One simple conversation yesterday morning and an online Bible study gave me perspective I have never had before regarding choice and how God sees us..
As you read this, please consider: How are you handling all of today's challenges?
God is calling people to stand for him. No more hiding behind others or situations.
God, the devil, people or circumstances cannot make anyone do anything. Think about that. Really think about every decision YOU have made. It has always been ALL YOU.
We like to blame everyone else for our lives and circumstances when ultimately, we choose. Even when very very horrendous, unthinkable things are done. (not excusing that at all, we all have these stories, it shapes us into who we are.) At the end if the day, we choose bitter or better. It stinks, I am with you on this...My thoughts on this, these folks usually have a special calling, a higher calling and the devil knows this..More likely than not, he has tried to destroy you and/or kill you since you were a child. That is one way you can verify this theory. You are critical and will carry out your assignment if you can get yourself together. To what degree? Just enough to allow God to heal you. Just one or two baby steps. He will take over and make you whole again.
All that humanity does here on earth, how one lives, their careers, lifestyles etc. happened because of choices made. Broken or whole, again, made by choices. Everything one does is on them, their choice, good or bad.
Switching gears a bit.. People seem to think so little of their actions and choices, even less of how it affects others. Remember, others are watching you and are affected by the choices you make. They love and respect you. Some see you as a leader. Some secretly admire you and wait to see what you will do. Then there is the matter of your children, even as adults, they absorb and learn from you.
People who live in your circle of influence more likely than not, may be influenced by your choices because we are intricately connected one way or another. God created humanity for relationship. Our nature is to gather, protect and love.
If it is evil, immoral, not sitting right in your spirit or gut as some say, please do not partake, even if the guy on the other side holds your job. NO ONE CAN FORCE ANOTHER HUMAN BEING INTO ANYTHING, EVER!!! THAT IS GOD'S LAW. If you are one of his, trust God to provide the remedy for your specific situation. We are all called to take many leaps of faith.
1 Corinthians 10:13 13. No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.
ESV.
JAMES 1:13-16W
13 Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one.
That is why a relationship with Jesus is the most important decision one can ever make. THEN, STEP OUT IN FAITH, not only believing, expect it. Just like you expect to get home from the grocery store. EXPECT IT!!!
God does not hang anyone out to dry. Last minute, yes, failure, not in his wheelhouse. In those moments of absolute desperation, he is looking for surrender. We have a tendency to hold on to parts of our lives, yet, we sing, I surrender all. Which is it? Surrender so he can deliver. When we hold back, God cannot operate to the fullest extent of his desire.
At the end of our lives, we face judgement from our Holy Creator, the ruling will be based on choices made, thousands per day. One will be judged not by events, but, by the choices made as the events presented themselves. Did we pass or fail? Do you understand the great great responsibility you hold every single day? That seems hopeless to some, right? Possibly overwelming? NOT SO!!!
Our hope is found in Jesus. He is our salvation. He died so we could come to heaven after we die. Accept his gift of life. Believe he died and in 3 days rose from the dead.. Believe he is God and the son of God. Believe he walked the earth for 40 days. (Seen by hundreds, even though Google tried to erase that too). Most people believe in something, they trust their lives with tangible, earthly things, why not trust Jesus to save your soul? Then, Obey him, live his ways instead of your own. He is right.. What would you give up? Broken relationships, hatred, bitterness, confusion, depression? Will it be hard here, yes, sometimes. But, it sure beats hell, the place where those who reject Jesus will spend eternity. Why would anyone reject goodness and love?
I do not make the rules, I am just the messenger trying to bring perspective for the sake of God's Kingdom. The good news, we do not stay here. We serve the Lord until it is time to come home. That is the job, not to save the USA. She is done. Save yourselves and those you love. Ask the Holy Spirit how would you best serve God's Kingdom today.
We are truly free people, IF WE CHOOSE TO LIVE THAT WAY.
This is God's law for humanity. Please live accordingly.
Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.
Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.
If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.
All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.
And I will walk at liberty:
for I seek thy precepts.
But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.
May God bless, keep and protect you and all you love.
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