"What a great message at church today", I've said many times before.Though heartfelt, how much of that "great message" actually penetrated me, changing my life for the better? Don't get me wrong, I have genuinely had those life-changing experiences and praise God everyday for lifting me up and setting me on solid ground once again - opening my eyes and changing my perspective and focus on Jesus.
Yet there are those other times - that rut we find ourselves in - going through the motions; either unintentional or intentional, because heaven forbid people see our pain. If we let others see, then our relationship with the Lord may be questioned. That is such a lie from Satan! We need to be real with God and with people. "The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise" Psalm 51:17. "Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me" Psalm 51:10. God wants us to be broken and real - pure - with Him. Contrite means to be completely repentant of our sins; our wrongdoings. The Lord desires a heart that is 100% broken and contrite - repentant; all His.
Today God did give me a Great Word through a wonderful, Spirit-filled, on Fire minister visiting our church. It was a Great Message that indeed penetrated my soul, my mind, my heart: "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. This minister told me that Word was for me. It pierced me deep and I felt a release I didn't understand. When I went and sat back in my seat, I quickly grabbed my Bible and looked up this scripture. Upon reading it, I thought, "Lord, what sin? I'm a Christian and have been living right...haven't I?" Then I read the following verse "If we claim we have not sinned, we make Him out to be a liar and His Word has no place in our lives" ~ 1 John 1:10. BOOM...in my face...thank you for answering that Lord!
Then a flood of my most recent "little" sins came to mind: losing my temper, having a bad thought or speaking a negative word about someone, being impatient, watching a movie or listening to music that is questionable, partaking in something unhealthy for my body; need I go on. These sins that seem trivial and a part of "being human" as we tell ourselves, are not trivial to God. "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things" ~ Philippians 4:8.
The Lord does not expect us to be perfect - He's not into setting His children up for failure. What He does desire is "...truth in the inner parts..." ~ Psalm 51:6 I believe that God wants us to strive to be holy, keeping our lives above reproach - setting a standard as a witness of His truth and His righteousness.
"Dear Lord, help me to always be aware of my attitude towards others. Give me a heart filled with Christ's compassion - putting others' needs before my own. I pray your Holy Spirit quickens me when someone needs an encouraging word spoken to them. Do not let me judge or criticize - to remember my own transgressions before I am quick to throw a stone. In the precious Name of Jesus, Amen"
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