Saturday, April 30, 2016

Choose Truth


The other day in my devotions I read Romans 1, and some things really stuck out to me that I hadn't noticed before... In verses 18 through 32, it seems like this is describing a progression into sin. I have heard some interesting discussion on the "unpardonable sin" but maybe this is describing what that looks like. I don't believe it is something that happens in an instant. I believe it is a result of the habitual rejection of God's truth. And maybe it looks something like Romans 1:18-32...

For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:

First of all, this Scripture establishes that everyone has the chance to know God. They are without excuse, because He shows Himself to everyone through His creation.

Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.

Even though everyone has seen God's power through His creation, some of them do not glorify Him but choose to continue living for themselves. By doing this, their actions are saying that they are more important than God.

Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.

God gave us a free will and wants us to choose to serve Him. He isn't going to force us. So when people serve the creation (or themselves) more than God, He allows them to make that choice. He allows them to follow the lusts of the flesh.

For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.

This sin cycle continues, as they continue choosing sin over God. Lust turns into vile affections. And God once again, allows them to make this choice, going deeper and deeper into their sin.

And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful:

At this point, they are so entrenched in their sin, that they don't even want to think about God. So God allows them to stop thinking about Him. He gives them over to a reprobate mind, completely void of His call to repentance. The cycle into sin continues even deeper as the sins become habitual and overtake their life.

Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.

This is the final step. They know that God exists. They know that He will judge them for their sin, and that they are worthy of death. But not only do they choose to ignore these facts, but they willingly take pleasure in committing these abominable acts. They have fully rejected God in every aspect of their life, and in return He will reject them...

But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God; Who will render to every man according to his deeds: (Romans 2:5-6)

What an awful thought. It saddens and sickens me.
And oh, the mercy of God, that if they would but turn from their sins and He would forgive them.
He longs for them to do so, but He will never force them to.


Father, forgive me for my sins.
Show me any hidden sins, that I may make them right before You. 
Soften and purify my heart. 
That I may ever choose to abide in Your truth.
And that I would never choose self or sin over You. 

Monday, April 25, 2016

Momentary Glimpse

Pure and white as snow... angel food cake ready to go in the oven.

This weekend was a beautiful glimpse of a flawless era.
Of times past, spent with cousins and family.
Feeling accepted and loved even though they know you a little too well.
Of times present, long conversations with youth from other states.
Feeling refreshed that there are others concerned about the future of the church.
Of times future, as a cousin and friend joined their lives together through vows.
Feeling reminded to be one of the wise virgins and not one of the foolish ones.

Wedding weekends bring time spent with family,
Hanging out with cousins,
Hugs and "I love you's" from grandparents,
Talking to old friends,
Making new ones,
And lots of things to think about...
When the house is quiet and empty,
And you wish you could cling to the moment just a little bit longer.

Kindred Spirit

[via]

The Anne of Green Gables kind of friend.
That kindred spirit that you can tell your secrets to.
A shoulder to cry on,
And in the happy moments - someone to rejoice with.
The best-friend-kind-of-girl that you read about in novels.
Someone who you can be completely honest with,
And never worry about offending.
Someone who will always be completely honest with you.
"Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful."
The kind of friend that you can never run out of things to talk about with.
The kind of friend that you can call at midnight just to tell about your rough day.
Or that you can spontaneously hang out with for hours on end.
The kind of friend who shares your hopes and dreams and struggles,
And understands you so much that you feel like you've know them all your life.
The kind of friend who has just enough differences to keep it interesting.
The kind of friend who feels like she should have been your sister.
The kind of friend that most girls only dream of having.

My Greatest Wish Apart From Staying At Green Gables Would Be To Have A Bosom Friend.
What Kind Of Friend?
A Bosom Friend. A Really Kindred Spirit. I’ve Dreamt Of Meeting Her All My Life.

But the crazy thing is - I don't have to dream about it anymore.
Because it is real life. And I thank God every day for her.

Saturday, April 9, 2016

Whispers His Love

[via]

For a moment, we are left waiting.
Wondering, hoping, and agonizing.
Our bones are made of dust,
And our thoughts of effervescence.
Disappearing in an instant.

Our speed seems so dizzying,
And yet the world turns slowly.
Time passing by, unnoticed and unacknowledged.
Silence that deafens our ears.
As thoughts pelt themselves against our consciousness.

"Dear God, are You there?"
Comes the tiny plea.
And in a breath, His peace engulfs me.
And He whispers His love to me, in the silence.
And He whispers His love to me, in the silence.

Sunday, April 3, 2016

Fleeting Existence


Oh God, how great is Your Name!
How majestic in power.
You formed the world with your Word,
And breathed the stars into existence.
There was no detail overlooked
When you formed me, cell by cell.
Man cannot fathom the height nor depth of Your creation.
And how much less can he understand Your being.
Knowledge increases at an unfathomable rate
And yet, we discover more questions than answers.
You, Who made all things and understands all,
Loved us, small and feeble as we are.
Your Son died to cover our selfish sins,
And yet we complain that You don't give us enough
Or that we must give too much to You.
How ungrateful and demanding are we.
So frail and dust-like that our lives vanish in an instant.
Compared to You, we are nothing.
We don't even deserve to exist.
Yet You care about me.
You bless me with gifts, and Your beautiful love and mercy.
Purify my life, Lord.
Lead me ever closer to You.
That I may only bring glory and honor to You
For the remainder of my fleeting existence.

Saturday, April 2, 2016

Like You Did Before


Pain. Fear of rejection. Fear of the unknown.
A gentle hope pulls at my heart,
And worry brutally yanks it back.
Hoping that it will happen
And agonizing that it won't.
And then God whispers,

"Trust Me, my child.
Have I ever failed you before?
Have I not brought you to this moment?
And performed miracles to open doors for you?
Why do you think I'll do any differently now?
Just trust Me, like you did before."