THE COST OF THE GIFT

God goes to extreme measures to make Himself known to us…if we pay attention. Many people are so busy with life and can get caught up in the world system to the place of ignoring God until there is a crisis of some kind. America cried out to God after 9/11/2001 and now has tried to shove Him out. 

Salvation is a free gift to us, but it was not free for God. He sent His Son to redeem all mankind. After we accept, believe, and confess…then we move to the choice of picking up our cross and following Jesus. There is a high cost of following Christ. It’s vital to develop an intimate relationship with Him, to hear His Voice at the slightest whisper at the door our heart. It’s for the saving of lives. 

We are greatly helped by meditation in the face of human pursuits, temptations, and in the midst of people vying for our attention. The enemy will use good things to keep us from spending time in God’s Word. Meditation leads us to fix our eyes on the Lord and helps us tune out distractions…even if for only a few minutes each day. It’s vital to our spiritual growth and health to spend time with the Lord. 

Focusing on what we are reading in the Bible brings clarity when we enter into prayer. God will speak a particular passage or verse that leads us in the right direction. Make the choice to meditate on God’s Word so you can see how God is speaking to you. His Word is alive and active. Hebrews 4:12 says, “For the word of God is living, and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing even to the diving of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and is able to discern the thoughts and intentions of the heart” (New Heart English Bible). 

When the Holy Spirit illuminates a problem, pray specifically. Don’t fall for the trap of talking about the problems–pray the answer found in God’s Word..it’s always redemption, restoration and reconciliation. 

The Bible says, “The entrance of your words give light; it gives understanding to the simple” (Psalm 119:130). “The LORD shall send the rod of your strength out of Zion: rule you…” (Psalm 110:2). 

Think about this for a minute…Adam and Eve, the ones who saw God the clearest, had no instructions on warfare, as their dominion irritated and repulsed the enemy in the same way light drives out darkness without a fight. When the light comes on, the darkness will fall away. Believe me, you cannot afford to react to darkness…you must choose to respond through obeying the Father God. That is how Jesus lived…and we must learn to do the same. Remember, all of our actions come from one of two basic emotions–love or fear. We know Jesus did everything out of love. 

We were created in God’s image–for intimacy. It is when we realize the high cost of salvation that was paid, our role here on earth to walk in God’s love, that we move to the position of prayer and extending hope to a lost and hurting world around us. 

Elevate Jesus..not the problems. Come to the table He has prepared for us….and move into sweeter fellowship and intimacy with Jesus. it will change your personal life, your marriage, and family relationships. David wrote these words, “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies” (Psalm 23:5). We have a place of intimacy with God–and it is in front of His enemies. 

The stage is set…the cost of the gift has been paid. Choose to walk in love and allow God’s light to shine so brightly that the darkness falls away…and people find hope through a personal relationship and encounter with Jesus. It’s the most awesome faith adventure you will ever experience…knowing Jesus is for you! 

Deborah Starczewski

Books by Deborah Starczewski:

GOD’S PRICELESS TREASURE (How To Overcome Challenges, Be Transformed and Know Your Purpose)…

A LEAP OF FAITH (25 Days At The Mercy Seat)…

THE MIDNIGHT HOUR (Will America Turn Back To God?)

Available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, www. starministriesinc.com and other distributors.