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 that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.” Revelation 21:7-8 KJV
Overcomes what?
• Trials and tests!
“My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.” James 1:2-3 KJV
Trials and tests come, but do we "grumble and complain" or "count it all joy"?
• Die to the flesh
“For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.” Romans 8:13 KJV
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 did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.”
Romans 8:29 KJV
The trials (storms) we face have a 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!
“Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.”
1 Corinthians 10:12 KJV
We walk around in fear, consumed in worry; full of anger, unforgiveness, bitterness and other sins, justifying our rebellion! But it's okay; we are okay, because everyone else does it!
No.
“Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.” Matthew 6:34 KJV
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 faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” James 5:16 KJV
“There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” 1 Corinthians 10:13 KJV
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 ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Matthew 6:33 KJV
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 8/23/15
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