The Bible teaches us that, "All have sinned and come short of the glory of God." (Romans 3:23) And that, "there is none righteous, no not one." (Romans 3:10)
Thankfully, it also teaches us that, "God has so demonstrated His love toward us in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8) Why? Because "God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." (John 3:16)
While there is forgiveness of sin and everlasting life through Jesus Christ, the bible also teaches there are consequences for the sin in our lives as well.
Adam and Eve immediately after sinning, felt shame because of their nakedness, and they doubly showed their guilt by hiding from God. (Genesis 3:9-10) Moses, God's representative to the people, could not enter the promise land because he misrepresented God. (Numbers 20:12) King David, who killed Uriah the Hittite with the sword and took his wife Bathsheba for his own, lost his wives and the child conceived in sin. (2 Samuel 12) King Solomon, had his kingdom torn away form him, cause he followed after Ashtoreth the goddess of the Sidonians. (1 Kings 11:1-12)
Are we then immune to consequences of the sin in our lives? Absolutely not!
For the non-believer, the greatest consequence of sin is to their own mortal soul. Ezekiel 18:4 says, that the soul that sins shall die, and Romans 6:23 tells us that the wages of sin is death.
For the born-again child of God, there is the tragic consequence of separation from God - as God has no fellowship with sin. Thankfully, God has made provision for us to return to fellowship with Him. He promised that “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).
Remember that your actions have consequences! When tempted to sin, don't let your emotions overrule your intelligence or your desire to please God. Discipline yourself to consider the possible consequences of your actions. James 4:7-8 says, Submit yourselves to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you.
The Truth
"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God." (Romans 12:2)
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Thursday, August 19, 2010
"Jesus Wept"
We all know that the shortest verse in the Bible is John 11:35 - Jesus wept. However, did you ever stop to think about that short verse? He, the Son of God, wept. Scripture reveals God as an emotional being who feels—a Person. God feels. You feel. He experienced; betrayal, rejection, condemnation, torment, pain as well as; friendship, love, acceptance, joy and peace.
The bible tells us that you and I were made in His image. So, we have those exact feelings and emotions as well. The questions is, how will we handle the tough emotional times? Those times when we feel betrayed, hurt or let down. How did Jesus handle them? Jesus taught, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; (Matthew 5:44)
Boy that is tough love. I must confess, I have not done this at times. I have harbored ill feelings in my heart for people who have hurt me or my family and have gone through some very dry ground as a result. However, once I understood that everything comes to me through God's hand for His purpose and that He does not give us more than we can handle - I started resting in the tough times and began to watch His greater plan unfold.
Dear Father, thank you that you are a God who feels deeply and that you created me with deep feelings, too; help me to own my feelings and learn to express them in ways that bring honor to you.
The Truth and the Secret
"Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do." (Luke 23:34)
The bible tells us that you and I were made in His image. So, we have those exact feelings and emotions as well. The questions is, how will we handle the tough emotional times? Those times when we feel betrayed, hurt or let down. How did Jesus handle them? Jesus taught, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; (Matthew 5:44)
Boy that is tough love. I must confess, I have not done this at times. I have harbored ill feelings in my heart for people who have hurt me or my family and have gone through some very dry ground as a result. However, once I understood that everything comes to me through God's hand for His purpose and that He does not give us more than we can handle - I started resting in the tough times and began to watch His greater plan unfold.
Dear Father, thank you that you are a God who feels deeply and that you created me with deep feelings, too; help me to own my feelings and learn to express them in ways that bring honor to you.
The Truth and the Secret
"Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do." (Luke 23:34)
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
He Turns Mourning Into Dancing
Last year my wife lost her brother to lung cancer. It was not only difficult to watch Don struggle with the disease but to see Lori loosing her only brother made it even more difficult. Our family found comfort in Don's relationship with our Lord and God's promise of eternal life through Jesus death and resurrection.
During these times it is normal to question, Why is this happening? Even though death is inevitable for everyone; it never fits our timing, our plans, our will. We simply do not understand - let alone know the answer to the question Why? The scriptures tell us that, His ways are above our finding out.(Romans 11:33-35)
But know this, Jesus has conquered the grave, (1 Corinthians 15:55-58) and has also promised to turn our mourning into dancing.
The Truth
Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness; To the end that my glory may sing praise to thee, and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever. (Psalms 30:11-12)
During these times it is normal to question, Why is this happening? Even though death is inevitable for everyone; it never fits our timing, our plans, our will. We simply do not understand - let alone know the answer to the question Why? The scriptures tell us that, His ways are above our finding out.(Romans 11:33-35)
But know this, Jesus has conquered the grave, (1 Corinthians 15:55-58) and has also promised to turn our mourning into dancing.
The Truth
Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness; To the end that my glory may sing praise to thee, and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever. (Psalms 30:11-12)
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