For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles
at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it.
James 2:10
As I continue to study, Intimate Friendship With God, I wonder why? Why do we as Christians seem to think we can pick and choose what Laws of God that we will follow. If the Laws were given for our benefit, why do we continue in the same sins? Or pretend that our sins are really NOT sin.
As the author discusses different attitudes toward sin I find myself in all the categories, depending on the sin, or on the time in my life. I have used circumstances to justify my "little sins".
Level 1-We do not sin because the consequences are too great. (Not that we hate sin.)
Level 2- We live by the Golden Rule. This person wants peace at any price and cannot understand anyone who is so radical that he would try to change the status quo of his life or anyone else's.
Level 3- The sincere Christian who earnestly desires to please the Lord. He does not want to sin and is deeply concerned when besetting sins are in his life. He is deeply concerned and longs for freedom.
Level 4- The person who has the Fear of God upon him. He hates sin; therefore, he seldom sins.
When he does there is a quick awareness of sin and immediate repentance.
...Through fear of the LORD a man avoids evil.
Proverbs 16:6b
True repentance is a change of heart towards sin. How we think of it, turn from it. There is a change in our actions.
Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness.
1Timothy 2:19b
Through Christ's death we are called to live holy lives. Why do we keep on sinning. 2 Timothy 14-26. Gives us a discription of how we should live. It is hard to live. But don't we want to be more like him?
Friday, November 16, 2007
Monday, November 12, 2007
The Fear of the Lord is the ONLY way to be released from the fear of Man.
Ther fear of man is being more impressed with man's reaction to our actions than with God's reaction.
This is the basis of the book I am presently reading. I really think it is a good read for any believer and it really challenges me to think about how I determine my actions.
God wants to empower us to do his will. The author states that, " the more concern we have for God's approval in every situation, the more confidence He releases to us to act with HIS authority.
Luke 12:4-5
"I tell you, my friends, do not fear those who kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. But I will warn you whom to fear: fear him who after he has killed, has power to cast into hell; yes, I tell you, fear him!"
God is HOLY. We must also be holy. In our thoughts, in our words, and in our deeds.
God's commands are for our GOOD. For a believer to live a holy life should be natural.
Ther fear of man is being more impressed with man's reaction to our actions than with God's reaction.
This is the basis of the book I am presently reading. I really think it is a good read for any believer and it really challenges me to think about how I determine my actions.
God wants to empower us to do his will. The author states that, " the more concern we have for God's approval in every situation, the more confidence He releases to us to act with HIS authority.
Luke 12:4-5
"I tell you, my friends, do not fear those who kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. But I will warn you whom to fear: fear him who after he has killed, has power to cast into hell; yes, I tell you, fear him!"
God is HOLY. We must also be holy. In our thoughts, in our words, and in our deeds.
God's commands are for our GOOD. For a believer to live a holy life should be natural.
Thursday, November 08, 2007
Instant, joyful, total obedience!
Isn't that what we would all love from our Children. That they would listen to us right away, not whine and do exactly what we say. I am reading a book on Understanding Fear of the LORD. And this is how the Author says we should obey GOD.
I am challenged by this, how often I say, well later God, ya know I am a little(busy/tired) now.(you fill in the blank). The author suggests that when we are walking with the Lord, it should just be "yeah right Lord! That makes sense! Of course I will obey you."
How often we miss God's blessing because we fail to obey Him. The more we know God the more we realize that What HE asks of us is for our benefit. I remember my mission experience as a young adult thinking "God how are you using me? I feel like you are working on me so much, how can you use such a broken vessel."
This year I plan to read through the bible again for the first time in a number of years. I think of how easy it should be to give up a couple hours of TV to do things to benefit others and my own personal relationship with God. I have begun to do readings from the 2008 calendar so that I can get about a month ahead so I can finish by the end of the year. My first week has shown me it really doesn't take that long to read 4 chapters a day. I am using YWAM's prayer journal.
So I challenge you. To instantly, joyfully, totally walk with God!
Isn't that what we would all love from our Children. That they would listen to us right away, not whine and do exactly what we say. I am reading a book on Understanding Fear of the LORD. And this is how the Author says we should obey GOD.
I am challenged by this, how often I say, well later God, ya know I am a little(busy/tired) now.(you fill in the blank). The author suggests that when we are walking with the Lord, it should just be "yeah right Lord! That makes sense! Of course I will obey you."
How often we miss God's blessing because we fail to obey Him. The more we know God the more we realize that What HE asks of us is for our benefit. I remember my mission experience as a young adult thinking "God how are you using me? I feel like you are working on me so much, how can you use such a broken vessel."
This year I plan to read through the bible again for the first time in a number of years. I think of how easy it should be to give up a couple hours of TV to do things to benefit others and my own personal relationship with God. I have begun to do readings from the 2008 calendar so that I can get about a month ahead so I can finish by the end of the year. My first week has shown me it really doesn't take that long to read 4 chapters a day. I am using YWAM's prayer journal.
So I challenge you. To instantly, joyfully, totally walk with God!
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