The Word Illustrated #33 -- Getting a handle on sin

The Word Illustrated #33
© Pamyla Floyd
2/22/2010

Getting a handle on sin

For if you keep on following it (sin) you are lost and will perish, but if through the power of the Holy Spirit you crush it and it's evil deeds, you shall live -- Romans 8:13 TLB

Jesus, the one who knew no sin took our place on the cross so that we could have abundant life here and eternal life in heaven with the Father. We have all fallen short of the glory of God and sinned, yes, but we do not have to stay in it. satan loves nothing to find Christians he can deceive into falling.

If we can't forgive ourselves, how could our Heavenly Father ever forgive us -- this is the mind satan wants us to have. Do not attempt to reason with him you will lose every time. He is the master deceiver and wants us depressed, blind, confused, alone and in darkness. But, because of what Jesus did on the cross, we can pray in Jesus' name to our Heavenly Father for forgiveness and restoration.

It is important to be in a bible believing, bible teaching church that lifts up the name of Jesus. Also, ask someone who has a strong prayer life to pray with you. Jesus said that wherever two or more are gathered in His name, there He would be in the midst. A trustworthy accountability partner is a must-have in this walk of faith. You can fast together too. We all need someone with whom we can be honest and communicate openly.

If you keep on living you will be tempted, which in itself is no sin. The sin comes when we take on the temptation. Unsure? Ask yourself if the action glorifies the Lord or not. If you find yourself facing a situation, take a moment and ask the Holy Spirit to guide you. You will see that the Lord has already provided a way out. If you are in fact trapped in sin, stop, ask forgiveness, receive it and move on in faith.

The deceiver entered the world to kill, steal and destroy. That includes all of our dreams, hopes, goals, family-- our very lives! Let's choke the snake of sin and live a victorious life in Christ today!

God bless,
Pamyla

If you want to know how to ask Jesus into your heart, please visit my Salvation page. If you want prayer or need help finding scriptures to stand on, please email me: thewordillustrated at yahoo dot com

Reference Scriptures:

Psalms 103:12 -- As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us

I John 3:8 -- He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.

Note: The illustration is of a hand choking a snake which represents sin

The Word Illustrated #32 -- Are there poor among you?

The Word Illustrated #32
© Pamyla Floyd
2/18/2010
Are there poor among you?

He who is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will reward him for what he has done--Proverbs 19:17
NIV

The world knows that last month Haiti was devastated by a horrific earthquake. It affected about three million people. The city of Atlanta has a population of about four million people. In fact, a few years ago we felt a tremor or two.

I can hear someone say, "But I only have a couple of dollars and I need it". Jesus said that the least you do to one of these, (those in need) you have done also to him.

Please know that when we give out of our own need, God ALWAYS honors it. It does not matter what the amount is. Man looks on the outward apperance, but God looks on the heart.

We have been seeing all manner of natural disasters, and destructive forces, that have mangled lands all over the world. We have heard of tsunamis, fires, flooding and everything in between. If nothing else, we can always pray for others.

We can also do the same for those near us. Let's pray about being led to help a family for a few months. We can help in many ways if we are open to the leading of the Holy Spirit. There may even be someone in your neighborhood or church.

Let's walk in faith and be doers of the word as Jesus commanded. After all, wouldn't we want someone to do the same for us?

God bless,
Pamyla

If you want to know how to ask Jesus into your heart, please visit my Salvation page. If you want prayer or need help finding scriptures to stand on, please email me: thewordillustrated at yahoo dot com

Reference Scriptures:

Deuteronomy 15:11 -- For the poor shall never cease out of the land; therefore I command thee, saying, Thou shalt open thine hand wide unto thy brother, to thy poor, and to thy needy, in thy land

James 2:17--Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone

Note: The animated illustration is of a man who is sad standing next to the Haitian flag and a map of the country

The Word Illustrated #31 -- Love is Not Blind

The Word Illustrated #31
© Pamyla Floyd
1/22/2010

Love is not blind

Now the end of the commandment is charity (love) out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned:
I Timothy 1:5

Webster's Dictionary describes unfeigned as not pretended; sincerely felt or expressed.

To too many of us, a homeless person on the street is nothing more than a faceless nuisance.

If we are walking in faith, the love we have in our hearts will come through in our actions.

In faith, allow God to use you, to bless someone else. If you walk in love with a pure heart and unfeigned faith; blessings and miracles will surely overtake you.

God bless,
Pamyla

If you want to know how to ask Jesus into your heart, please visit my Salvation page. If you want prayer or need help finding scriptures to stand on, please email me: thewordillustrated at yahoo dot com

Reference Scriptures:

Deuteronomy 11:22 -- For if ye shall diligently keep all these commandments which I command you, to do them, to love the LORD your God, to walk in all his ways, and to cleave unto him;

James 2:15-16 – If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?

Note: The animated illustration is of a homeless woman wearing torn and ratted clothes sitting on a curb, against a wall. This is because normally we do not see a face when we encounter a homeless person.