''Finding Freedom from Fear: Partnering with God for Peace"

What do you do with a God who blesses your fears? Can God bless your fears? Is there a part of your life journey where you must let go of fears and trust the arms of God, knowing that even if you fall, you'll fall into His safety net?

My favorite name for God is "My Safe Net." As Abba's daughter, I struggle with insecurity and fears. Recently, my sister pointed out my excessive fears, saying, "You're scared of everything." Her words made me realize how fear could cripple my life journey.

THE REALITY OF FEAR

I saw two vehicles: a shiny box car and a dilapidated bus. The first car promised a smooth ride but required courage to ask questions. I chose the second bus with the "I go everywhere" sign, but it had holes, allowing rainwater to enter. The driver's attitude and the bus's condition made me question my choice.

This experience showed me how fear can lead to poor decisions, resulting in a tumultuous journey. Fear can make us settle for less, compromising our well-being. God wants to be our God in all things, taking our anxiety and fears (1 Peter 5:7). For the first time, I've surrendered my fears to God in prayer. I trust Him to care for my needs, acknowledging I'm not responsible for my life.

Psalm 23 (MSG) beautifully expresses:

"God, my shepherd! I don't need a thing.
You have bedded me down in lush meadows, you find me quiet pools to drink from.
True to your word, you let me catch my breath and send me in the right direction.
Even when the way goes through Death Valley, I'm not afraid when you walk at my side.
Your trusty shepherd's crook makes me feel secure.
You serve me a six-course dinner right in front of my enemies.
You revive my drooping head.my cup brims with blessing.
Your beauty and love chase after me every day of my life.
I'm back home in the house of God, for the rest of my life."

SURRENDERING FEARS, EMBRACING GOD'S LOVE

God is The One responsible for our life. He's in charge of provision, protection, and preservation. God can only bless our fears if we surrender them to Him. Holding onto fears gives the enemy access to steal, kill, and destroy.

To overcome overwhelm, I've started journaling my thoughts and fears to Abba. He sees me, but He wants me to partner with Him to authenticate His good plans. This partnership requires trust, vulnerability, and surrender.

In surrendering my fears, I've discovered a sense of freedom and peace. I've learned to lean into God's benevolence, trusting His guidance and provision. Abba's love envelops me, calming my fears and anxieties.

Abba is for you today. He's responsible for your life. Learn to lean into His benevolence.

Revive!

By Guest Writer

"The True Spirit of Christmas: Celebrating God's Love and Joy"

 

Very recently, I felt the cold harmattan wind hit me, accompanied by a very unlikely fragrance. It reminded me of the season that is knocking at our doors. Once the fragrance of Christmas is in the air, we welcome the season with open arms.

The festive period is upon us, and many eagerly anticipate Christmas movies. These films often follow a familiar pattern—different characters, jobs, and ultimately, love and happiness. Beyond that, the festive atmosphere holds something special: happiness, love, and joy. Families unite, sharing moments and escaping life's chaos. Homes that have undergone crisis might at this point unite and bond again.

As we prepare for this special time, consider what the season truly represents. Share God's kindness, brought to the world through Jesus Christ. Jesus' coming—and presence—brings joy.

Luke 2:10 (NIV): "But the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people."

This joy is meant to be shared, spreading our light.

Christmas is near, perfect for reflecting on God's love for humanity. Let's make this season more than buying clothes, preparing meals, and traveling. Consider Christmas' deeper significance.

For Christians, Christmas celebrates Jesus Christ's birth, the Savior. Unfortunately, many overlook Christmas' religious meaning, treating it as another holiday.

Why celebrate? Are we honoring Jesus or checking tasks—gifts, meals—without pondering the season's true meaning?

As Christmas approaches, reflect on God's immense love.

1 John 4:9-11 (NIV): "This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another."

Spread God's love, share His kindness, and let joy overflow.

Stay revived in the spirit of Christmas!

Breaking free: Unshackling your true self.

Do you ever feel like the place God has prepared for you is beyond what your present self can attain or enjoy? Do you sometimes wonder if you truly deserve God's promises?

Life's challenges can make us question God's care and concern. But when we realize something feels wrong, it's essential to focus on our response, as it holds the key to finding a way out.

Are there things in your life that God is trying to remove, but because you've been so attached to them, they've shaped your identity? This often happens when we remain too long in situations of oppression or struggle. We become accustomed to our problems, which create a false identity.

Oppressions and negative patterns may seem like fate but are the enemy's attempt to trap us in destructive cycles. The enemy seeks every loophole to steal, kill, and destroy.

However, The Lord has come to deliver and when the Lord delivers us, it feels like we're a completely new person. This transformation is one only God can bring.

John 8:36 (NIV): "So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed."

During my service year, I met a young lady who exemplified this truth. Initially, she was quarrelsome and troublesome. As a matter of fact, the first day I met her, she argued with someone, and a meeting was called. She was always having issues with her roommates. The enemy oppressed her and gave her a false identity, shaping her behavior, even when new occupants arrived at the lodge. She still had issues with them. To the glory of the Lord, she was delivered, and I noticed changes in her personality. When she was delivered, she was transformed.

These negative patterns can manifest in various forms: addictions, bad habits, greed, anger, poverty, relationships patterns, etc. We often forget God's power to break us free.

Colossians 2:14 (NIV): "Having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness... he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross."

Jesus has canceled the patterns holding us back. And He is restoring us to our rightful position in him.

Psalm 139:14 (NIV): "I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful; I know that full well."
Romans 8:37 (NIV): "No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us."

The false image you've held is not yours. The solution you seek is in God, and He will meet you exactly where you are. Stop trying to carry the burden alone—bring it to Jesus. He alone can help you break free from addictions and destructive patterns. It's time to emerge and enjoy life, breaking free from the enemy's grasp. Bring your burdens to Jesus.

"How Justification by Faith Relates to Sanctification"

Justification by Faith 

On Saturday, my younger sister asked a question: "How did I stop coming out for altar call?" She shared that, growing up in our local assembly, she would respond to the altar call every Sunday, saying the sinner's prayer after each sermon. But now, she couldn't remember the last time she did that. As I sought the Lord about what to post today, this story came to mind.

Are you Justified?

Justification is an intentional act of dedicating our lives to Christ and trusting Him with our eternal destiny. It is being in right standing with the Lord, declared righteous—something we cannot achieve on our own, because, as Psalm 51:5 states, we were conceived in sin.

However, justification doesn't stop there. After being justified, we must also be sanctified. Sanctification is a continuous process, and we grow in it through the Word of God.

Romans 3:10 says, "There is none righteous, no, not one." This reminds us that all have sinned and fall short of God's glory. But through the death of Jesus, we are separated from our sin and made righteous. Jesus took our sins upon Himself, bore the consequences, and died for us so that we might be justified.

Self-righteousness is not enough to become a child of God. One must intentionally choose to give their life to Christ. This decision is the first step in the process of justification.

Romans 3:21-26 (RSV):

21 But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the law and the prophets bear witness to it,
22 the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction,
23 since all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,
24 they are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption, which is in Christ Jesus,
25 whom God put forward as an expiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God’s righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins.
26 it was to prove at the present time that he himself is righteous and that he justifies him who has faith in Jesus.

Justification means that the sins we were born with, as well as the sins we committed before giving our lives to Christ, have been forgiven. Through Jesus' sacrifice which we received as a gift and by his blood we are cleansed and justified through our faith, we are declared righteous in God's eyes.

When we give our lives to Christ, we are declared friends of God. However, justification is not possible through the law alone; it requires faith. As Romans 3:28 says, "For we hold that a person is justified by faith apart from works prescribed by the law."

Self-righteousness is not enough to become a child of God. One must intentionally choose to give their life to Christ. Right behavior doesn't produce a right relationship with God—justification through faith produces this relationship. Justification is not by works, but by faith. This decision to follow Christ is the first step in the process of justification.

Being justified, however, doesn’t mean we can continue living in sin. True justification is always followed by sanctification. And it is sanctification that produces spiritual fruit. If you have given your life to Christ, old things have passed away, and behold, all things are new.

As justified believers, we should not just go around telling people, but showing them. "By their fruit, you shall know them." If you are not aware of the power of the Holy Spirit, you will not remain long in justification, because it is the Holy Spirit that empowers us to live a righteous life.

To live a consistent justified life, you must rely on the help of the Holy Spirit and consistently grow in Him. For, as the Bible says, "By strength shall no man prevail." When you are justified, you need to grow in holiness that leads to eventual glorification. I am convinced that the good work which the Lord has started, He shall see it through to the end.

Amen.