Some, Not So Much

Love you all, praying for you.
 
I just love God’s Word.  Especially the encouraging, hope filled, feel good verses that just.. make me feel good.  It’s the other parts – that challenge and bring conviction – that I don’t like so much.  That’s just my natural opinion of God’s Word.  The devil has a similar opinion – it’s just the opposite.  He hates the verses of overcoming and hope. Because he knows what God can do when your faith obeys… your wild victory, and his crushing defeat.  Instead, he loves the warnings.  Why?  When those who heed them overcome with flying colors and great reward?  Because most people don’t.  They ignore warnings, they make excuses, or delay obedience.  And for those that do respond and see victory (he can’t stop them) he’ll still try to use it in the future if he can.  Whether people heed God’s warnings or not, the devil will try to twist them into accusation and guilt whenever he can in the future – even after you’ve had victory, or have long been forgiven.  He’ll try to tie them around your neck like a rope, or your ankle like a chain.  And because our generation of Christians and preachers are so interested in removing guilt they sometimes would rather people feel not guilty, than actually turn from the sin that causes it.  This is not brain science – have you ever thought you might be struggling with guilt, because you’re guilty?  Guilt and feeling guilt are two different things.  Guilt is a condition that remains until you’re forgiven.  Feeling guilt can come with the condition, or the devil can cause it to remain, even after the condition has been removed.  So what about those warnings?  Those uncomfortable parts of God’s Word? God typically brings them at the most inconvenient times for you.  The times when you’re not thinking about that right now.  You’re good with things so far.  But God wants you to be pure, unmixed, and free from anything that could so easily beset you, or block you from walking in the goodness and fullness of God, and the blessing of His favor.  Sin hinders relationship, and blocks blessing.  God gives uncomfortable verses when you need them, when you need to change something.  And His warnings always create two moments of truth.  The first moment of truth… Will you actually consider the warning or ignore it?  Most ignore it, “Oh that doesn’t apply to me.  I’m good, that’s for the other guy, not me.”  But if you honestly consider it, now.  The second moment of truth  – Will you change course, or continue as you are?  Will you heed this warning or not?   Will you choose the blessing or the curse?  We’re not talking about what has been forgiven in your past, this is talking about what you are doing, or not doing right now.  God loves you enough to call you on it, if something is wrong, broken, or missing.  So what will you do the next time a warning comes?  Will you ignore it, or ask the Holy Spirit to shine a little more light on that issue, no matter how uncomfortable it is?  “Search me O God, and know my heart.  See if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.  That’s always a recognition, a turn, and a step in a new or different direction.  God’s warnings are a blessing as much as His promises and encouragement.  His love for you will never leave you where you are – it will always take you higher, and closer to Him.  It is never not worth it.  Praying that you will respond to warnings with the same victory that you believe His promises.  So how should you respond to warnings?  Ask God – Is this for me?  And if it applies to you, and you are falling short in any area. #1 Humble yourself – receive the correction.  #2 Repent – think differently about it – “This is no longer ok – to continue this, or omit this.”  #3 Turn – turn from it and #4 Take the first step of obedience in a new or different direction – so you can get to the blessing and healing and wholeness that God has for you.  Sometimes you can’t do it on your own.  Ask the Holy Spirit to help you – that’s what His grace is for, it’s more than enough.  Next, you may need to call someone.  Tell them what God told you and your decision to obey.  God says confess your sins one to another and pray for each other so that you may be healed (made whole again).  One may be overcome by an adversary, but two can withstand him.  If you have a Daily Call, you’ll know at least one obeyer that can stand with you and pray with you.  God gave two for a reason.  Praying that you will learn to love God’s warnings as much as His promises.  What loving Father doesn’t correct their children.  His love for you will bring warnings when you need.  The quicker you recognize and respond, the quicker victory can come, and the further He can take you. 
 
Love you all,
dad