How we act matters.
Isaiah chapter 48 verses 16 and 17.
Come closer and listen. I have always told you plainly what would happen, so that you could clearly understand. And now the Lord God and His Spirit have sent me with this message. The Lord, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel, says, "I am the Lord your God, who punishes you for your own good and leads you along the paths that you should follow."
What is it you love so much that you allow it to cloud your judgement and rob you of feeling good?
Is it sweets and cookies? Is it the rich foods that you know are not good for you? I mention these things because I'm diabetic and I find it hard to stay away from those things which I think I enjoy, but know they are not good for me.
It was the same as my addictions to alcohol and drugs. I thought that they had such a grip on me that I could not ever escape from. When I was high I felt good and thought that this was the way life should be. But other things happened that showed me I was wrong.
I became a recluse, who was argumentative. I did not like being straight and I did not like being high. I was restless and ready to battle. Thanks be to God who cared enough to bring Christ into my life.
If I was having such a great time then why did I need God to help me? I love to be creative, but that took energy and those things that I thought were ok robbed me of the energy I needed to succeed.
I like Romans chapter 7 where the apostle Paul talks about his misgivings. He knows what is right to do but is deceived by his own free will. He says, "No, it was sin, devilish stuff that it is, that used what was good to bring about condemnation. So you can see how cunning and deadly and damnable it is. For it uses God's good laws for it's own evil purposes. The law is good, then, and the trouble is not there but with me, because I am sold into slavery with sin as my owner."
He continues saying, "I do not understand myself at all, for I really want to do what is right, but I can't. I do what I do not want to---what I hate. I know perfectly well that what I am doing is wrong, and my bad conscience proves that I agree with these laws I am breaking. But I cannot help myself, because I am no longer doing it. It is sin inside me that is stronger than I am that makes me do these evil things."
What is it that clouds your judgement? What is that makes you feel good and are you satisfied with how you live?
1 John chapter 1 says, "This one who is Life from God has been shown to us and we guarantee that we have seen Him; I am speaking of Christ, who is eternal Life. He was with the Father and then was shown to us."
Our troubles are real and they can cause us a lot of anxiety and grief. People spend money to find freedom, hope and maybe peace. It is not necessary to spend money.
You have heard about God, so put aside whatever misguided thoughts you have about Him and ask Him for His help. He is asking you to come to Him and trust in Him so pick up a bible, or go to a church or speak to someone who knows about Him. Get to know Him so that when you talk to Him, you will have some hope that He will hear your prayers and maybe answer you.
What is it that others see in you? Are you full of energy? Are you helpful and willing to step up when asked? Are you seen as troublesome, argumentative, and have a reputation for getting drunk or involved with other addictions?
How we act does matter. And so if we are not shown what is proper and do not walk with the one who can give us the right words to speak and the energy to work hard, then you are on your own to find your own way, which can be very frustrating.
That is what is great about God. He is asking you to be part of His family and to trust in Him. He wants to be your guide and to bless you with amazing things so that you will have a story to tell and maybe help others find their way to life with Him.
Thank You Father for Jesus. Thank You for salvation and Your love. 😊
Romans chapter 3 verses 21-25.
Now God has shown us a different way to heaven---not by "being good enough" and trying to keep His laws, but by a new way, though not new, really, for the Scriptures told about it long ago. Now God says He will accept and acquit us---declare us "not guilty"---if we trust Jesus Christ to take away our sins. And we all can be saved in this same way, by coming to Christ, no matter who we are or what we have been like. Yes, all have sinned; all fall short of God's glorious ideal; yet now God declares us "not guilty" of offending Him if we trust in Jesus Christ, who in His kindness freely takes away our sins. For God sent Christ Jesus to take the punishment for our sins and to end all God's anger against us. He used Christ's blood and our faith as the means of saving us from His wrath.
Romans chapter 8 verse 5.
Those whom let themselves be controlled by their lower natures live only to please themselves, but those who follow after the Holy Spirit find themselves doing those things that please God. Following after the Holy Spirit leads to life and peace.
2 Corinthians chapter 5 verses 17 and 18.
When someone becomes a Christian he becomes a brand new person inside. He is not the same any more. A new life has begun! All these new things are from God who brought us back to Himself through what Christ Jesus did. And God has given us the privilege of urging everyone to come into His favor and be reconciled to Him.
1 Timothy chapter 1 verses 15-17.
How true it is, and how I long that everyone should know it, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners---and I was the greatest of them all. But God had mercy on me so that Christ Jesus could use me as an example to show everyone how patient He is with even the worst of sinners, so that others will realize that they, too, can have everlasting life. Glory and honor to God forever and ever. He is the King of the ages, the unseen one who never dies; He alone is God, and full of wisdom.
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