It does not take much effort to worry. We probably all do it but should we and how do you stop worrying? We worry about dying, loss of jobs, our children, our future,our adult children's future, having enough money, bad weather, airplane or car crashes, terrorism, fires, stock market crash, saying the wrong things that we can not take back, getting old, getting robbed, going blind or deaf, not being successful, getting hired, messing up on something that someone is counting on you for, tests in school, people not liking us, health issues and a myriad of other things.
In John 14:27 it says " Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." It takes discipline to not worry. You need to consciously focus on other things and realize you are not going to change a situation by fretting over it. There is not one thing you can do by sitting and stewing over something that is out of your control. You only make the enemy happy as he has disabled you and made you an ineffective witness and he has gotten you sick at heart over things that you should be turning over to God.
Matthew 6:27 says "Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?" It is just not going to happen. You can make yourself mentally sick trying to reason, ponder and do the 'what if" game. It does no good so you need to attempt to practice the discipline of right thinking and trusting God to overcome this area. Believe me, if we are honest there is no one out there who is not somewhat of a worrywart. In the Bible in Mark 4:19 it says that "but the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful." Picture that. A huge vine or weedy vine choking out other plants. That is what worry is like. Imagine worry is a cancer or a weed and is out to tear you apart. Try your best to resist the urge to let it control you.
Worry will cause you to be tormented. Just realize you can not change things. You have to turn your problems over to the Lord. Get your mind on something else. Realize your anxious spirit can not do one thing.
"Cast your care on him for he cares for you."(See 1 Peter 5:7) To cast means to throw. So throw your worries on God. He wants to bear your burdens for you.
There will always will be something to make you concerned and give you justification for thinking your worry can change the course of things. That is impossible. God wants to set you free from this if only you will call on him and let him.
You are disabled for the Lord if you are drug into a worry pit. You can not have victory. Make up your mind now to trust God and give him your cares. Psalm 68:19 says "Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens."
PRAYER: Lord I thank you for being there and listening to us when we cry out to you. I know you love me and I need to trust you to work out things in my life without starting to get concerned over every little detail. Forgive me for not trusting you more and for trying to take matters into my own hands. In Jesus Name, Amen!
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
IT"S NOT ABOUT HOW HARD YOU FALL ...
....It is about how you pick yourself up. I actually heard this on a TV show two nights ago and thought it would make a good devotion title to build upon. We can fall down literally or figuratively but it is not just falling or failing that is the issue at hand but how we deal with it. Do you have a good attitude no matter what? If not why not? Do you enjoy staying down in the dumps and forlorn or do you want to 'rise again' and have victory and move on in life? It is your choice.
When you stumble and fall you need to get up, pick yourself up, shake it off and move on. Do not stay in a heap on the ground or you will go nowhere. Do not feel sorry for yourself but see failures as a way to build up courage for the future and learn from your mistakes.
Philippians 4:13 is one of my favorite verses and it says "I can do all things through him who gives me strength." Another motivational verse for chugging on ahead is Isaiah 40:31 which says "Those who wait upon the Lord will renew their strength. They will mount up with wings as eagles, They will run and not be weary they will walk on not faint." So get up and get going. Do not let a little stumble here or there throw you off course. Keep your eyes on Jesus.
PRAYER: Thanks Lord for helping me through things when I get tripped up in life. I know my hope is in you and when things cause me to get off course I know you are there to help me get things right again. In Jesus Name, Amen!
When you stumble and fall you need to get up, pick yourself up, shake it off and move on. Do not stay in a heap on the ground or you will go nowhere. Do not feel sorry for yourself but see failures as a way to build up courage for the future and learn from your mistakes.
Philippians 4:13 is one of my favorite verses and it says "I can do all things through him who gives me strength." Another motivational verse for chugging on ahead is Isaiah 40:31 which says "Those who wait upon the Lord will renew their strength. They will mount up with wings as eagles, They will run and not be weary they will walk on not faint." So get up and get going. Do not let a little stumble here or there throw you off course. Keep your eyes on Jesus.
PRAYER: Thanks Lord for helping me through things when I get tripped up in life. I know my hope is in you and when things cause me to get off course I know you are there to help me get things right again. In Jesus Name, Amen!
Monday, April 4, 2011
A SUN BEAM FOR GOD
How many of you reading this remember the children's song 'A Sun beam a sun beam. Jesus wants me for a Sun beam. A sun beam a sun beam I'll be a sun beam for him?' I may have 'dated' myself but still this cute little song has a real meaning when it comes to our life as a follower of Jesus. We are to let our light shine as it says in Matthew 5:16.
Across the Southern US yesterday there were pretty bad storms as well as tornado watches similar to what occurred during the 1974 Super Outbreak. Thankfully it did not turn out like in the past which I remember well from my days in college in Kentucky. In the midst of that yesterday a couple times the sun shone brightly and for a brief moment gave hope the bad stuff was behind us. These momentary sunbeams helped brighten our day for a few brief moments.
Jesus is our hope in the storms of life. Jesus is our light and shines his love into a dark world. John 1:5 says "The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it." Jesus is the light of the world. In John 8:12 it says "When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."
Light always dispels the darkness. When you enter a room at night and turn on the light if there are any cockroaches they hate the light so they run and hide. Sin is like that. It hides in the darkness. John 3:19 tells us "This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil."
Let Jesus be your sun beam to light your path and show you the way. Follow him to be wise and let your light shine for Him.
PRAYER: Thank you Lord for lighting my path daily and brightening up the dark places in my life. In Jesus Name. Amen.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DUJRZY2seCw
Across the Southern US yesterday there were pretty bad storms as well as tornado watches similar to what occurred during the 1974 Super Outbreak. Thankfully it did not turn out like in the past which I remember well from my days in college in Kentucky. In the midst of that yesterday a couple times the sun shone brightly and for a brief moment gave hope the bad stuff was behind us. These momentary sunbeams helped brighten our day for a few brief moments.
Jesus is our hope in the storms of life. Jesus is our light and shines his love into a dark world. John 1:5 says "The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it." Jesus is the light of the world. In John 8:12 it says "When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."
Light always dispels the darkness. When you enter a room at night and turn on the light if there are any cockroaches they hate the light so they run and hide. Sin is like that. It hides in the darkness. John 3:19 tells us "This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil."
Let Jesus be your sun beam to light your path and show you the way. Follow him to be wise and let your light shine for Him.
PRAYER: Thank you Lord for lighting my path daily and brightening up the dark places in my life. In Jesus Name. Amen.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DUJRZY2seCw
Sunday, April 3, 2011
PLACED BY GOD
God has the best job placement plan ever. He knows where he wants his servants and has us strategically placed throughout the world to serve him. God has his servants all over the earth in different jobs to "plant seeds" for him and to be his ambassadors. Look at where you are in life as an opportunity to serve Jesus right where he has you. You are not just doing earthly work but ultimately working for the heavenly kingdom to come. This earth is only our temporary home.
God has his servants doing all sorts of jobs. Everything from ditch diggers, garbage men, stay home moms, secretary's, accountants, actors, school teachers, doctors, pilots, military members to members of Congress and Senate to name a few. When he places you where you are you are to be salt and light. Matthew 5:13-16 says "You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."
Instead of complaining about where you are look at it as an opportunity to serve Jesus. Say "Father today help me show Jesus love to those around me in my little corner of the world." And we are never to act better than people just because we feel like where we are is better than others. It would be easy to get puffed up thinking where you live, what your job is, who you know and all the rest is more important than the next guy. God has a plan and a purpose for all his children and each one is important to him whether you are a company president or the barista at the local coffee house.
I have heard it said that some may be the only Christian in their office and say "Lord can't you put me in an office with other Christians to fellowship with?" First you pray you want to be a witness so he answers your prayer and there you are the only believer living for the Lord in your company then you whine because you are 'all alone' as a believer and want to have your 'holy huddle' to comfort you. Sometimes God wants us to leave our comfort zone to serve him. Today in church it was mentioned that to those who serve in prison ministry often times it is scary and uncomfortable to go behind locked bars but then you see the Lord has placed you there to show his love to those incarcerated and not to judge them. Once again you are his hands and feet in a lonely world.
Be sure to be a good witness for him where you are placed. Do not be lazy but be a hard worker, honest, eager to help, and full of joy. Colossians 3:23 says "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men." This includes the very important ministry of a stay home mom. I used to tell people I was "raising leaders for the future". Too many people devalue the stay home mom but she is many things rolled into one and should not be made to feel less for her choice to give her all to her children, which are in fact the future.
What do you do for the kingdom? Do you see your job as a ministry and outreach? A ministry is not just in church but it can be outside the walls as well. Psalm 100:2 says to "Serve the LORD with gladness! Come into his presence with singing." A minister is a servant. Be the type of servant that brings glory to the kingdom of God. Be grateful for where you are in life and look for opportunities to share the love of Jesus with those around you.
PRAYER: Thanks for just where you have me Lord. Forgive me if I have ever acted ungrateful for where you have placed me in life. I want to show your love to those in my circle of influence. I know you have a plan for me and help me to go out each day with a good attitude to share the love of Jesus with those I come in contact with. In Jesus Name. Amen.
God has his servants doing all sorts of jobs. Everything from ditch diggers, garbage men, stay home moms, secretary's, accountants, actors, school teachers, doctors, pilots, military members to members of Congress and Senate to name a few. When he places you where you are you are to be salt and light. Matthew 5:13-16 says "You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."
Instead of complaining about where you are look at it as an opportunity to serve Jesus. Say "Father today help me show Jesus love to those around me in my little corner of the world." And we are never to act better than people just because we feel like where we are is better than others. It would be easy to get puffed up thinking where you live, what your job is, who you know and all the rest is more important than the next guy. God has a plan and a purpose for all his children and each one is important to him whether you are a company president or the barista at the local coffee house.
I have heard it said that some may be the only Christian in their office and say "Lord can't you put me in an office with other Christians to fellowship with?" First you pray you want to be a witness so he answers your prayer and there you are the only believer living for the Lord in your company then you whine because you are 'all alone' as a believer and want to have your 'holy huddle' to comfort you. Sometimes God wants us to leave our comfort zone to serve him. Today in church it was mentioned that to those who serve in prison ministry often times it is scary and uncomfortable to go behind locked bars but then you see the Lord has placed you there to show his love to those incarcerated and not to judge them. Once again you are his hands and feet in a lonely world.
Be sure to be a good witness for him where you are placed. Do not be lazy but be a hard worker, honest, eager to help, and full of joy. Colossians 3:23 says "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men." This includes the very important ministry of a stay home mom. I used to tell people I was "raising leaders for the future". Too many people devalue the stay home mom but she is many things rolled into one and should not be made to feel less for her choice to give her all to her children, which are in fact the future.
What do you do for the kingdom? Do you see your job as a ministry and outreach? A ministry is not just in church but it can be outside the walls as well. Psalm 100:2 says to "Serve the LORD with gladness! Come into his presence with singing." A minister is a servant. Be the type of servant that brings glory to the kingdom of God. Be grateful for where you are in life and look for opportunities to share the love of Jesus with those around you.
PRAYER: Thanks for just where you have me Lord. Forgive me if I have ever acted ungrateful for where you have placed me in life. I want to show your love to those in my circle of influence. I know you have a plan for me and help me to go out each day with a good attitude to share the love of Jesus with those I come in contact with. In Jesus Name. Amen.
CHAOS VS. ORDER
Being a former member of the US military I am sort of used to discipline,orders and rules. But it is a good practice for anyone to be disciplined. Society has rules for us to follow that if and when we do, will keep us from going to jail. Things such as obeying traffic laws, not running red lights, not littering the highways, no robbing stores or homes. You get the idea. Rules are made for our good and if we follow them then we will be better off. Now this is not saying everything we do in society needs a rule since self government is the best but this is to say we need certain restraints just for things to run more smoothly. If cars just drove right through red lights it would be pretty chaotic don't you think? And if people just robbed a store anytime they felt like it that is not good either.
God has rules for us to follow too called The Ten Commandments. These are found in the Old Testament in Exodus Chapter 20. If we follow the rules set forth in these commandments life would sure be a lot better and the ability to know the truth and obey right and wrong would be restored.
Exodus 20:13-17 says " “You shall have no other gods before me. “You shall not make for yourself an image in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments. “You shall not misuse the name of the LORD your God, for the LORD will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name,“Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your male or female servant, nor your animals, nor any foreigner residing in your towns. For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy. “Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you. “You shall not murder. “You shall not commit adultery. “You shall not steal. “You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor. “You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his male or female servant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.”
Pretty clear even if in Kings James English. No killing, no stealing, no lying, no desiring other peoples' stuff. No worshipping statues. No using God's name as a cuss word. Do not put other gods before him. Remember Sunday is a special day to honor God. Honor and respect your mom and dad. Do not commit adultery or sleep around with someone you are not married to. Pretty straightforward stuff that will keep us out of trouble if only we would follow them. Today's world wants nothing to do with the Ten Commandments. I remember the big controversy over them in the state capitol of Alabama a few years ago when a law was passed to make Judge Roy Moore remove them. Today people say there is no right or wrong, everything is relative. That is not what God says. His word never changes. Follow it to be wise.
The Ten Commandments are moral standards on which we should base our life. Evil forces who want to change our world see them as a threat. Isaiah 5:20 warns us "Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter." If a person does not follow God's word then 'anything goes'.
There is a right and wrong and it is found in God's word, the Bible. Read it to know the truth and the truth will set you free.(See John 8:32).Proverbs 2:20-22 says to us "Thus you will walk in the ways of the good and keep to the paths of the righteous. For the upright will live in the land, and the blameless will remain in it;but the wicked will be cut off from the land, and the unfaithful will be torn from it." In Proverbs 13:13 it says "The one who despises the word will be in debt to it, But the one who fears the commandment will be rewarded," Read it to be wise and it will guide your life.
PRAYER: Teach us Lord to number our days so we do not think there are not consequences to what we say and do. Each day is a gift from God. Help us not live with the attitude eat, drink and be merry. We know you are not saying do not have fun but help us Lord to learn to honor, respect and follow the Ten Commandments which are set forth to help guide our life and make our world a better place. In Jesus Name, Amen!
God has rules for us to follow too called The Ten Commandments. These are found in the Old Testament in Exodus Chapter 20. If we follow the rules set forth in these commandments life would sure be a lot better and the ability to know the truth and obey right and wrong would be restored.
Exodus 20:13-17 says " “You shall have no other gods before me. “You shall not make for yourself an image in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments. “You shall not misuse the name of the LORD your God, for the LORD will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name,“Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your male or female servant, nor your animals, nor any foreigner residing in your towns. For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy. “Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you. “You shall not murder. “You shall not commit adultery. “You shall not steal. “You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor. “You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his male or female servant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.”
Pretty clear even if in Kings James English. No killing, no stealing, no lying, no desiring other peoples' stuff. No worshipping statues. No using God's name as a cuss word. Do not put other gods before him. Remember Sunday is a special day to honor God. Honor and respect your mom and dad. Do not commit adultery or sleep around with someone you are not married to. Pretty straightforward stuff that will keep us out of trouble if only we would follow them. Today's world wants nothing to do with the Ten Commandments. I remember the big controversy over them in the state capitol of Alabama a few years ago when a law was passed to make Judge Roy Moore remove them. Today people say there is no right or wrong, everything is relative. That is not what God says. His word never changes. Follow it to be wise.
The Ten Commandments are moral standards on which we should base our life. Evil forces who want to change our world see them as a threat. Isaiah 5:20 warns us "Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter." If a person does not follow God's word then 'anything goes'.
There is a right and wrong and it is found in God's word, the Bible. Read it to know the truth and the truth will set you free.(See John 8:32).Proverbs 2:20-22 says to us "Thus you will walk in the ways of the good and keep to the paths of the righteous. For the upright will live in the land, and the blameless will remain in it;but the wicked will be cut off from the land, and the unfaithful will be torn from it." In Proverbs 13:13 it says "The one who despises the word will be in debt to it, But the one who fears the commandment will be rewarded," Read it to be wise and it will guide your life.
PRAYER: Teach us Lord to number our days so we do not think there are not consequences to what we say and do. Each day is a gift from God. Help us not live with the attitude eat, drink and be merry. We know you are not saying do not have fun but help us Lord to learn to honor, respect and follow the Ten Commandments which are set forth to help guide our life and make our world a better place. In Jesus Name, Amen!
Saturday, April 2, 2011
NO DEAD ZONES WITH GOD
Today in our face paced of these United States no matter whether you live in the big city, the suburbs or in the country it seems like we can never be 'out of touch' with our friends and loved ones. Why is it we think we have to have a phone on our hip constantly? I mean back in the 60's, 70's and 80's and even into the 90's we did fine without everyone always being able to reach us at any moment. Medical doctors were the only ones who really needed to have a way to contact them and they wore pagers. It can get down right annoying and rude to be on your cell phone in stores when you are checking out and supposed to be paying attention to the clerk. Or if you answer your phone in a movie theater or text it is very rude, annoying and disrespectful to those around you. I am concerned our younger generation is not going to know how to 'be still and know that he is God" as it says in Psalm 46:10. It is hard also to relax and take time for God and be at peace if we are constantly 'wired'.
When we do have our wonderful little cell phones to keep us constantly connected lo and behold there are times when we enter a black hole or dead zone of sorts. Let's say you are up in the mountains, in a subway tunnel, way out in the country somewhere and various other places where there are just no signals for your device to operate. Then we panic because we can not get in touch with our friends and family. Well I have good news. There are no 'dead zones' with God. He is always there and will always listen to you when you call out to him. Jeremiah 33:3 which is affectionately called God's phone number in some Christian circles says "Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know."
PRAYER: Thank you Lord that we have 24/7 access to you and you listen to us no matter what. Thank you that there are no dead zones with you. In Jesus Name. Amen.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KODrd5KAsWk
When we do have our wonderful little cell phones to keep us constantly connected lo and behold there are times when we enter a black hole or dead zone of sorts. Let's say you are up in the mountains, in a subway tunnel, way out in the country somewhere and various other places where there are just no signals for your device to operate. Then we panic because we can not get in touch with our friends and family. Well I have good news. There are no 'dead zones' with God. He is always there and will always listen to you when you call out to him. Jeremiah 33:3 which is affectionately called God's phone number in some Christian circles says "Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know."
PRAYER: Thank you Lord that we have 24/7 access to you and you listen to us no matter what. Thank you that there are no dead zones with you. In Jesus Name. Amen.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KODrd5KAsWk
Friday, April 1, 2011
NO FOOLING WITH SIN
For those who fly you know what it is like to look at the clouds, which appear so pretty and puffy to the naked eye but in actuality when the plane 'punches through' can shake your nerves a bit. You may rattle, rock, and roll a bit bouncing around in unstable air. So in reality the clouds look nice but are deceiving. Sometimes it is a bit unnerving.
Sin is a bit like that. It can look good then reach out and 'bite' you if you don't take heed. There is a saying that 'there is pleasure in sin for a season.' Self control is needed to run away from sin at times. The enemy is out there constantly trying to get you to fall into sin and enticing you. The world can lure us into sin too. Underwear ads on TV for instance may have to be turned off if they cause a male member of your home to lust. In Hebrews 12:1 it tells us to " Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us." It is clear from this verse. Run away from it.
Many may not realize what they are doing is sinful. "We have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God" it says in Romans 3:23. We are supposed to confess our sins so we have an open line of communication with God. Psalm 66:18 says "If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened." We can not continually lead a lifestyle contrary to the scriptures knowingly and willfully sinning. The enemy may lie to you and help you justify what you are caught up in.
Some notable sins are lying, cheating, hating people, stealing, adultery, homosexuality, sex before marriage,divorce, drunkenness, gluttony, judging, lusting, coveting to name a few. There are no categories of sin saying that killing is worse in Gods' book than overeating or drunkenness. Sin is sin to God. Some churches like to 'shoot their wounded' so to speak when they need to open their arms with mercy and grace and show kindness and forgiveness. Don't get all self righteous and holier than thou thinking you are better than people since you have not committed some certain sin. 1 Corinthians 6:11 will get rid of that haughty spirit and it says "And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God." 1 John 3:15 says"Anyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life in him."
So the Lord is pretty clear in his word, The Bible, what is right and what is wrong. God can forgive and God can heal the wounded heart. You have to come to him and admit you are a sinner. Ephesians 2:8 tells us "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God."
The Bible tells us you will reap what you sow. (See Galatians 6:7-9). Hang around the wrong kind of people and get the wrong kind of results. Evil company corrupts good morals the Bible tells us in 1 Corinthians 15:33.
Today in our culture here in America some sins are called an 'alternate lifestyle." Even many Christians have bought into this. We are to 'tolerate' others. God's word is clear, There is a right standard and there is a wrong standard. Right and wrong used to be taught not only in the home but in schools. But if God is kicked out of our nations schools you can see the result in todays' society. Isaiah 5:20 says "Woe to those who call good evil and evil good." If you do not stay plugged into a Bible teaching church and spend time in the word you will not know what is right or wrong. There is no compromise of right and wrong in God's word or in God's kingdom.
Last night I spent night in Atlanta airport and noted all the shops are all locked up with gates they pull down and lock til the passengers return about 4 or 5 in the morning. I got to thinking that if sin had not entered the world with Adam and Eve then store owners could leave things unlocked and not worry about thieves. But man has a sinful nature. The Bible tells us to store up for ourselves treasure in heaven where thieves do not break in and steal. (See Matthew 6:20). Is your treasure stored up in heaven? Do you know God can forgive you of your sins if you only ask him? When the Son has set you free you can be free indeed.(See John 8:36).
James 5:16 says to "Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective." God can heal you and he wants you to be set free.
PRAYER: Dear Lord help me stay on the path in life that leads to eternal life. Forgive me when I have done something against your word to displease you. Help me treat me body like the temple of God it is. Help me run the race to win and keep the strongholds of temptations away and if they come help me to resist them. In Jesus Name. Amen.
Sin is a bit like that. It can look good then reach out and 'bite' you if you don't take heed. There is a saying that 'there is pleasure in sin for a season.' Self control is needed to run away from sin at times. The enemy is out there constantly trying to get you to fall into sin and enticing you. The world can lure us into sin too. Underwear ads on TV for instance may have to be turned off if they cause a male member of your home to lust. In Hebrews 12:1 it tells us to " Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us." It is clear from this verse. Run away from it.
Many may not realize what they are doing is sinful. "We have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God" it says in Romans 3:23. We are supposed to confess our sins so we have an open line of communication with God. Psalm 66:18 says "If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened." We can not continually lead a lifestyle contrary to the scriptures knowingly and willfully sinning. The enemy may lie to you and help you justify what you are caught up in.
Some notable sins are lying, cheating, hating people, stealing, adultery, homosexuality, sex before marriage,divorce, drunkenness, gluttony, judging, lusting, coveting to name a few. There are no categories of sin saying that killing is worse in Gods' book than overeating or drunkenness. Sin is sin to God. Some churches like to 'shoot their wounded' so to speak when they need to open their arms with mercy and grace and show kindness and forgiveness. Don't get all self righteous and holier than thou thinking you are better than people since you have not committed some certain sin. 1 Corinthians 6:11 will get rid of that haughty spirit and it says "And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God." 1 John 3:15 says"Anyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life in him."
So the Lord is pretty clear in his word, The Bible, what is right and what is wrong. God can forgive and God can heal the wounded heart. You have to come to him and admit you are a sinner. Ephesians 2:8 tells us "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God."
The Bible tells us you will reap what you sow. (See Galatians 6:7-9). Hang around the wrong kind of people and get the wrong kind of results. Evil company corrupts good morals the Bible tells us in 1 Corinthians 15:33.
Today in our culture here in America some sins are called an 'alternate lifestyle." Even many Christians have bought into this. We are to 'tolerate' others. God's word is clear, There is a right standard and there is a wrong standard. Right and wrong used to be taught not only in the home but in schools. But if God is kicked out of our nations schools you can see the result in todays' society. Isaiah 5:20 says "Woe to those who call good evil and evil good." If you do not stay plugged into a Bible teaching church and spend time in the word you will not know what is right or wrong. There is no compromise of right and wrong in God's word or in God's kingdom.
Last night I spent night in Atlanta airport and noted all the shops are all locked up with gates they pull down and lock til the passengers return about 4 or 5 in the morning. I got to thinking that if sin had not entered the world with Adam and Eve then store owners could leave things unlocked and not worry about thieves. But man has a sinful nature. The Bible tells us to store up for ourselves treasure in heaven where thieves do not break in and steal. (See Matthew 6:20). Is your treasure stored up in heaven? Do you know God can forgive you of your sins if you only ask him? When the Son has set you free you can be free indeed.(See John 8:36).
James 5:16 says to "Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective." God can heal you and he wants you to be set free.
PRAYER: Dear Lord help me stay on the path in life that leads to eternal life. Forgive me when I have done something against your word to displease you. Help me treat me body like the temple of God it is. Help me run the race to win and keep the strongholds of temptations away and if they come help me to resist them. In Jesus Name. Amen.
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