What Makes Us Acceptable to God?

When I was a teenager, the body building champion Charles Atlas was a prime example of what was purported to be a “real man”. So many teenage boys and young men bought his book, which gave directions on how to achieve that awesome goal. For many young men, that goal still exists.

Being strong and healthy and one who will put his life on the line to rescue someone in trouble has always captured the imagination of others. Saul, the first king of Israel, fit the outward description of a real man. He was tall and strong, handsome and intelligent, and a brave warrior.

However, God rejected him and withdrew his blessing and protection because Saul’s behaviors and decisions were in conflict with God. A real man loves God with all of his heart, soul, mind, and strength. His desire is to live for God and serve him to the best of his ability.

God honors such a man and will bless him all the days of his life.  

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Jesus told the people who had faith in him, “If you keep on obeying what I have said, you truly are my disciples. You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

~John 8:31-32 Contemporary English Version

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How Does God Empower You to Face Problems?

The daily routines of life are laced with problems that demand attention. Problems become discouraging when they’re perceived as  unmanageable. 1 Corinthians 10:13 promises help: “No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. When you are tempted, he will provide a way to escape so you can endure it.”

When God empowers you with insight and wisdom, problems may now be perceived as manageable challenges rather than uncontrollable ones. 1John 5:4 gives us confidence to face adversity: “Faith is the victory that overcomes the world, for everyone born of God overcomes the world.” 

Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ empowers every believer with the knowledge and certainty that solutions to problems are available. Let the love of God at this moment fill you with certainty that you can overcome whatever problems you are facing. 

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Good people suffer many troubles, but the Lord saves them from them all.

~Psalm 34:19 Good News Bible

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Subscribe to the Attitudes Answers podcast on your favorite podcast platform to hear this and other 2-minute features 3 days every week. 

Rising Up, Finding Hope - Part 1

Trust is an intellectual and emotional process that helps us to make sound judgments. Trust makes life normal and predictable by securing the safety and reliability of our relationships. Trust fights against anxiety and fear by activating faith in Christ Jesus. St. Paul challenged the fear of death by trusting that his faith in Christ Jesus would deliver him safely into the presence of God himself.

When the young man in Jesus' parable of the lost son faced an uncertain future and even death, he activated a fragile trust that had been overshadowed by a facade of self-confidence and false assumptions. Trust enabled him to deal effectively with a troubling, harsh reality.

Trust permits us to reframe a bad situation in order that a desirable outcome can be achieved. The prodigal son trusted his father to welcome him home where he could mature into the person God intended. Trust is the assured reliance on another's integrity. Trust is what God desires from us.