In The Hands Of The Father

Saturday, April 28, 2012

My Struggle

“I tell you the truth, today you will be with Me in paradise.” Luke 23:43

Jesus is talking here with a thief who saw who He was in the last moments of his life and is saved. It does not go into the thief’s life. Did he know God before he went down the path of crime? Did he have a religious upbringing? Was he Jewish and raised going to the Tabernacle? We don’t know the answers to these questions of what is life was like.

What we do know is he was a man going down the wrong path and was about to receive the consequences of his choices, eternal consequences. We know he repented and believed at that last moment before starting his eternal path. It did not look good for him, but Jesus accepted his confession at that moment when the final path must be chosen. A moment when Jesus himself was suffering greatly. This gives tremendous hope.

Here is where I struggle. I already know Christ in this way, I have a personal relationship with Him. My struggle is that I too often veer onto a path Jesus warns us against. So far I get a check from the Father warning me. My fear is what if the day comes when I keep on that path and ignore the Lord’s warnings. It is scary.

My only hope is that He holds on. My task is stay near Him so I won’t slip away. I must stay in His Word; I must stay in prayer; I must continue to journal as He gives me insight through His Word and answers to prayer and through others He uses in my life to give me clarity.

Thankfully He gives me hope when I stray. If I do not receive that hope I devalue what Jesus did on the cross. Thank You Father for the hope You give me; Thank You for the grace you have shown me. For I am that thief waiting to hear: “I tell you the truth, today you will be with Me in paradise.” I live my life on that hope and look forward to that day.

Until that day I will follow the words of James, “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” James 4:8

As He draws near to me I am purified. I cannot remain on the right path without that closeness to the Father; my Father; your Father. Without keeping close I will go down the path of a double minded sinner. Bring your mind into a single minded state, God’s state of mind. Draw ever so near to Him and the struggle lessens.

God Bless

By Brian David Knapp Author and Columnist

Author of:

In The Hands Of The Father: My Life With God

Now available in ebook format:

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Read Brian's columns at:
http://www.examiner.com/faith-and-culture-in-los-angeles/brian-knapp

Please read my other writings listed on the right of this page or read my columns. I periodically add writings in both places. My only goal is to share what it means to have a amazing relationship with God and how I have achieved that in the hope you to will be able to start on that path. It is a journey that I am still on, join me.

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Happy New Year

What will the new year bring. My hope is this will be a year we turn back to God, not only in my home in America but around the world.

2011 has been a tough year for many around the world. Many have been protesting and calling for change. What is that change they are looking for? When I here some talk it is not clear. But they do sound angry and frustrated. Unfortunately many are out their for the spotlight and many just want a hand out just for being here. They feel they are entitled.

They are looking in the wrong direction if they want true hope and change. Even though none of us are entitled, there is a free gift they can get that brings true hope and change.

Look to Christ for that free gift. Look to Christ for hope and change and He will deliver. No politictian can, but Jesus can. He can deliver on eternal life, no other can.

I say to the protesters and to all those looking for answers get down on your knees right where you are and ask, that is all it takes, just ask. Jesus will come into your life and give you hope no matter where you are in your life.

This is not earned, it is given to all who ask and believe. Give Him your life and He will give you life.

"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world; but that the world should be saved through Him." John 3:16-17

That is the hope we need for 2012, ask and believe.

God Bless,

Brian