What God’s Been Teaching Us

     During a time when life seems out-of-control, it’s important to remind ourselves more and more often of the truth about Who is in control, what He is like, and how He feels about us.  To that end, Karen and I end every night memorizing and reciting these doctrinal affirmations.  They are frequently used in Cru’s prison ministry, but we have found them freeing in our own lives as well.  Here are a few of my favorite highlights:

I believe God has proven His love for me because, when I was still a sinner, Christ died for me (Romans 5:8). He delivered me from the domain of darkness and transferred me to the kingdom of His beloved Son.  In Him I have redemption, the forgiveness of sins (Colossians 1:13-14). I am now a child of God (1 John 3:1-3), seated with Christ in the heavenlies (Ephesians 2:6). 

I believe that I was saved by the grace of God through faith, that it was a gift and not the result of any works on my part (Ephesians 2:8). Therefore, I choose to be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might (Ephesians 6:10). I put no confidence in the flesh (Philippians 3:3). The weapons of my warfare are not of the flesh (2 Corinthians 10:4). I put on the whole armor of God, and I resolve to stand firm in my faith and resist the evil one (Ephesians 6:10-17).

I believe that Jesus has all authority in heaven and on earth, (Matt 28:18). Satan and his demons are subject to me in Christ because I am a member of Christ’s body (Ephesians 1:19-23), so I obey the command to resist the devil and command him in the name of Jesus to leave my presence (James 4:7).

I believe that apart from Christ I can do nothing, so I declare my dependence on Him.  I choose to abide in Christ in order to bear much fruit and glorify the Lord (John 15:5-8). I announce that Jesus is my Lord (1 Corinthians 12:3), and I reject all idols and counterfeit gifts of the enemy in my life.