me.di.ate: to reconcile differences, to bring accord between parties as an intermediary

Jesus never claimed to a “A way” to God. He claimed to be “THE way” … the ONLY way. This is a hard pill for unbelievers to swallow. They find it arrogant and offensive, when in fact it cost Jesus everything to become “The ONE Mediator”.

There is nothing arrogant about knowing your identity. It would be ridiculous for someone to challenge my identity as the daughter of Robert Lee Adams, Jr., my earthly father. Jesus KNEW who His father was. He KNEW His mission and purpose in life was to reconcile us to God. It was the purest of motives that drove Him. 

I love what my Pastor, Blake Bennett says, “If a man can predict his own death and resurrection and then pull it off, I can believe He is who He says He is.” Jesus IS real. He is a historical figure and His grave is empty! No other religious figure in history has overcome death. 

You don’t hire an attorney and then resent him for pleading you’re cause before the judge. And yet the lost resent Jesus because they think He wants to judge and condemn them, when He actually wants to defend them. He wants to mediate our case before God and He is the only one qualified to do so. Why? Because He paid a debt we could never pay. He gave His life as a ransom for ours. He became sin, so that we could become righteous. He came to serve and he represents us pro bono! 

The next time someone challenges your faith respond with confidence. Jesus doesn’t need us to defend Him. He calls us to share the GOOD news! Those who are called will believe. Plant the seed of faith and trust God to produce the harvest. 

Hide and seek. It’s a game we all learn as a child. Just hearing the phrase makes me think of carefree children running, laughing and trying to outsmart their opponents.

We too have an opponent, and he knows our best hiding places, those dark hidden sins we try so desperately to cover up. However, he’s not playing a game. Satan is in it for keeps and his goal is to devour you. This . is . WAR!

As children of God, we have the advantage, but we must learn to rely on the strategies God has given us for victory. Those strategies still consist of hiding and seeking.

HIDE God’s Word in your heart. (Psalm 119:11)

The Word is our most powerful weapon! Hebrews 4:12 describes it as living, powerful, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing, and as a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. How do you hide God’s Word in your heart? Through study and memorization. When His Word is hidden in our heart, the Holy Spirit will bring it to remembrance when we are under spiritual attack.  USE your weapon.

SEEK the nature of Christ (Colossians 3:1-11)

When you become a Christian II Corinthians 5:17 says you become a new creation. It’s like the greatest do-over ever! You have a clean, fresh start. However, you still live in a body with a sinful nature. The success strategy for this battle is an about face. Instead of seeking the things that please our carnal nature, we must begin to seek the things that mirror the nature of Christ. He is our perfect example. We must begin to live intentional lives, focusing on eternity rather than earthly pleasures and possessions. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not advocating a ‘deprived’ life, just a purposeful life.

Who’s up for some hide and seek?

Becoming a Christian doesn’t remove temptation from our lives, but it does empower us to overcome the temptation. While God will test you, He will never tempt you. It’s important to realize where temptation comes from.

James 1:14 sheds light on the fact that we are tempted by our own desires. Temptation also comes from two additional sources, other people and Satan. Satan knows our weaknesses and he will use those weaknesses to lure us into sin. But God has promised there will always be a way of escape.

“No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.” 1 Corinthians 10:13 NKJV 

Sometimes the “way out” is to avoid being in a tempting situation to begin with. You know your weaknesses. Be proactive instead of reactive and avoid situations that may tempt you to compromise. When you find yourself in an unavoidable situation remember God’s promise and cry out to Him to show you the escape route. He is faithful! Every time you overcome you will become stronger in resisting that particular sin.

“Be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might.” Ephesians 6:10 NKJV