The 10 Biggest

LIES

About GOD

& the

TRUTH

That Will Set You Free

By Krystal Kuehn

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Nothing can alter the character of God.

In the course of a human life, tastes and outlook

and temper may change radically….

But nothing of this sort happens to the Creator.

He never becomes less truthful, or merciful,

or just, or good, than He used to be.

The character of God is today, and always will be, exactly what it was in Bible times.

~J. I. Packer

Having a true knowledge of God

and who we are in relationship to Him

is the key to our faith.

~Dr. Neil Anderson

Table of Contents

INTRODUCTION

Chapter 1 – THE LIE: God is Distant

Chapter 2 – THE LIE: God is Rejecting

Chapter 3 – THE LIE: God is Uncaring

Chapter 4 – THE LIE: God is Demanding

Chapter 5 – THE LIE: God is Angry & Mean

Chapter 6 – THE LIE: God is a Killjoy

Chapter 7 – THE LIE: God is Controlling & Manipulative

Chapter 8 – THE LIE: God is Unfair

Chapter 9 – THE LIE: God is Unfaithful

Chapter 10 – THE LIE: God is Unforgiving

The LIES vs. The TRUTH About GOD

An Intimate Message From God To You

The Character of God Quotes & Reflections

Are You In Christ and Is Christ In You?

About the Author

INTRODUCTION

Our approach to God is conditioned by our concept of Him, whether accurate or distorted. ~Graham Kendrick

Whether we realize it or not, many of us attribute negative human characteristics to God, our Heavenly Father.  We confess 1 John 4:8 that tells us that God is Love, but do we really believe it? We know human love, and we expect it may disappoint us because it is often inconsistent and conditional.  God’s love, on the other hand, is unchanging and unconditional.  He is good all the time.  His love never changes.  He does not stop caring.  His mercies never end. He is always on our side.  There is nothing we can do that can change His love for us or make Him stop loving and caring for us.

If we really believe the truth about God and renounce all the lies about Him, we will be filled with indescribable peace.  We will be aware of His abiding presence and know that He is always with us.  We will be able to trust in His faithfulness. We will feel secure in His love.  We will know that we are valuable and accepted by Him.  We will live life with purpose and true joy.  We will be filled to overflowing with His love, and we will want to share it with others.

If you want to know and accept the truth about God and renounce the lies that He is uncaring, unforgiving, distant, unfair, controlling, demanding, angry, rejecting,  untrustworthy or any other lie that is keeping you from living your life to the fullest, join me as we explore the Biblical truths about who God is and who He is not.

May the truth about your Heavenly Father lead you to a closer and more fulfilling, intimate relationship with Him!

Please note:  Beliefs such as God does not exist and/or “you are god” are common to new age philosophies and/or the occult; and they are beyond the scope of this book.  The 10 Biggest Lies about God and the Truth That Will Set You Free is written from the position of the believer in the God of the Bible.

The believer, i.e., the Christian is not immune to deceptions about our Heavenly Father.  It is my hope to bring some light to those areas where there might be some confusion or distortion of God’s character and goodness.  Knowing the truth about God and about who we are in Him is paramount to our Christian walk if we are to live the abundant life that Jesus died to give us.

The following pages are filled with truths from God’s Living Word about who He is and who He is not.  I believe these truths will draw you closer to Him, break down barriers, increase your faith, strengthen you and set you free!

In His Love, Krystal

Chapter 1 – THE LIE: God is Distant

To overcome a difficulty in your life: believe in the character of God. He is good; believe in the power of God. He will bring you through; believe in the love of God. He cares for you deeply and He will not abandon you. ~Frances Ridley Havergal

There are times when it may seem that God is far away from us.  We do not sense His presence, and it feels like He is not around.  Things may be going wrong, and we may wonder if He is just too busy to bother with us and our problems.  He has more important things to do. Maybe He really is not too interested in us and does not want to get involved in our lives.  Or, maybe He has abandoned us and left us to ourselves.  None of these statements are based on the truth about God.

The Bible tells us that God cares for all His creation.  He cares about what happens to the sparrows more than we ever would. How much more important are we to Him!  We are worth more than countless sparrows.  He even has the very hairs of our head all numbered.  He knows and cares about every detail of our lives.

God is always near. He is intimately involved in our every moment.  Even in times when it feels like He is nowhere to be found, we can know by faith that He is with us.  He promised to never leave us, and He never will regardless of how we feel.  No matter where we are or what we are doing, we cannot be separated from His presence.  He is always near, and He wants us to draw close to Him.

Do you ever think or feel that God is distant?  Review the following list and identify what best describes God to you.

-       Distant or Far away

-       Absent, not a part of my life

-       Uninvolved in what matters to me

-       Unavailable, hard to get a hold of

-       Too busy for me

-       Disinterested in what matters to me

-       Distracted and preoccupied

-       Not around when I need Him

-       Emotionless, cold

-       Detached, disconnected from me

-       Out of touch

-       Abandoned me, left me

-       Has forgotten about me

-       Other: ____

Renounce the LIE:  God is Distant

Accept the TRUTH:   God is Near and Involved

The Truth, according to the Bible, is that God is…

-       Near, close to me, lives in me

-       Always available, hears my prayers

-       Always with me, will never leave me

-       Interested in me and what I care about

-       Involved in every part of my life

-       Omni-present

-       Eager to be with me

-       Approachable

-       Easy to talk to

-       Wants a personal relationship with me

-       Other: ____

GOD’S PROMISES:  God is Near and Involved

If you ever doubt the truth that God is near to you and involved in your life, meditate on His promises that He is always with you. He wants to be close to you…

For He Himself has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." (Hebrews 13:5b, NKJV) * God assured us, "I'll never let you down, never walk off and leave you.” (Hebrews 13:5b, MSG)

The LORD is close to all who call on him, yes, to all who call on him sincerely. (Psalm 145:18, NLT)

But you're the closest of all to me, God, and all your judgments true. (Psalm 119:151, MSG)

Let us go right into the presence of God, with true hearts fully trusting him. For our evil consciences have been sprinkled with Christ's blood to make us clean, and our bodies have been washed with pure water. (Hebrews 10:22, NLT)

Draw close to God, and God will draw close to you. (James 4:8, NLT)

The LORD our God is near us every time we pray to him. What other nation is great enough to have its gods that close to them? (Deuteronomy 4:7, NIRV)

The Lord is near to those who are discouraged; he saves those who have lost all hope. (Psalm 34:18, GNT)

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. (Psalm 46:1, NIV)

I will search for the lost and bring back the strays. I will bind up the injured and strengthen the weak. (Ezekiel 34:16a, NIV)

O LORD, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I’m far away. You see me when I travel and when I rest at home. You know everything I do. You know what I am going to say even before I say it, LORD. You go before me and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too great for me to understand! (Psalm 139:1-6, NLT)

If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them wanders away, what will he do? Won’t he leave the ninety-nine others on the hills and go out to search for the one that is lost? And if he finds it, I tell you the truth, he will rejoice over it more than over the ninety-nine that didn’t wander away! In the same way, it is not my heavenly Father’s will that even one of these little ones should perish. (Matthew 18:12-15, NLT)

Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. (Matthew 10:29-31, NIV)

Something to Consider:

> Sometimes we withdraw from God and people when we are feeling sad.  This disconnection can lead us to feel alone and that nobody cares.  Have you been drawing away from God or others lately? What can you do today to draw near to God? …to reconnect with others?

> If we had a parent/guardian in our life who never made time for us - to listen when we needed to talk, to get involved in our school events or hobbies, to show interest in getting to know us, to have fun and play with us, etc., we may believe that someone as important and big as God would be distant and uninterested as well.  As you read God’s Promises about the Truth that He is near and involved, reflect on the kind of Father God is.

Chapter 2 – THE LIE: God is Rejecting

Ah, I have kept Him waiting when I ought not, but He has waited even then. Always waiting - so patient with my foolishness, my weakness, my fear. Our fellowship is with God, and fellowship is friendship, and friendship means that partnership which, on His part, is the accommodating of His strength to my weakness. ~G. Campbell Morgan

Rejection is one of the most painful human experiences.  It can be interpreted as being unworthy of love, flawed, unimportant or not good enough.  If these beliefs are internalized, poor self-esteem and shame can result.   Rejection is the exact opposite of acceptance.

To be accepted, affirmed and belong are essential needs of everyone, and they are fully met by God in Christ. He accepts us just as we are and meets us where we are at.  We belong to His family.  There is absolutely nothing that can separate us from His unconditional love which He constantly affirms for us in His Word.  Although He may disapprove of some of our behaviors, He never rejects us personally.  For example, He loves and accepts the sinner as well as the believer who sins, but He despises the sin.  He loves and accepts us when we make mistakes, are rebellious and angry, make poor choices, say and do things we shouldn’t.  He will never reject us or leave us.  We are accepted in Christ.

Do you ever think or feel that God is rejecting?  Review the following list and identify what best describes God to you.

-       Disapproves me

-       Rejects me

-       Has abandoned me

-       Does not want me

-       Does not love me

-       Refuses me

-       Denies me

-       Excludes me

-       Is ashamed of me

-       Pushes me away

-       Is conditional with His love toward me

-       Withholds love and affection from me

-       Prefers others above me

-       Other: ____

Renounce the LIE:  God is Rejecting

Accept the TRUTH:   God is Accepting and Affirming

The Truth, according to the Bible, is that God …

-       Loves and accepts me just as I am

-       Approves of me

-       Is unconditional with His love for me

-       Is patient with me

-       Is willing to meet me where I am

-       Wants to be in fellowship with me

-       Includes me and makes me to belong

-       Does not cast me out or discard me

-       Welcomes me with open arms

-       Rewards me

-       Welcomes me into His family

-       Sent His Son to die for me and give me eternal life

-       Other: ____

GOD’S PROMISES:  God is Accepting and Affirming

If you ever doubt the truth that God is accepting and affirming, meditate on His promises that He loves and accepts you just as you are. He wants you to know how much you mean to Him…

No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.  (Romans 8:39, NLT)

Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God. (Romans 15:7, NIV)

Having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved. (Ephesians 1:5-6)

The Lord your God is in the midst of you, a Mighty One, a Savior [Who saves]! He will rejoice over you with joy; He will rest [in silent satisfaction] and in His love He will be silent and make no mention [of past sins, or even recall them]; He will exult over you with singing. (Zephaniah 3:17, AMP)

He came to his own people, and even they rejected him.  But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. (John 1:11-12, NLT)

Chapter 3 – THE LIE: God is Uncaring

I will have nothing to do with a God who cares only occasionally. I need a God who is with us always, everywhere, in the deepest depths as well as the highest heights. It is when things go wrong, when good things do not happen, when our prayers seem to have been lost, that God is most present. We do not need the sheltering wings when things go smoothly. We are closest to God in the darkness, stumbling along blindly. ~Madeleine L'Engle

When we genuinely care about people in our lives, we want the very best for them.  We are willing to make sacrifices to make their lives better.  We want to contribute to their happiness and success, and we enjoy giving our time and gifts. Whenever needed, we are willing to listen, encourage and help. Our thoughts toward them are kind and loving.

If this is true of us, how much more is it true of our Heavenly Father.  He is the greatest Giver and He gave us eternal life, hope and His many precious promises through the sacrificial death of His Son.  He gave us His Word to encourage, help, direct, guide, and bless us.  His thoughts toward us are loving and good.  He has good plans for us and wants to guide us along the best path for our lives.  He has given us His Word to prosper us in spirit, soul and body, and He takes great pleasure in seeing us prosper.  God cares for us and understands us more than we could ever comprehend.

Do you ever think or feel that God does not care?  Review the following list and identify what best describes God to you.

-       Does not care about me

-       Is not concerned about what happens to me

-       Does not value me as important to Him

-       Is insensitive to my feelings and needs

-       Does not understand or know my pain, frustration…

-       Leaves me without the help I need

-       Does not comfort me

-       Does not hear or answer my prayers

-       Has forgotten me

-       Other: ____

Renounce the LIE:  God is Uncaring

Accept the TRUTH: God is Caring and Understanding

The Truth, according to the Bible, is that God …

-       Cares about me

-       Is concerned about every facet of my life

-       Is sensitive to my feelings

-       Knows my needs and desires to meet them

-       Provides comfort and help when I need it

-       Knows and understands my pain

-       Loves me unconditionally and more than I could ever imagine or understand

-       Will never stop loving me

-       Is full of compassion and mercy

-       Is faithful and can always be trusted

-       Does not change or waver

-       Is the same yesterday, today and forever

-       Other: ____

GOD’S PROMISES: God is Caring and Understanding

If you ever doubt the truth that God is caring and understanding, meditate on His promises that He cares deeply and understands your every thought and feeling…

Casting the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully. (1 Peter 5:7, AMP)

What is man, that You think of him, the son of man that You care for him? (Psalm 8:4, NLT)

Can a woman forget her nursing child, And not have compassion on the son of her womb? Surely they may forget, Yet I will not forget you. (Isaiah 49:15)

I am the good shepherd; I know my own sheep, and they know me. (John 10:14, NLT)

Do not give so much thought to what you will eat or drink. Do not be worried about it. For all the nations of the world go after these things. Your Father knows you need these things. (Luke 12:29-30, NLT)

But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. (Matthew 10:30-31)

So he returned home to his father. And while he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him. (Luke 15:20, NLT)

If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them wanders away, what will he do? Won’t he leave the ninety-nine others on the hills and go out to search for the one that is lost? (Matthew 18:12, NLT)

Now that we know what we have—Jesus, this great High Priest with ready access to God—let’s not let it slip through our fingers. We don’t have a priest who is out of touch with our reality. He’s been through weakness and testing, experienced it all—all but the sin. So let’s walk right up to him and get what he is so ready to give. Take the mercy, accept the help. (Hebrews 4:14-16, MSG)

You may be a number the computers can trace, but Christ knows your need, your name, and your face. ~Croft M. Pentz

Chapter 4 – THE LIE: God is Demanding

I implore you in God's name, not to think of Him as hard to please, but rather as generous beyond all that you can ask or think. ~Abbe de Tourville

Trying to please a parent, when nothing is ever good enough, can be extremely exhausting and frustrating.  Fortunately, our Heavenly Father does not expect anything from us that He has not given us the ability and grace to accomplish.

Our Heavenly Father is pleased with us, not because of what we do, but because we are His.  He never pushes us or tries to control us.  Instead, He allows us to make our own choices.  He never demands that we do things His way.  He is never harsh or aggressive with us.  He does not criticize us when we make mistakes or fail Him.

Instead, our Heavenly Father is very gentle and patient with us.  He knows we will stumble and make mistakes.  He believes in us and encourages us to be our best.  He gives us His strength when we need it.  He gently leads and guides us.  He empowers us with His Word and inspires us to believe in ourselves.

Do you ever think or feel that God is demanding?  Review the following list and identify what best describes God to you.

-       Impossible to please

-       Invalidates me

-       Is harsh, inconsiderate of me

-       Oppresses me, keeps me down

-       Critical of me

-       Unsympathetic, insensitive

-       Aggressive and pushy

-       Expects perfection from me

-       Never proud of me

-       Discourages and frustrates me

-       Hinders me

-       Is against me

-       Other: ____

Renounce the LIE: God is Demanding and Invalidating

Accept the TRUTH:  God is Gentle and Forbearing

The Truth, according to the Bible, is that God …

-       Is patient with me

-       Is tolerant of my imperfections

-       Is supportive of me

-       Lifts me up when I fall

-       Encourages me

-       Is proud of me

-       Inspires me

-       Teaches me and helps me to grow

-       Strengthens me

-       Builds me up

-       Promotes me

-       Other: ____

GOD’S PROMISES:  God is Gentle and Forbearing

If you ever doubt the truth that God is gentle and forbearing, meditate on His promises of His gentleness and patience…

He will feed His flock like a shepherd; He will gather the lambs with His arm, and carry them in His bosom, And gently lead those who are with young. (Isaiah 40:11)

So the LORD must wait for you to come to him so he can show you his love and compassion. For the LORD is a faithful God. Blessed are those who wait for his help. O people of Zion, who live in Jerusalem, you will weep no more. He will be gracious if you ask for help. He will surely respond to the sound of your cries (Isaiah 30:18-19, NLT)

Don’t you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can’t you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin? (Romans 2:4, NLT)

After the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. (1 King 19:12, NIV)

But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere. (James 3:17, NLT)

The Lord your God is in the midst of you, a Mighty One, a Savior [Who saves]! He will rejoice over you with joy; He will rest [in silent satisfaction] and in His love He will be silent and make no mention [of past sins, or even recall them]; He will exult over you with singing. (Zephaniah 3:17, AMP)

Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” (Matthew 11:28-30, MSG)

For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. And having chosen them, he called them to come to him. And having called them, he gave them right standing with himself. And having given them right standing, he gave them his glory.  What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us?    (Romans 8:29-31, NLT)

What actually took place is this: I tried keeping rules and working my head off to please God, and it didn’t work. So I quit being a “law man” so that I could be God’s man. Christ’s life showed me how, and enabled me to do it. I identified myself completely with him. Indeed, I have been crucified with Christ. My ego is no longer central. It is no longer important that I appear righteous before you or have your good opinion, and I am no longer driven to impress God. Christ lives in me. The life you see me living is not “mine,” but it is lived by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I am not going to go back on that. (Galatians 2:19-21, MSG)

Chapter 5 – THE LIE: God is Angry & Mean

Nothing can separate you from God's love, absolutely nothing. God is enough for time, God is enough for eternity. God is enough! ~ Hannah Whitall Smith

Some people have grown up to believe that God is a mean and angry God that is out to punish them.  If they do anything wrong, He is going to be mad at them.  Most of us would be afraid of a God like this, but it would not be a reverential fear, one in which we respect an awesome God.  Rather, it would be a fear of being punished or rejected.  This drives some people to work hard to please a mean and angry God.  They are always trying to be good enough.  Others will turn away and refuse to worship a God they feel does not love them. They will not seek a relationship with a God that is out to get them.

These false beliefs about God keep people from receiving His love and gift of salvation.  The Bible tells us that God is love.  He loves us so much that He gave His one and only begotten Son to die for us so that we might live.  He loves us so much that He wants us to be in relationship with Him.  His loving-kindness is incomprehensible.  Nothing can separate us from His amazing love.  Believing that God is anything but love can rob us from receiving the greatest gift known to mankind.

Do you ever think or feel that God is angry and mean?  Review the following list and identify what best describes God to you.

-       Mad at me

-       Disagreeable, never on my side

-       Against me

-       Unlikeable and unfriendly

-       Ready to condemn me

-       Easily irritated and displeased

-       Vengeful, merciless

-       Frightening

-       Unapproachable, unfriendly

-       Does not love me

-       Shows no kindness, compassion or mercy towards me

-       Other: ____

Renounce the LIE: God is Angry and Mean

Accept the TRUTH:  God is Loving and Kind

The Truth, according to the Bible, is that God is …

-       Loving and kind

-       Sympathetic and understanding

-       Protective of me

-       Full of grace and mercy

-       Good at all times

-       Approachable, welcomes me

-       For me, not against me

-       Wants a relationship with me

-       Other: ____

GOD’S PROMISES:  God is Loving and Kind

If you ever doubt the truth that God is loving and kind, meditate on His promises that He loves you unconditionally. God is love and He wants you to experience His love and goodness.

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:38-39, NIV)

God showed how much he loved us by sending his one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him. This is real love—not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins. (1John 4:9-10, NLT)

But anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love. (1 John 4:8)

Your beauty and love chase after me every day of my life. I’m back home in the house of GOD for the rest of my life. (Psalm 23:6, MSG)

For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16, NLT)

But God shows and clearly proves His [own] love for us by the fact that while we were still sinners, Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One) died for us. (Romans 5:8, AMP)

But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!) (Ephesians 2:4-5, NLT)

Let us then fearlessly and confidently and boldly draw near to the throne of grace (the throne of God’s unmerited favor to us sinners), that we may receive mercy [for our failures] and find grace to help in good time for every need [appropriate help and well-timed help, coming just when we need it]. (Hebrews 4:16, AMP)

My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. (Galatians 5:20, NLT)

God is even kinder than you think.  ~St. Theresa

Chapter 6 – THE LIE: God is a Killjoy

Whence comes this idea that if what we are doing is fun, it can't be God's will? The God who made giraffes, a baby's fingernails, a puppy's tail, a crooknecked squash, the bobwhite's call, and a young girl's giggle, has a sense of humour. Make no mistake about that. ~Catherine Marshall

A killjoy is someone who takes the fun out of things.  He might be grumpy or unhappy and does not want anyone else to be happy.  Or he might take everything so seriously and not know how to lighten up. If you are not working hard enough in his estimation, or if you are doing something he deems unproductive, he may try to spoil your fun.

God is not like that; yet, some people think He does not want them to be happy.  They envision Him as a stern God with no sense of humor who never laughs or smiles and is serious all the time.  But the Bible tells us that God wants us to enjoy life. He wants us to prosper.  We not only enjoy life when we are fruitful and thankful, but we also enjoy life when we laugh and have fun.  God is the giver of all good gifts and He wants us to enjoy them all. He wants us to sing and dance before Him.  He loves to bless us and see us full of joy.

Do you ever think or feel that God is a killjoy?  Review the following list and identify what best describes God to you.

-       Does not want me to be happy

-       Spoils my fun

-       Is too serious, stuffy

-       Is boring

-       Never laughs

-       Does not like it when I am having a good time

-       Wants me to suffer and be poor

-       Thinks I am never working hard enough

-       Other: ____

Renounce the LIE: God is a Killjoy

Accept the TRUTH:  God is Joyful and Giving

The Truth, according to the Bible, is that God …

-       Gave His Son to die for me

-       Is the source of my joy and wants me to be happy

-       Delights in blessing me

-       Gives me what I ask according to His will

-       Wants me to enjoy life

-       Gives me abundant life

-       Gives me joy in His presence

-       Meets all of my needs

-       Has a sense of humor

-       Other: ____

GOD’S PROMISES:  God is Joyful and Giving

If you ever doubt the truth that God is joyful and giving, meditate on His promises that He is the Giver of life and everything good.  It brings Him great joy to bless His children.

The LORD your God in your midst, The Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.” (Zephaniah 3:17)

I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow! (John 15:11, NLT)

And now I am coming to You; I say these things while I am still in the world, so that My joy may be made full and complete and perfect in them [that they may experience My delight fulfilled in them, that My enjoyment may be perfected in their own souls, that they may have My gladness within them, filling their hearts]. (John 17:13, AMP)

And the disciples were continually filled [throughout their souls] with joy and the Holy Spirit. (Acts 13:52, AMP)

Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! (Philippians 4:4, NLT)

The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows). (John 10:10, NIV)

For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16, NLT)

You are the giver of life. Your light lets us enjoy life. (Psalm 36:9, NCV)

So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him. (Matthew 7:11, NLT)

Whatever is good and perfect comes down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow. (James 1:17, NLT)

My God will use his wonderful riches in Christ Jesus to give you everything you need. (Philippians 4:19, NCV)

You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand. (Psalm 16:11, NIV)

And we are confident that he hears us whenever we ask for anything that pleases him. And since we know he hears us when we make our requests, we also know that he will give us what we ask for. (1 John 5:14-15, NLT)

Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy good food and sweet drinks. Send some to people who have none, because today is a holy day to the Lord. Don’t be sad, because the joy of the LORD will make you strong.” (Nehemiah 8:10, NCV)

Chapter 7 – THE LIE: God is Controlling & Manipulative

The voice of God is a friendly voice. No one need fear to listen to it unless he has already made up his mind to resist it. ~A. W. Tozer

No one likes to be controlled.  It takes away the freedom to make our own choices.   No one likes to be manipulated either.  Manipulation is a clever way of controlling or influencing someone.  To get their way, some people resort to force or deception.  This is not God’s way.  He has given us a free will, and He allows us to exercise it. The Holy Spirit has been called a “Gentleman.”  He will gently guide us, but never in a forceful way.  He gives us authority to make our own decisions and honors that freedom.

When we choose to obey or disobey God, it is because we have exercised the freedom He has given us to make that decision.  God is great and almighty.  He is all powerful, yet He allows us the power to choose whom we will serve and how we will live our lives.

God’s very presence is liberating.  His truth brings light into darkness, and we are made free.  In Christ, we are free from the law of sin and death.  Jesus conquered death for us when He died for our sins.  He paid for our sins in full.  We are debt-free.  We have been liberated by the Spirit of God who gives life!

Do you ever think or feel that God is controlling and manipulative?  Review the following list and identify what best describes God to you.

-       Restrains me, holds me back

-       Pressures me

-       Wants to control me

-       Tries to trick me

-       Demands I do what He wants

-       Wants to dominate my life

-       Makes me feel imprisoned or bound

-       Does not give me space

-       Will not let me think for myself

-       Other: ____

Renounce the LIE: God is Controlling and Manipulative

Accept the TRUTH:  God is Liberating

The Truth, according to the Bible, is that God …

-       Sets me free

-       Enlightens my darkness

-       Paid for my sins

-       Frees me from sin

-       Gives me freedom to make my own choices

-       Leads me into all truth

-       Delivers me from all bondage

-       Calmly deals with me

-       Other: ____

GOD’S PROMISES:  God is Liberating

If you ever doubt the truth that God is liberating, meditate on His promises that He gives us freedom and makes us free.

Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings.  And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:31-32, NLT)

Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. (2 Corinthians 3:17)

For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death. (Romans 8:2)

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death. (Romans 8:1-2, NIV)

For he has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son who purchased our freedom and forgave our sins. (Colossians 1:13, NLT)

But if you don’t want to serve the LORD, you must choose for yourselves today whom you will serve. You may serve the gods that your ancestors worshiped when they lived on the other side of the Euphrates River, or you may serve the gods of the Amorites who lived in this land. As for me and my family, we will serve the LORD.” (Joshua 24:15, NCV)

Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live! (Deuteronomy 30:19, NLT)

Chapter 8 – THE LIE: God is Unfair

The absolute holiness of God should be of great comfort and assurance to us. If God is perfectly Holy, then we can be confident that His actions toward us are always perfect and just. ~Jerry Bridges

We all have heard people say that if God were so good and just, then why do bad things happened to good people.  Why do the innocent suffer?  Why do the powerful and wicked get away with oppressing the poor?   God is presumed to be unfair.  It does not make sense that God would allow so much injustice when He can make things right.

This argument has caused many to turn away from a loving and just God.  God does not make any sense to them.  They say if they were Him, there would be no injustice in the world.

The Bible tells us that God loves justice and He hates injustice.  He is a fair and just God whether or not we see it or understand it.  It may not be our way or in our timing, but with God justice is always served.

Do you ever think or feel that God is unfair?  Review the following list and identify what best describes God to you.

-       Is unjust, unreasonable

-       Has favorites

-       Is never on my side

-       Prefers others over me

-       Is prejudiced

-       Biased

-       Can be bought

-       Easily swayed

-       Is corrupt, immoral

-       Soft, weak

-       Other: ____

Renounce the LIE: God is Unfair

Accept the TRUTH:  God is Righteous and Just

The Truth, according to the Bible, is that God is…

-       A good God

-       Blameless, perfect

-       Honorable

-       Virtuous

-       Impartial, doesn’t favor one over another

-       Worthy of all honor and praise

-       Created us all equal, one in Christ

-       Loves all of His creation equally

-       Other: ____

GOD’S PROMISES:  God is Righteous and Just

If you ever doubt the truth that God is righteous and just, meditate on His promises that He is always fair.  He is a God of truth, and He loves justice and righteousness.

For the LORD is righteous, he loves justice; the upright will see his face. (Psalm 11:7, NIV)

He is the Rock, His work is perfect; For all His ways are justice, a God of truth and without injustice; righteous and upright is He. (Deuteronomy 32:4)

Almighty God does not do evil; he is never unjust to anyone. (Job 34:12, GNT)

For I, the LORD, love justice. I hate robbery and wrongdoing. I will faithfully reward my people for their suffering and make an everlasting covenant with them. (Isaiah 61:8, NLT)

When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. (1 Peter 2:23, NIV)

The LORD loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of his unfailing love. (Psalm 33:5, NIV)

And Peter opened his mouth and said: Most certainly and thoroughly I now perceive and understand that God shows no partiality and is no respecter of persons, 35 But in every nation he who venerates and has a reverential fear for God, treating Him with worshipful obedience and living uprightly, is acceptable to Him and sure of being received and welcomed [by Him]. (Acts 10:34-35, AMP)

And you, masters, do the same things to them, giving up threatening, knowing that your own Master also is in heaven, and there is no partiality with Him. (Ephesians 6:9)

For he who does wrong will receive the consequences of the wrong which he has done, and that without partiality. (Colossians 3:25, NAS)

The Lord is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made. (Psalm 145:9, NIV)

O, give thanks unto the Lord, for He is good. (1 Chronicles 16:34)

In Christ’s family there can be no division into Jew and non-Jew, slave and free, male and female. Among us you are all equal. That is, we are all in a common relationship with Jesus Christ. (Galatians 3:28, MSG)

Chapter 9 – THE LIE: God is Unfaithful

The character of God is today, and always will be, exactly what it was in Bible times...God is forever what at that moment, three thousand years ago, He told Moses that He was. ~J. I. Packer

In any relationship, trust is extremely important and valuable. We want to trust others and count on them to be true and reliable.  When they give us their word on something, we want to trust they will keep it.  When they share their thoughts and feelings with us, we want to trust they are being genuine.

Unfortunately, people are not always faithful and trustworthy.  They may betray our trust, lie to us, cheat us, go back on their promises, and let us down.  We ourselves might not always be the most reliable and trustworthy person either. We, too, will disappoint others.

Fortunately, God is not like man.  He never changes.  He never goes back on His word.  He never betrays our trust and confidence in Him.  He is forever faithful and true.

At times, however, we may feel disappointed by unanswered prayer, or we may be angry that God has allowed some unfortunate circumstance.  Yet, we can still trust in His faithfulness, knowing that He always has our best interest at heart.  He is on our side. He is in control.  And, He is true to His promises. He is Truth.  We can always count on that!

Do you ever think or feel that God cannot be trusted and that He is unfaithful?  Review the following list and identify what best describes God to you.

-       Unreliable, cannot count on Him

-       Unpredictable

-       A backstabber

-       Does not keep His promises

-       Goes back on His word

-       Is a Liar

-       Tells me one thing and does another

-       Out to cheat me

-       Betrays my trust

-       Disappoints me, lets me down

-       Other: ____

Renounce the LIE: God is Unfaithful and Untrustworthy

Accept the TRUTH:  God is Faithful and Trustworthy

The Truth, according to the Bible, is that God …

-       Is reliable and I can count on Him

-       Does not waver

-       Never changes

-       Will never betray me

-       Keeps His Word

-       Makes a way for me

-       Is my closest ally, my best friend

-       Never lies

-       Is always honest and true

-       Other: ____

GOD’S PROMISES:  God is Faithful and Trustworthy

If you ever doubt the truth that God is faithful and trustworthy, meditate on the Bible promises of His great faithfulness that is new every morning. He can be trusted to always be there for us.

If we are unfaithful, he remains faithful, for he cannot deny who he is. (2 Timothy 2:13, NLT)

God is not a man that He should tell or act a lie, neither the son of man, that He should feel repentance or compunction [for what He has promised]. Has He said and shall He not do it? Or has He spoken and shall He not make it good? (Numbers 23:19, AMP)

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. (Hebrews 13:8)

Your unfailing love, O LORD, is as vast as the heavens; your faithfulness reaches beyond the clouds. Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains, your justice like the ocean depths. You care for people and animals alike, O LORD. (Psalm 36:5-6, NLT)

He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection. (Psalm 91:4, NLT)

Through the LORD’s mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not.  They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness.  “The LORD is my portion,” says my soul, “Therefore I hope in Him!” (Lamentation 3:22-24)

The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure. (1 Corinthians 10:13, NLT)

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)

So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it. (Isaiah 55:11)

Chapter 10 – THE LIE: God is Unforgiving

The love of God is one of the great realities of the universe, a pillar upon which the hope of the world rests. But it is a personal, intimate thing too. God does not love populations, He loves people. He loves not masses, but men. ~A. W. Tozer

We know what it is like to be unforgiving.  We want the other person to pay for their transgression.  They are indebted to us and ought to be punished.  We may have little mercy and seek vengeance instead.

Some people think God is this way.  They see a callous God who will not forgive them when they make mistakes.  Instead, He will make them pay for what they did and punish them mercilessly.  They believe that God is harsh and unmoved by their need for mercy and a second chance.  Some even think God is vindictive and is out to get them.

Clearly, this is not the God of the Bible.   He loves us so much that He sent His Son, Jesus, to die for us and pay the penalty for our sins.  Our sins are costly.  It cost Jesus His life - He took our sins upon Himself and set us free.  We do not need to pay for our sins.  He did it for us.

We are forgiven by God’s great mercy and love.  However, that does not mean that we will not reap the consequences of our sinful choices.  We reap what we sow. But because Jesus died for our sins, He made a way to restore our fellowship with God when we sin. We can repent and ask for forgiveness.  We can go boldly to the throne of grace, and there we will always find mercy and grace when we need it.

Do you ever think or feel that God is unforgiving?  Review the following list and identify what best describes God to you.

-       Wants me to feel guilty

-       Holds my sins against me

-       Never forgets the mistakes I make

-       Will make me pay for things I did wrong

-       Is going to get me back

-       Wants to get even

-       Will punish me

-       Does not have sympathy for me

-       Condemns me

-       Wants me to feel regret

-       Other: ____

Renounce the LIE: God is Unforgiving

Accept the TRUTH:  God is Forgiving and Merciful

The Truth, according to the Bible, is that God …

-       Forgives me when I ask and take responsibility

-       Never uses my mistakes against me

-       Does not bring up my past sins

-       Forgives and forgets

-       Has compassion on me

-       Is merciful and gracious

-       Is a God of second chances

-       Gently convicts me in order to restore me

-       Wants to restore and heal me

-       Will not allow more than I can handle

-       Is my Helper

-       Other: ____

GOD’S PROMISES:  God is Forgiving and Merciful

If you ever doubt the truth that God is forgiving and merciful, meditate on His promises that wants to show you His mercy and forgive you of all your sins.

You were dead because of your sins and because your sinful nature was not yet cut away. Then God made you alive with Christ, for he forgave all our sins. 14 He canceled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross. (Colossians 2:13-14, NLT)

As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us. (Psalm 103:12)

Yes, what joy for those whose record the LORD has cleared of guilt, whose lives are lived in complete honesty! (Psalm 32:2, NLT)

If we [freely] admit that we have sinned and confess our sins, He is faithful and just (true to His own nature and promises) and will forgive our sins [dismiss our lawlessness] and [continuously] cleanse us from all unrighteousness [everything not in conformity to His will in purpose, thought, and action]. (1 John 1:9, AMP)

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. (John 3:16)

Then Peter came to Him and said, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?” Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.  (Matthew 18:21-22)

No test or temptation that comes your way is beyond the course of what others have had to face. All you need to remember is that God will never let you down; he’ll never let you be pushed past your limit; he’ll always be there to help you come through it. (1 Corinthians10:13, NIV)

Through the LORD’s mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. (Lamentations 3:22)

Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. (Hebrews 4:6, NKJV)

Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. (Isaiah 1:18)

This is the covenant I will establish with the people of Israel after that time, declares the Lord. I will put my laws in their minds and write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. No longer will they teach their neighbor, or say to one another, ‘Know the Lord,’ because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest. For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more. (Hebrews 8:10-12, NIV)

Something to Consider:

> There is no sin for which God will not forgive us when we come before Him with a repentant heart - confessing our wrongdoing and asking for His pardon.  Although we may know and believe that God forgives us, there are times when we may have a hard time receiving His forgiveness.  The reason is often because

we cannot forgive ourselves. We may struggle with condemnation and excessive guilt, all of which are not from God.  Once we realize that the blood of Jesus washes away our sin, and there is no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, we can choose to forgive ourselves and receive God’s amazing grace and forgiveness!

Is there anything that keeps you from receiving God’s forgiveness?  Explain.

Therefore, [there is] now no condemnation (no adjudging guilty of wrong) for those who are in Christ Jesus, who live [and] walk not after the dictates of the flesh, but after the dictates of the Spirit. (Romans 8:1, AMP)

The LIES vs. The TRUTH About GOD

God IS NOT Distant, God IS Near and Involved

God IS NOT Rejecting, God IS Accepting and Affirming

God IS NOT Uncaring, God IS Caring and Understanding

God IS NOT Demanding and Invalidating, God IS Gentle and Forbearing

God IS NOT Angry & Mean, God IS Loving and Kind

God IS NOT a Killjoy, God IS Joyful and Giving

God IS NOT Controlling and Manipulative, God IS Liberating

God IS NOT Unfair, God IS Righteous and Just

God IS NOT Unfaithful and Untrustworthy, God IS Faithful and Trustworthy

God IS NOT Unforgiving, God IS Forgiving and Merciful

An Intimate Message From God To You

Father's Love Letter

My Child,

You may not know me,

but I know everything about you.

Psalm 139:1

I know when you sit down and when you rise up.

Psalm 139:2

I am familiar with all your ways.

Psalm 139:3

Even the very hairs on your head are numbered.

Matthew 10:29-31

For you were made in my image.

Genesis 1:27

In me you live and move and have your being.

Acts 17:28

For you are my offspring.

Acts 17:28

I knew you even before you were conceived.

Jeremiah 1:4-5

I chose you when I planned creation.

Ephesians 1:11-12

You were not a mistake,

for all your days are written in my book.

Psalm 139:15-16

I determined the exact time of your birth

and where you would live.

Acts 17:26

You are fearfully and wonderfully made.

Psalm 139:14

I knit you together in your mother's womb.

Psalm 139:13

And brought you forth on the day you were born.

Psalm 71:6

I have been misrepresented

by those who don't know me.

John 8:41-44

I am not distant and angry,

but am the complete expression of love.

1 John 4:16

And it is my desire to lavish my love on you.

1 John 3:1

Simply because you are my child

and I am your Father.

1 John 3:1

I offer you more than your earthly father ever could.

Matthew 7:11

For I am the perfect father.

Matthew 5:48

Every good gift that you receive comes from my hand.

James 1:17

For I am your provider and I meet all your needs.

Matthew 6:31-33

My plan for your future has always been filled with hope.

Jeremiah 29:11

Because I love you with an everlasting love.

Jeremiah 31:3

My thoughts toward you are countless

as the sand on the seashore.

Psalms 139:17-18

And I rejoice over you with singing.

Zephaniah 3:17

I will never stop doing good to you.

Jeremiah 32:40

For you are my treasured possession.

Exodus 19:5

I desire to establish you

with all my heart and all my soul.

Jeremiah 32:41

And I want to show you great and marvelous things.

Jeremiah 33:3

If you seek me with all your heart,

you will find me.

Deuteronomy 4:29

Delight in me and I will give you

the desires of your heart.

Psalm 37:4

For it is I who gave you those desires.

Philippians 2:13

I am able to do more for you

than you could possibly imagine.

Ephesians 3:20

For I am your greatest encourager.

2 Thessalonians 2:16-17

I am also the Father who comforts you

in all your troubles.

2 Corinthians 1:3-4

When you are brokenhearted,

I am close to you.

Psalm 34:18

As a shepherd carries a lamb,

I have carried you close to my heart.

Isaiah 40:11

One day I will wipe away

every tear from your eyes.

Revelation 21:3-4

And I'll take away all the pain

you have suffered on this earth.

Revelation 21:3-4

I am your Father, and I love you

even as I love my son, Jesus.

John 17:23

For in Jesus, my love for you is revealed.

John 17:26

He is the exact representation of my being.

Hebrews 1:3

He came to demonstrate that I am for you,

not against you.

Romans 8:31

And to tell you that I am not counting your sins.

2 Corinthians 5:18-19

Jesus died so that you and I could be reconciled.

2 Corinthians 5:18-19

His death was the ultimate expression

of my love for you.

1 John 4:10

I gave up everything I loved

that I might gain your love.

Romans 8:31-32

If you receive the gift of my son Jesus,

you receive me.

1 John 2:23

And nothing will ever separate you

from my love again.

Romans 8:38-39

Come home and I'll throw the biggest party

heaven has ever seen.

Luke 15:7

I have always been Father,

and will always be Father.

Ephesians 3:14-15

My question is…

Will you be my child?

John 1:12-13

I am waiting for you.

Luke 15:11-32

Love, Your Dad

Almighty God

Father's Love Letter used by permission Father Heart Communications

© 1999-2013 www.FathersLoveLetter.com

The Character of God Quotes & Reflections

God is not a power or principle or law, but he is a living, creating, communicating person - a mind who thinks, a heart who feels, a will who acts, whose best name is Father.  ~Robert Hamill

Christ is the wisdom of God; and in the knowledge of this Christ there is wisdom for you. Not wisdom only, but life, forgiveness, peace, glory, and an endless kingdom! Study Him! Acquaint yourself with Him! Whatever you are ignorant of, be not ignorant of Him. Whatever you overlook, overlook not Him. Whatever you lose, lose not Him. To gain Him is to gain eternal life, to gain a kingdom, to gain everlasting blessedness. To lose Him is to lose your soul, to lose God, to lose God's favour, to lose God's heaven, to lose the eternal crown!  ~Horatius Bonar

One of the most wonderful things about knowing God is that there's always so much more to know, so much more to discover. Just when we least expect it, He intrudes into our neat and tidy notions about who He is and how He works.  ~Joni Eareckson Tada

God is not like an earthly parent. His 'not yet' means just that, 'not yet' and not 'no'. Earthly parents sometimes lie with the words 'not yet', when they mean 'no', thinking they are being kind. God's 'yes' is always 'yes' and His 'no' is always 'no'. He does not forget His promises and makes no promises He will not keep. ~Katherine Walden

The God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, the God of Jacob, the God of Christians is a God of love and comfort, a God who fills the soul and heart of those whom he possesses, a God who makes them conscious of their inward wretchedness, and his infinite mercy; who unites himself to their inmost soul, who fills it with humility and joy, with confidence and love, who renders them incapable of any other end than himself.  ~Blaise Pascal

Once you become aware that the main business that you are here for is to know God, most of life's problems fall into place of their own accord. ~J. I. Packer

Nothing can alter the character of God. In the course of a human life, tastes and outlook and temper may change radically: a kin, equable man may turn bitter and crotchety: a man of good-will may grow cynical and callous. But nothing of this sort happens to the Creator. He never becomes less truthful, or merciful, or just, or good, than He used to be. The character of God is today, and always will be, exactly what it was in Bible times. ~J. I. Packer

Our approach to God is conditioned by our concept of Him, whether accurate or distorted. If we suspect that He is too busy with more important matters, as if we think there is a great queue in front of us, we won't want to bother Him. If we see Him as a tyrant, watching sternly for any false moves, ready with a big stick to wallop us, we will come very warily! If, on the other hand, we see Him as a soft and indulgent "super-daddy," we may come presumptuously, blundering carelessly onto holy ground. ~Graham Kendrick

How completely satisfying to turn from our limitations to a God who has none.... For Him time does not pass, it remains.... God never hurries. There are no deadlines against which He must work. To know this is to quiet our spirits and relax our nerves.  ~A. W. Tozer

Footprints

One night I had a dream--

I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord

and across the sky flashed scenes from my life.

For each scene I noticed two sets of footprints,

one belonged to me and the other to the Lord.

When the last scene of my life flashed before me,

I looked back at the footprints in the sand.

I noticed that many times along the path of my life,

there was only one set of footprints.

I also noticed that it happened at the very lowest

and saddest times in my life.

This really bothered me and I questioned the Lord about it.

"Lord, you said that once I decided to follow you,

you would walk with me all the way,

but I have noticed that during the most troublesome times in my life there is only one set of footprints.

"I don't understand why in times when I needed you most, you should leave me."

The Lord replied, "My precious, precious child,

I love you and I would never, never leave you

during your times of trial and suffering.

"When you saw only one set of footprints,

it was then that I carried you."

Are You In Christ and Is Christ In You?

Jesus Christ has made the Father God known to us: “I have made You known to them, and will continue to make You known in order that the love You have for Me may be in them and that I Myself may be in them”  (John 17:26, NIV).  God wants us to receive His love.  In doing so, we will be in Christ and He will be in us.

First, it must be understood that God’s love is freely given to us in His Son and His love holds no conditions.  There is nothing you can do to EARN God’s love.  It doesn’t matter how many times or how hard you try to be a good person or live a worthy life.  “For by GRACE you have been saved through FAITH, and that not of yourselves; it is the GIFT OF GOD, not of works, lest anyone should boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9).  Salvation is a gift of God.  It is not our    reward for doing good things on earth.

Secondly, we must recognize that we “all fall short of God’s glorious ideal” (Romans 3:23, TLB).  We ALL have sinned and there is punishment for sin.  God doesn’t want us to face the eternal judgment for sin; that is why He sent His Son. Jesus Christ paid the price for our sin and redeemed us with His precious blood (1 Peter 1:18-19).  In order to be saved, we must acknowledge our sin and repent.

The Bible says you can choose to be in Christ.  You can choose to go from eternal death (separation from God) to eternal life:  “If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.  For with the heart one believes unto righteousness and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation”  (Romans 10:9-10).

If you want to be sure that you are in Christ

and that He is in you then pray this prayer to God:

Dear Heavenly Father.....

I come to you in the name of Jesus.  I confess I am a sinner and come short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23).  I repent and ask for Your forgiveness.  I believe in my heart Jesus Christ is the Son of God.  I believe He was raised from the dead for my justification.  And I confess Him now as my Lord and Savior (Romans 10:9-10).  The blood of Jesus Christ has cleansed me from all sin (1 John 1:7) and now I am a child of God and I am saved (John 1:12).

Thank You, Lord!!

What’s next?

1- Pray every day (talk to God; He hears you).

2- Read the Bible every day.

3- Get rooted and grounded in a Bible-believing church.

About the Author

Krystal Kuehn, MA, LPC, LLP, NCC is a psychotherapist, best-selling author, teacher, songwriter and musician.

Krystal specializes in helping people live their best life now, reach their full potential, overcome barriers, heal from their past, & develop a happiness lifestyle. Her inspirational and empowering approach has been helping people all over the world for over 20 years. Krystal’s articles, poetry, and songs have been published locally and internationally. She is also the author of many books (For a Complete List: click here).

Krystal has a passion for encouraging others.  She believes everyone has untapped potential for greatness and everyone can live a life of fulfillment and true happiness.  Krystal is the co-founder of New Day Counseling in Michigan. Her web sites include:

Christian-Kindle-Books.com

NewDayCounseling.org

Be Your Best Blog

Baby-Poems.com

NewSongProductions.com

BeHappy4Life.com

Facebook.com/WordsofInspiration

Connect with Krystal Kuehn

It is my sincerest desire and hope that The 10 Biggest Lies About God and the Truth That Will Set You Free has helped to dispel any lies you may have heard or believed about God and encouraged you with the truth about your Heavenly Father.  May you draw closer than ever to Him! I would love to hear your thoughts, testimonials, and how you have been blessed.  You can send your testimonials, feedback and comments to me at:

maxpotential312@gmail.com

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Table of Contents

INTRODUCTION

Chapter 1 – THE LIE: God is Distant

Chapter 2 – THE LIE: God is Rejecting

Chapter 3 – THE LIE: God is Uncaring

Chapter 4 – THE LIE: God is Demanding

Chapter 5 – THE LIE: God is Angry & Mean

Chapter 6 – THE LIE: God is a Killjoy

Chapter 7 – THE LIE: God is Controlling & Manipulative

Chapter 8 – THE LIE: God is Unfair

Chapter 9 – THE LIE: God is Unfaithful

Chapter 10 – THE LIE: God is Unforgiving

The LIES vs. The TRUTH About GOD

An Intimate Message From God To You

The Character of God Quotes & Reflections

Are You In Christ and Is Christ In You?

About the Author