Herein is the state of much of the church in today's broken society. We forget that Jesus, who died for us is the "founder and perfecter of our faith" (Heb. 12:2) and has made us to be adopted as sons and daughters of God. Why do many of us act as if Jesus doesn't exist, or even worse, treat him and his followers with contempt?
But this is not how God intended it to be. We are called upon instead of ignoring God and the faith that he has instilled in you, to "lay aside every weight and sin which clings" (12:1) ...to "make straight pathways for our feet" (12:12)...to "strive for peace and holiness for everyone" (14) and not to allow a "root of bitterness to defile our faith. (15)
This is not a faith of folding hands and complacency, but one that is intentionally pursued with as much tenacity that one can muster. When we do these things we demonstrate to efficacy of our faith and the strength of our conviction. This "living into faith" shows the unbelieving world that our lives have indeed been radically altered by the sacrifice of Jesus and our inclusion as sons and daughters in the kingdom.
Sent on the TELUS Mobility network with BlackBerry
Wednesday 18 July 2012
Thursday 12 July 2012
The Indignation of the Lord
"I will bear the indignation of the Lord, because I have sinned against him, until he pleads my cause and executes judgment for me. He will bring me out into the light; I shall look upon his vindication. (Micah 7:9)
Most of us are unwilling to either recognize that sin exists in our lives or accepting the consequences. In this self-sufficient generation, we often display little need for God's presence or redemption. To make matters even worse, redemption from that sin and recovery are not even possible until we come to accept that our disobedience is sin that tears at the very dignity of our Creator...that it has dethroned him in our lives.
It is only when we confess that Jesus acts to restore, as the prophet Micah indicated, pleads for us and brings us out from that place of despair and into the light. Where have you dethroned God? Are you ready to receive his vindication?
"If we say that we are without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sin, God is faithful and just and will forgive our sins and cleanse us of all unrighteousness". (1John1:9)
Sent on the TELUS Mobility network with BlackBerry
Most of us are unwilling to either recognize that sin exists in our lives or accepting the consequences. In this self-sufficient generation, we often display little need for God's presence or redemption. To make matters even worse, redemption from that sin and recovery are not even possible until we come to accept that our disobedience is sin that tears at the very dignity of our Creator...that it has dethroned him in our lives.
It is only when we confess that Jesus acts to restore, as the prophet Micah indicated, pleads for us and brings us out from that place of despair and into the light. Where have you dethroned God? Are you ready to receive his vindication?
"If we say that we are without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sin, God is faithful and just and will forgive our sins and cleanse us of all unrighteousness". (1John1:9)
Sent on the TELUS Mobility network with BlackBerry
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