Finishing Well

In 1 Peter, we are told that we are to be holy because God is Holy. So, what does that look like? As obedient children, we are not to conform to our former lusts, but to be holy in all our conduct. How then do we walk that out? We first have to see sin as God sees it, coming short of what He requires. But, God, I'm just human! Yes, but as a child of God, a born again believer, we have the indwelling Holy Spirit, and we are to live for Him! Paul said it this way in Galatians: "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me." Which brings us a new question. What must I do with my sin? David tells us that in Psalm 51, and we have to recognize and realize our sin. People can tell us all day that we committed a sin, but until God points it out we will hide it, allow it, and not stop it. But when God shows us the sin, our...

     When Jesus came upon a person, often He would ask them what they wanted. To the ones who said "to be healed", He immediately took care of their physical ailments. But what about hearts, spirits, friendships, hurts that can't be seen, Jesus - how can You help that? How can words that have been hurled be removed? He pretty much leaves that up to us - the ones who have to choke down resentments and pride and the need to be right - the wronged and fling-ers of words alike - he says forgive. But God?!......  Mt. 5:44, Jesus says......but I say to you, love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which spitefully use you, and persecute you. But God?!....... Eph. 4:32 Be kind to one another, tender hearted, forgiving one another as God in Christ forgave you. But God?!...... When we repent of OUR sins, God mercifully releases us from our debt, because of His Son's death on the Cross. When WE release our offenders...

     Did me a little Bible searching tonight because I wondered how we come about being restored after we sin. Seems the only way it comes is if we repent. So, what does that look like? How do we know we really repent? Yes, there's the Godly sorrow vs worldly sorrow, but still......how is it evident in my life. There was a passage that said we are to bear fruits worthy of repentance. Huh? Ok, so don't keep sinning, PROVE that I'm repentant, right?      Esau, for instance, sought his fathers blessing, but was rejected. Although he sought the blessing with many tears, he was not repentant. In Ezekiel 14, God set His face against those who would not repent.      But, whenever people sought repentance - whole heart repentance - they were heard. They were forgiven. They were shown mercy. Restored. Job 42 tells us how he repented and the Lord restored AND then blessed him.      Hosea 6:1 (Amp) come and let us return (in repenta...

     Jesus is coming back. Some days I'd like that to be very soon. But, He's coming back for His people......the Church. He is coming for a pure, spotless church. So, obviously, that is taking longer.      Jesus called out sin. He forgave repentant ones. Shouldn't we call out sin as well if we strive to be like Jesus? But, like the rich young ruler, we cannot give up our wealth - our sin, whatever it may be. Grace covers it all we believe.      I WANT my sin exposed. That's why I read His Word that points it out to me. That's why I like Pastors to call me out, even when it hurts. Even when I disagree. Even when I have rationalized and stubbornly continued in it.      Church, it's time to wake up. It's time we took off blinders of grace and recognize the purity He calls for, the holiness, the Jesus-likeness. God is calling for us to be broken, to die to self daily, to be intolerant of sin in our own lives and in the lives...

     There are many irritants to our world, point being "OUR": meaning nobody else should occupy our own agenda, including our driving.       I've tried to chill - I've prayed for that dear old man who didn't use a signal. I've said "bless her heart", she must be having a bad day for not waiting two seconds til I go by before she pulled out.       But, over and over I lose it and mutter under my breath or throw my hands up in disgust.       However, I think I've finally let Holy Spirit God give me direction for this dilemma. You see, I only have Christian music playing on my radio and often I'm joyfully singing along. Of course, if there's a boom boom musical car next to me at a light I have to turn mine up!      So, today, I realized how wrong I've been, how hypocritically correct. Ok, I get it God - I SHARE the road, I'm going to my destination and so are they!     ...

     Jesus asked people what they wanted or what they sought from Him. I've always pondered that question and so I would answer Him this way:        I want to continue with Him. I want MORE. I want to live Jesus, breathe Him. I want to be desperate for His Word. I want to know Him for just knowing HIM - not just for being wise in scriptures - not for knowing more than other people.      I want to know His character, His ways, His purposes for me. I want to be obedient to Him, to His will and not mine. I want to want what He wants!      Jesus said "Come and see". I want to go, not wait for Him to come to me. He didn't say I'll show you the way, I have to come to Him. This means leave where I am. Leave safe, forgo ordinary, quit mediocrity. Stop being lazy in the discipline to pursue hard after Him. No more distractions allowing sameness.      COME - He says - leave discouragement, make a move toward H...

     This is what it means to me. I respect your right to believe what you believe. I do. But, I get a sense that this doesn't come back the same way for you respecting mine. (Or vice versa)      So, how shall we coexist in this world of "whatever floats your boat"?  How do we respect each other and not get into the next great debate when we talk?  What became of "do unto others as you would have done to you"?  Why is there only hatred and animosity about what we believe?      God knit in a "free will" gene in us, therefore we are indeed free to do and say and believe whatever we want. We make these choices every day. Are they all correct?  Usually only in our own eyes.      But.....we must live in the same houses, towns, cities, countries....together. In close proximity. In unity-ish. It can only be because we choose to love anyway.      As for me - I will show respect to you. Won't y...