Fighting Repetitive Sin
We know that the law is spiritual; but I am unspiritual, sold as a slave to sin. I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do, I do not do, but what I hate to do. Romans 7:14-15 NIV
"What I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do - this I keep doing." Paul~
Paul sounds like a man that is horribly torn. He wants to do well, but is unable to. Try as he might, the bad he is attempting to avoid keeps surfacing. Paul seems perplexed as to why he leans into sin, while trying to do God’s will. I will be honest and say that I have the same identical struggles. Not that you should, but do you struggle with repetitive sin too?
Believe me when I say that I have tried all of the fixes. I prayed the prayers and quoted the right verses (in their right context). The elders have prayed for me (and a few non elders too). I have been anointed with oil, received the Holy Spirit and my cup ran over. I have even been anointed by a Catholic priest and went to confession..., and I am not Catholic! And guess what? After all of that stuff, I still sin! What a wretched man I am (Romans 7:24)!
While I cannot deny that God heals us of many troubling behaviors, I think it is also true that God might use our sin proclivities to turn our minds toward Him. Or in other words, God may leave us with some repetitive sin in order to make us look up to see where our help comes from (Psalm 121:1). I think that when we are facing our old and familiar sins God offers two most important answers: ‘My grace is sufficient’ and ‘My Son is sufficient’. I can't ignore the thought that each of us has a responsibility, we must each of us carry our own cross (Galatians 6:5/Luke 14:27). And likewise, it is the same with troubles. We need to go into troubles and temptation knowing that if the Lord has allowed it, then we have His confidence that we can handle it. And for all of the other times that the load becomes too much to bear, for all of the times that we did not follow the escape route; repentance, grace and blood are sufficient.
Friday, May 30, 2014
Unleashing God's Compassion
Unleashing God's Compassion
When God saw what they did and how they turned from their evil ways, he had compassion and did not bring upon them the destruction he had threatened. Jonah 3:10 NIV
Over the years I have noticed that there are fads that come and go, even among Christians. At one time there was a preoccupation with angels. Then, healing powers were all the rage. Now there is a focus on financial blessing. Tomorrow, there will be some other whim that will fade. But, underneath the fads, fame and star powered religion, there is a genuine faith in God at work too. I am speaking of people that seek out His friendship more than the fame. There are people that search for faith more than finances. And above all, the most sought after gift of God by His people is His salvation in Christ. What is it that you want most from God?
The truth is that some religious popularity trends are actually genuine promises from God. But when God's promises are abused in order to earn a dollar, maybe they become a passing fad that disappears from the hearts and minds of His people. But when taken in the right perspective, those things, those blessings are really what God intends to give us, when He has decided it is best for us to have them. And maybe these blessings God has stored up for us can only be unleashed by a true need, not necessarily only a want? There are so many books on the market about unleashing blessings but what about unleashing God's compassion, love and salvation? Are these valuable commodities too?
I have been in times where I needed to unleash the power of godly healing. I have called out for godly financial blessing. And God has sometimes blessed me with a yes and sometimes with a no. But the blessing I have always been able to unleash in my life is compassion. God cannot refuse a repentant heart (Psalm 51:17). Or in other words, other things may be 'yes' and 'no', but there is always a yes in Christ!
When God saw what they did and how they turned from their evil ways, he had compassion and did not bring upon them the destruction he had threatened. Jonah 3:10 NIV
Over the years I have noticed that there are fads that come and go, even among Christians. At one time there was a preoccupation with angels. Then, healing powers were all the rage. Now there is a focus on financial blessing. Tomorrow, there will be some other whim that will fade. But, underneath the fads, fame and star powered religion, there is a genuine faith in God at work too. I am speaking of people that seek out His friendship more than the fame. There are people that search for faith more than finances. And above all, the most sought after gift of God by His people is His salvation in Christ. What is it that you want most from God?
The truth is that some religious popularity trends are actually genuine promises from God. But when God's promises are abused in order to earn a dollar, maybe they become a passing fad that disappears from the hearts and minds of His people. But when taken in the right perspective, those things, those blessings are really what God intends to give us, when He has decided it is best for us to have them. And maybe these blessings God has stored up for us can only be unleashed by a true need, not necessarily only a want? There are so many books on the market about unleashing blessings but what about unleashing God's compassion, love and salvation? Are these valuable commodities too?
I have been in times where I needed to unleash the power of godly healing. I have called out for godly financial blessing. And God has sometimes blessed me with a yes and sometimes with a no. But the blessing I have always been able to unleash in my life is compassion. God cannot refuse a repentant heart (Psalm 51:17). Or in other words, other things may be 'yes' and 'no', but there is always a yes in Christ!
Friday, May 23, 2014
Morning Time Belongs to the Lord
Morning Time Belongs to the Lord
Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23
As of late I have been in extremely difficult circumstances. A fair few have accosted me with verbal attacks on my character. A few others have made every effort to antagonize me about my theology. While their criticism chases after me, it seems joy is also in hot pursuit of me. To me, this is no coincidence. If joy has revealed itself in the midst of turbulent circumstances, it cannot be a mere coincidence. It has to be the Lord!
Today I am reminded that I am alive because of God's great love. My sins should have consumed me years ago. But by the blood of His son, He has caused me to be at peace with Him. Now, I am no longer an enemy, but a friend, an adopted son, an heir, a confidant and a servant. Even though my circumstances are difficult and my heart is heavy, the Lord lifts me up! Many may be able to tend a hurting man, but who can tend to his heart? For this, the Lord is great indeed!
Today, I am reminded that the Lord's compassion is new every morning. Just as the sun breaks through the darkness, so the joy of the Lord breaks in to my sorrow. In the morning, before the troubles of the day, before the curses and cries begin, I will remember that the morning belongs to the Lord. Though there is grief, the Lord shows compassion and love because He doesn't willingly bring pain or grief to His people (Lamentations 3:32-33).
Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23
As of late I have been in extremely difficult circumstances. A fair few have accosted me with verbal attacks on my character. A few others have made every effort to antagonize me about my theology. While their criticism chases after me, it seems joy is also in hot pursuit of me. To me, this is no coincidence. If joy has revealed itself in the midst of turbulent circumstances, it cannot be a mere coincidence. It has to be the Lord!
Today I am reminded that I am alive because of God's great love. My sins should have consumed me years ago. But by the blood of His son, He has caused me to be at peace with Him. Now, I am no longer an enemy, but a friend, an adopted son, an heir, a confidant and a servant. Even though my circumstances are difficult and my heart is heavy, the Lord lifts me up! Many may be able to tend a hurting man, but who can tend to his heart? For this, the Lord is great indeed!
Today, I am reminded that the Lord's compassion is new every morning. Just as the sun breaks through the darkness, so the joy of the Lord breaks in to my sorrow. In the morning, before the troubles of the day, before the curses and cries begin, I will remember that the morning belongs to the Lord. Though there is grief, the Lord shows compassion and love because He doesn't willingly bring pain or grief to His people (Lamentations 3:32-33).
Blessed Assurance
Blessed Assurance
For if, when we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life!
Romans 5:10 NIV
After several years of faith walking (or maybe the truth is that the Lord has been carrying me) I still sometimes wonder, still sometimes ask of God, "Do I really belong to you?" Do you ever have doubts about your relationship with God?
You may wonder how a person can doubt his or her faith? Well, when a believer does or says things that don't represent God (and we all do that from time to time) the doubts can sometimes come rolling in. Or maybe we sought God on some specific need and He did not answer the way we expected…, more doubts can arise. When we see the "care free" attitude of those that don't love God, we might wonder, "What's wrong with us? Why am I missing out on the fun?" And after a time of enduring personal failures and disappointments, you may now see how worry and doubt could set in. If you are filled with worry and doubt, I have one question; "Have you accepted Christ as savior?"
If you answered yes, then consider the fact that you have ceased being an enemy of God and are now wrapped in the blessed assurance of salvation that exists nowhere else but in Christ. If God sought us out and saved us while we were His enemies, how much more are we assured of hope and salvation in the resurrection of Christ? Or, let me put it this way, now that we have been reconciled to God by the death and resurrection of Christ, there isn't anything too high or too low, any principality or powers, not anything in the future or past that can separate us from the love of God that comes by way of Christ!
For if, when we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life!
Romans 5:10 NIV
After several years of faith walking (or maybe the truth is that the Lord has been carrying me) I still sometimes wonder, still sometimes ask of God, "Do I really belong to you?" Do you ever have doubts about your relationship with God?
You may wonder how a person can doubt his or her faith? Well, when a believer does or says things that don't represent God (and we all do that from time to time) the doubts can sometimes come rolling in. Or maybe we sought God on some specific need and He did not answer the way we expected…, more doubts can arise. When we see the "care free" attitude of those that don't love God, we might wonder, "What's wrong with us? Why am I missing out on the fun?" And after a time of enduring personal failures and disappointments, you may now see how worry and doubt could set in. If you are filled with worry and doubt, I have one question; "Have you accepted Christ as savior?"
If you answered yes, then consider the fact that you have ceased being an enemy of God and are now wrapped in the blessed assurance of salvation that exists nowhere else but in Christ. If God sought us out and saved us while we were His enemies, how much more are we assured of hope and salvation in the resurrection of Christ? Or, let me put it this way, now that we have been reconciled to God by the death and resurrection of Christ, there isn't anything too high or too low, any principality or powers, not anything in the future or past that can separate us from the love of God that comes by way of Christ!
Friday, May 16, 2014
Greater Joy
Greater Joy
You have filled my heart with greater joy... Psalm 4:7
If one were to rub shoulders with the affluent, he or she might only find joy in what can be bought. Other people may think that the best joy in life is in a higher education or in fueling their wildest fantasies. Are these the things that make for joy in the hearts of God's people? What gives you joy in this life?
I think that joy derived from purchases, circumstances and accomplishments is fleeting at best. Those things haven’t any eternal value, which is my guess as to why they sparkle for a little while and then, over time, loose their appeal. Maybe a blessing from God that has been horded, that is, used beyond its purpose, will turn to rot in our very hands? And isn’t it also possible that the good-life that God has given us isn’t meant to be used for any other purpose than to bless others and to glorify Him?
I think that God has blessings for us that transcend anything that this life may have to offer, if we would just ask. While it may be okay to ask God for stuff, don’t stop there. Seek out things that have value in eternity. Ask for things that lead to greater joy. Tell God that you want to know Him. Ask God for His Spirit to be a constant companion. Ask for the forgiveness that only comes from the cross of Christ. Ask for Biblical understanding. Ask Him for an opportunity to serve. If the Lord answers any of those prayers, you might find out what Greater Joy is...
You have filled my heart with greater joy... Psalm 4:7
If one were to rub shoulders with the affluent, he or she might only find joy in what can be bought. Other people may think that the best joy in life is in a higher education or in fueling their wildest fantasies. Are these the things that make for joy in the hearts of God's people? What gives you joy in this life?
I think that joy derived from purchases, circumstances and accomplishments is fleeting at best. Those things haven’t any eternal value, which is my guess as to why they sparkle for a little while and then, over time, loose their appeal. Maybe a blessing from God that has been horded, that is, used beyond its purpose, will turn to rot in our very hands? And isn’t it also possible that the good-life that God has given us isn’t meant to be used for any other purpose than to bless others and to glorify Him?
I think that God has blessings for us that transcend anything that this life may have to offer, if we would just ask. While it may be okay to ask God for stuff, don’t stop there. Seek out things that have value in eternity. Ask for things that lead to greater joy. Tell God that you want to know Him. Ask God for His Spirit to be a constant companion. Ask for the forgiveness that only comes from the cross of Christ. Ask for Biblical understanding. Ask Him for an opportunity to serve. If the Lord answers any of those prayers, you might find out what Greater Joy is...
Divine Necessity
Divine Necessity
Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the desert, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life. John 3:14-15 NIV
Someone once said to me, "I follow God in my own way." Maybe this was a polite way to turn down my invitation to church and Bible study? Maybe that person really does worship God at home in a way that is personal between them and God…, but I doubt it.
Isn't it possible that their answer was more about obstinacy and arrogance than anything else? A person always thinks that he or she is doing “well enough.” But when we bring the word of God into our minds, we begin to see our depravity, our desperate need for redemption and that God is ready and willing to respond to a contrite heart.
The truth of the matter is that if my own way of following God was good enough, then why would God offer up His own son to breach the wall of sin that separated us? Why make the divine offer, or I should say, why make Christ the Divine Necessity if “good enough” was good enough? Do you know that you need Christ or do you honestly think that following God in your own way will be good enough?
Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the desert, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life. John 3:14-15 NIV
Someone once said to me, "I follow God in my own way." Maybe this was a polite way to turn down my invitation to church and Bible study? Maybe that person really does worship God at home in a way that is personal between them and God…, but I doubt it.
Isn't it possible that their answer was more about obstinacy and arrogance than anything else? A person always thinks that he or she is doing “well enough.” But when we bring the word of God into our minds, we begin to see our depravity, our desperate need for redemption and that God is ready and willing to respond to a contrite heart.
The truth of the matter is that if my own way of following God was good enough, then why would God offer up His own son to breach the wall of sin that separated us? Why make the divine offer, or I should say, why make Christ the Divine Necessity if “good enough” was good enough? Do you know that you need Christ or do you honestly think that following God in your own way will be good enough?
Friday, May 9, 2014
Do what you should
Do what you should
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9 NIV
There seems to be no short supply of people that think I work in the complaint department for God. When they start in about God's failures and shortcomings it feels like I am being stung by a hundred bees. Their venom makes me want to lash out or at least get them to think logically. But most people in full throttle anger are hardly ready for reason and correction.
One person told me that he was angry because God did not protect him from pain while he was sinning. Yes, read that sentence again because it says exactly what you thought it did. He was angry because God didn't stop the pain (or consequences) of living a sinful life. I once read a piece of "peculiar" news where a man had kidnapped a husband and wife. Later, he sued the couple for not helping him evade the police. It just doesn't make sense... but this is what our country or maybe our world has degenerated into. There are too many people that will not take responsibility for their own actions. There are too many that refuse the good counsel of scripture in exchange for false truths and irresponsibility.
After some time had passed I shared a few thoughts with this man. One thought was, "If you do what is right, you will gain the reward that God has for you. Do what is right so that you can avoid the stinging pain of sin." We have to be diligent in serving and in obeying the Word of God. I can't help but notice the pain and penalty we bring on ourselves by ignoring the word. Maybe in this society it is no longer obvious that sin has consequences. Maybe it is no longer obvious that diligence in following God with integrity has its rewards. I just hope that they figure it out before it is too late…
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9 NIV
There seems to be no short supply of people that think I work in the complaint department for God. When they start in about God's failures and shortcomings it feels like I am being stung by a hundred bees. Their venom makes me want to lash out or at least get them to think logically. But most people in full throttle anger are hardly ready for reason and correction.
One person told me that he was angry because God did not protect him from pain while he was sinning. Yes, read that sentence again because it says exactly what you thought it did. He was angry because God didn't stop the pain (or consequences) of living a sinful life. I once read a piece of "peculiar" news where a man had kidnapped a husband and wife. Later, he sued the couple for not helping him evade the police. It just doesn't make sense... but this is what our country or maybe our world has degenerated into. There are too many people that will not take responsibility for their own actions. There are too many that refuse the good counsel of scripture in exchange for false truths and irresponsibility.
After some time had passed I shared a few thoughts with this man. One thought was, "If you do what is right, you will gain the reward that God has for you. Do what is right so that you can avoid the stinging pain of sin." We have to be diligent in serving and in obeying the Word of God. I can't help but notice the pain and penalty we bring on ourselves by ignoring the word. Maybe in this society it is no longer obvious that sin has consequences. Maybe it is no longer obvious that diligence in following God with integrity has its rewards. I just hope that they figure it out before it is too late…
Friday, May 2, 2014
Grieving God
Grieving God
The Lord was grieved that he made man on the earth, and his heart was filled with pain.
Genesis 6:6 NIV
How can a person grieve God? We suffer God by fighting His word, a sort of kicking against the goads (Acts 26:14). At least, that is what my “friends” seemed to be doing in their defense of gay people and gay marriage. They recoiled at God’s word and said to me; "Your thoughts are archaic. You have a closed mind." And in a feeble attempt to reason with me my friend asked, "What do you care what others say and do? Those people are good people, better than most. Who are they hurting?" My answer was that, "They are hurting themselves… they are hurting God."
My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways (Isaiah 55:8-9). The ideas, thoughts and ways of the world are in direct contrast (opposition) to that of God. And to embrace the world’s ways is to reject the way of God. Do you think that the rejection causes God pain? Does it hurt Him when we out-and-out ignore His word for social acceptance? Is God pushed into misery because we prefer our own way as opposed to following His truth?
I have spoken to a lot of non believers (and a few believers) that look down their noses at me and think I am a miserable weak-minded fool for believing God and His word. But someone once reminded me that they aren't rejecting me, they are rejecting God. And though it is true, that their rejection is ultimately pointed at God, I have to say that this time I think I know just how God feels. And it isn’t a good feeling.
The Lord was grieved that he made man on the earth, and his heart was filled with pain.
Genesis 6:6 NIV
How can a person grieve God? We suffer God by fighting His word, a sort of kicking against the goads (Acts 26:14). At least, that is what my “friends” seemed to be doing in their defense of gay people and gay marriage. They recoiled at God’s word and said to me; "Your thoughts are archaic. You have a closed mind." And in a feeble attempt to reason with me my friend asked, "What do you care what others say and do? Those people are good people, better than most. Who are they hurting?" My answer was that, "They are hurting themselves… they are hurting God."
My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways (Isaiah 55:8-9). The ideas, thoughts and ways of the world are in direct contrast (opposition) to that of God. And to embrace the world’s ways is to reject the way of God. Do you think that the rejection causes God pain? Does it hurt Him when we out-and-out ignore His word for social acceptance? Is God pushed into misery because we prefer our own way as opposed to following His truth?
I have spoken to a lot of non believers (and a few believers) that look down their noses at me and think I am a miserable weak-minded fool for believing God and His word. But someone once reminded me that they aren't rejecting me, they are rejecting God. And though it is true, that their rejection is ultimately pointed at God, I have to say that this time I think I know just how God feels. And it isn’t a good feeling.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)