Purposeful restraint


Something odd has occurred to me that has not knocked on my door in the past.  Contrary to popular belief among Christians, the sinful nature is quite intelligent in its own way.

I believe the sinful nature is oblivious to the fact that it will be destroyed.  But it is certainly not oblivious to what gives it Pleasure.  In fact, its entire focus is on the freedom it enjoys to sin.

The intelligence of the sinful nature can be found in its avoidance of restraint.  It will do everything it desires except those things for which it can be imprisoned.

Folly however is not that intelligent.  Folly will encourage the sinful nature to be stupid.  But a little wisdom goes a long way in making the sinful nature happy.

Perhaps this is the reason why so many Christians are caught up in such great sins.  How horribly sad.  When God stands ready to give wisdom without judgement to anyone who asks.

The cost of righteousness


On the news this morning they said that they would no longer be able to help against bullying.  Funding for the program has been cut off.  Now the children of that school district will be at the mercy of the young children who love evil.

Are you kidding me?  Money is the source of righteous behavior?  We need money to restrain the evil children among us?  But isn’t this what they are saying?  I am astounded at the blindness of America!

What cost is there to speak of what is true, boldly, defiantly, and timely?  What cost is there to refuse service to parents who will not control their children?  In fact we could save money if we went after righteous training properly.

But man considers himself God if he has money to spend.  Take away his money and he is helpless to do what is right!  This is what they are saying!  (I yelled)

The cost of righteous behavior is nothing more than humility.  But punishments are taken away from evil doers .  Psychology is used instead of God’s Holy Word.  And proudly, man stands and says, “I have achieved godhood!  I rule over all people.  By my discretion they live or die.  For I am the keeper of the cookie jar!”

Take away your money and you are a pathetic lump of flesh.  For you trust in the riches of this world, and give no glory to the Righteous One.

But what sickens me more than your pathetic strength, is how the people agree that you are right.  Those who sin, those who teach sin, and those who say Amen to the sinful teachers, will receive the same reward; both in this life and the age to come!

I would urge America to wake up.  You sleep a sleep toward death.  By your own willful ignorance you raise an enemy in your own house.  And you will reap the crop you have planted.

How I wish it were different.  It was not this way when I was young.  But “wish” is the proper word.  For you have made your choice and you will not turn.

So be it!  Even now the judgment of God builds against such things of man.  The wise will perceive.  The proud will spit in the face of the Holy Righteous God, even on the very day when they are judged.

Describing vs How


The bush limbs grow.  What man can say how?  There is a stick in the dirt.  That one only rots away.  But the one from which it was broken off grows longer and taller and thicker.  Buds appear, then the bloom.  Finally it is a joy to behold.  All in due time life appears.

Men may describe the phenomenon.  But no man knows how it is done.  And, despite the claim of science, it cannot be replicated by men.

God is life and generously gives to all, both in heaven and on earth.  No one lives who can search the deepest of God’s thoughts or intent; neither in heaven nor on earth.  Even the Holy Son of God admits some things are things that are in the hands of His Father alone.

What folly then does man possess that causes him to believe he knows?  Judge for yourself.  Which is better: to assume we do not need God’s salvation, or to humbly accept that he is all and singularly able to save?

Shall a man and say, “I have sinned therefore I am unworthy to go to God in prayer.”  Or should he rather except that God is the only source of repair?

The man of humble understanding will let God be God.  The man who is ruled by pride will choose salvation or destruction for himself.

Regardless a man’s choosing God remains God.  The man of pride does not steal from God’s glory.  But he robs God of the right to give.

I write these words.  They are true and life.  Those who accept such things will say, “Amen”.  Those who do not we’ll seal their own fate.

Salvation is like the bush.  Men may be able to describe holiness as it appears.  But not a single one can say how.