He who doesn't love doesn't know God, for God is love. By this God's love was revealed in us, that God has sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son as the atoning sacrifice for our sins. 1 John 4:8–10 WEB.

Each time I have stumbled in some way, the thought came to me to turn back. I began to feel like, "Why bother? It's just too difficult. Look at what you have done. You should be ashamed. God is mad at you." All of these thoughts, and so many more like them, are lies from the enemy.

For once you invite Jesus into your life, there is no more "sin problem" separating us from God. Jesus paid in advance for every sin you will ever commit. "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have no sin, then we are a liar" (1 John 1:8). We all do.

In the beginning, Adam and Eve listened to the devil's lies and disobeyed God in the Garden of Eden. Then, they felt the sudden urge to run and hide from Him. That's always the pattern. Yet, because of His love for us, God has made a way to redeem us. He gave His only begotten Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.

When you ask Jesus to be your Lord, He pays for your mistakes in God's eyes with His own blood. To think that you can make it right yourself is a mistake. You are siding with the enemy and working against God. We don't have to hide from God anymore, for our sin debt has been paid in full.

Charles Spurgeon said, "The person who does not serve God where they are would not serve God anywhere else." So be sure to serve God right now where you are. If there is something in your life that needs to be fixed, rest assured that He will give you the grace to deal with it at the proper time. Don't fall for the lie that "You need to get your life together before seeking Him." Just surrender your life to Him now, and then He will help you get it together. When you put Him first, the other things will naturally begin to fall into place.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, please help me see Your truth and make it real to me. Protect me from deception, and lead me into all that You have for me here. I want more of You in my life. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen!

Note: "Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray.” James 5:13 ~ If you have a prayer need, we are here for you! We and the prayer team are ready to lift you up at our private prayer page: RHM Prayer Network. If you are interested in joining the prayer team, here is how to get started Prayer Partners.