11 For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. 12 It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age,
Verse 11 reminds us that it is the grace of God that offers salvation to us. I know, for me, that if it were not for God's eternal grace, I would not be where I am today! When I got saved, I began hearing testimony after testimony of how God had saved my friends from a life of drugs or alcohol or prostitution, etc. The enemy was really working on my and I began to think that I couldn't possibly be saved...after all, I had never done drugs; I had never been a drinker; I had never been promiscuous...what had God saved me from? A very lovely lady in the church very gently and sweetly let me know that THAT was what God had saved me from... What a testimony? God had His hand on my life even before I knew Him! It is the grace of God that offered me salvation! I am truly thankful for that grace.
Verse 12 reminds us that we don't have to live like the world. In fact, we are NOT to live like the world. We are to live godly lives, self-controlled and upright! We are to say "NO" to the ways of the world. For some, that is a real struggle. For others, it is quite easy. For me...it is pretty easy...I have never been involved in the party scene. I have never been interested in doing drugs or drinking. I desire to have my wits about me at all times. I can truly have a 'good time' without artificial stimulation like drugs or alcohol. I am so very thankful that God has kept me in the palm of His hand throughout my life.
I realize now that I have an amazing testimony of God's hand in my life...that testimony that He kept me from the ills of this world and called me into His family. What a true blessing. I am so very thankful for God's grace and His salvation!
Have a blessed Thankful Thursday!
You have a wonderful testimony. I have never done these things either and I know that is my testimony as well. I heard someone say that to have a testimony we must go through a test. That is not always the case. Many of us have the testimony of God keeping us from these things. I am so thankful for His grace to keep us from this and for His grace for those that have been involved in these things and turn to Him. Great post
ReplyDeleteWhat great insight! ... THAT is what God saved you from! We definately don't need to have a checkered past to have a testimony. Our testimony is what Christ did for us. His testimony gives us our testimony! Its all about HIM! great post!
ReplyDeleteThis is an awesome testimony, Debi, and I'm thankful I can say that God has saved me from the same things. But we are guilty of living like the world when we hold grudges and harbor unforgiveness. We live like the world when we gossip or spread lies. We live like the world when we fail to acknowledge that we need God's strength. I know I have been guilty of all of these things. And for this, I am a sinner in need of God's amazing grace. I am so thankful that He loves me and forgive me!
ReplyDeleteDebi that is an awesome testimony. I am not comfortable with the party life either, and I too like to have my witz about me, I have to be in control of my self so I don't relax and do those things. When I was a kid those around me kept tellin me " you don't know what your missin." And I responded if only in my mind - yes I do. But they didn't know what they were missing by trusting and turning to God and his way of life instead of the worlds which has parties drugs and drinking. What does that give you except a hang out and often memories you CAN'T remember. No thank you.
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I can tell by your post and by the comments how God has saved us from things of the world. I never thought I had a testimoney until this very thing was brought to light. How awesome. Yes, like Lisa said we are guilty of living like the world when we carry grudges and harbor unforgiveness but there are things that cause these and should be addressed by the one that has caused it. They are also guilty of living like the world. Loved your post. Blessings to you, Deb. Love you.
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