Tommy Bates Ministries

Nailed to the Cross

Read Colossians 2: 9-15

God doesn’t do good things, He is the very essence of good. Good things come straight from Him. Although Easter has passed, keep in mind His goodness in sending Jesus to die on the cross for you. This is so important to  remember as you go through every day struggles.

God does not tempt us, yet He allows trials and temptations into our lives. We were given free will, therefore there has to be an opposition in order for us to have a choice. God shows us who He is through His Word and His creation. Once we have eyes of faith, we see His faithfulness. Consequently, we can endure the trials and tribulations of life. We know what God has done in the past, He will do in the present and the future!

Every test in our lives is to develop our relationship with Him. Every decision we make today will affect us tomorrow. That’s what James meant when he wrote, “Count it all joy,” when we are faced with temptations and tests. Enduring through in faith creates patience as more trials come along. As we draw near to the Lord we get to know Him better, and this is His purpose in allowing these things to happen in our lives. As we begin to see His faithfulness and His character, we see that He is our counselor, healer, problem solver, marriage counselor, strength, comfort and wisdom.

Jesus chose to follow the will of the Father, even unto death on the cross. But He didn’t die on that cross only for people who were weeping at His feet. Jesus died for people who were mocking Him, spitting at Him, who had beaten Him. He died for the thieves hanging next to Him and the man who had sold Him for a few dollars. Jesus doesn’t start knocking on the doors of people’s lives when they’re sitting in a church pew, wearing their Sunday best. He starts knocking when they’re sitting on a bar stool taking shots of whiskey, or when they’re embezzling money from their boss. The Lord comes to the sinners when they’re waking up with strangers in their bed or lying to their spouses. He died for us while we were STILL wretched sinners.

As Satan accuses us of our past and taunts us with reminders, Jesus says it’s all nailed to the cross and the gates of Hell shall not prosper! We shall overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony! As you face trials and temptations this week, know that God has overcome those devils and that you are free to follow Him. Press on and watch God work in your life!

I’m praying for you and love y’all. Remember that we’re saving you a seat at Community Family Church!

Pastor Tom


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