Quiet Moments With God -- God To The Rescue

We get ourselves into some of the worst situations. When we step into trouble, we don't usually intend to jump into a mess. Making wrong choices because of earthly desires can get us lodged between a rock and a hard place--the consequences of rebellion. Being stuck is usually painful, and getting out can be agonizing.

I've been in such a place, more than once. I've purposely made choices I knew God wouldn't approve of, but have gone ahead anyway . . . because I just had to have it(whatever it was at the time). I'm watching someone whom I care about deeply go through such a place right now. My heart aches as I witness the agony. But I find comfort in knowing that God knows it all. There's no situation, no heartache or joy He doesn't know about. And when we're in a tough spot He's there to rescue us. But . . . we've got to reach out and take hold of His hand.

While I was in prayer this morning I came across Psalm 91:14, which says, "The Lord says, I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name." I love it when God takes me to a passage that goes straight to my heart. Oh, how I love Him!

Although God will rescue us, recovery is not always easy or without complications. But what is our choice? We can count on being overrun by trouble when we refuse God's outstretched hand. Still, we sometimes clap our hands over our ears and our hearts and refuse to listen. The consequences? God lets us have our way.

Why do we desire our will over His? I don't have all the answers but I know we're just human, fallen people. Sometimes our hearts are full of Him and love for others and then there are times when we're more like a two-year-old throwing a tantrum. We want what we want when we want it. We don't have God's perfect vision, or know His precise plan, but that doesn't change the fact that He has one. If only we'd remember and trust.

Sadly, when we refuse to listen and turn away from God suffering can be the result of our rebellion. It can be acute. And the rescue is not necessarily easy. Letting go of what we cling to can be excruciating. And we think--If only I had listened in the first place.

But all is not lost. God will set us on solid ground where we can experience His best and learn to walk a path that produces joy, contentment and an abundance of fruit.

I love fruit--don't you?

Grace and peace to you from God.

Bonnie

Quiet Moments With God--A Heavenly Command

While reading Colossians 3:1-17 several verses jumped out at me. Verse three says “Put to death therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature, sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry." Verse fourteen says, "Put on love." The following verses 12 – 13 continue with, "Therefore, as God’s chosen people holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love which binds them all together in perfect unity."

Put to death is not a suggestion. It is a command. God does not command us to do something we cannot do. In light of that, we must be capable of fulfilling His will in these areas.

The consequences of not obeying His decree is frightening. Verse six says, Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. Clearly God is opposed to sin, and He will justly punish those who do sin.

So where does that leave the believer? Thankfully, we are covered by the blood of Christ and will not have to pay the ultimate price for our sin, but will stand before The Father pure and blameless.

Nevertheless, that does not give us license to do “whatever” we please. He says we are to put to death what belongs to our earthly nature. We must steadfastly face our sin and thrust a sword into the heart of it. We may not face wrath, but there will be consequences for unrestrained transgressions. Just as a father disciplines his children so God disciplines us.

Fulfilling the second command in these verses, to Put on Love, is vital to everything we hope to do in this world and the next. Without love we cannot clothe ourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. First Corinthians spells out just who we are without love. It says we are a clanging cymbal, we are nothing, and we cannot gain anything without love.

The love of Christ is accessible to us all, but first we must believe in His sacrifice and accept His gift of salvation. Only then will we be able to do all He asks of us.

Grace and peace to you from God.

Bonnie