Living Free Every Day®
Today's Scripture
"And I am convinced and sure of this very thing, that He Who began a good work in you will continue until the day of Jesus Christ [right up to the time of His return], developing [that good work] and perfecting and bringing it to full completion in you." Philippians 1:6 AMP
Thoughts for Today
When we first receive Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we begin a process. We are instantly forgiven of our sins and instantly become his child. But growing in the character and likeness of Jesus and in our witness for him is a lifetime process. We will hit bumps along the way. We will probably slide backward at times. But if we continue trusting Jesus, he will continue developing the good work he began in us and will bring it to completion on the day he returns.
This promise is comforting in so many ways. First, our growth is a process. It is perfectly OK that we haven't "arrived" yet. We don't need to condemn ourselves or to consider ourselves worthless if we haven't done enough or have done wrong. Jesus is always there with his love and forgiveness He won't leave us or give up on us.
Second, we don't have to overcome or grow in character by ourselves. Our heavenly Father began the work and will continue the work until Jesus comes��and then he will bring it to completion on the day he returns.
Consider this
Are you feeling down on yourself because of something you have done��or haven't done? Maybe you feel as though you are not good enough, that your situation is hopeless, that you are unloved. Jesus doesn't agree. He loves you. He died for you, and when you received him as Lord and Savior, he clothed you in his righteousness. Your worth is not based on what you do, but on what Jesus did for you. And he is not finished with you yet! He is molding you and preparing you to be what he has called you to be to do what he has called you to do.
Prayer
Father, thank you for not giving up on me. Thank you for continuing the good work you began in me. Thank you for helping me realize that my life, my growth, is a process and that I don't have to do it alone. Thank you that I am special in your eyes. In Jesus' name
These thoughts were drawn from
Understanding Depression: Overcoming Despair through Christ by Donald G. Miles, Ed.D. This study deals with depression, a condition common throughout the world, and is suggested for use in support groups and Christian counseling.
Note: This curriculum was written especially for small groups, and we encourage people to use it that way. However, it can also be used effectively as a personal study for individuals or couples.
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