Fellowship Hall

When I returned to the Lord, I had picked up one habit.  I could not quit.  I had the wrong impression that I couldn't turn back to Lord, without quitting smoking.  I had tried many times unsuccessfully.  I had the idea that I had to clean my life up to return.  How foolish that was.  I went to the alter that Sunday night and cried unto the Lord, I can't, but you can.  That very moment I was, totally delivered from cigarettes.  I have been free 47 years, July 2.  Since then I have learned that I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. Philippians 4:13.  I know in myself I can do nothing.  In Christ Jesus I can do all righteously.  Nothing sinful.  I know in many churches they teach that we have to do righteously.  It must be done through him, grace, not of works, flesh.  It takes faith and trusting Him to do it.  The thing is, that when we trust and believe him, our lives start to and continue to do good works.  Not to gain favor, but to show our love to Jesus.  Ephesians 2:8, 9 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:  Eph 2:9  Not of works, lest any man should boast   Just as we start our new life in Christ Jesus, we live our lives for him.  God's giving us not only, undeserved mercy, but what we lack as humans to do his will.  We can't muster it up in ourselves.  God wants to be part of all of our lives.  He knows we are flesh and lacking We need to let Jesus Christ sit on the throne of our hearts and rule our lives.  I say try because sometimes I forget.  What King loves so and cares for his own.  He gives us so much.  Peace, love and so much more.  Even when we fail, in love he corrects us.  There are times he uses tough love.  The when we repent he forgives us.  We do not have a hard taskmaster, but, a loving Father, who is longsuffering.