Who doesn't love an action-spy-thriller?! I mean, one of those movies where you're on the edge of your seat, with your pulse racing and your mind trying to untangle the web of deceit that is an inevitable part of international espionage! Are you hooked as yet? Well, I almost was...to the point of sin.
It was one of those lazy Friday afternoons when I was at home by myself. I was surfing through the cable company's on-demand selection and found another instalment of my favourite action-spy-thriller. I paid the customary $4.99 and then settled in for an evening of high octane entertainment. The first five minutes were gripping. I was barely breathing when I suddenly heard the name of Jesus Christ used as a profanity. I paused the movie, and sat still. The war instantly began to rage in my soul. I felt shocked and confused. I thought, “I need to continue watching this, I need to see what happens next!” So, I began to reason within myself, “...after all, I'll just be left wondering how it all ends!” Then the still, small voice of the Holy Spirit began to speak. “How could you watch a show that uses the name of Jesus Christ as a profanity on Friday, then go and sing about that same name in reverent worship on Sunday?” You see, it was my turn to sing a solo at church that weekend. My song of choice? 'Worthy Is The Lamb' by Darlene Zschech of Hillsong. The first verse starts off with, “Thank you for the cross Lord, thank you for the price You paid, bearing all my sin and shame, in love You came and gave amazing grace,” then it crescendos with the chorus declaring, “WORTHY IS THE LAMB, SEATED ON THE THRONE, crown You now with many crowns, You reign victorious.” That day I turned the tv off. I decided that the $4.99 and the short term pleasure were not worth the pain of guilt that I would feel later. That was a poignant moment for me spiritually and for my growth as a Christian.
Hebrews 3:12-13 warns,“12 See to it, brothers and sisters, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. 13 But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called 'Today,' so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.”
Sin's deceitfulness always starts off small, masked as harmless entertainment, an idle thought, a curious glance, a careless word, or an unintentional gesture. It is often accompanied by the thought, 'just this once,' or 'I deserve this.' One time becomes two, two become three and then hardness of heart leads to habit, or habit leads to hardness of heart. Thankfully, God has given us the Holy Spirit, the Word of God and one another for accountability. Let us guard our hearts diligently, encourage one another regularly, read the Bible daily and listen to the Holy Spirit constantly. And remember, JESUS died for your sins, so if you fall, repent and get back up because you are washed in the Blood of the Lamb!
Showing posts with label Repent. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Repent. Show all posts
Tuesday, September 9, 2014
Tuesday, June 17, 2014
Talk Tuesday-Don't Stay Down!
Have you ever felt really down about yourself and distant from GOD? Have you ever felt despondent, discouraged or disappointed by your own behaviour as a professing Christian? Well, I certainly have!
This week I was reminded of GOD's infinite mercy, grace and love. As I considered my own sinfulness, I felt the Holy Spirit encourage me to simply confess, repent and pray. So, I did. I acknowledged my waywardness before the LORD (because that is exactly what sin is!), I asked for forgiveness and petitioned Him for help. Afterwards, I felt refreshed, restored and ready to face the future.
The Bible tells us 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. JESUS CHRIST is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and He advocates on our behalf. “But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. 2 He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world,” 1 John 2:1-2. The HOLY SPIRIT teaches us the Word of GOD and convicts us of sin. “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you,” John 14:26. “And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment,” John 16:8.
Today, if you are feeling down, dive into His Word and pray. He has a great plan for your life! “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do,” Ephesians 2:10. Remember whose you are. "14 For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. 15 The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, 'Abba, Father.' 16 The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children," Romans 8:14-16. Then, remember who HE is. “The LORD is gracious and full of compassion, slow to anger and great in mercy,” Psalm 145:8. Now, RISE, REJOICE and RECEIVE HIS promises for your life!
"Blessed are all who fear the LORD, who walk in His ways." Psalm 128:1
This week I was reminded of GOD's infinite mercy, grace and love. As I considered my own sinfulness, I felt the Holy Spirit encourage me to simply confess, repent and pray. So, I did. I acknowledged my waywardness before the LORD (because that is exactly what sin is!), I asked for forgiveness and petitioned Him for help. Afterwards, I felt refreshed, restored and ready to face the future.
The Bible tells us 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. JESUS CHRIST is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and He advocates on our behalf. “But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. 2 He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world,” 1 John 2:1-2. The HOLY SPIRIT teaches us the Word of GOD and convicts us of sin. “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you,” John 14:26. “And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment,” John 16:8.
Today, if you are feeling down, dive into His Word and pray. He has a great plan for your life! “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do,” Ephesians 2:10. Remember whose you are. "14 For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. 15 The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, 'Abba, Father.' 16 The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children," Romans 8:14-16. Then, remember who HE is. “The LORD is gracious and full of compassion, slow to anger and great in mercy,” Psalm 145:8. Now, RISE, REJOICE and RECEIVE HIS promises for your life!
"Blessed are all who fear the LORD, who walk in His ways." Psalm 128:1
Tuesday, May 27, 2014
Talk Tuesday-Forward In FAITH
“Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him,” 1 Corinthians 2:9.
Loving God has to do with obedience, “If you love me, keep my commands,” John 14:15. It is hard to obey God and to live in this world. It may oftentimes seem as though the standards of this world are in opposition to the Word of God. There are instances when doing the right thing seems to yield rejection, exclusion, ridicule, persecution and suffering. Yet Jesus says, “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven,” Matthew 5:10.
Hold fast to His Word and go forward in FAITH. The Bible reminds us that, “Faith is being sure of what we hope for. It is being certain of what we do not see,” Hebrews 11:1; “For we walk by faith, not by sight,” 2 Corinthians 5:7.
Whatever it is that GOD has promised you, hold on in FAITH. Do not let sight cause you to fall, and should you stumble, get back up on your knees and pray to the ONE who is able to restore. JESUS says, “My kingdom is not of this world,” John 18:36; “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” Matthew 6:33. When we look towards this world for our reward, we will find ourselves feeling disappointed. Remember, “...the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit,” Romans 14:17.
For those who have never experienced the blessing of knowing the LORD, the invitation is always open to you! “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.” Acts 2:38-39
Loving God has to do with obedience, “If you love me, keep my commands,” John 14:15. It is hard to obey God and to live in this world. It may oftentimes seem as though the standards of this world are in opposition to the Word of God. There are instances when doing the right thing seems to yield rejection, exclusion, ridicule, persecution and suffering. Yet Jesus says, “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven,” Matthew 5:10.
Hold fast to His Word and go forward in FAITH. The Bible reminds us that, “Faith is being sure of what we hope for. It is being certain of what we do not see,” Hebrews 11:1; “For we walk by faith, not by sight,” 2 Corinthians 5:7.
Whatever it is that GOD has promised you, hold on in FAITH. Do not let sight cause you to fall, and should you stumble, get back up on your knees and pray to the ONE who is able to restore. JESUS says, “My kingdom is not of this world,” John 18:36; “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” Matthew 6:33. When we look towards this world for our reward, we will find ourselves feeling disappointed. Remember, “...the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit,” Romans 14:17.
For those who have never experienced the blessing of knowing the LORD, the invitation is always open to you! “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.” Acts 2:38-39
Monday, March 1, 2010
Talk Tuesday-What Is Repentance?
What does it mean TO REPENT? The words REPENT and REPENTANCE appear numerous times throughout the Bible.
In the Old Testament, the prophet Ezekiel says,"'Therefore, O house of Israel, I will judge you, each one according to his ways, declares the Sovereign LORD. Repent! Turn away from all your offenses; then sin will not be your downfall.'” Ezekiel 18:30
Our Movie Monday post features Evangelist Billy Graham (November 4th, 1986 Tallahassee, Fl.) who says, "“Now you can't change your past, but you can determine your destiny by deciding for Christ. But Christ can change your past. He died on the cross so that all the sins you've ever committed, all the things you've ever done wrong, are forgiven. What do you have to do? You have to repent of your sins, that means to be willing to change your way of living.....You may have no power to do it...but if you surrender to Christ, He'll give you the power.”
In the Old Testament, the prophet Ezekiel says,"'Therefore, O house of Israel, I will judge you, each one according to his ways, declares the Sovereign LORD. Repent! Turn away from all your offenses; then sin will not be your downfall.'” Ezekiel 18:30
The word REPENT, used by Ezekiel in the original Hebrew/Aramaic is: sub, -which means, to turn back: from the base meaning of turning back comes from the fig. extension of restoration of relationship, as when one turns in repentance to God.
In the New Testament Jesus says, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Matthew 4:17.
The word REPENT in Greek is: metanoeo, - which means, to repent, to change any or all of the elements composing one's life: attitude, thoughts and behaviours concerning the demands of God for right living. (All references to Hebrew & Greek translations are from:James, LL.D., S.T.D. 2001. The Strongest Strong's Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Zondervan)
Our Movie Monday post features Evangelist Billy Graham (November 4th, 1986 Tallahassee, Fl.) who says, "“Now you can't change your past, but you can determine your destiny by deciding for Christ. But Christ can change your past. He died on the cross so that all the sins you've ever committed, all the things you've ever done wrong, are forgiven. What do you have to do? You have to repent of your sins, that means to be willing to change your way of living.....You may have no power to do it...but if you surrender to Christ, He'll give you the power.”
REPENTANCE implies an acknowledgement of our sinfulness, being sorry for our way of living and a willingness to turn away from sin to GOD. Jesus Christ is the only way to the Father. Once we REPENT of our sins and open our hearts to Jesus, He will restore our relationship with GOD. He will enable us, through the power of the Holy Spirit, to truly change.
"But when the kindness and love of GOD our Saviour appeared, He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Saviour, so that, having been justified by His grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life." Titus 3:4-7
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