We are blessed to have Brother Marvin Lawton, one of the members of Abiding in the Vine, contribute a very timely message about obedience. I think you'll find his message to be honest, humorous, and insightful. Be sure to drop him a line on the Abiding in the Vine message wall (It's not too often we hear from the brothers.). Enjoy!
I grew up in the typical urban ghetto plagued by drugs, gang violence, roaming stray pit bull dogs, and the list goes on. And despite being very fortunate to be reared in a two-parent household, the desire to give into these external temptations was ever present. Like most Christian parents, they knew that keeping me in church was the best combatant to my urban environment. Of my many fond as well as quaint memories of growing up in the “hood”, the most prolific was my church experience.
I was brought up in holiness (shout out to all the COGIC folk!) whereby church was more important than school. Heck, even as a lad they made us fast so much I could never figure out why we had any obese people in the edifice! Like many kids we played church, laughed at the women who danced out their new hairdos every Sunday, and slept in the back during the weeknight service in lieu of doing homework. But soon, I too had that same religious experience at the ripe age of thirteen that once tickled me every Sunday morning via the rhythmic stomp of stiletto pumps enshrined by the long skirts of those holiness women. It happened to me at a Sunday school convention in the summer of 1988. The details of the experience aren’t as important as the instant and more importantly, reflective change that took place. After going back to the hotel room to have my first legitimate prayer with God, I began to ponder how could I return home earnestly showing this wonderful change that had taken place in my life? At the time, although I knew I was going to evangelize the good news to all my peers, my main concern was how could I be a witness in my parents’ household? It wasn’t like I had a job, a car or driver’s license for that matter; nor did I have a means of paying any bills. The word God gave to me was to simply go back home and “Obey”. As complex as I wanted the exhibition of my change to be, it really was that simple. As a child, the only real tool I had to be a witness was to obey my parents. So I did just that; from thirteen to adulthood my parents never had to raise their voice, punishment became a foreign word to me, and the only whooping that ever took place was maybe when I beat them in a board game or Scrabble (that one is for you Marita!!).
The above account is the prelude to a simple devotion on Obedience. In John 21:15-17, we find Jesus asking Peter the same question three different times. He told Peter to “Feed my sheep.” If we examine the passage more carefully, noticed He prompted Peter by asking if he first loved Him? Many of us could empathize with Peter’s frustration of being asked the same question over and over again even from the Savior. But what Jesus was trying to convey was the fact that God doesn’t need us to show Him love by what we think is good, instead love Him by doing what He asked us to do. If your wife asks you to spend time with her and watch a movie once a week, a husband shouldn’t go by her a Louis Vutton purse in place of not spending that time with her (although I’m sure the ladies would give you a pass with that gift!).
Like the example of me being a lad and adhering to my parents wishes, so should we be with God. Think about it, we may have the means of doing certain things as human beings, but in regards to God what can we really render? He’s omnipresent, omnipotent, and omniscient. Like the congregational song we sing, “He’s got the whole world in His hands!” Outside of receiving salvation, following what He already put in His word is how we exhibit our love for God. Being chairman of the deacon board is great and associate youth pastor second assistant is a wonderful position of service within the church body, but if we are not living according to His Word it’s null and void. As a single male, I do a pretty good job in trying to keep the basic ten on a daily basis, and for the most part my primary battle is with that “thing” in the words of Lauryn Hill. But conceding to that struggle or giving into temptation in exchange for being the musician, trustee, custodian, and church security guard does not make it okay. God would rather I be a basic member and walk upright before Him than hide behind my self-glorified good works.
Not too long ago, I updated a Facebook status that read something like this: “You gotta love church! They let you have any ministry as long as it’s for the Lord…I’m thinking about starting a beat boxing ministry!” As cynical as it sounds we all know how true it is. Churches now have sewing ministry, baking ministry, prison ministry, dance ministry, children’s ministry, and even aerobics ministry! I honestly believe that it’s a blessing to have an environment where Christians can use their diverse gifts and talents for God. Along with edification of the saints, when done properly these ministries have drastically changed lives and improved many of our urban communities. At the same time, we should not let these ministries overshadow our fundamental responsibilities as Christians. Many times we get entranced in building a better church culture, but forget to be basic followers of Christ. Have you ever found yourself wondering if you are in God’s will? What is my purpose in life? Is this decision I made really of God? The answers to those questions lie in the simple yes or no answer to if you are obeying His Word. Are you feeding His sheep? We can debate over the Old Testament ten, but Jesus saved us the headache of the ongoing ecumenical discussion by giving us a new commandment that “we love one another” (John 13:34). Obedience is the true will of God. There’s really no need try to complicate it with our own zeal or doctrine. I strongly believe it’s the reason we always frustrate ourselves in trying to “hear God”. We are too consumed with trying to listen for something He gave explicit instructions to do a long time ago!
So although I know that a song rendered from my beat box ministry will probably never supersede the morning message in place of the praise dance ministry (that’s comprised of the pastor’s daughter who counts on the one instead of the two messing up the routine every Sunday!), I have a peace in knowing that as long as I OBEY God I am in His perfect will. And although I’ve made some decisions based on me trying to hear God, the true reality is that I may never hear Him. Life is not what it’s supposed to be, it’s what it is. But as long as we continue to do what He told us to do over two thousand years ago, which is to love thy neighbor, we will always be in His will and be pleasing to our heavenly Father. Fear God and keep his commandments for this is the whole duty of man (Ecclesiastes 12:13).
Be Blessed,
Brother Marvin Lawton
Friday, August 20, 2010
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Does the Black Church Really Keep Black Women Single?
I got an e-mail from a friend who forwarded a CNN article to me that really has me fired up. In fact, this devotional blog is going to be very “out of the box” for me but hopefully relevant to some. I have extracted the gist of the article by Liane Membis below, but you can read it for yourself at:
http://www.cnn.com/2010/LIVING/08/10/black.church.women.single/index.html?hpt=C2
"Cooper, a writer for the San Francisco Examiner, recently made claims on her blog SurvivingDating.com that predominantly black protestant churches, such as African Methodists, Pentecostal, and certain denominations of Evangelical and Baptist churches are the main reason black women are single. Cooper, who is black and says she is not strictly religious, argues that rigid beliefs constructed by the black church are blinding black women in their search for love."
The article also includes a statistic that 55% of African Americans “interpret scripture literally.” Of course, the implication is that those of us in this group are misinterpreting the Word of God by striving to live our lives according to it. A few in the article further suggest that women are limiting their potential for relationships by having high biblical standards (being equally yoked).
To say that “[r]igid beliefs are blinding black women in their search for love” is an example of I Corin. 1:27, which reads, “But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty.” This a flawed deduction and dismisses many other factors that aren’t even brought up. Most importantly though, this is a conclusion that the world has come to that has no spiritual validity.
The Word goes on to say, “But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption” (I Corin. 1:30). Christians strive to make wise choices, but no amount of rational or intellectual thought, statistics or anything else can supercede Christ’s work on the cross and the godly wisdom that only comes from Him, the true life source. For believers, our final authority is the unadulterated Word of God. Yes, we take it literally.
Furthermore, I Corin. 2:11-13 says,
For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of a man, which is in him? Even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.
Those who aren’t Christians can’t understand the lives of believers. The Word and lifestyle is silly and foolish to them. It is only through the power of God’s Holy Spirit that we can understand and obey His Word.
Again, the remainder of chapter two in I Corinthians explains that only by the Holy Spirit can we attain insight into the plans and thoughts of God. The closer we get to Christ, the more peace, love and joy we have. His purpose for our lives can be disclosed to us through interpreting the Scripture fully and literally.
I was very disturbed by many points in the article, but mostly for attempting to tear down the church and for subtly appearing to persuade women who are praying for a good mate to lower their standards. As they say, the devil is a lie!
The problem with the increasing number of single black women is not because of a true, Bible believing faith-based church or the Word of God.
The Word says that “Eye hath not seen, nor hear heard, neither have entered the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.” The key to having fulness of joy is staying in His presence and in His Word.
I would love to hear from you on this topic. Drop me a line on the Abiding in the Vine Group page.
Blessings,
MaRita
http://www.cnn.com/2010/LIVING/08/10/black.church.women.single/index.html?hpt=C2
"Cooper, a writer for the San Francisco Examiner, recently made claims on her blog SurvivingDating.com that predominantly black protestant churches, such as African Methodists, Pentecostal, and certain denominations of Evangelical and Baptist churches are the main reason black women are single. Cooper, who is black and says she is not strictly religious, argues that rigid beliefs constructed by the black church are blinding black women in their search for love."
The article also includes a statistic that 55% of African Americans “interpret scripture literally.” Of course, the implication is that those of us in this group are misinterpreting the Word of God by striving to live our lives according to it. A few in the article further suggest that women are limiting their potential for relationships by having high biblical standards (being equally yoked).
To say that “[r]igid beliefs are blinding black women in their search for love” is an example of I Corin. 1:27, which reads, “But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty.” This a flawed deduction and dismisses many other factors that aren’t even brought up. Most importantly though, this is a conclusion that the world has come to that has no spiritual validity.
The Word goes on to say, “But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption” (I Corin. 1:30). Christians strive to make wise choices, but no amount of rational or intellectual thought, statistics or anything else can supercede Christ’s work on the cross and the godly wisdom that only comes from Him, the true life source. For believers, our final authority is the unadulterated Word of God. Yes, we take it literally.
Furthermore, I Corin. 2:11-13 says,
For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of a man, which is in him? Even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.
Those who aren’t Christians can’t understand the lives of believers. The Word and lifestyle is silly and foolish to them. It is only through the power of God’s Holy Spirit that we can understand and obey His Word.
Again, the remainder of chapter two in I Corinthians explains that only by the Holy Spirit can we attain insight into the plans and thoughts of God. The closer we get to Christ, the more peace, love and joy we have. His purpose for our lives can be disclosed to us through interpreting the Scripture fully and literally.
I was very disturbed by many points in the article, but mostly for attempting to tear down the church and for subtly appearing to persuade women who are praying for a good mate to lower their standards. As they say, the devil is a lie!
The problem with the increasing number of single black women is not because of a true, Bible believing faith-based church or the Word of God.
The Word says that “Eye hath not seen, nor hear heard, neither have entered the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.” The key to having fulness of joy is staying in His presence and in His Word.
I would love to hear from you on this topic. Drop me a line on the Abiding in the Vine Group page.
Blessings,
MaRita
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Freedom to Live
On the Fourth of July, we celebrate our independence and Declaration of Independence from Great Britain. America’s freedom means many things but one thing is sure, we no longer live under anyone else’s rule. We are free to live under our own laws and ideals, and we are willing and able to protect ourselves against any others who may threaten our safety or freedom.
Spiritually, all of us have been offered a freedom that far surpasses that of the United States of America. Christ offers us spiritual freedom sin, which ultimately offers us eternal life with Him. We no longer have to be bound by sin. Galatians 5:1 explains, “Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.”
Can you imagine the US going back to Britain to be under their rule and authority? It just wouldn’t make sense now that we’re free. Similarly, once we are saved and freed from sin by our faith in Christ and by His grace, it would be unimaginable to go back to a life living under the bondage of sin. Yet, many are lured back into ungodly behavior, and they are fooled into believing that when they are free to do whatever they want, this is freedom.
However, people thinking that they’re free when they’re living lives that are not submitted to Christ is a very prevalent deception today. In fact, when we live a life free to do whatever we want in the flesh, we become slaves to our desires. Without a life fully submitted to Christ, people are driven by the desire for material things, greed, power, position, sexual immorality, and a host of other ungodly behaviors.
Because of Christ, as believers we are able to live a life of freedom. We can live, reigning victoriously over sin. Yes, we can! Through Christ’s perfect sacrifice, we have access to have the chains and bondage of sin broken. None of this is accomplished by us—it’s all by Him. In exchange for our total dependence on Him, we are given freedom from the penalty of sin and death. We have to make the right choice though.
Paul goes on to explain to the Galatians in 5:4 that “whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace. For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith.” In other words, we cannot keep certain points of the law and think that we are gaining favor or freedom by doing these things. If we do think that we can do it in ourselves then we must obey all of the law, not just some. This attitude ultimately separates us from God.
Galatians 5:6 goes on to say that “For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.” I’ve had the opportunity to meet so many people who think that because they know scripture, go to church and/or Bible study, or because they pray, they have earned their ‘brownie points’ with God. They are often deceived into thinking that because God can forgive them, they are free to sin. My heart grieves for anyone in this state of mind and this state in life. As my note says in my Bible, “Freedom to sin is no freedom at all, because it enslaves you to Satan, others, or your own evil desires.” Again, we are free from the bondage of sin to live unselfishly, to serve Christ and others, and to bring glory and honor to the One who freed us.
As Galatians instructs us, “If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.” The Holy Spirit should be evident in our lives by the fruit of the Spirit. Those who are truly free the bondage of sin are not difficult to identify. They are those that display the fruit of the Spirit. They show love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance (Galatians 5:22-23).
I am praying a special prayer for anyone who may be bound and entangled by sin. I pray that the Lord helps you to stand firm and sure in His perfect liberty. Free yourself from the chains and weight of sin. Trust Him to work it out. His yoke is easy and His burden is light.
Blessings and Love,
MaRita
Spiritually, all of us have been offered a freedom that far surpasses that of the United States of America. Christ offers us spiritual freedom sin, which ultimately offers us eternal life with Him. We no longer have to be bound by sin. Galatians 5:1 explains, “Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.”
Can you imagine the US going back to Britain to be under their rule and authority? It just wouldn’t make sense now that we’re free. Similarly, once we are saved and freed from sin by our faith in Christ and by His grace, it would be unimaginable to go back to a life living under the bondage of sin. Yet, many are lured back into ungodly behavior, and they are fooled into believing that when they are free to do whatever they want, this is freedom.
However, people thinking that they’re free when they’re living lives that are not submitted to Christ is a very prevalent deception today. In fact, when we live a life free to do whatever we want in the flesh, we become slaves to our desires. Without a life fully submitted to Christ, people are driven by the desire for material things, greed, power, position, sexual immorality, and a host of other ungodly behaviors.
Because of Christ, as believers we are able to live a life of freedom. We can live, reigning victoriously over sin. Yes, we can! Through Christ’s perfect sacrifice, we have access to have the chains and bondage of sin broken. None of this is accomplished by us—it’s all by Him. In exchange for our total dependence on Him, we are given freedom from the penalty of sin and death. We have to make the right choice though.
Paul goes on to explain to the Galatians in 5:4 that “whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace. For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith.” In other words, we cannot keep certain points of the law and think that we are gaining favor or freedom by doing these things. If we do think that we can do it in ourselves then we must obey all of the law, not just some. This attitude ultimately separates us from God.
Galatians 5:6 goes on to say that “For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.” I’ve had the opportunity to meet so many people who think that because they know scripture, go to church and/or Bible study, or because they pray, they have earned their ‘brownie points’ with God. They are often deceived into thinking that because God can forgive them, they are free to sin. My heart grieves for anyone in this state of mind and this state in life. As my note says in my Bible, “Freedom to sin is no freedom at all, because it enslaves you to Satan, others, or your own evil desires.” Again, we are free from the bondage of sin to live unselfishly, to serve Christ and others, and to bring glory and honor to the One who freed us.
As Galatians instructs us, “If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.” The Holy Spirit should be evident in our lives by the fruit of the Spirit. Those who are truly free the bondage of sin are not difficult to identify. They are those that display the fruit of the Spirit. They show love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance (Galatians 5:22-23).
I am praying a special prayer for anyone who may be bound and entangled by sin. I pray that the Lord helps you to stand firm and sure in His perfect liberty. Free yourself from the chains and weight of sin. Trust Him to work it out. His yoke is easy and His burden is light.
Blessings and Love,
MaRita
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Craving Comfort?
When my two oldest sons were around the ages of four and five, I had the pleasure of witnessing an exchange that will always make me smile. We had a nice collection of Beanie Babies that my youngest son loved all—with the exception of the Beanie that was a ghost. My older son kept prodding him, trying to get him to hold the ghost Beanie. My younger son started crying, clearly scared. “No! Stop, I don’t want it.” I started to step in, but without missing a beat, my older son said, “It’s the Holy Ghost!” My younger son’s face brightened and he hugged the little ghost Beanie with all of his might, instantly comforted by the revelation.
As believers, we have 24-7 access to divine comfort, guidance, and peace, but sometimes I wonder how many of us tap into this power that is given to us. Like my son, do we fear and doubt, not realizing the power and peace we have in the Holy Ghost?
Jesus instructs in John 14:15, “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” We have to love Him first and more than anything. Out of our love for Him, we will obey His Word. We cannot love Him and remain in a state of obedience. Unfortunately, many of us get stuck right here. We choose to disobey. When we have accepted Jesus as our personal savior, sin no longer has dominion over us. If we sin, we sin willfully. God’s presence within us empowers us to reign over sin, but we must choose to obey. When you love Christ, your commitment and actions will show it. You will obey—this is a crucial step.
Jesus then tells us in John 14:16, “And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.” No matter what circumstance or obstacle we face, Jesus is letting us know that we are not alone. We have the Holy Spirit to comfort us and He will never leave us. What better assurance do we have in His Word and His Spirit that will never leave us?
Jesus says that the world won’t recognize the Holy Spirit. The world can’t because the world doesn’t love Him and His Word and certainly doesn’t keep His commandments. God’s Holy Spirit is reserved for believers who love God and obey His Word.
In John 14:26, Jesus says, “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said to you. Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you, not as the world giveth . . . Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” At times, we struggle with things, like fear, doubt, depression, and insecurity because we fail to really love, obey, and trust Him with everything and all of us.
I do have to mention that you can’t obey Him if you don’t know His Word. Things can’t be brought to our remembrance if they aren’t there. Our priority in life has to be growing and nurturing our relationship with Christ. Studying the Word, praying, attending church, and living an obedient life should be the basic foundation for all believers.
The life of a believer is a submitted life to Christ. The evidence of the Holy Spirit in a believer’s life is paramount. No believer can do it without the Spirit of God. Reigning victoriously over sin is not mind over matter—it’s making a choice to submit to the Lord and His Word. When we make this choice, we have the precious gift of God’s Holy Spirit. When or if we sin, we will repent quickly because the indwelling of the Holy Spirit will convict us. When we are filled with the Holy Spirit, we have the peace of God. This peace does not mean that we don’t have obstacles or trials, but it does mean that our lives are not filled with stress, depression, doubt and worry. We have comfort and consolation that is beyond any temporary satisfaction that the world might offer.
I’m praying that today, if you haven’t allowed God’s Holy Spirit to comfort you, that you would receive His love, power, direction, protection, grace, and peace.
Blessings and Love,
MaRita
As believers, we have 24-7 access to divine comfort, guidance, and peace, but sometimes I wonder how many of us tap into this power that is given to us. Like my son, do we fear and doubt, not realizing the power and peace we have in the Holy Ghost?
Jesus instructs in John 14:15, “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” We have to love Him first and more than anything. Out of our love for Him, we will obey His Word. We cannot love Him and remain in a state of obedience. Unfortunately, many of us get stuck right here. We choose to disobey. When we have accepted Jesus as our personal savior, sin no longer has dominion over us. If we sin, we sin willfully. God’s presence within us empowers us to reign over sin, but we must choose to obey. When you love Christ, your commitment and actions will show it. You will obey—this is a crucial step.
Jesus then tells us in John 14:16, “And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.” No matter what circumstance or obstacle we face, Jesus is letting us know that we are not alone. We have the Holy Spirit to comfort us and He will never leave us. What better assurance do we have in His Word and His Spirit that will never leave us?
Jesus says that the world won’t recognize the Holy Spirit. The world can’t because the world doesn’t love Him and His Word and certainly doesn’t keep His commandments. God’s Holy Spirit is reserved for believers who love God and obey His Word.
In John 14:26, Jesus says, “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said to you. Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you, not as the world giveth . . . Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” At times, we struggle with things, like fear, doubt, depression, and insecurity because we fail to really love, obey, and trust Him with everything and all of us.
I do have to mention that you can’t obey Him if you don’t know His Word. Things can’t be brought to our remembrance if they aren’t there. Our priority in life has to be growing and nurturing our relationship with Christ. Studying the Word, praying, attending church, and living an obedient life should be the basic foundation for all believers.
The life of a believer is a submitted life to Christ. The evidence of the Holy Spirit in a believer’s life is paramount. No believer can do it without the Spirit of God. Reigning victoriously over sin is not mind over matter—it’s making a choice to submit to the Lord and His Word. When we make this choice, we have the precious gift of God’s Holy Spirit. When or if we sin, we will repent quickly because the indwelling of the Holy Spirit will convict us. When we are filled with the Holy Spirit, we have the peace of God. This peace does not mean that we don’t have obstacles or trials, but it does mean that our lives are not filled with stress, depression, doubt and worry. We have comfort and consolation that is beyond any temporary satisfaction that the world might offer.
I’m praying that today, if you haven’t allowed God’s Holy Spirit to comfort you, that you would receive His love, power, direction, protection, grace, and peace.
Blessings and Love,
MaRita
Monday, May 10, 2010
Sins of the Father
Recently, I met a young man who suffered unspeakable abuse at the hands of his mother as a baby. Apparently, his drug addicted father was neglectful and selfish. With his mother serving a jail sentence for the abuse she had inflicted upon him, he was left to care for himself when his grandparents passed. Living on his own, he has had a hard life and as a result of bad choices, has even spent time in jail. By any standards, this person, through no fault of his own, was born into a bad set of circumstances. The sins of his parents caused him monumental pain and suffering, but again, through no fault of his own.
What do you do when you were born into a family that doesn’t care and love you the way that God intended? How do you keep from repeating the cycle of abuse, addiction, and neglect when you’ve seen nothing but that all of your life? This young man feels that he has been punished all of his life for the choices of his parents, but I also listened closely as he spoke. He also seemed to suggest that those terrible circumstances were justification for his present poor choices and any future bad ones that he would make.
The book of Ezekiel gives a good example of this type of thinking. The people of Judah knew that the destruction of Jerusalem was because of the sins of their ancestors. As a result, they did not take responsibility for their own sins. They felt justified to sin. The prophet Ezekiel informs the people that each person is responsible for his or her own sins. He tells them, “the soul that sinneth, it shall die. (Ezekiel 18:4).” In the past, you would bear the sins of the father. However, Ezekiel tells them, “doth not the son bear the iniquity of the father? When the son hath done that which is lawful and right, and hath kept all my statutes, and hath done them, he shall surely live.” Because of God’s grace, He would send the Messiah, His Son, to restore man back to God. No longer does the son have to bear the sins of the father—each person is accountable for his own sin.
Without a doubt, our family’s influence can be very powerful, but Ezekiel reminds us that, regardless of what mistakes have plagued a family, each person will be accountable for the choices that he or she makes. He says, “The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son. . . But if the wicked will turn from all his sins that he hath committed, and keep all my [God’s] statutes, and do that which is lawful and right, he shall surely live, he shall not die” (Ezekiel 18:20-21).
While some of us have had to suffer consequences from the sins of our family or others, we are not bound or punished by God because of them. We cannot use the sins of other’s to excuse our own sin. Again, we each have to accept responsibility for our present and future choices. My parents would say, “When you know better, do better.” Don’t allow the past mistakes of others or your past mistakes cause you to justify or wallow in sin.
Conversely, some people of Judah thought because their ancestors were blessed and favored by God that this also excused them of having to do right. I know some people think that because their mother, father, grandmother, wife, etc. is saved and praying for them, that this will cover them and their sins. This is equally wrong. You have to live a righteous life your self; no one can do it for you. You need to be saved and live a holy life, separated from sin. When and if you do sin, you need to be quick to repent. In other words, go and sin no more.
There is an escape if you’ve suffered unjustly s a result of someone else’s sin. You have to choose to break the bondage of sin in your own life by accepting Jesus Christ as your personal savior. If there is no one else saved in your family but you, you can be the person in your family to start a new lineage of faithful believers. Then, you must allow God’s Holy Spirit to empower you to live a victorious life. Read His Word daily, always praying and meditating on His Word. Get involved and committed to a good solid Bible-believing church. Surround yourself with saved, spirit-filled believers, who will positively speak words of encouragement in your life.
When negative thoughts try to overcome you, choke them out with the Word of God and prayer. There is no condemnation in Him, but there is hope, joy, love and peace. As the Word says, those who hunger and thirst shall be filled.
I am praying a special prayer for those who feel bound because they have had to live with the consequences of another person’s sins. I am praying that the Lord will comfort you and empower you with His Holy Spirit. I pray that the Lord will remove any guilt, pain, anger, shame, and or bitterness from your heart and fill it with joy, love, peace, and forgiveness. You are not alone.
Blessings and Love,
MaRita
www.MaRitaTeague.blogspot.com
Join FB Group Abiding in the Vine
www.MaRitaTeague.net
What do you do when you were born into a family that doesn’t care and love you the way that God intended? How do you keep from repeating the cycle of abuse, addiction, and neglect when you’ve seen nothing but that all of your life? This young man feels that he has been punished all of his life for the choices of his parents, but I also listened closely as he spoke. He also seemed to suggest that those terrible circumstances were justification for his present poor choices and any future bad ones that he would make.
The book of Ezekiel gives a good example of this type of thinking. The people of Judah knew that the destruction of Jerusalem was because of the sins of their ancestors. As a result, they did not take responsibility for their own sins. They felt justified to sin. The prophet Ezekiel informs the people that each person is responsible for his or her own sins. He tells them, “the soul that sinneth, it shall die. (Ezekiel 18:4).” In the past, you would bear the sins of the father. However, Ezekiel tells them, “doth not the son bear the iniquity of the father? When the son hath done that which is lawful and right, and hath kept all my statutes, and hath done them, he shall surely live.” Because of God’s grace, He would send the Messiah, His Son, to restore man back to God. No longer does the son have to bear the sins of the father—each person is accountable for his own sin.
Without a doubt, our family’s influence can be very powerful, but Ezekiel reminds us that, regardless of what mistakes have plagued a family, each person will be accountable for the choices that he or she makes. He says, “The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son. . . But if the wicked will turn from all his sins that he hath committed, and keep all my [God’s] statutes, and do that which is lawful and right, he shall surely live, he shall not die” (Ezekiel 18:20-21).
While some of us have had to suffer consequences from the sins of our family or others, we are not bound or punished by God because of them. We cannot use the sins of other’s to excuse our own sin. Again, we each have to accept responsibility for our present and future choices. My parents would say, “When you know better, do better.” Don’t allow the past mistakes of others or your past mistakes cause you to justify or wallow in sin.
Conversely, some people of Judah thought because their ancestors were blessed and favored by God that this also excused them of having to do right. I know some people think that because their mother, father, grandmother, wife, etc. is saved and praying for them, that this will cover them and their sins. This is equally wrong. You have to live a righteous life your self; no one can do it for you. You need to be saved and live a holy life, separated from sin. When and if you do sin, you need to be quick to repent. In other words, go and sin no more.
There is an escape if you’ve suffered unjustly s a result of someone else’s sin. You have to choose to break the bondage of sin in your own life by accepting Jesus Christ as your personal savior. If there is no one else saved in your family but you, you can be the person in your family to start a new lineage of faithful believers. Then, you must allow God’s Holy Spirit to empower you to live a victorious life. Read His Word daily, always praying and meditating on His Word. Get involved and committed to a good solid Bible-believing church. Surround yourself with saved, spirit-filled believers, who will positively speak words of encouragement in your life.
When negative thoughts try to overcome you, choke them out with the Word of God and prayer. There is no condemnation in Him, but there is hope, joy, love and peace. As the Word says, those who hunger and thirst shall be filled.
I am praying a special prayer for those who feel bound because they have had to live with the consequences of another person’s sins. I am praying that the Lord will comfort you and empower you with His Holy Spirit. I pray that the Lord will remove any guilt, pain, anger, shame, and or bitterness from your heart and fill it with joy, love, peace, and forgiveness. You are not alone.
Blessings and Love,
MaRita
www.MaRitaTeague.blogspot.com
Join FB Group Abiding in the Vine
www.MaRitaTeague.net
Monday, April 26, 2010
Thursday, April 15, 2010
What Will You Choose?
The weight of making decisions lately had been pressing me, and to be blunt, I had been feeling overwhelmed. When I stepped back though, I realized that it was only because I wasn’t taking the decisions to the one who knows all the answers.
Most all of us are bombarded on a daily basis with a host of choices, both big and small, to make but God has been showing me that we need to carefully make the right choices in life in all matters. The decisions that we have to make, however, should not be made directed by our emotions, by what others will approve of, or by the world’s standards. Our standard and base for decision-making must be grounded in God’s Word. When we take the decisions that we have to make to Him and His Word, we assured that we will always do the right thing.
I remember being at a crossroad in my life many years ago. I didn’t want to be single, but I knew that I couldn’t serve God and settle for less than what He wanted for me. I had to decide whether I’d let my fear of being lonely force me to make ungodly decisions or to trust Him. I remember clearly being knelt by the side of my bed in my small apartment crying before the Lord. A vision of years of loneliness unfolded before my eyes, and I sobbed. Yet, during my prayer the Holy Spirit calmed me and the decision was again before me. Are you going to trust me? That night I decided that I would serve and obey the Lord, no matter what. While I didn’t do everything perfectly, I strived daily to obey Him and trust Him with every part of my life—even if it meant that I might be single. My heart was open and willing to trust and obey.
I have been blessed with a family that loves God. We serve and worship Him together. My vision, skewed by the world’s standards and Satan, was remarkably different than the plans that God had for me. I want to add that none of these blessing have been a result of my own goodness, but from the Lord’s grace and mercy. He honors complete obedience and a pure heart, and as His Word says, He is no respecter of persons.
God wants us to choose to love, worship, and serve Him willingly though—He will not force us. Joshua 24:15 says, “choose you this day whom ye will serve . . .as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” Deuteronomy 30:19 says, “I have set before you life and death, blessings and cursings: choose life , that both thou and thy seed may live.” God has given us the roadmap for life in His Word. Psalm 119:5 explains that “Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.” His Word must be the standard we apply that illuminates and directs our path and decision-making in life.
Often people think that they can obey part of the truth and be okay, but we are either living a surrendered life devoted to Christ or we are not. Psalm 66:18 says, “If I regard iniquity [sin] in my heart, the Lord will not hear me.” If we are not actively choosing life by obeying His Word and His will, we are choosing death—even if it is by default.
Some of these things will make people uncomfortable I’m sure, but the bottom line is God is the one that searches every man’s heart. We can’t trust ourselves to make the right decisions in life. Proverbs 21:2 says “All a man’s ways seem right to him, but the Lord weighs the heart.” We can be fooled into thinking that we know what’s best for ourselves and end up with a joyless, unsatisfied, and empty life.
We are don’t have to worry about the outcome of the decisions we make when we love Him with all of our heart, mind, and soul (Matt. 22:37-40). From there, we will be compelled to read his Word and pray. The Word tells us that when the Word is in our heart, not just our head, we won’t sin against Him (Psalm 119:11). Finally, we can rest, knowing that if we delight ourselves in the Lord, He really will give us the desires of our heart (Psalm 37:4).
I’d love to hear from you, and know that I’m praying that God is directing all the decisions that you have before you.
Blessings and Love,
MaRita
www.MaRitaTeague.net
Most all of us are bombarded on a daily basis with a host of choices, both big and small, to make but God has been showing me that we need to carefully make the right choices in life in all matters. The decisions that we have to make, however, should not be made directed by our emotions, by what others will approve of, or by the world’s standards. Our standard and base for decision-making must be grounded in God’s Word. When we take the decisions that we have to make to Him and His Word, we assured that we will always do the right thing.
I remember being at a crossroad in my life many years ago. I didn’t want to be single, but I knew that I couldn’t serve God and settle for less than what He wanted for me. I had to decide whether I’d let my fear of being lonely force me to make ungodly decisions or to trust Him. I remember clearly being knelt by the side of my bed in my small apartment crying before the Lord. A vision of years of loneliness unfolded before my eyes, and I sobbed. Yet, during my prayer the Holy Spirit calmed me and the decision was again before me. Are you going to trust me? That night I decided that I would serve and obey the Lord, no matter what. While I didn’t do everything perfectly, I strived daily to obey Him and trust Him with every part of my life—even if it meant that I might be single. My heart was open and willing to trust and obey.
I have been blessed with a family that loves God. We serve and worship Him together. My vision, skewed by the world’s standards and Satan, was remarkably different than the plans that God had for me. I want to add that none of these blessing have been a result of my own goodness, but from the Lord’s grace and mercy. He honors complete obedience and a pure heart, and as His Word says, He is no respecter of persons.
God wants us to choose to love, worship, and serve Him willingly though—He will not force us. Joshua 24:15 says, “choose you this day whom ye will serve . . .as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” Deuteronomy 30:19 says, “I have set before you life and death, blessings and cursings: choose life , that both thou and thy seed may live.” God has given us the roadmap for life in His Word. Psalm 119:5 explains that “Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.” His Word must be the standard we apply that illuminates and directs our path and decision-making in life.
Often people think that they can obey part of the truth and be okay, but we are either living a surrendered life devoted to Christ or we are not. Psalm 66:18 says, “If I regard iniquity [sin] in my heart, the Lord will not hear me.” If we are not actively choosing life by obeying His Word and His will, we are choosing death—even if it is by default.
Some of these things will make people uncomfortable I’m sure, but the bottom line is God is the one that searches every man’s heart. We can’t trust ourselves to make the right decisions in life. Proverbs 21:2 says “All a man’s ways seem right to him, but the Lord weighs the heart.” We can be fooled into thinking that we know what’s best for ourselves and end up with a joyless, unsatisfied, and empty life.
We are don’t have to worry about the outcome of the decisions we make when we love Him with all of our heart, mind, and soul (Matt. 22:37-40). From there, we will be compelled to read his Word and pray. The Word tells us that when the Word is in our heart, not just our head, we won’t sin against Him (Psalm 119:11). Finally, we can rest, knowing that if we delight ourselves in the Lord, He really will give us the desires of our heart (Psalm 37:4).
I’d love to hear from you, and know that I’m praying that God is directing all the decisions that you have before you.
Blessings and Love,
MaRita
www.MaRitaTeague.net
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