GOD'S WORD TO ME--"Contend For The Faith!"

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GOD'S WORD TO ME

(Jude 3, 5-7)

"Beloved, although I was very eager to write to you about our common salvation, I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints . . . Now I want to remind you, although you once fully knew it, that Jesus, who saved a people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed those who did not believe.  And angels who did not stay within their own position of authority, but left their proper dwelling, He has kept in eternal chains under gloomy darkness until the judgment of the great day--just as Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding cities, which likewise indulged in sexual immorality and pursued unnatural desire serve as an example by undergoing a punishment of eternal fire."

Though these are difficult verses to read, the Lord is speaking to my heart about America.  My heart has been burdened for many months now regarding two great evils in our country, and both of them stem from the sin of sexual immorality--abortion and homosexuality.  I need not state my opinion on these because, as a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ and His Word, I align myself to my Lord and His opinion.  

But today He is speaking to my heart about my complacency and the complacency of most of my brothers and sisters in Christ.  While I know what I believe, and I am ready to stand with my fellow believers and discuss the sin that is so prevalent in our country, I don't know that I want to "contend for the faith."  Loving the sinner, but hating the sin quietly is my typical mode of operation.  Maybe it is yours, as well.

So today, I am challenged to pray many more prayers of repentance, for my own complacency, yes, but also for our collective complacency as a nation.  I will be praying repentant prayers for the Body of Christ, too.  We are all responsible, in part, for the downfall of this great nation, as we have continually turned a blind eye to the sin in our own camp.

It is time for sorrowful, heart-felt, repentance, my dear brothers and sisters.  Will you join me? 

GOD'S WORD TO ME--Walking with a Limp

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I Kings 18:21

"And Elijah came near to all the people and said, 'How long will you go on limping between two different opinions?  If the LORD is God, follow Him; but if Baal, then follow him.'"

Do you ever feel like your spiritual walk is more like a limp?  I know that I do.  Sometimes it is because I have been wounded or beaten up through spiritual attack as I try to traverse this life as a Christian.    But all too often I am reminded of my limp when I consider the great battle that rages between my spirit and my flesh.  More and more I am realizing that this battle is between polar-opposite opinions, God's good and perfect will and plan and the evil that entered the world with the very first sin. 

I  only have two choices in every situation.   I can choose God's way or the wrong way.  The wrong way, the way of Baal, consists of three entities.  I John 2:16 describes the three as "the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the boastful pride of life."  This is the way of the world, the way of Baal.  How often I take this path and follow Satan's way in the world.  It is no wonder that I walk with a limp in so many situations.

My call is to follow the Lord Jesus Christ, for this is the only "Way" to walk without a limp.  When I create my own 'altars of sacrifice,' that I willing lay upon, it is no wonder that I then find myself limping, for I will always limp around altars of my own making.  (I Kings 18:26--Read it!) 

Lord Jesus, today I choose to follow You.  Open my eyes to see those places where I am  sacrificing my trust in You by trusting in my flesh, what I can see, and my own sinful pride, for these are the altars that make me limp.  Lord, continue to show me that a limp can quickly become lameness.  Forgive my idol worship of life in this world while forgetting You. Come, lead me today, that I might walk in Your strength and power! 

GOD'S WORD TO ME--Declare These Things

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GOD'S WORD TO ME:  "For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession who are zealous for good works.  Declare these things; exhort and rebuke with all authority.  Let no one disregard you."  (Titus 2: 11-15)

This is the call of every believer, but God is calling me specifically to this lifestyle.  He calls me to not only be self-controlled, upright and godly in these days, but He has also called me to be a voice that renounces ungodliness and worldly lusts.  It is wonderful truth that the Lord has redeemed us, but now He wants to purify us and re-create our hearts to be without spot or wrinkle. Once we have been redeemed, and are in the process of being purified into His Holy Bride, it is then that we will become a people who are ZEALOUS for good works.  Rev.  19:9 tells us that these good works are the very clothing that we will wear when we marry the Bridegroom.  I want to make sure that I am properly dressed for that ceremony in Heaven!  

Lord Jesus, show me every day who of Your flock I am to declare these things to.  Let me exhort and rebuke any that You are drawing to Yourself.  Without fear, let me proclaim to them the good news with all authority, in such a way that none will disregard me.  By Your power and for Your glory, Amen!