FaithfullyFiredUp

So I went to follow along on a verse a day sheet and its verse was Psalm 106:19-22. These verses describe how the Israelites turn their back on God. It tells us about how they created a molten image to worship and they FORGOT God their Savior. It talks about how they forgot all the things He did to deliver them from oppression in Egypt. As I’m sitting here thinking about that I was stunned by how God’s chosen people were rescued, fed with miracles, protected in ways only God can, and still FORGOT Him. During the time of Exodus all the Israelites are wanting to go back to Egypt because at least there they had certain things that were not in the wilderness. I mean God has gotten them out of Egypt about to cross the Red Sea and people are asking to return. There were many highs and lows. They would be praising God and then grumbling and forgetting the wonderful things He did. And then I thought this is what we all do. It’s easy to look to God when you feel like things are out of control and crumbling. What happens when you are on the mountain? We forget what God carried us through and we think we somehow figured out everything on our own. Something important to remember is whether we are on top of the mountain or walking through a valley the only thing we should be doing is looking up. To put that into perspective we serve a merciful Creator, and when the Israelites cried out to the Lord He did help them even though they had times of unfaithfulness. It’s important to have gratitude and make sure we praise God for the ways He works in our life, and never forget those things even when things are going well.

From the minute sin entered into the world it came with a huge price…death! Romans 6:23 tells us that the wages of sin is death but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. That gift is free to you and me, but Jesus had to come and pay for that gift with His life. Hebrews 9:22 tells us that without shedding of blood there is no remission. In the Old Testament people had to kill a sacrificial animal in order to get atonement, and this is just the foreshadowing of what’s to come when Jesus made the perfect sacrifice to cover our sins once and for all for all those that believe in Him as their Lord and Savior. So the thing I want you guys to understand is sin is a really big deal. It has eternal consequences. We can never hide anything from God and everything always comes to light. There are a million stories in the Bible showing you that very thing. Adam and Eve are kicked out of the garden for disobedience and the sin that they committed. Cain killed his brother and was marked and cursed for the rest of his days. I think something we need to keep in mind is none of us are perfect and we all fail, but that’s why it is so important to be in a relationship with Jesus. He changes us and leads us in a whole new life. Before we make decisions we should always look to the Father and align ourselves with His will. Ask Him what’s best and also be okay with the answer. Sin has eternal consequences, so get right with God today and invite Jesus into your life and accept Him as your Lord and Savior.

Guys we live in a sad culture today. We are told you can identify as whatever you want and the rest of us are told to celebrate that, or we are insert-phobic and that we should be punished for it. With every fiber of my being I believe the living breathing word of God, and because I love you enough I will share the truth. Let’s go all the way back to the beginning. Genesis 1:27- So God created man in His own image, in the image of God created he him: male and female created he them. From the very beginning God told us there are only two genders. There are no questions just the facts. God made you how you are supposed to be. There is no mistake. I do however think the enemy is out there creating confusion and lies. I saw a thing online talking about people saying well I was born this way, and then the person says well be born again. 2nd Corinthians 5:17 tells us therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away, behold, all things are become new. I think too often people get caught up in feelings. Jeremiah 17:9 tells us the heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked. My bible commentary was discussing that the human heart is naturally bent toward sin. This can cause someone to misplace trust in things, ideas, and even people. Guys we have to make a stand and keep strong in our faith. We have to be diligent about making sure we are protecting ourselves with the true word of God, and giving our children the firm foundation that God calls us to give them. Don’t let the world distract you from His truths and cause disobedience.

I think one of the saddest verses I have read is Romans 1:25. Paul talks about how people have changed the truth of God into a lie, and worship the creature more than the Creator. This makes me so upset. People act like the Bible is irrelevant and the culture today does the same things that pagan societies got called out for thousands of years ago. Our culture has watered down what God and following Jesus truly means. Paul later tells us that these people are so far gone God gives them over to the unrighteousness they have succumbed to. How heartbreaking for someone to know the truth but still choose to deny the path you are supposed to be on. Truth is guys we can all be guilty. It’s easy to want to follow the things we like and act like we forget the things that convict us. The other scary thought is worshipping the creature and not the Creator. In our culture today this is not hard for people to do. This is Idolatry and anytime we have made something, someone, or an idea so important and detrimental to our lives we have replaced God in our life. It is always a slippery slope, and it always starts as not a big deal. Eventually when you notice you can’t believe the distance you have created between yourself and God. But guys you know what is so great about our wonderful Creator? He from the beginning created the plan of salvation. He gave his only Son to die on a cross to cover the wages of sin for you. You are given a daily opportunity to repent and be reconciled with God. He loves you and wants you to be a part of His family, and all you have to do is ask. I challenge everyone to look inwards and see if there are any stumbling blocks that are distancing you from your Heavenly Father.