This is
Namma for Christ with the 144th inspirational message dated Monday, May 20th,
2019. The title of this message is “Build My Life – Rom. 8:1 – Living the Free
Life”. The first three words of the title of this message are also the first
three words of the above song/video by Christian artist “Pat Barrett” (featuring Chris Tomlin) entitled
– “Build My Life”. The scripture for
this message is found in the first verse of the eighth chapter of Romans – as found
in the New Testament book as written by Apostle Paul.
Romans 8:1
New King James Version (NKJV)
1 Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
Recently, I
read my church school lesson (for May 12th, 2019) as found in the lesson book from the “Echoes Church School
Publications” and the lesson was about "Romans 8:1 - Living the Free Life". Immediately, this caught my attention,
because this verse has always been one of my favorite verses. When I was about 22 years old, I was going through
a really difficult time - during my last year of college. Not only was I trying to finish my last
remaining courses to graduate “on-time”, I had also recently broke up with my “then”
boyfriend (at that time) and my college internship had suddenly ended. It seemed
like “everything” that I touched was “failing” – and during that period of my
life, I felt like a “complete failure”. “Nothing” – I attempted was “working”
as "I thought" it should have been "working" – and I “lost all confidence in myself”.
I really had thought that this world would be better off without me. I felt as if I
had let “everybody down” – my family, my friends and my church family. I spoke to the counselors at my school, but they couldn't help me. I was
having trouble sleeping, I was exhausted and I stressed myself out “worrying”!
Little did I know “then” – that the “worrying” led to the “lack of sleep” – and
the “lack of sleep” led to the exhaustion. Looking back - no wonder.... I had no confidence, suffered with low self-esteem, couldn’t concentrate, or do anything right – I was
physically and mentally "drained"! I had put
all this pressure on myself – forgetting what I had learned in church school
and from reading my Bible. I had forgotten to “Cast ALL my care on HIM (JESUS), for HE cared
for me” as 1st Peter 5: 7 said.
During this stressful time, I also needed to STOP BLAMING
MYSELF! God's Holy Spirit led me to read Romans 8:1 (below) and it "WOKE ME UP"!
Romans 8:1
This verse reminded me that I didn’t have to CONDEMN myself for my failures! God was “THEN” and “ALWAYS IS” IN CONTROL! I realized... I was FREE to LIVE! If Jesus, my Lord and Savior, didn’t condemn me, “WHY” was I CONDEMNING MYSELF!
Romans 8:1
8 There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.
This verse reminded me that I didn’t have to CONDEMN myself for my failures! God was “THEN” and “ALWAYS IS” IN CONTROL! I realized... I was FREE to LIVE! If Jesus, my Lord and Savior, didn’t condemn me, “WHY” was I CONDEMNING MYSELF!
After I read Romans 8:1 – I REMEMBERED THAT “JESUS STILL LOVED ME”…I
had been so hard on "myself" – but, that NEVER changed how JESUS felt about me…He
LOVED ME and He “NEVER” left me as Hebrews 13:5b (below) reminded me of what
Jesus said:
Jesus said:
“I will
never leave you, nor forsake you…”
I remembered
God’s promises and my WHOLE PERSPECTIVE CHANGED…I looked to JESUS! I stopped
blaming myself…
All Praises to the Lord – I finished my credits, graduated from
college, and I got a job (within a month after graduating)! "This "same" job, with GOD's help, I was able to keep for the next 22 years - To God be the GLORY! ONLY GOD!
God knew the plans He had for me – all along –
I had to STOP BLAMING myself and I had to KEEP remembering the promises in His Word.
I
pray that this “personal testimony” may encourage someone else reading this. We ALL may go
through difficult times (during our lives), but don’t get discouraged
– GOD is not done with us yet!
Always,
REMEMBER Romans 8:1 -
Romans 8:1
New King James Version (NKJV)
Free
from Indwelling Sin
8 There is therefore now no condemnation to
those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but
according to the Spirit.
and REMEMBER Jeremiah
29:11 (concerning God’s plans for you):
Jeremiah 29:11
New International Version (NIV)
11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Please enjoy
the above inspirational song/video (with lyrics) by Pat Barrett (featuring Chris Tomlin) entitled, “Build
My Life”.
(If you can’t see the above video: Please scroll down to the end – Under the rectangular box labeled “Home” – please click “View web version”. You will automatically be taken to the top of the message. Please press play to enjoy the song/video).
BE BLESSED!
