Letting Jesus Handle Your Pain

Whatever hurts you hurts Jesus

Isaiah 63:9 In all their affliction He was afflicted..

Isaiah 53:4 Surely He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows...

Zechariah 2:8 [whoever] who touches you touches the apple of His eye.

Whoever rejects you rejects Jesus

Luke 10:16 "[whoever] who rejects you rejects Me"

Whoever fails you fails Jesus

Matthew 25:45 (NLT)

And he (King Jesus) will answer, "I tell you the truth,

When you refused to help 

the least of these my brothers and sisters, 

you were refusing to help me."

Misunderstood? Jesus Understands You, He Made You!

Psalm 56:5 ...They twist my word... their thoughts are against me..

Psalm 56:8 You number my wanderings; 

...my tears... are they not in Your book?

Psalm 139:1a O Lord, You have... known me...

Psalm 139:2b ...You understand my thought afar off

Jeremiah 1:5 [Jesus says] "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you.."

Isaiah 43:1 "I have called you by your name; You are Mine."

Fearful? Jesus is with you, let Him handle it

Isaiah 41:10 "Fear not, for I am with you..."

2 Chronicles 20:15  ...the battle is not yours, but God’s

Deuteronomy 1:30 ...He will fight for you...

Proverbs 29:25 The fear of man brings a snare, 

But whoever trusts in the Lord shall be safe.

Psalm 56:11 In God I have put my trust; 

I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?

Leave your trouble in Jesus' hands

Matthew 11:28 "Come to Me...I will give you rest."

Psalm 55:22 (NASB)

Cast your burden on the LORD 

and he will sustain you; 

He will never allow the righteous to be shaken.

[Note: This was written in the context of feeling betrayed]

Proverbs 3:31 Do not envy the oppressor, 

And choose none of his ways

Proverbs 3:34 Surely [The Lord] scorns the scornful, 

But gives grace to the humble.

1 Peter 5:6-7 Therefore humble yourselves 

under the mighty hand of God, 

that He may exalt you in due time, 

casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.

Rejected? Come To Jesus, He Won't Reject You

John 6:37 [whoever] "comes to Me I will by no means cast out."

Hebrews 13:5 "I will never leave you nor forsake you."

Jesus Feels and Understands Rejection

Luke 10:16 [Jesus said] "[Whoever] who rejects you rejects Me.."

Isaiah 53:3a "He is despised and rejected by men..."

Nothing Can Separate You From God's Love

Romans 8:38-39 "[Nothing] shall be able to separate us from the love of God 

which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."

Let Jesus' love fill your heart

Romans 5:5 Now hope does not disappoint, 

because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts 

by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

Bear the Spirit's fruit by staying connected to Jesus

Galatians 5:22  the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace...

John 15:5 "I am the vine, you are the branches. 

He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; 

for without Me you can do nothing."

Forgive others as God as forgiven you

Ephesians 4:32 And be kind to one another, 

tenderhearted, forgiving one another, 

even as God in Christ forgave you.

Not Of This World

God's Spirit convicts the world about Jesus

John 15:26, 16:8-11 But when the Helper comes, whom I shall send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify of Me... And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: of sin, because they do not believe in Me; of righteousness, because I go to My Father and you see Me no more; of judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged.

Jesus' kingdom isn't of this world

John 18:36 Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight, so that I should not be delivered to the Jews; but now My kingdom is not from here.”

The "god" of this world opposes Jesus

2 Corinthians 4:3-4 (ESV) And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.

The "ruler" of this world was defeated on Calvary

John 12:31-32 Now is the judgment of this world; now the ruler of this world will be cast out. And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to Myself.

Christ reconciles us who were alienated

Colossians 1:21-22 And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy, and blameless, and above reproach in His sight

God conveyed us to the kingdom of The Son 

Colossians 1:12-14 giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light. He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins. 

Our citizenship is in heaven 

Philippians 3:20 For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ

Ephesians 2:19 Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God

We are ambassadors for Christ 

2 Corinthians 5:20-21 Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God. For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him

No longer living like the world

Ephesians 2:1-3 And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others.

Don't conform to the world

Romans 12:2 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

Worldly lusts go in contrary to God's love

1 John 2:15-17 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.

James 4:4 Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.

Be a light to the world through service

Matthew 5:14-16 14 “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

1 Peter 2:11-12  Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul, having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation.

The world who hated Jesus will hate His followers

John 16:33 These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

John 15:18-19 If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.

John 17:14 have given them Your word; and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.

Our struggle in this world is spiritual

Ephesians 6:12 (NIV) For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

Victory found in a relationship with God

2 Peter 1:2-4 2 Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

1 John 5:4 For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.

Titus 2:11-14  For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.

Saved By His Life

God's promise in Genesis 3

Genesis 3:14-15 So the Lord God said to the serpent: “Because you have done this, You are cursed more than all cattle, And more than every beast of the field; On your belly you shall go, And you shall eat dust All the days of your life. And I will put enmity Between you and the woman, And between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head, And you shall bruise His heel.”

God's promise fulfilled: Jesus draws us to Him

John 12:31-32 [Jesus said] Now is the judgment of this world; now the ruler of this world will be cast out.. And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to Myself.

Jeremiah 31:3 The Lord has appeared of old to me, saying: “Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you.

2 Corinthians 5:18-19  Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation.

Brought near by Christ's blood

Ephesians 2:11-13  Therefore remember that you, once Gentiles in the flesh—who are called Uncircumcision by what is called the Circumcision made in the flesh by hands—  that at that time you were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.

Don't let temptations draw you away

James 1:13-15 Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.

1 Peter 2:11-12  Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul, having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation.

Remember the Gift of Life

Romans 6:23 

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

James 1:16-18  Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures.

1 John 5:11 And this is the testimony: that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son.

We're saved by Christ's life

Romans 5:10 For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.

A New Life In Christ

Reborn through the Word

1 Peter 1:23 having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever

Believers in Christ are born of God

1 John 5:1 Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves Him who begot also loves him who is begotten of Him.

God's Children By Faith in Jesus

Galatians 3:26-29 For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.

John 1:11-12 [Christ] came to His own, and His own did not receive Him. But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name

Born in The Spirit

John 3:6,14-15 That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit...  as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.

Living By The Spirit

John 6:63 It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life.

Romans 8:13-14  For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.

Eternal Life By Faith In Christ

John 5:24 Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life. 

Made Alive in Christ

1 Corinthians 15:22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive.

 Ephesians 2:1-10 And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others. But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

A New Life In Christ

Romans 6:4, 6 Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life… knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin.

Galatians 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.

Colossians 3:9-10 Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him

2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new

5 Tips to Help Your Prayer Ministry

Based on a chapter from the book The Incredible Power of Prayer

1. Have a close walk with God

Mark 1:35  Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed.

Psalm 90:14 Oh, satisfy us early with Your mercy, That we may rejoice and be glad all our days!

2. Fill the mind with Scripture

Matthew 4:4 But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’ ”

3. Have Christ's compassionate love

Matthew 9:36 But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd.

4. Have a living faith

Matthew 9:29 Then He touched their eyes, saying, “According to your faith let it be to you.”

Mark 11:24 Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.

5. Be forgiving

Luke 23:34 Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.”  And they divided His garments and cast lots.

Matthew 6:14-15  “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

Also see Science of Prayer

Also see How to Pray for the Lost

Also see The Work of the Holy Spirit

The Mind in the New Testament

Romans 12:2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind (nous), that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

2 Corinthians 10:5 casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought (noema) into captivity to the obedience of Christ

Philippians 4:6-7 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding (nous), will guard your hearts and minds (noema) through Christ Jesus.

Mark 12:30 And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind (dianoia) , and with all your strength.’ This is the first commandment.

Hebrews 8:10 For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord: I will put My laws in their mind (dianoia) and write them on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people.

1 Peter 1:13 Therefore gird up the loins of your mind (dianoia), be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ

Philippians 2:5-8 (MEV)  Let this  mind (phroneo) be in you all, which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped. But He emptied Himself, taking upon Himself the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men. And being found in the form of a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death, even death on a cross.

Colossians 3:2 Set your mind (phroneo) on things above, not on things on the earth.

Romans 8:6 For to be carnally minded (phronema) is death, but to be spiritually minded (phronema) is life and peace.

1 Peter 4:7 (KJV) But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober (sophroneo), and watch unto prayer.

2 Timothy 1:7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind (sophronismos).

Related posts:

Repentance and a new heart

Seeking Refuge In God's Presence

God is near the humble and contrite

Isaiah 57:15 For thus says the High and Lofty One Who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: “I dwell in the high and holy place, with him who has a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.

Psalm 145:18-19 The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him in truth. He will fulfill the desire of those who fear Him; He also will hear their cry and save them.

Psalm 34:7 The angel of the Lord encamps all around those who fear Him, and delivers them.

Enter the Secret Place

Matthew 6:6 But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.

Psalm 27:4-5 One thing I have desired of the Lord, That will I seek: That I may dwell in the house of the Lord All the days of my life, To behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in His temple. For in the time of trouble He shall hide me in His pavilion; In the secret place of His tabernacle He shall hide me; He shall set me high upon a rock.

Psalm 91:1-6 He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust.”  Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the perilous pestilence. He shall cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you shall take refuge; His truth shall be your shield and buckler. You shall not be afraid of the terror by night, nor of the arrow that flies by day, nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness, nor of the destruction that lays waste at noonday.

Hidden in Him, Seeking Shelter in God

Colossians 3:2-3 Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.

Psalm 32:3-7 (NIV) When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night your hand was heavy on me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer. Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord.” And you forgave the guilt of my sin. Therefore let all the faithful pray to you while you may be found; surely the rising of the mighty waters will not reach them. You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.

Psalm 61:1-4 Hear my cry, O God; Attend to my prayer. From the end of the earth I will cry to You, When my heart is overwhelmed; Lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For You have been a shelter for me, A strong tower from the enemy. I will abide in Your tabernacle forever; I will trust in the shelter of Your wings. Selah

God will be with you through His Spirit

John 14:15-18 If you love Me, keep My commandments. And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever—  the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you.

God's presence casts away fear

Isaiah 41:10, 13 Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand... For I, the Lord your God, will hold your right hand, saying to you, ‘Fear not, I will help you.

Isaiah 43:2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you.

Psalm 23:4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

Nothing can separate us from God's love

Romans 8:38-39 For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Under His Wings

Psalm 63:6-8 When I remember You on my bed, I meditate on You in the night watches. Because You have been my help, Therefore in the shadow of Your wings I will rejoice. My soul follows close behind You; Your right hand upholds me.

Psalm 36:7-9 How precious is Your lovingkindness, O God! Therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of Your wings. They are abundantly satisfied with the fullness of Your house, And You give them drink from the river of Your pleasures. For with You is the fountain of life; In Your light we see light.

Forgiveness and Acceptance

If we sin, we can go to Jesus, our Advocate

1 John 2:1 My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. and if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.

Jesus forgives us when we confess to Him

 1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Jesus is our High Priest and He understands our every struggle

Hebrews 4:14-16 Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Jesus is our only mediator between us and God

1 Timothy 2:5 

For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus

Jesus will never cast you away

John 6:37 All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out.

In Christ we no longer stand condemned

Romans 8:1 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.

1 John 3:19-20 And by this we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before Him. For if our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and knows all things.

Jesus takes our sin and gives us His righteousness

2 Corinthians 5:21 For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

We are justified (made righteous) by faith

Romans 1:17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “The just shall live by faith.”

Romans 5:1 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ

God accepts all who come with a broken heart

Psalm 34:18 The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves such as have a contrite spirit.

Psalm 51:17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, a broken and a contrite heart— These, O God, You will not despise.

Luke 18:10-14 10 “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, ‘God, I thank You that I am not like other men—extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I possess.’ And the tax collector, standing afar off, would not so much as raise his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me a sinner!’ I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”

Let go of old ways of thinking

Isaiah 55:7-9 Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; Let him return to the Lord, And He will have mercy on him; and to our God, For He will abundantly pardon. “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts.

Think about God's thoughts toward you

Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you," says the Lord, "thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope."

God can cleanse and remove your sins

Isaiah 1:18 “Come now, and let us reason together,” Says the Lord, “Though your sins are like scarlet, They shall be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, They shall be as wool.

Isaiah 44:22 I have blotted out, like a thick cloud, your transgressions, and like a cloud, your sins. Return to Me, for I have redeemed you.”

Psalm 103:12-14 As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our transgressions from us. As a father pities his children, so the Lord pities those who fear Him. For He knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust.

Micah 7:18-19  Who is a God like You, Pardoning iniquity And passing over the transgression of the remnant of His heritage? He does not retain His anger forever, because He delights in mercy. He will again have compassion on us, and will subdue our iniquities. You will cast all our sins Into the depths of the sea.

God never remembers your sin again

Isaiah 43:25 “I, even I, am He who blots out your transgressions for My own sake; and I will not remember your sins.

Overcoming Temptation

Psalm 34:18 The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves such as have a contrite spirit.

Psalm 34:4 I sought the Lord, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.

Psalm 32:3-7 (NIV) When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night your hand was heavy on me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer. Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord.” And you forgave the guilt of my sin. Therefore let all the faithful pray to you while you may be found; surely the rising of the mighty waters will not reach them. You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.

Matthew 26:41 Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.

1 Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.

Hebrews 4:15-16 For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

2 Corinthians 12:9 And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

James 4:6-7 But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: "God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble. Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you."

1 Corinthians 15:56-57 The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Psalm 51:10 Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

Psalm 139:23-24 Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties; and see if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it.

Psalm 119:105-106 Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. I have sworn and confirmed That I will keep Your righteous judgments.

Joshua 24:15  “And if it seems evil to you to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”

Daniel 1:8 Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself...

Psalm 101:3 I will set nothing wicked before my eyes; I hate the work of those who fall away; It shall not cling to me.

Psalm 119:37 Turn away my eyes from looking at worthless things, and revive me in Your way.

Psalm 36:9 For with You is the fountain of life; In Your light we see light.

Psalm 25:15 My eyes are ever toward the Lord, for He shall pluck my feet out of the net

Psalm 27:4 One thing I have desired of the Lord, that will I seek: That I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in His temple.

John 1:29  “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!"

John 8:12 Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.”

John 11:9 

"If anyone walks in the day, he does not stumble, because he sees the light of this world.

1 John 3:2-3 Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.

2 Corinthians 3:18 But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.

Romans 12:2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

Philippians 4:8 ...whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.

Colossians 3:2-3, 9-10 

Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.... you have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him

2 Corinthians 10:5  casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ

Romans 6:11 

...reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Galatians 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.

Psalm 51:11-12 Do not cast me away from Your presence, and do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and uphold me by Your generous Spirit.

Psalm 23:3-4 He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

1 Corinthians 6:18-19 

Flee sexual immorality. Every sin that a man does is outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body. Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own?

Galatians 5:16 I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh

Romans 8:13-15 For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.”

2 Timothy 1:7 

For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.

Psalm 16:7-8 I will bless the Lord who has given me counsel; My heart also instructs me in the night seasons. I have set the Lord always before me; Because He is at my right hand I shall not be moved.

Romans 8:26 ...the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.

Psalm 34:13-14 Keep your tongue from evil, and your lips from speaking deceit. Depart from evil and do good; Seek peace and pursue it.

2 Timothy 2:22 Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

Romans 12:21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Matthew 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

Philippians 2:3-4 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.

Psalm 37:23-24 The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, And He delights in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; For the Lord upholds him with His hand.

Psalm 94:18-19 If I say, “My foot slips,” Your mercy, O Lord, will hold me up. In the multitude of my anxieties within me, Your comforts delight my soul.

Psalm 121:3 He will not let your foot slip— he who watches over you will not slumber

Psalm 40:1-3 I waited patiently for the Lord; And He inclined to me, and heard my cry. He also brought me up out of a horrible pit, Out of the miry clay, And set my feet upon a rock, And established my steps. He has put a new song in my mouth— Praise to our God; Many will see it and fear, And will trust in the Lord.

Jude 24 Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, And to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy

Psalm 119:133 Direct my steps by Your word, and let no iniquity have dominion over me.

Psalm 119:11 Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You.

Psalm 40:8 I delight to do Your will, O my God, and Your law is within my heart

Psalm 119:165 Great peace have those who love Your law, and nothing causes them to stumble.

Psalm 91:4 He shall cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you shall take refuge; His truth shall be your shield and buckler.

Isaiah 59:19 ...When the enemy comes in like a flood, The Spirit of the Lord will lift up a standard against him.

John 8:31b-32, 34, 36 

[Jesus says] “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free... whoever commits sin is a slave of sin.... if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed."

2 Peter 1:3-4 as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. 

Related posts: 

Overcoming addictive habits

How to cleanse ones ways

A future post will look at finding shelter in God's presence through prayer

What Is The Gospel?

The "gospel" or "good news" that Paul speaks about in his epistles centers around being "in Christ", because in "Adam" we all die. (1 Corinthians 15:22). "In Adam", our relationship with God was broken, we were disconnected from the source of love and life. We have a longing in our heart that only God can satisfy and all of us at some point have tried to satisfy it with something or someone else (Ecclesiastes 3:11, Jeremiah 2:13).

The "good news" of the gospel is that "in Christ", you are brought back to God and you become a new creation. (see 2 Corinthians 5:17-19). Jesus identified himself with all the bad, whether done by you or done to you and nailed it all to the cross. In return, you become identified by His good life, His thoughts, feelings and attitude. (2 Corinthians 5:21). We experience the new life by thanking God for what Jesus did and continues to do in us. (Philippians 1:6). When we really appreciate His love and value for us, it will only be natural to worship Him in the beauty of holiness. 

We completely miss the point of the gospel when we inspect fruits (behaviors) of sin, but never address the tree and root, which is the separation from God. Whatever your temptations may be, the good news is that it's not up to you to overcome temptation in your own strength, but when you come into a close relationship with Jesus, He overcomes it for you. (1 Corinthians 15:57).

 How we treat others different than us is a reflection of our picture of God, we all truly live out our theology (1 John 4:8). That's why it's so important for us to really get to really get to know Jesus personally and His good news (the gospel) for you and everyone around you. We need to know the value we have in God's eyes and that's what the gospel will show us. When we really take the time to know the good news about God's love for us and His power to change our hearts, we will want to share that with others.