I don’t make New Year’s resolutions, but here is a good one.
“What is impossible with man is possible with God.”
First God gave the Ten Commandments, followed by the Law. Some people at least in their own estimation, kept them. They didn’t understand that we need a life, not a list. Jesus intentionally set a standard that we could never achieve. Jesus said, “Unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Scribes and Pharisees, you will certainly not enter the Kingdom of Heaven.” (Matt 5:20)
It was not a challenge to try harder to succeed, but a challenge to give up. He wanted us to see that a righteousness that would please God is unattainable. He came along and raised the bar so high that all men would give up trying to jump over it. Jesus said, “I am the Vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me, you can do nothing.” (John 15:5)
Well, there it is! Abide in Him, and all that He is and has is yours, just as the branch receives the full life of the Vine. Don’t abide, and you will immediately be in the flesh. It doesn’t matter if your flesh is educated, rich, respected, admired, or refined. It is still flesh. The world has so many classes by which it appraises man. But among Christians we have only one class struggle…to abide or not, to be spiritual or carnal, that is our struggle. To make sub classes out of the carnal or the spiritual is ignorance rooted in ego, and pride. Remember EGO is edging God out.
It may surprise some to discover that success has nothing to do with what you have and everything to do with who you have.
When we are abiding in Christ, there is no one better than us. At that moment we are an earthly vessel with a perfect life, His life, flowing in and through us. It doesn’t get any better than that. “God made Him who had no sin, to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.” (II Cor 5:21) So remember, there are two ways in which you can go about your life. The first is to depend entirely on your self efforts, and the other to depend completely on the life of Christ within. (Col 1:27)
God has promised never to leave us or forsake us, and it is His presence, not our works, awards, trophies, titles, or accomplishments that make us successful. “He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.” (I John 5:12) It’s all about Him…
So, STAY CONNECTED. “What is impossible with man is possible with God.” Now that’s a resolution for life!
We appreciate your continued prayer and financial support. We need both to meet the ministry obligations. Thank you for your faithfulness and partnership in the Kingdom’s work.