The Devil Wants to KILL You!

You are a fabulous being. God created you in an exquisite, perfectly unique way. He made you expressly for His pleasure, and your life is a testament to His great handiwork. (Psalm 139:14) He is proud of each breath you take.

As fine as you are, there is someone who hates every atom of your core. From the time man was created, the devil has been scheming, plotting, and interfering with God’s intended purpose for mankind. The devil’s very existence is now dedicated to thwarting mankind from living the life God chose for him to have.

The devil is one cunning creature, and he has studied you well. He knows exactly where your weak spots are, and he takes every opportunity to tempt you away from God’s chosen path. He offers his “treats” to you daily presenting them in such a way that it’s hard for you to resist. Lying becomes convenient, our flesh cries out to over indulge, our patience grows thin and we give in to harsh, angry behavior…

Each time you partake in the “treats” the devil offers up to you, you ingest something that’s sole purpose is to poison and kill your spiritual life in God. He wants you to get so hooked on his junk that you start neglecting the good fruit the Lord has available to you. As you succumb to the devil’s diet you will eventually stop partaking of the Lord’s bounty. Your spirit will grow sick and weak and your enemy will have prevailed.

You can choose instead to resist the devil, dig in, and go with the fruit of the Spirit the Lord has provided for you instead. The fruit He has for you produces life and brings blessings. It will cause your spirit to grow strong and enable you to live in victory while here on earth. God is your Creator. He takes pleasure out of your well being. Everything He has for you enhances your living experience. As you live according to God’s will, you cannot help but have favor and success.

So the next time you find yourself struggling to resist the devil’s temptations, remember his blatant agenda. He only wants to destroy you. Anything he brings your way is guaranteed poison. Why would you want to continuously partake in something that’s trying to kill you? Grab hold of God’s fruit of the spirit and thrive instead.

 
Verse of the Day: But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. Galatians 5:22, 23

Wednesday's Word: Who Are You Serving?

Do not let sin control the way you live; do not give in to sinful desires. Do not let any part of your body become an instrument of evil to serve sin. Instead, give yourselves completely to God, for you were dead, but now you have new life. So use your whole body as an instrument to do what is right for the glory of God. Sin is no longer your master, for you no longer live under the requirements of the law. Instead, you live under the freedom of God’s grace.


Well then, since God’s grace has set us free from the law, does that mean we can go on sinning? Of course not! Don’t you realize that you become the slave of whatever you choose to obey? You can be a slave to sin, which leads to death, or you can choose to obey God, which leads to righteous living. Thank God! Once you were slaves of sin, but now you wholeheartedly obey this teaching we have given you.  Now you are free from your slavery to sin, and you have become slaves to righteous living.

Because of the weakness of your human nature, I am using the illustration of slavery to help you understand all this. Previously, you let yourselves be slaves to impurity and lawlessness, which led ever deeper into sin. Now you must give yourselves to be slaves to righteous living so that you will become holy.

When you were slaves to sin, you were free from the obligation to do right. And what was the result? You are now ashamed of the things you used to do, things that end in eternal doom. But now you are free from the power of sin and have become slaves of God. Now you do those things that lead to holiness and result in eternal life. For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 6:12-23 (NLT)

Who are you a slave to? What are you serving? You've already obtained the gift of eternal life. Don't turn yourself back over to bondage and death by following after sin. Give yourself over fully to the Lord!

Throwback Thursday: Dying Daily

Here's an old post from the first year I started blogging. Enjoy!

Ever been on one of those great spiritual streaks? You know, when your life is so blessed, you're happy, loving on God, feeling His power work through you... The times where you get breakthroughs with every prayer, new insights with every scripture you read... You heart is full of love for your fellow man and nothing fazes you because you are God's child.


You know what always seems to happen to me with those times in my life? Some event, some person, or some situation always finds a way to trip that hairline trigger I have. Suddenly I find myself on the opposite side of committing some kind of sin, a sin I thought I had dealt with, conquered, and buried. Even worse, sometimes it's a new one that I didn't even know was an issue for me.

It doesn't have to be big, but just the fact that I was able to fall back into that sinful nature always sends a blow to my heart. The blessed high that was just enveloping my every moment is quickly lost, replaced by shame, regret, and sadness.

I have to go back to the altar and ask for forgiveness. Praise God that His mercy never runs out!

It's easy to forget that we are all works in progress... especially when we have a period of good behavior. The Bible says to not think more highly of ourselves than we should. The same chapter speaks on presenting ourselves daily as a living sacrifice. (Romans 12) We should willfully give ourselves up to the cleansing fire of the Holy Spirit to purge away all the impurities of sin whether we think it's there or not. Trust me, God will find a way to send anything hidden bubbling up to the surface.

Today's Verse: Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:21

Guilt Free

Guilt has a way of seeping in, popping up in odd moments, standing up in accusation against us when we least expect it. We can be on the edge of happiness, and guilt will swoop in with all the reasons why we don't deserve to smile.

Yet, Jesus' sacrifice clears us from all guilt. Because of His love, we don't have to be ashamed of anything. By coming to Him, we find forgiveness, acceptance, and redemption.

On the night when Jesus was arrested, it wasn't just Judas who betrayed Jesus. All the disciples deserted Jesus and left Him alone. (Matthew 27:56) Later, Peter adamantly denied even knowing Jesus three times. (Matthew 26:69-75)

Judas' guilt was so great that he took his own life. Peter and the other disciples more than likely felt guilt over how they had abandoned Jesus. However, when Jesus arose, He didn't make them feel guilty. He didn't condemn them for their behavior. Jesus encouraged them and showed them love and forgiveness. He didn't even mention their slight. He simply challenged them to go out and spread the Good News of His love to others.

Jesus doesn't look at you and see all the wrong you've done. He looks at you and sees all of the amazing things you can do for His Kingdom! Don't allow feelings of guilt to stop you or shame you. You've been cleansed by the blood of the Lamb! You are blameless before Him!

If God doesn't see your sin, why should you give it any place in your thoughts? We all have sinned and fallen short, but where we lacked - Jesus' grace abounded all the more! We are free from guilt and shame! Don't let it hold you captive anymore!

Verse of the Day: Finally, I confessed all my sins to you and stopped trying to hide my guilt. I said to myself, "I will confess my rebellion to the Lord." And you forgave me! All my guilt is gone. Psalm 32:5

Celebrate Your Freedom!

Well, the barbecues are heating up, the fireworks have been purchased, and the partiers are on their way. It's time to celebrate our nation's freedom once again!

As we celebrate the fact that we are a free country, let's also take some time to rejoice that we are free from the bondage of sin! We don't have to be held captive by the enemy anymore! Any time the devil comes with his suggestions and lies, we have the power to throw him out!

We have the privilege of being seen as righteous in the eyes of God. Because of Jesus' sacrifice, those sins we used to carry are now washed away, and we stand as pure as clean snow in the eyes of God. Amazing!

No longer do we have to be ashamed, no longer do we have to bear guilt, no longer do we have to feel like we are "less than". We are joint heirs with Christ! We, who used to be outcasts, are now called children of God!

So, enjoy the cookouts, the laughter, and the fireworks. However, in the midst of your festivities, make sure you take some time to thank Jesus for cleansing you from the detriment of sin.

Verse of the Day: Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. Isaiah 1:18

Stormy Days

Life is full of changes. We have days where everything seems to go right. We have days where everything seems to be falling apart. There are times that the sun shines bright, and there are times when the wind blows, rain falls, and clouds block our skies.

Stormy days have a way of unsettling us. No one likes to go through a storm. No one likes to have their world rocked beneath them. But, storms come to help us to grow. And, not all storms are bad.

In the Bible we have lots of examples of how storms can affect our lives.

Storms can come as a result of disobedience to God (sin). God decided to send a storm to cleanse the earth of sin. Only Noah, who was righteous in God's eyes was saved. Jonah ran straight into a storm that God caused because Jonah chose to run away from the call of God. It wasn't until Jonah volunteered to surrender his life that the storm quieted down.

But not all storms come as a result of sin.

A storm that Paul experienced also proved God's saving power. Even though the boat Paul was sailing on was completely destroyed, no one lost their lives and Paul was able to minister the gospel effectively to all that travelled with him.

Jesus used storms to point to the power of God as well. He showed the disciples that even the winds and the waves will obey words of faith. He showed Peter that you can even walk on water if you keep your eyes fixed on the Savior. Through Jesus' example we learn that we don't have to fear any storm that comes our way.

Maybe right now you are in the midst of a storm. Just because the winds may be blowing or the rain coming down, it doesn't mean that all is lost. This may be a signal that you need to ask God for forgiveness for a transgression that you did. Or it could be that you are going through a storm so someone else can see God's saving power. After you come through your storm unscathed, you'll be a better witness for the Kingdom.

Or, God may have possibly allowed your storm to come for you to use your faith. He may want you to grow in prayer or knowledge of His word. A storm may be just what you need to stand strong in the Lord and see what faith in Him can do.

So, yes, the wind blowing, rain falling, boat rocking, waves crashing, and dark skies may be the last thing that you want to experience. But God will never allow you to go through more than you can handle. There's a reason why you are going through the storm. Don't get so distracted with looking at the waves crashing around you that you start to sink. Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus and you will find yourself walking on solid ground while everything else is in chaos around you.

Verse of the Day: And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full. And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish? And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith? Mark 4:37-40

Don't Shrink Back!

When Adam and Eve sinned in the garden, the glory of God that clothed them was removed and they realized their nakedness. Their sin caused them to feel to feel shame, and they hid when they knew that God was coming to talk with them. (Genesis 3)

As a PK (Preacher's Kid), I've been blessed to be around numerous men and women of God growing up. When I was younger, I would enjoy sitting in the back rooms and listening in on their conversations. It was enlightening to hear what they were like when they weren't preaching to a crowd of people. I thank God that the majority of those men and women were people of integrity and set good examples for me.

It's funny because most of my friends didn't feel the same way that I did about hanging around the preachers. They wouldn't want to go and talk to the ministers out of fear that God would reveal to them something negative about my friends. They were afraid that their 'sins' would be exposed. They shrank back from the anointing God had placed on those people's lives.

In the same way, some of us shrink back from God's presence when we are in sin. We don't pray as deeply as we normally would (if we pray at all). Some of us stop going to church. Others dodge ministry leaders in our church. Like my friends, we don't want to be 'exposed', we don't want anyone to hone in on our secret sins.

Yet, if we continue reading Adam and Eve's story, we see that even though God rightly rebuked them, He made a way for the sins to be covered. At that time, it took the sacrifice of a lamb, but God told Adam and Eve what to do to make things right. He even gave them the lamb's wool as a covering for their nakedness.

We all sin and fall short of God's glory. However, we serve a just and gracious God. Of course there are consequences for our sin, but God's grace is there to cover and make things right again. We are blessed to have the eternal sacrifice of God's Son, Jesus, to cover our transgressions. And He has made a way for us to be reconciled with God.

So what you fell? That doesn't mean that you should turn away from God's presence. It's all the more reason for you to run to Him, so He can make you whole again. Don't shrink back, press in. Your Heavenly Father is waiting with love to make it all okay.

Verse of the Day: God showed how much he loved us by sending his one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him. This is real love—not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins. 1 John 4:9, 10

Afternoon Ti: Thinking About This Homosexuality Thing...

So, I didn't want to give politics for our morning meditation. However, I could not help but be impacted by an announcement made by my President that's making headlines here in the United States.

As a Christian, I believe that homosexuality is wrong in the eyes of God. It's sin. I don't hate homosexuals - in fact, I have friends who are gay. I believe that all human beings deserve love and respect and the right to live their lives in peace.

However, I know that it is my responsibility as a Christian to point to Jesus, live my life in a way that is pleasing to God, and share the gospel with everyone. In sharing the gospel, I share my beliefs. In sharing my beliefs, I will undoubtedly offend someone else who does not share my beliefs.

As a minister of the gospel, I preach God's Word. In preaching God's Word I have to speak out against sin. All sin. But, it's one thing to preach against sin and another to set up laws that affect how a person lives their lives. In preaching against sin, I'm giving the person the decision to either serve God or do their own thing. It's up to them. In setting up laws, I'm either opening or closing a door that either frees up or hinders a person from doing something with their lives.

I know that God has placed His people in all areas of vocations within this nation. We sit on the highest courts and serve in the lowliest positions. We are teachers, lawyers, babysitters, maids, IT personnel, actors, pilots, you name it - a Christian's there.

But in our roles, is it our duty to allow our Christianity to influence our actions in our vocation? I mean, as long as something does not cause us to commit sin, should we care if it goes against our beliefs?

I'll give some examples:

• If I was a realtor, should I not take on clients who were looking for a house together that weren't married?
• Some pharmacists have already chosen to not sell contraception to women because they view it as going against Christian beliefs. Are they incorrect? Are they going overboard?
• Is it okay, as a teacher for me to teach the principles of Darwinism even though I know that the Creation story is the right one?
• As a politician, should I automatically vote according to my Christian values, or do I need to view the laws separately from my personal beliefs and vote according to the "best interests" of my constituents?

I don't claim to know all the answers. Just wanted to share my thoughts on the subject. I am definitely praying about this Obama thing. As much as I know homosexuality is wrong, is it unfair to bar them from the right to have a union in the same way a heterosexual couple is married?

I'd love to hear your thoughts and views on the subject.

Be Fruitful!

The first commandment God gave to Adam and Eve after He created them was to be fruitful and multiply. He told them to reproduce more of themselves in the earth.

Each time God created something, He looked to make sure it was good. Before He moved a step forward, He made sure what He had created was up to His standards. So, when He told man to reproduce, He was telling Him to reproduce something good.

I believe that's why satan was so quick to move to get Adam and Eve to fall into sin. He knew that if they reproduced, he would have a harder time getting sin to take root. He had to strike before they reproduced after the goodness of God. And, as evidenced by Cain's murder of his brother, satan's strategy was right on point.

Now we can all see that sin has taken this world over, and it is multiplying and producing its deadly fruit all over this planet. However, God's goodness is still in existence on the earth. It dwells in those who love Him and have accepted His Son as their Savior.

But how many of us are being fruitful and multiplying? How many souls are being changed from the world of darkness to the Kingdom of Light? Have you been fruitful? Can you point to anyone and say that you introduced them to Christ?

Today, let's make an effort to produce some fruit! Let's tell someone about our Savior, let's influence someone to do the right thing, let's let our lights shine so someone can be drawn to the love of God.

Verse of the Day: And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it... Genesis 1:28a

Where Do You Draw The Line?

So, our boys did not take state. We came in fourth. It was sad, but I know we all were grateful to be in the running. We got down there, and a lot of other schools would gladly have wanted to go as well. The prep starts for next year...

Every once in a while my friends and I will have discussions about where to draw the line as Christians. We talk about whether it's okay to watch certain shows, go certain places, participate in certain events... We know we are in the world and not of it, but there a so many ways a person can interpret that scripture.

Some of my friends think it's okay to have a drink as long as they're not getting drunk. Some say that it's cool to watch certain shows as long as they're not emulating that behavior. Others think it's alright to go to a club every now and then just to have a fun night out.

Usually, I come back to one example that really helps me. With whatever I'm doing: If Jesus were to appear in the room, would I want to switch up my behavior? Would I want to change the channel? Would I want to turn off the music? Would I want to change what I'm wearing? Would I want to put down my glass?

That to me ends all discussion. If you wouldn't do it with Jesus standing right there, don't do it at all. Jesus is doing more than standing right next to us, He's living inside us. He's with us everywhere we go, witnessing everything that we do. All of our actions should be pleasing to Him.

Have you had any of these discussions with your Christian peers? How do you determine where to draw the line?

As you go about your day today, remember that Jesus is going about your day with you. He's witnessing all of it. Is He pleased with how you are living your life?

Verse of the Day: What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's. 1 Corinthians 6:19, 20

Total Surrender

I'm back! I apologize for yesterday. Now, for some Morning Ti...

When Jesus called the disciples to follow Him, they gave up their entire lives to be with Him. They left family, friends, jobs, hometowns... Everything was dropped with no questions asked in order to follow the Savior. As a result of their surrender, they went on to lead lives that witness the miraculous work of the Messiah, they were able to work miracles themselves, and they turned the entire world upside down with their evangelism.

We too are disciples of Jesus. Yet many of us answered His call only to hold on to everything we liked and selfishly wanted. Jesus may not be calling for us to give up families and jobs now, but He does want us to give up our will for His.

Many of us selfishly choose to still participate in sinful behavior after we've accepted Jesus as our Lord. We choose to ignore the wants of the Father deeming them 'unattainable' or something that we'll work on later. We continue to turn a blind eye to the Bible's commands self-righteously claiming that we're doing the best we can or even pulling God into it saying that He knows our hearts.

We cannot just accept Jesus as our Savior, stay the same, and expect God to be pleased. Jesus Himself said that you can't serve to masters. And when you refuse to give up your will, when you continue to allow sin to remain in your life... you're trying to serve two masters.

As Christians, we are no longer the masters of our fate. We no longer have control over our lives. When we commit to Christ, we place our lives in His hands and give Him permission to do what He wants.

Today let's remember that we've given our lives to Jesus. He's the Captain of our ship. He's the Master of our domain. He's the Conductor of our symphony. Our will has to die. Our desires have to take a back seat. It's His way.

As we allow Him to lead, guide, and direct us, He will take us places that we could never even imagine. Too many of us are still stuck in the ordinary because we refuse to let Jesus take us to His extraordinary. Let's stop thinking we know what's best and allow God to take us to the miraculous.

Verse of the Day: No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. Matthew 6:24

Weak Spots

I did a post a while ago about old demons. I was talking about how the devil uses the same thing with some of us to get us snared in his trap and off of our purpose.

With all of the coverage of Whitney Houston's funeral and my spirit's tug to send up prayers constantly on behalf of her daughter, I couldn't help but think of how the enemy works. Seeing all those people of faith, hearing their testimony of Whitney's drive, grace, and talent... you could not help but be moved. You could not help but mourn the spirit that was snatched away.

We all have our weak spots. We all have a place where we struggle. It may not be drugs, but it might be pride. It may not be an abusive relationship, but it may be fornication. It may not be alcohol, but it may be gossip.

Whatever our weakness, the devil is looking for any opportunity to make us fall. He's looking for any spot where he can get in and take over. He's constantly searching for a way to cut us off. (John 10:10)

As believers, we have to remain vigilant against the attacks of the enemy. We have to constantly stand guard against his attacks. We have to feed our spirits the Word of God, spend time in fellowship with the Father, and walk out the revelation He gives us. We have to recognize when the enemy's coming our way. We have to choose to walk away from sin.

I know how difficult it can be to live right. Sometimes it seems so easy, so 'harmless', so trivial... Yet, no matter what the sin, it pays in death. (Romans 6:23)

I'm glad Whitney knew Jesus. I know, despite her struggles, that she is in heaven. We all can learn something from her story. The enemy is no respector of persons. If he can get one of us, he's going after us all. We have to stay on the wall, saints. We have to remain anchored in the Lord. We have to stay under the covering of the blood of Jesus.

Verse of the Day: Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour... 1 Peter 5:8

Warning Signs

At times you can feel sickness sneaking up on you.

Your nose gets stuffed. You sneeze once or twice. Your back starts aching.

Before you know it, your body is under a full-blown attack trying to combat germs. You're downing medicine, taking time off work, and spending more time in your bed than you'd like.

At times we can see sin sneaking up on us too.

We start talking to some guy who we know is no good. We buy the ice cream knowing that the whole carton is going to get inhaled as soon as we get home. We go ahead to the party fully aware of the debauchery that awaits.

We know that no good can come of our behavior. Yet we choose to ignore the promptings of the Holy Spirit. We choose to step in front of God and direct our steps the way we want instead of how He wants.

And before we know it, we've fallen prey to sin. We're dealing with drama. We're fighting weight gain and disease. We get caught up in the midst of an altercation we would have avoided had we not been where we were.

And then we want to cry out to God for deliverance.

There are now medicines on the market that are supposed to ward off sickness before you get sick. When you notice your first "warning sign" you can pop a pill to prevent the illness from fully taking over.

As Christians our spirits can always be healthy if they remain within the will of the Holy Spirit. He sounds the alarm to guide us away from sin. Even when things may appear innocent, He keeps us on track. We can be fully safe, blessed, and full of joy if we align our lives with His will.

Far too often, however, we choose to ignore the "warning signs" of impending sin. We choose to turn a blind eye to poor choices. And every time, we fall into the ditch. Every time we get snared by the enemy. It may not happen quickly, but eventually the consequences will be handed out.

Don't keep ignoring the "warning signs". Step back and let the Lord lead. Allow Him to navigate your life. You will avoid so much and benefit far more than you would if you participated in the fleeting pleasure of sin.

Verse of the Day: And the LORD shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not. Isaiah 58:11

Heartbreak

Last week I ran across the story of Amber Cole. I couldn't bear to watch the actual video, but the stills did enough to shake me. My heart broke seeing how this young girl - and the young boys around her, for that matter - were being so casual and blase' about what was going on. These kids were outside on school property!

So, now it's plastered all over the Internet for anyone willing to watch. And people are going in on this little girl. I mean, they are attacking her as if she is a grown woman. This child is 14!

If that wasn't enough, the follow up pleas from supposed friends or just sympathetic people also raised my eyebrows. They insisted that she had done nothing wrong, and did not deserve the onslaught of criticism and derisive comments she was enduring.

So, of course I had to have a talk with my teen ministry about what was going on. We've had talks about sexual promiscuity before, but this conversation was a bit more real. Folks, our young people are not seeing their value and self-worth. Some of the things we would have never done so casually, these kids are doing the first time they hang out. It's one step over making out to them.

Young girls are thinking that they are saving their virginity, but are still performing oral sex. They don't see the big deal. They don't recognize what's so wrong.

And our young boys... like the Amber Cole video so sadly depicted, if they can get it... They will take it.

I had a true heart-to-heart with my teens. And I'm glad to know that I'm in touch with them enough to know that they are not engaging in such reckless behavior that is not pleasing to the Lord. However, they represent a small sample of our youth population at large.

There are more Amber Cole's out there. There are more young boys who are willing to take advantage of a situation. There are many young people who don't see what the big deal is.

Saints, we cannot sit silent. We cannot sit back and just shake our heads in judgment. We have to go and talk to them, mentor them, show them their value and worth. We have to be that light that will help them to think of how God sees them, how they should see themselves, and how the world sees them.

It's all of our responsibilities to help better the world around us. The Christ in us has to stand up and show our young people a better way.

Verse of the Day: I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. Romans 12:1

Holiness is RIGHT!

This morning as I glanced through the Christian news, I was pleased to see an article on a preacher's sermon that spoke out against sexual sin. However, I was disturbed to see that the congregation in attendance was not pleased to hear the message. Some even walked out.

Really?

Are we so into doing things how we want to do them that we won't even sit and listen to the truth of God? Do we care more about our own petty pleasures that we don't want to hear God's cries for repentance? Are our hearts so hardened that we aren't sensitive to the Spirit anymore?

It is so disappointing to see how far we have fallen away as a church. Then again, this only confirms what the Bible has to say about the end times: For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; and they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. 2 Timothy 4:3,4

When I lived in DC, I was the member of a church where the Bishop was not ashamed to preach about staying holy before God. He would shout to the rafters: "Holiness is RIGHT!!!" So true.

God has clearly called His children to live upright and holy before Him. We are to die to our flesh and allow our minds to be renewed in Christ. (Romans 12:1,2)

How can we lay hands on the sick, pray in the name of Jesus, and call others into the Kingdom when we allow our hands, mouth, and body to engage in sinful acts?

Lord, help us all to hear your call for holiness and actually respond!

Verse of the Day:  And, let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart. 2 Timothy 2:19b, 22

All Eyes On Me! (They're Watching You Too)

This morning my heart is a bit grieved. I did my daily round of blog hopping to catch up on the latest news for the day. Folks, there's a lot of negativity going on in the Christian camp. From pastors getting DUIs to gospel singers wearing lingerie in their music videos to young women deciding that they can participate in pre-marital sex without guilt because God's love is not based on their performance. I won't even get into the pastors coming out as homosexuals and sanctioning it as okay or others stating that the Bible is merely a metaphor and not entirely true. I am appalled and concerned.

There is an entire world out there that is already skeptical of religion and faith in the unseen. Our only witness to the greatness of God's love is how we act within this world. We claim we are different, set apart, destined for heaven's gates. Yet when they look at our lives, can they truly see what makes us any different from them? What really would compel them to be like us?

Even more troubling is the thought of Christians embracing sinful behavior while continuing to confess Christ. How can good and bad fruit come from the same tree?

Our witness is on display every day. People watch what we say, how we act, and where we go. Their eyes and ears are alert to the promises we make, attitudes we catch, selfishness we exhibit, and thoughtlessness we show. They hear us praise God in the morning and curse out our neighbor in the afternoon. They see us trek to the club on Friday night and then sing in the choir stand on Sunday. What are we doing?!

This world is crying out for deliverance, but they will turn a deaf ear to Christ if we continue to blend in, compromise, and blatantly participate in sin. We have to do better saints. The world is watching.

Verse of the Day: Either make the tree good, and his fruit good; or else make the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by his fruit. Matthew 12:33

Pressing Rewind

Right now, I wish I had a remote that could rewind time to about 12 hours ago when I was snug in my bed fast asleep. Or, I take a fast forward to later on this evening after all my running around is through when I'll get to sit down and relax for a minute.

Sadly for me, that is not life. Yet there are times where God brings back some "rewind" moments to let us know how much we've grown (or how much we're still the same).

You know those times. Like the man you know was not God's plan, the one that had you straight off the path of God, the one you promised God you would leave alone and never get down with again... yeah, him. He's suddenly hitting you up on Facebook, or blowing up your phone. What are you doing?

Or, the times where you have the opportunity to engage in the behavior that you've testified that God has delivered you from. The one that had the vice-grip on your life. And now, space and opportunity have afforded you a prime moment to slip back in without anyone knowing. What are you doing?

Most challenging of all are those times in life when your at your lowest, feeling your weakest, or after a crushing blow from the enemy. It's then that our own minds sometimes push the rewind button and offer up solutions to ease the pain with all of those things that we embraced before we fell in love with the Father. What are you doing?

Keep in mind that at our weakest, God is the strongest. If we choose to cling to Him in the midst of the "rewind" moments, if we choose to ignore our flesh that is crying out for a release, if we stand on the Word and squeeze off the life force to the flesh... we can continue to overcome, continue to experience victory, and continue to grow in God.

We will know that God is able to trust us, and we will see how much we've grown in Him. As we keep passing the "rewind" moments, they begin to lose their power giving us confidence, and the next one is easier to pass through.

Even if we fail the "rewind" moments, rest assured that our loving God will show forgiveness and love us still. We don't have to dwell in condemnation. We just have to move forward determined to continue in God's will, Word, and way surrendering ourselves to the purging fire of His love.

Verse of the Day: I have discovered this principle of life—that when I want to do what is right, I inevitably do what is wrong... Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death? Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 8:21, 24-25a (NLT)

Personal Pets

I’ve never had a pet. My mother always said that our family was too busy to properly care for an animal. Which, looking back, was probably true. That didn’t stop my sister and I from asking for something furry and cuddly to love on.

I always wanted a kitten. A ginger striped kitten. There was something about the quietness and serenity of cats that appealed to me.

Despite my lack of physical pets, I've had a couple of pet sins that I liked to keep around that had no business in my life. And if you look closely at yourself, you’ve probably got some personal ‘pets’ hanging around too.

Let me explain. You know that stronghold that’s been over your life for as long as you can remember? That guilty pleasure that you occasionally dabble in from time to time? Those practices that you keep that make you cringe whenever your pastor brings them up in his messages?

Yeah, those. You know what I’m talking about. I consider those to be some personal pets that need to be put down.

It could be Gossip. Porn. Fornication. Lying. Stealing. The pets come in all shapes and sizes and forms. All they need is a happy home, and they’ll stay as long as you let them.

Many of us can kick out other sins with a quickness, but take great strains to keep our little ‘pet sins’ hanging around in our lives. We take them out and stroke them, feed their desires, and give them attention.

But those pet sins that we dote on are actually eating us out of our heavenly house and home. They’re snapping up our blessings and blocking out the room that we need to grow to greater heights in God.

It’s time for us to take a stand and put out those personal pet sins! No matter how attached to them we’ve become, we have to stay strong and turn them loose. We can not put anything above our relationship with God.

Yeah, our fleshly hearts may hurt having to let go of things that we found pleasure in. However, the joy we will feel as God renews and refreshes our spirits will more than compensate for the loss.

Verse of the Day: Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. I John 2:15

Dying Daily

Ever been on one of those great spiritual streaks? You know, when your life is so blessed, you're happy, loving on God, feeling His power work through you... The times where you get breakthroughs with every prayer, new insights with every scripture you read... You heart is full of love for your fellow man and nothing fazes you because you are God's child.

You know what always seems to happen to me with those times in my life? Some event, some person, or some situation always finds a way to trip that hairline trigger I have. Suddenly I find myself on the opposite side of committing some kind of sin, a sin I thought I had dealt with, conquered, and buried. Even worse, sometimes it's a new one that I didn't even know was an issue for me.

It doesn't have to be big, but just the fact that I was able to fall back into that sinful nature always sends a blow to my heart. The blessed high that was just enveloping my every moment is quickly lost, replaced by shame, regret, and sadness.

I have to go back to the altar and ask for forgiveness. Praise God that His mercy never runs out!

It's easy to forget that we are all works in progress... especially when we have a period of good behavior. The Bible says to not think more highly of ourselves than we should. The same chapter speaks on presenting ourselves daily as a living sacrifice. (Romans 12) We should willfully give ourselves up to the cleansing fire of the Holy Sprit to purge away all the impurities of sin whether we think it's there or not. Trust me, God will find a way to send anything hidden bubbling up to the surface.

Today's Verse: Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:21