God's love and forgiveness covers over our sin, but it never gives us an excuse to sin. Sin is still sin; it is still wrong no matter how you look at it.
"Behold, the Lord's hand is not so short that it cannot save; nor is His ear so dull that it cannot hear. But your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hidden His face from you so that He does not hear." -Isaiah 59:1-2
We will never be able to do something "bad" enough that God cannot reach us. Our sins will, however, put a separation between us and Him until we come back and repent for doing wrong.
"What IS "wrong" technically though?" you ask? Well, God's moral laws have been written on the heart of every person; man and woman alike. It has been this way since time began. Adam and his family knew it was wrong to murder and they didn't have the ten commandments telling them so. We know what's wrong because we have morals lows embedded into us. We cannot escape them no matter how hard we try; we cannot convince ourselves that our wrong is not really so wrong.
"If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us." -1 John 1:8
I have heard so many people say "well, if you think it's okay to (i.e) be an adulterer, then that's okay. We all have our own version of right and wrong. So many people do it nowdays, it's not really immoral anymore anyway." ("You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery’; but I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart." Matthew 5:27-28) I'm sorry if it offends you, but wrong is wrong no matter where you've come from or what you've been told.
"There are six things which the Lord hates, yes, seven which are an abomination to Him: Haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that run rapidly to evil, a false witness who utters lies, and one who spreads strife among brothers." -Proverbs 6:16-19
Since the garden of Eden to the present day, people's hearts have turned away from God. Nobody wants to be told what is right and wrong because they already KNOW...who likes the feeling of conviction? That feeling that you have done something wrong and you know it but won't admit it... I sure don't. Even people who do wrong and say they think it's fine, deep down they know perfectly well what they're doing is wrong; otherwise, why would all these people be hiding what they're doing?
"For our transgressions are multiplied before You, and our sins testify against us; for our transgressions are with us, and we know our iniquities: transgressing and denying the Lord, and turning away from our God, speaking oppression and revolt, conceiving in and uttering from the heart lying words." -Isaiah 59:12-13
Our sins will always testify against us...it doesn't matter what we say or how we try to wiggle our way out of judgment, our sin will always have a stronger voice than our excuses.
We would be in a hopeless situation if there were not a single voice that could drown out our sins cry of guilt.
There would be no good news...no hope of redemption...
Hope has a name; it is Jesus Christ. Because of the death and resurrection of Jesus, it covers over our sins. We can't just take this cozy blanket and cover up with it...no...it requires the acknowledgment that we have sinned against a holy and just God. Accepting cleanliness does not mean you have free reign to do whatever you want...I know, I know...some of you are thinking "well that sounds incredibly boring... It's like I would be chained, having to do what someone else wants for the rest of my life." This is so far from the truth! Is it better to trust in someone you see constantly making mistakes (mankind) or in someone who lived a perfect life, but felt the same pain, hurt, rejection, etc that you feel today?
"Thus says the LORD, “ Cursed is the man who trusts in mankind And makes flesh his strength, And whose heart turns away from the LORD." -Jeremiah 17:5
You see, every human is born with a natural desire to be loved/accepted. You can say you are fine where you are, but you will be searching for the rest of your life all the same. Being a Christian doesn't mean you live a boring or dull life! I think Christians have more "fun" than anyone else possibly CAN have, because we have the freedom to choose what we do. When you live a life without Christ, all you CAN do is sin...so it's really not free at all. Let me put it this way, I "don't" do certain things, not because I CAN'T, but because I have the fullness of Jesus inside of me, therefore I have no desire for other things (i.e getting drunk, high on drugs, messing around with any guy who looks "fun", partying with people who live for addictions). People have literally asked me if I'm going to go "get wild" when I turn 21...and my answer is always the same: I have no desire to. It is not that I think I'm better than you...that's the last thing I should be thinking... I just already have my "high" (if it makes more sense that way) and have joy with where I am in life, because my joy is full because of Jesus Christ.
God says those who shake their fist at Him, one day even THEY will fall on their knees and proclaim that He is God.
He is truth, righteousness, holiness, justice. He cannot allow everyone a free pass out of hell...and there IS a hell...there has to be a price for sin. But because He loved us SO much, instead of making us lay down our own lives for freedom...He laid His down for every single person...just leaving us with a decision to make. One simple (HUGE) decision that means the difference between eternal life with God Himself and burning in a lake of fire.
I am far from perfect...and that is why I need Jesus' blood sacrifice. I would be on my way to hell right now if it weren't for Him; I owe Him my life because He SAVED my life. Refraining from a few things that aren't good for me anyway? I think it's the least I could choose to do.
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
The Heart Of Jesus
So, what would Jesus' heart look like? We see his reactions and how He responded to just about every situation all throughout scriptures...but have we noticed the pattern yet?
Let's see....I think I'll start at the beginning.
There are few words that have as strong of an impact as "I'm sorry." (Close second would be "I forgive you.") Saying them, on the other hand, is probably one of the hardest things for humans to do (I know it is for me, at least.) Admitting to someone else we were wrong or made a mistake is not something that just comes natural.
Never speaking these words is quite serious; this can put chains, not only on others, but on yourself as well. Pride is not good for us. Plain and simple. It will eat us up from the inside out like poison.
I always tell people I have no problem admitting when I'm wrong...but in all honesty, I really don't like it much. This mouth of mine goes off on me sometimes (more often than I realize) and I say things I know are wrong or hurtful; to go to someone and admit I acted wrong is...well, let me just say it's pretty difficult.
If only we could get it through our heads that relationships cannot stand without being humble... I can blame it on my inherited genes, or how I was raised, or who I hung around as a child, or anything else I can think of. But there comes a point when I have to turn that finger that I have so graciously aimed at everyone else, and point it right back at myself.
- - - - - - - - - - -
Wives/husbands...acting like you have it all figured out and thinking/saying "if they would only listen to ME then the relationship would be fine" is NOT how you work a marriage.
"In the same way, you wives, be submissive to your own husbands so that even if any of them are disobedient to the word, they may be won without a word by the behavior of their wives, as they observe your chaste and respectful behavior. Your adornment must not be merely external—braiding the hair, and wearing gold jewelry, or putting on dresses; but let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God. For in this way in former times the holy women also, who hoped in God, used to adorn themselves, being submissive to their own husbands; just as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord, and you have become her children if you do what is right without being frightened by any fear.
You husbands in the same way, live with your wives in an understanding way, as with someone weaker, since she is a woman; and show her honor as a fellow heir of the grace of life, so that your prayers will not be hindered." 1 Peter 3:1-7
Whether it is father/mother/child, grandparent/grandchild, brother/sister, friends, etc. Staying humble is KEY to making any of these things work. (i.e. Parents, letting you're kids know how smart you are compared to them will never win you any points or build the kind of relationship with your child that you desire.)
"To sum up, all of you be harmonious, sympathetic, brotherly, kindhearted, and humble in spirit; not returning evil for evil or insult for insult, but giving a blessing instead; for you were called for the very purpose that you might inherit a blessing. For, “The one who desires life, to love and see good days, must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit. He must turn away from evil and do good; he must seek peace and pursue it. For the eyes of the Lord are toward the righteous, and His ears attend to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.” " -1 Peter 3:8-12
We cannot continue on this path we're headed down. We cannot keep treating people like they know nothing compared to us and our infinite wisdom. We cannot expect to show the love of God while we traipse around showing off how we have it all figured out.
The bible talks a lot about many things....but the root of everything is being humble.
Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. -Philippians 2:8
Even Jesus humbled Himself to us...the entire world...He left heavens throne to come down to this messed up, sinful earth because He had such deep, pure love for us. He was put on as a crazy man who thought He was the "King of Kings" and you know what? He still came; full knowledge of that. That is the perfect example of being humble. How many of us would still jump out and do something if we KNEW before hand we would be made fun of and mocked by thousands of people? Probably not a single one.
"‘How long will you refuse to humble yourself before Me?" -Exodus 10:3
"When pride comes, then comes dishonor, but with the humble is wisdom." -Proverbs 11:2
"A man’s pride will bring him low, But a humble spirit will obtain honor. -Proverbs 29:23
"Whoever exalts himself shall be humbled; and whoever humbles himself shall be exalted." -Matthew 23:12
"He leads the humble in justice, And He teaches the humble His way." -Psalm 25:9
"When you are cast down, you will speak with confidence, And the humble person He will save." -Job 22:29
"O LORD, You have heard the desire of the humble; You will strengthen their heart, You will incline Your ear" -Psalm 10:17
A lesson I need to learn...and I pray God would give me the heart I need to admit where I have failed and when I have made a mistake...because I have made many and have loads more I have yet to make.
"But He gives a greater grace. Therefore it says, “ GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE.” " -James 4:6
Let's see....I think I'll start at the beginning.
There are few words that have as strong of an impact as "I'm sorry." (Close second would be "I forgive you.") Saying them, on the other hand, is probably one of the hardest things for humans to do (I know it is for me, at least.) Admitting to someone else we were wrong or made a mistake is not something that just comes natural.
Never speaking these words is quite serious; this can put chains, not only on others, but on yourself as well. Pride is not good for us. Plain and simple. It will eat us up from the inside out like poison.
I always tell people I have no problem admitting when I'm wrong...but in all honesty, I really don't like it much. This mouth of mine goes off on me sometimes (more often than I realize) and I say things I know are wrong or hurtful; to go to someone and admit I acted wrong is...well, let me just say it's pretty difficult.
If only we could get it through our heads that relationships cannot stand without being humble... I can blame it on my inherited genes, or how I was raised, or who I hung around as a child, or anything else I can think of. But there comes a point when I have to turn that finger that I have so graciously aimed at everyone else, and point it right back at myself.
- - - - - - - - - - -
Wives/husbands...acting like you have it all figured out and thinking/saying "if they would only listen to ME then the relationship would be fine" is NOT how you work a marriage.
"In the same way, you wives, be submissive to your own husbands so that even if any of them are disobedient to the word, they may be won without a word by the behavior of their wives, as they observe your chaste and respectful behavior. Your adornment must not be merely external—braiding the hair, and wearing gold jewelry, or putting on dresses; but let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God. For in this way in former times the holy women also, who hoped in God, used to adorn themselves, being submissive to their own husbands; just as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord, and you have become her children if you do what is right without being frightened by any fear.
You husbands in the same way, live with your wives in an understanding way, as with someone weaker, since she is a woman; and show her honor as a fellow heir of the grace of life, so that your prayers will not be hindered." 1 Peter 3:1-7
Whether it is father/mother/child, grandparent/grandchild, brother/sister, friends, etc. Staying humble is KEY to making any of these things work. (i.e. Parents, letting you're kids know how smart you are compared to them will never win you any points or build the kind of relationship with your child that you desire.)
"To sum up, all of you be harmonious, sympathetic, brotherly, kindhearted, and humble in spirit; not returning evil for evil or insult for insult, but giving a blessing instead; for you were called for the very purpose that you might inherit a blessing. For, “The one who desires life, to love and see good days, must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit. He must turn away from evil and do good; he must seek peace and pursue it. For the eyes of the Lord are toward the righteous, and His ears attend to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.” " -1 Peter 3:8-12
We cannot continue on this path we're headed down. We cannot keep treating people like they know nothing compared to us and our infinite wisdom. We cannot expect to show the love of God while we traipse around showing off how we have it all figured out.
The bible talks a lot about many things....but the root of everything is being humble.
Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. -Philippians 2:8
Even Jesus humbled Himself to us...the entire world...He left heavens throne to come down to this messed up, sinful earth because He had such deep, pure love for us. He was put on as a crazy man who thought He was the "King of Kings" and you know what? He still came; full knowledge of that. That is the perfect example of being humble. How many of us would still jump out and do something if we KNEW before hand we would be made fun of and mocked by thousands of people? Probably not a single one.
"‘How long will you refuse to humble yourself before Me?" -Exodus 10:3
"When pride comes, then comes dishonor, but with the humble is wisdom." -Proverbs 11:2
"A man’s pride will bring him low, But a humble spirit will obtain honor. -Proverbs 29:23
"Whoever exalts himself shall be humbled; and whoever humbles himself shall be exalted." -Matthew 23:12
"He leads the humble in justice, And He teaches the humble His way." -Psalm 25:9
"When you are cast down, you will speak with confidence, And the humble person He will save." -Job 22:29
"O LORD, You have heard the desire of the humble; You will strengthen their heart, You will incline Your ear" -Psalm 10:17
A lesson I need to learn...and I pray God would give me the heart I need to admit where I have failed and when I have made a mistake...because I have made many and have loads more I have yet to make.
"But He gives a greater grace. Therefore it says, “ GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE.” " -James 4:6
Saturday, May 12, 2012
Stroking The Fire
"The I's have it!"
If you've ever been in any kind of church (or majority rules) meeting, you know what this means. I've been thinking about the way I respond to my life and what happens. Often times my reaction to something is "Well, the I's have it, so I'll go for it." Which basically means I have decided what I want and will just go for it.
I feel so lukewarm. I hold my life up next to those around me who aren't Christians (or at least not very "involved" Christians) and I think quite a lot of myself and how "good" I am. I mean, if I'm better than Bob or Annie, I've got to be doing pretty good with my life...right?
"I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full" -John 10:10
A mediocre life isn't what should be the result if I am truly living for Christ with everything I am. But that's not how it happens, is it? It's all about me. It's all about what I want, what I do, how it will affect ME, what I'M feeling. Nothing I do is thought through far enough to the point where I think "how will that affect my family/friends/church/coworkers?" This world is all about getting what we want, and though we know it's wrong, we play right in to it's hand. We take what we're shown as a "need" by the media and enjoy it for a short time until we get bored, then throw it away.
Reading the bible is out of the question most of the time, because, well let's face it...that hardly EVER makes us feel good. Most of the time it simply points out where we're lacking. We listen to it being read on Sundays then only read it when we absolutely must.
"Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says" -James 1:22
Doing what the bible says means keeping God's word and God Himself at the forefront of our minds at all times.
Priorities. Yes, they're very tricky things.
Did you know that we "want" FAR more than has ever been needed for survival? We then slap a label on it saying it's just God blessing us with prosperity. Yes, because having so much in our lives that we become greedy and self centered is exactly what God desires, isn't it?
I don't even notice what's happening everywhere around me. There are people, right here where I live, all around the world, starving (yes, even in YOUR neighborhood) or struggling to survive. People who are aching and on the verge of ending their life...and we're arguing about what movie to rent or which function we should make a priority?
Jesus should be our priority. Always. No exceptions.
We cannot continue on this path of self-righteousness...I cannot continue on the path I am on right now. In another 1, 5, 10 years I will be living for nothingness. Times change, oh yes, they certainly do...but HOW they change is all up to you and I.
There have been so many before us, people who spent their entire lives showing the love we should be showing now. We think "Oh my goodness, now THAT was a man of God. If only we had more of those." I'm sorry, is there any reason at all why WE cannot go out and make that kind of impact? Is there something wrong with us? We have a big "revival" time or "eye opening" year or two, but (as always) we die out and lose interest. We start acting like the life lived for Christ just isn't what we thought it was and we become bored. We don't get enough attention is what it is. To be popular you don't do what everyone else isn't doing. To get noticed by the people you want, you don't do whats right. No, you dress, act, and talk how people want you to...then you will be lifted high by many.
"Everything they do is done for men to see: they make their phylacteries wide and the tassels on their garments long; they love the place of honor at banquets and the most important seats in the synagogues; they love to be greeted in the marketplaces and to have men call them 'Rabbi' " -Matthew 23:5-7
My life has had major ups...and very big downs. But when I read of the great apostles, I ache inside. I know very very well that something is missing...I know I could be doing for the cause of Christ exactly what those men did. So why aren't I? I am selfish. I want my life to be fun and exciting; I weigh it out and think "that just doesn't seem like it would satisfy me." And this right here, ladies and gentlemen...is why we should not make decisions on our own.
Jesus IS satisfying! As a matter of a fact, He is the ONLY thing that can satisfy us! Wow...what a revelation. I can go hang out with my friends, go on date after date, play sports, get married, or even run for president...but none of these will ever satisfy what I naturally long for. Jesus. This is the fulfillment one gets when they have truly spent their days glorifying the King of Kings with their whole heart, mind and soul.
You see, I was made for one purpose: To worship and love Jesus Christ. How I choose to do so is up to me. Once I have placed HIM at the center of everything I do, I can even play sports, hang out with my friends, start a business, go on vacation....it really doesn't matter. You might think He isn't interested in any such things. He loves you, and if you love those things and do them with the heart for God and shine HIM through your actions...then yes He loves those things! He didn't say we had to spend our lives knocking on everyone's doors and try to spread the gospel to make Him happy. We make Him happy by living out what we say we believe. That our God is enough. That He is the only way to heaven. That we have humbled ourselves before Him because we are unworthy.
"My soul waits in silence for God only; from Him is my salvation, my stronghold; I shall not be greatly shaken." -Psalm 62:1
I do not want to be lukewarm another day. I want God to set me on fire. I want that fire that I had the moment I accepted Jesus in my life to be how I feel each and every day. I want Jesus to stroke my fire until it is big enough to see from the moon. I want to burn bright for Him!
If you've ever been in any kind of church (or majority rules) meeting, you know what this means. I've been thinking about the way I respond to my life and what happens. Often times my reaction to something is "Well, the I's have it, so I'll go for it." Which basically means I have decided what I want and will just go for it.
I feel so lukewarm. I hold my life up next to those around me who aren't Christians (or at least not very "involved" Christians) and I think quite a lot of myself and how "good" I am. I mean, if I'm better than Bob or Annie, I've got to be doing pretty good with my life...right?
"I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full" -John 10:10
A mediocre life isn't what should be the result if I am truly living for Christ with everything I am. But that's not how it happens, is it? It's all about me. It's all about what I want, what I do, how it will affect ME, what I'M feeling. Nothing I do is thought through far enough to the point where I think "how will that affect my family/friends/church/coworkers?" This world is all about getting what we want, and though we know it's wrong, we play right in to it's hand. We take what we're shown as a "need" by the media and enjoy it for a short time until we get bored, then throw it away.
Reading the bible is out of the question most of the time, because, well let's face it...that hardly EVER makes us feel good. Most of the time it simply points out where we're lacking. We listen to it being read on Sundays then only read it when we absolutely must.
"Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says" -James 1:22
Doing what the bible says means keeping God's word and God Himself at the forefront of our minds at all times.
Priorities. Yes, they're very tricky things.
Did you know that we "want" FAR more than has ever been needed for survival? We then slap a label on it saying it's just God blessing us with prosperity. Yes, because having so much in our lives that we become greedy and self centered is exactly what God desires, isn't it?
I don't even notice what's happening everywhere around me. There are people, right here where I live, all around the world, starving (yes, even in YOUR neighborhood) or struggling to survive. People who are aching and on the verge of ending their life...and we're arguing about what movie to rent or which function we should make a priority?
Jesus should be our priority. Always. No exceptions.
We cannot continue on this path of self-righteousness...I cannot continue on the path I am on right now. In another 1, 5, 10 years I will be living for nothingness. Times change, oh yes, they certainly do...but HOW they change is all up to you and I.
There have been so many before us, people who spent their entire lives showing the love we should be showing now. We think "Oh my goodness, now THAT was a man of God. If only we had more of those." I'm sorry, is there any reason at all why WE cannot go out and make that kind of impact? Is there something wrong with us? We have a big "revival" time or "eye opening" year or two, but (as always) we die out and lose interest. We start acting like the life lived for Christ just isn't what we thought it was and we become bored. We don't get enough attention is what it is. To be popular you don't do what everyone else isn't doing. To get noticed by the people you want, you don't do whats right. No, you dress, act, and talk how people want you to...then you will be lifted high by many.
"Everything they do is done for men to see: they make their phylacteries wide and the tassels on their garments long; they love the place of honor at banquets and the most important seats in the synagogues; they love to be greeted in the marketplaces and to have men call them 'Rabbi' " -Matthew 23:5-7
My life has had major ups...and very big downs. But when I read of the great apostles, I ache inside. I know very very well that something is missing...I know I could be doing for the cause of Christ exactly what those men did. So why aren't I? I am selfish. I want my life to be fun and exciting; I weigh it out and think "that just doesn't seem like it would satisfy me." And this right here, ladies and gentlemen...is why we should not make decisions on our own.
Jesus IS satisfying! As a matter of a fact, He is the ONLY thing that can satisfy us! Wow...what a revelation. I can go hang out with my friends, go on date after date, play sports, get married, or even run for president...but none of these will ever satisfy what I naturally long for. Jesus. This is the fulfillment one gets when they have truly spent their days glorifying the King of Kings with their whole heart, mind and soul.
You see, I was made for one purpose: To worship and love Jesus Christ. How I choose to do so is up to me. Once I have placed HIM at the center of everything I do, I can even play sports, hang out with my friends, start a business, go on vacation....it really doesn't matter. You might think He isn't interested in any such things. He loves you, and if you love those things and do them with the heart for God and shine HIM through your actions...then yes He loves those things! He didn't say we had to spend our lives knocking on everyone's doors and try to spread the gospel to make Him happy. We make Him happy by living out what we say we believe. That our God is enough. That He is the only way to heaven. That we have humbled ourselves before Him because we are unworthy.
"My soul waits in silence for God only; from Him is my salvation, my stronghold; I shall not be greatly shaken." -Psalm 62:1
I do not want to be lukewarm another day. I want God to set me on fire. I want that fire that I had the moment I accepted Jesus in my life to be how I feel each and every day. I want Jesus to stroke my fire until it is big enough to see from the moon. I want to burn bright for Him!
Monday, May 7, 2012
There Is Healing For The Broken
"God can restore broken relationships." This is pretty big to hear in the times we're living in. Relationships break apart every day and people treat it like it's alright; like it's just another regular day. Parents leaving kids, a spouse breaking the promise to the other, kids leaving their family, friends betraying friends... 100 Years ago people would still be heartbroken by these things, but we just brush it off as "times changing." It's very sad. We are choosing to be a part of the very thing God died to save us from.
You see, Satan will say all he can to cause us to listen to his lies and those he puts in other people's mouths. He makes them sound so sweet; so good when they're really as bitter as Satan himself. We begin ignoring God's voice and wisdom...straying from what we know is right. We start to desire and hunger opinions from our friends or other people who seem to be wise, just because their words scratch the itch our ears long for. We seek what we want to hear instead of what God is trying to tell us.
This goes further and further...we begin to quietly mock the righteous, only looking out for our own wants and desires. We are now putting other people and their opinions over God's truth. This is the point of danger. Yes, even those who are believers can stray and go for something that goes against what they know is clearly not of God.
The instant we turn our backs to God's voice we start feeling empty. When we put our faith in Christ, He filled our hearts with Himself...His love. When we stop listening to Him, we slowly lose our ability to feel Him. Often times it takes Him bringing us to a point where we have nothing BUT Him left for us to realize how messed up we have become.
After holding our ears from His words...we begin our journey of seeking; we try desperately to find something to fill us, knowing full well we won't find it outside of Christ. The fulfillment of greed, pride and worldly desires are short lived....it only lasts for a moment...then we hunger again for more. This only empties our hearts even more and starts the endless (pointless) cycle.
The first step in getting right with God is acknowledging who He is and what He has done.
"I am God. Even from eternity I am He, and there is none who can deliver out of My hand; I act and who can reverse it?" -Isaiah 43:13
Once we have done this, He will begin to repair our hearts and humble us to a point where we can see relationships slowly repairing. Beware, we have to get to a point of being lowly before we can have repairs done on all the mess we have made. Some might say, "but, I don't want to be worthless. I can't live a life of being thought of as lowly." God's version of lowly doesn't mean you're worthless or that you mean nothing to Him. It simply means we have to be humbled. We cannot think highly of ourselves AND think God is everything we need.
"I have seen his ways, but I will heal him; I will lead him and restore comfort to him and to his mourners, creating the praise of the lips. Peace, peace to him who is far and to him who is near," says the Lord, "and I will heal him." -Isaiah 57:18-19
Humbling ourselves means we admit we are broken; it means we admit we are nothing on our own. We NEED God. There is no way around it. Oh, it is quite easy to tell when we have a bubbling amount of pride rising up within us. Look around you, see if people are pulling away from you. Does your family avoid spending time with you? Are your friends conveniently busy every time you want to hang out? People, though each prideful in their own way, do not enjoy being around those who think more of themselves than they should. When pride becomes part of our every day routine, we become very judgmental...and nobody enjoys being around that kind of attitude.
Why is it so easy to point our finger at everyone else, but not ourselves? We make excuses about being treated poorly, saying, "well I'm just such a faithful Christian that this is all just persecution. People are treating me bad because I am being so faithful." Are we really? Or maybe we are being treated poorly because we have begun living for ourselves and nothing else. Are we doing or not doing things because we want the best or easiest way in our lives, no matter how it will affect those around us? When we start making decisions that only protect us or make US feel fantastic, we lose sight of the consequences that will hit everyone else around us...our family, friends, church, etc.
When we start making time for everything else but God, everything else will begin to fall apart. Especially relationships. Have we become so schedule minded that our Christian walk has become complacent? Do we repeat the same thing so often that it has no meaning anymore? Do we listen for the Holy Spirits voice telling us we need to take time for Him, visit more of those who are hurting, give more to those who have nothing?
I find it odd that we say we have "made time" for God during our day. Some of us (myself included) even go a whole day without opening our bibles. We take 10, 15, 20 minutes for bible study or prayer time, setting a timer to make sure we don't spend any "unnecessarily" time sitting there or letting our schedules get disorganized. We should never have to make time for God. Ever. We should live for God in every moment, in everything we do, and then make time for our other activities. If we place God in the center, right at the core, of everything we do we won't ever have to make time for Him, because He is already there.
"Turn away my eyes from looking at vanity, and revive me in Your ways." -Proverbs 119:37
"Give me understanding, that I may observe Your law and keep it with all my heart. Make me walk in the path of Your commandments, for I delight in it." -Proverbs 119:34-35
We make mistakes, we break hearts and have our hearts broken. We ruin relationships and have ours ruined. But our God is a mighty God and can heal and renew anything we have made a mess of. Never, never, never give up on His promises. You (or your spouse, or your siblings, or your friends) will never be too far out of reach for God. Do not give up.
"I, even I, am the one who wipes out your transgressions for My own sake, and I will not remember your sins." -Isaiah 43:25
You see, Satan will say all he can to cause us to listen to his lies and those he puts in other people's mouths. He makes them sound so sweet; so good when they're really as bitter as Satan himself. We begin ignoring God's voice and wisdom...straying from what we know is right. We start to desire and hunger opinions from our friends or other people who seem to be wise, just because their words scratch the itch our ears long for. We seek what we want to hear instead of what God is trying to tell us.
This goes further and further...we begin to quietly mock the righteous, only looking out for our own wants and desires. We are now putting other people and their opinions over God's truth. This is the point of danger. Yes, even those who are believers can stray and go for something that goes against what they know is clearly not of God.
The instant we turn our backs to God's voice we start feeling empty. When we put our faith in Christ, He filled our hearts with Himself...His love. When we stop listening to Him, we slowly lose our ability to feel Him. Often times it takes Him bringing us to a point where we have nothing BUT Him left for us to realize how messed up we have become.
After holding our ears from His words...we begin our journey of seeking; we try desperately to find something to fill us, knowing full well we won't find it outside of Christ. The fulfillment of greed, pride and worldly desires are short lived....it only lasts for a moment...then we hunger again for more. This only empties our hearts even more and starts the endless (pointless) cycle.
The first step in getting right with God is acknowledging who He is and what He has done.
"I am God. Even from eternity I am He, and there is none who can deliver out of My hand; I act and who can reverse it?" -Isaiah 43:13
Once we have done this, He will begin to repair our hearts and humble us to a point where we can see relationships slowly repairing. Beware, we have to get to a point of being lowly before we can have repairs done on all the mess we have made. Some might say, "but, I don't want to be worthless. I can't live a life of being thought of as lowly." God's version of lowly doesn't mean you're worthless or that you mean nothing to Him. It simply means we have to be humbled. We cannot think highly of ourselves AND think God is everything we need.
"I have seen his ways, but I will heal him; I will lead him and restore comfort to him and to his mourners, creating the praise of the lips. Peace, peace to him who is far and to him who is near," says the Lord, "and I will heal him." -Isaiah 57:18-19
Humbling ourselves means we admit we are broken; it means we admit we are nothing on our own. We NEED God. There is no way around it. Oh, it is quite easy to tell when we have a bubbling amount of pride rising up within us. Look around you, see if people are pulling away from you. Does your family avoid spending time with you? Are your friends conveniently busy every time you want to hang out? People, though each prideful in their own way, do not enjoy being around those who think more of themselves than they should. When pride becomes part of our every day routine, we become very judgmental...and nobody enjoys being around that kind of attitude.
Why is it so easy to point our finger at everyone else, but not ourselves? We make excuses about being treated poorly, saying, "well I'm just such a faithful Christian that this is all just persecution. People are treating me bad because I am being so faithful." Are we really? Or maybe we are being treated poorly because we have begun living for ourselves and nothing else. Are we doing or not doing things because we want the best or easiest way in our lives, no matter how it will affect those around us? When we start making decisions that only protect us or make US feel fantastic, we lose sight of the consequences that will hit everyone else around us...our family, friends, church, etc.
When we start making time for everything else but God, everything else will begin to fall apart. Especially relationships. Have we become so schedule minded that our Christian walk has become complacent? Do we repeat the same thing so often that it has no meaning anymore? Do we listen for the Holy Spirits voice telling us we need to take time for Him, visit more of those who are hurting, give more to those who have nothing?
I find it odd that we say we have "made time" for God during our day. Some of us (myself included) even go a whole day without opening our bibles. We take 10, 15, 20 minutes for bible study or prayer time, setting a timer to make sure we don't spend any "unnecessarily" time sitting there or letting our schedules get disorganized. We should never have to make time for God. Ever. We should live for God in every moment, in everything we do, and then make time for our other activities. If we place God in the center, right at the core, of everything we do we won't ever have to make time for Him, because He is already there.
"Turn away my eyes from looking at vanity, and revive me in Your ways." -Proverbs 119:37
"Give me understanding, that I may observe Your law and keep it with all my heart. Make me walk in the path of Your commandments, for I delight in it." -Proverbs 119:34-35
We make mistakes, we break hearts and have our hearts broken. We ruin relationships and have ours ruined. But our God is a mighty God and can heal and renew anything we have made a mess of. Never, never, never give up on His promises. You (or your spouse, or your siblings, or your friends) will never be too far out of reach for God. Do not give up.
"I, even I, am the one who wipes out your transgressions for My own sake, and I will not remember your sins." -Isaiah 43:25
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