faithless, God is faithful. So glad the He remains true to His Word and character.

Patti Hanan said...

It is very encouraging to remember the faithfulness of God. Even when we fail, he is there to pick us up. He is always with us.

Charlotte said...

Amen, and what a wonderful thing to know that God is on my side. Thank you for this encouraging post.
Blessings,
Charlotte

Ginger~~Enchanting Cottage said...

God whats us to call upon him for all things.It is encouraging to know God whats us to call upon him,and to know he is on our side.
God Bless,
Ginger

Pamela said...

What an encouraging post! God is on MY side. Bless you for encouraging me.

Joyfully,
Pamela

Anonymous said...

A very encouraging post. Hope you have a nice weekend.

Sharon said...

If God is for me, who can ever be against me?

I find that to be the most comforting and empowering statement! I am holding on to the One who holds on to me forever...

GOD BLESS!

Lisa notes... said...

So thankful God is on our side!!! We are blessed indeed.

Karen said...

"I can doubt, but God doesn’t."

Praise the Lord for His great faithfulness and that He is on our side!

Renee said...

A wonderful reminder that God is on our side...right there always without fail...even when we falter or lose our trust..stumbling...especially then. Thank you for this reminder~ God bless.

Nikki (Sarah) said...

being a mother has changed me so much. I never knew this kind of love....it's different than any other kind of love.....and it's given me a hint of His love for each one of us. Have a great weekend MTJ. The very best.....

Vintagesouthernlife said...

So wonderful to know that He is on our side.

Joan Hall said...

Romans 8:28 is my husband's favorite passage of scripture.

There have been many times when I've given up on God, but praise Him, He has never given up on me.

Encouraging post!

Peggy said...

Blessings MTJ... A faithful God to a not as faithful people, but He is always there to forgive and remind us through these great scriptures!

"If/Since God is for us who can be against us..."

Wonderful reflections to confirm that God is on our side. I'm so delighted that He's speaking to you and continuing to remind you of His Presence!

Thinking of you and praying for you. You are a tribute and honor your mother indeed in the way you live and give your life! So glad that you're on the winning side!

May you be encouraged as you encourage. But I was surprised that you did not close with a prayer! You know I love your prayers... this is how we met. May God bless you and hold you this day!

Peace and JOY,
Peggy

Anita Johnson said...

I sound like a broken record, but every time I visit here, i rethink what I think I know about God, and I am blessed.

Crown of Beauty said...

I have visited your blog a few times in the past, and each time I do, what I read inspires and encourages.

Thank you for the mother's day blessing, I receive it heartily.

May God continue to use your words written through this venue, lead wayward sons and daughters back to Him, and lost ones to the truth.

And I pray your words will come back to you, with much fruit, as seed sown in faith and hope.

Blessings...
Lidia

Judy said...

Amen!

And thanks for the Mothers Day shout out!

Blessings,
Judy