Genesis 1 says…in the beginning God created heaven and earth, and in the book of Revelation it states that this earth will, at Gods appointed time, come to an end. We are in that place in the timeline of The Earth where hearts are growing cold. II Timothy 3: 1-5 “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affections, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady, high-minded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God, having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof.”
It’s kind of scary. Most of us don’t live casually and allow the above-named things into our lives. But… really? We are all human. Many people struggle with pride, or being high-minded, or unthankful. How many cause divisions by falsely accusing others? How many put their opinions and so-called knowledge above the actual truth and facts? Perhaps its time to get real with our selves.
We are living in that day. So how can we protect ourselves in our walk with God, but then veering off that path, and start down a danagerous and slippery slope?
Its natural in all loving relationships to maintain contact. If we love someone it is in our hearts to see them, call them, and stay closely connected. Not only is it in our hearts but it is what we actually DO. If we do not do the “DO” part, we should know that it’s just NOT in our hearts. The same is with our relationship with God the father, who came to earth in the form of a man, the Christ Jesus. If we are in relationship with Him, we make it a priority to staying in daily contact with Him. We do that through reading his love letters to us (The Bible), the same way you would read letters, or texts, or emails from a loved one that was living in a different location than you do. We’d reach out to Him often to say, “I love you, I need you… you are my life.” We do that also by prayer. Prayer is not some form of religious ritual where we bow our heads, close our eyes and say words. Prayer might look like that, but it is also a constant awareness and conversation going on all through the day. It is equally as much “listening” to His still gentle voice that is easy to miss because of the loud busy voices in our own minds, and in this assaulting world. We can have those conversations with God while at work, while doing dishes, while driving, mowing the lawn, doing chores, going to the grocery store, or in the middle of the night. Eyes don’t have to be closed nor heads bowed. God is as close to us as the breath we breathe. He just wants to love us, and as in all good relationships- cultivation is most important to keep that relationship fresh and alive.
I have learned to be very “self-aware” as you also likely have. I watch myself; I guard my mind, thoughts and words. I am aware when fear is knocking at my door, insecurity, and thoughts that do not line up with what God says about me; Its important to stay aware constantly because the Bible says that our “minds (thoughts) are an enemy of God. There is a constant battle going on between good and evil and the one we feed is the one that will have victory in our lives. At times I find myself having to be extremely proactive to shut that other voice down. Actions and thoughts of love, compassion, kindness, gentleness, peace is the life we are called to. Life is hard and for all of us there are reasons to “feel” we have a right to grow hard and cold, but God did not call us to examine our “rights” but rather to obey His word. When I am tempted to have a cold heart, I know I am nearing the edge of that slippery slope. And… being on the edge is dangerous.
I grew up in Michigan. Winter was a good time for us; My sister, brother and I would drag our sleds up to the top of the hill behind our country home on 4th Street and once at the top, would set our sleds in place and climb on them. The back acres were more of a slope than a hill, so initially we’d have to propel our bodies forward in jerking motions while sitting down on the sled to get it moving. It always started off slow, but as the sled hit a certain point, there was no turning back, we’d be flying down the hill at a good speed. We’d laugh all the way down, and then start all over again climbing the hill just for those moments of fun when we were going fast. My point is that there is a tipping point of a slope where the only way to stop the downhill trend is to bail off, and even then, the sled itself will keep right on going. The same is true with how we live our lives here on the earth. We cannot afford to play around at the edges of the slippery slopes of sin, unkindness, or allowing our minds to have destructive or unloving thoughts. It is easy to suddenly find ourselves in a momentum that we cannot stop, and then we find ourselves among that group of people that Jesus spoke. Luke 13:21-23 says….” Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you workers of lawlessness!’
The GOOD NEWS is that Jesus is always reaching out to us. Our society today wants scripture changed to agree with their lifestyle, but Gods word stands forever the same, yesterday today and forever. He is not going to change for any of us. God through the ministry of Jesus and the Holy spirit (The unseen spirit of GOD almighty) is ever drawing us to himself. He accepts ALL that will call upon the name of Jesus. He told us in his love letter to us (The Bible) that “I (Jesus speaking) am THE way, THE truth and THE life and no man comes unto the Father, but by me. ” (John 14:6) Coming to the father through Jesus is acknowledging HIM as Lord and Savior, and making his Lord (ruler, King, the final authority to all things) of your life. Making Jesus Lord is not about following a bunch of rules, but rather having the privilege of following a path that leads to peace, abundance and life. It’s in our hearts to follow our master; the “rules” and guidelines are there to protect us, not to steal our fun. He knows the deceiving, lying enemy, (the devil) how easy it is to walk in his deception. Our protection is obedience to the wonderful safeguards He gives us in His love letter to us, the Bible.
Lets pray for one another. Instead of being critical, lets pray and encourage. Yes there are times for correction (I get it everyday of my existence and I am so thankful for it!) but right correction is done with gentleness and love. Let’s do it the right way with words that are salt and life, and actions that show others we are sincerely concerned for them. The facts are that none of us are perfect and we have all made serious mistakes. God had mercy on us, let us have mercy on one another. Its “wake up time” because the hour is late on this earth. The Bible says that faith outside of love is worthless.(“Faith works BY LOVE.” (Galations 5:6, I Cor. 13, )) So if you want to make your faith work, LOVE.
Matthew 7:13
Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad
is the way that leads to destruction, and many enter through it.
John 16:13
However, when the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth. For He will not speak on His own, but He will speak what He hears, and He will declare to you what is to come.
Blessings to all of you. We need one another.
Uniquely You 