You would think, when one discovers The Truth, one would stick with it, however The Truth can be difficult and we (especially) here (in America) don't do difficult well! Our lives are considered "cushy" in comparison with the rest of the world! We have instant everything, and if we have to wait for anything, we often will rethink, abandon and move on to something else. We will endure only so much, such a pitiful lot, we are. "Hard" is only for bodies!
It's no wonder that a soft, easy, and/or pretty and entertaining gospel suits us better! Oh, we don't mind seeking and searching as long as it doesn't put us out or cause discomfort! I mean, after all, "Jesus DID it all so we don't have to"; right?
WRONG!
"He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son. But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.”" (Revelation 21:7-8 NKJV)
Overcomes what?
• Trials and tests!
"My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience."(James 1:2-3 NKJV)
Trials and tests come, but do we "grumble and complain" or "count it all joy"?
• Die to the flesh
"For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live." (Romans 8:13 NKJV)
Our flesh continually demands satisfaction and it rules our every step unless we consciously bring it into submission! We see athletes diligently overcoming their flesh, however they most often neglect the spirit! Their desired goal is actually feeding their fleshly nature.
If our goal is to look and act like Jesus then we do well!
"For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren."(Romans 8:29 NKJV)
The trials (storms) we face have purpose in our lives. Their intended result is to bring us to Jesus and conform us to His image. And what do we do? Instead of seeking God, asking Him to reveal The (storms) purpose, we try and pray it away! Instead of humbling ourself, in submission to His will; we dig our heels in and "stand strong" in our belief, even if our belief is in error!
"Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall."
(I Corinthians 10:12 NKJV)
We walk around in fear, consumed in worry; full of anger, unforgiveness, bitterness and other sin, justifying our rebellion! But it's okay, we are okay, because everyone else does it!
No.
"Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble." (Matthew 6:34 NKJV)
Big sins or little sins; sin is not okay!
Confessing and repenting of our sin is hard, but that is the way of escape, provided for us!
"Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much." (James 5:16 NKJV)
"No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it." (I Corinthians 10:13 NKJV)
If what you are into; if what you are doing is not conforming you to the image of Christ, then you need to pray for God to open your eyes to The Truth! If you do not have fruit, but walk in anxiety, (be anxious for nothing) you are on the wrong road! If you believe that you can look like the world and still go to heaven you are in error!
If Jesus Christ in not your principal purpose then you are lost. Repent!
"But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you." (Matthew 6:33 NKJV)
Jesus can't be second, third or fourth!
He can't be a "thing" you do!
He HAS to be your everything, or He is nothing!
Even so - MARANATHA!
From 9/23/15, 12/30/16
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