Born for a Purpose

Philippians 4:6-7 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Don't worry. It's easier said than done, isn't it? Anxiety penetrates my heart when I am . . . . . . waiting on the test results . . . . . . waiting on a teenager who is late coming home . . . . . . wondering if my job will be part of the downsizing . . . . . .  stretching the budget to make ends meet . . . . . . wondering if he will stay or leave with her . . . . . . battling a barrage of "what ifs" . . . God's instruction on worry is not "get ahold of yourself." Rather, God wants us to get ahold of him. Worry is the reminder to take our fears to God. Tell him that you're scared. Confess your doubts. Pour out your dread. Let him know your reser...

Romans 5:1 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. The fear of insignificance arises when we compare ourselves to the standard of the world. However, when we realize that we have "peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ," that should change everything. All believers have been "justified!" That rich theological word is one we need to understand in order to grasp our significance. "Justify" is a legal term that carries two significant truths. "Not Guilty!" As a sinner, I stand before God without justification. I am guilty to the core but, thankfully, I don't have to stand before God alone. When I place my faith in Jesus and his work on the cross, he stands with me. Jesus died for all my sin and guilt. With Jesus, God pronounces me, "Not guilty." The payment for my sin has been settled in full by my Savior. "Righteous!" As I stand before God w...