Character Flaw or Sin?

Sin is deceitful.

Scripture warns us to pay careful attention to our thoughts and actions, and pray continually so we do not give in to the temptation to sin.  (Matthew 26:41)

But are we being sufficiently accountable to this warning?

A Bible study lesson opened my eyes to the fact that I wasn’t. I was, in fact, in serious deficit.

Many of us view sin in terms of how well we are living out the ten commandments. If we never did or no longer practice what’s known as “gross sin” or “mortal sin” (fornication, adultery, theft, murder, idol worship, parental abuse, etc.,) we feel confident in our good standing as Christians and our relationship with GOD.

This was my thinking before a small group Bible study some years ago. 

Our study guide titled Respectable Sins by Christian author and speaker Jerry Bridges (1929 – 2016) focused on destructive behaviors that Christians indulge in routinely but lightly dismiss as “acceptable character flaws.” Mr. Bridges would prove through scripture references that these set of behaviors are not acceptable to GOD and are actually sin.

With every weekly gathering, page after page of our study guide exposed us to our true selves in ways that weren’t at all complementary to our Christian beliefs. As the weeks progressed, we began to appropriately identify in ourselves behaviors that were less than godly.  

We saw that selfishness, fault-finding, stinginess, overspending, resentments, irritation, religious arrogance, pride, “little white lies,” frustration, and even anxiety, to name a few, are not character flaws; not cute or minor failings to be shrugged off, but sinful acts for which we needed to repent.

Lesson sessions became open confessions and admissions to sin in our lives that we had blindly accepted for too long as being “just our nature,” or “just who we are.” We had to acknowledge that sinful behaviors in our lives were causing us to fall very short of a godly lifestyle.

We had to face the very hard truth that, when measured by all of the scriptures and GOD’s standards, we were a lot less “holy and righteous and anointed” than we thought we were – which was, not at all. (James 2:10.)

Coming to terms with previously unrecognized sinfulness was painful but we all had a common goal to change. Heartfelt and cleansing confession and prayer became a part of every session as well as personal commitment to daily prayer about our individual struggles

.

John Calvin said that all sin is mortal in the sense that it deserves death.

But we are so grateful that JESUS died for all sin – those we know of and those we do in ignorance. Our merciful and gracious Father forgives all.

People cannot see their own mistakes. Forgive me for my secret sins. Psalm 19:12

Conclusion

Our “character flaws” are nothing less than sin. But GOD teaches and rescues His children by His own divine means so sin does not control us all our lives.

Once we are aware of our sin, the Father expects us to accept that we have the ability to change and He does not ask us to do it alone.

Prayer, His WORD and the Holy Spirit work together to bring lasting change – to sanctify us. 

We do not have to live in sin and deceit when we put our faith and trust in the power of the Divine and Holy One, who is our GOD and Father.

Prayer and Thanksgiving: Righteous Father and Sovereign over our lives. Thank you for forgiving us our sinfulness and teaching us true godliness. Help us to fully understand that to choose our own form of godliness is idolatry and disobedience to YOUR Law – and that all sin is mortal and worthy of death. Thank you for Divine grace through YOUR Holy Spirit that guides us and JESUS CHRIST who opened the door for us to know the joy and glory of YOUR presence for all eternity. To YOU belong all dominion and power for ever and ever. In the JESUS Name. Amen.

Always by God’s Word and prayer,

Cecile

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!!

Celebrating GOD's gift of mothers and motherhood!

But acknowledging also those for whom this day is not a happy one, for whatever reason. You are not forgotten!

The LORD GOD and your Creator who loves you best is saying to you today:

Like babies you will be nursed and held in My arms and bounced on My knees. I will comfort you as a mother comforts her child. You will be comforted in Jerusalem. Isaiah 66:12-13

If  my (your) father and mother leave me (you), the LORD will take me (you) in. Psalm 27:10

(His) The LORD’s love never ends… Lamentations 3:22

Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in GOD… John 14:1

Prayer and Thanksgiving: Our Creator and GOD, we thank you for the gift of children and motherhood and for providing joy, compassion and grace for our parenting journey, as we need it. For those who feel only sorrow today, give comfort and encouragement, ABBA, and remind us that we belong to you, the Almighty and Sovereign One, who will never, reject, abandon or dismiss us. We pray in the name of JESUS. Amen!

Always by God’s Word and prayer,

Cecile

Beyond Resurrection Sunday: A Lifetime Celebration of Love

Less than two weeks ago Christians world-wide celebrated the one major event in our history that separates Christianity from other religions – the resurrection of JESUS CHRIST from the dead.

This world-changer opened the door to eternal life in heaven with GOD the Father for individuals from every nation, tongue and tribe. As we believe and receive JESUS as Savior and LORD, by faith, we obtain new life and adoption into the family of GOD.

Out of His love for mankind, JESUS, as GOD incarnate, atoned for our sins, taking our place on the cross.

Believers know this saying well – “It is LOVE not nails that held JESUS to the cross.”

So, while we may shelve the rituals that go with the Easter celebrations until next year, we ought not to forget the love that was the genesis for the cross and resurrection.

JESUS’ glorious resurrection happened so we could live in and through GOD’s perfect LOVE.

Human love is about feelings which can change over time. And we love most fervently and best when we receive similar or better in return.

GOD loves because GOD is love.

Scripture is indisputable that GOD’s love is divine and unlike human love.

These are but a few examples of the way GOD loves us.

•  GOD’s love isn’t influenced by sources outside Himself; He loves according to His own purpose and will. “God, ...saved us and made us his holy people. That was not because of anything we did ourselves but because of God’s purpose and grace. …” (2 Timothy 1:9)
• GOD’s love is eternal, like Himself – it just is, having no beginning and no end, existing before Creation. “I have loved you with an everlasting love….” (Jeremiah 31:3.) Psalm 136.
• GOD’s love is sovereign, because GOD is sovereign. He’s a law unto Himself, acting/loving out of His own good pleasure. ”Because of his love God had already decided to make us his own children through Jesus Christ. That was what he wanted and what pleased him.…” (Ephesians 1:4-5)
• GOD’s love is immutable, like Himself; it does not and cannot change – there is no variation or shifting due to change with GOD’s love. “…Nothing in all creation can separate us from God’s love for us..!.” (Romans 8:38-39)
• GOD’s love is a holy and pure love, unmixed with sentimentality. Because of His holiness GOD does not ignore our sin but disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives. (Hebrews 12:6)
• GOD’s love is grace-filled and inseparable from His favor.  Grace-filled love nailed JESUS to the cross (John 3:16.) “…He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all…” (Romans 8:32.)

Like His other attributes – His knowledge, His wisdom, His power, His goodness, His grace and mercy, His faithfulness – GOD’s love is infinite. It cannot be measured or compared against anything of human understanding.

CHRIST died and was resurrected not so that GOD would love us but because GOD already loved us (John 3:16.) Because GOD can deny nothing of Himself, He cannot stop loving.  

That GOD cannot stop loving those who are His own (John 13:1) is very good news for us as imperfect mortals.

This divine and grace-filled love is why every believer can celebrate JESUS’ glorious resurrection daily, and thank GOD for His gift that is too wonderful for words!! (2 Corinthians 9:15.)

Prayer and Thanksgiving: Our Holy GOD and Father, all praise honor and glory to YOUR NAME! Thank YOU that YOU don’t only “love,” but that YOU are “LOVE.” Forgive us for talking much about love when we are so often total strangers to the GOD of love. Teach us to celebrate YOUR love daily and give us holy boldness the share with others the GIFT it gave to the world in JESUS CHRIST. To YOU belong all dominion, all power and all glory, for ever and ever. We pray and ask all things in the matchless Name of JESUS CHRIST our LORD. Amen!

Always by God’s Word and prayer,

Cecile

More Things JESUS Said: Words from the Cross - Part 2

On the surface, the events that occurred in the life of JESUS on Holy Week Friday were not “good”.

So, why is that day celebrated in Christian circles as “Good Friday?” Because it’s the day on which CHRIST JESUS satisfied GOD's wrath for sins of the entire world and purchased for us the Father’s mercy.

JESUS’ agonized cry from the cross of “It is finished” (John 19:30)  opened the door for all people to ask the LORD for and receive salvation (Romans 10:13.) The word “finished,” as used in the verse is “tetelestai” from the Greek, an actual accounting term used to indicate that a debt owed has been “paid in full.”

JESUS’ great suffering and crucifixion paid for all a debt we couldn’t pay, purchased GOD’s forgiveness for those who would believe, and restored GOD’s people back to Him. (2 Corinthians 5:21)

JESUS’ life’s mission was to save the world from perishing (John 3:17.) And He did it, not as an innocent victim of circumstances, but as a willing partner with His Father to fulfill the Scriptures:

“I give my life so that I can take it back again. No one takes it away from me; I give my own life freely. I have the right to give my life, and I have the right to take it back. This is what my Father commanded me to do.” John 10:17- 18

With those three words, “it is finished,” JESUS freed GOD’s people from the power of sin and every form of evil – addiction, generational curses, fear, and every stronghold that kept us in chains before we believed.

We have freedom now, because Christ made us free. So stand strong. Galatians 5:1

This is the good news for which every child of GOD should lift high our hands, our eyes toward heaven and shout a lusty Hallelujah, PRAISE the LORD!

With one sacrifice He made perfect forever those who are being made holy. Hebrews 10:14

Prayer and Thanksgiving: Holy and righteous FATHER, may we never forget the work that JESUS finished at cross that changed the trajectory of the entire world and of every believer. Thank YOU, SAVIOR and LORD, for giving freely giving YOUR life. Thank YOU, Heavenly Father for a love so great that YOU willingly crushed YOUR SON and made Him suffer as a perfect sacrifice for an imperfect people. All for our joy and YOUR glory. To YOU belong all dominion, all power and all glory, for ever and ever. We pray and ask all things in the matchless Name of JESUS CHRIST our LORD. Amen!

Always by God’s Word and prayer,

Cecile

More Things JESUS Said: Words From the Cross

Palm Sunday through Resurrection Sunday are the holiest days on the Christian calendar, and known to most Christians as Passion Week. The events of this week brought JESUS’ mission on earth to an end, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies and scriptures (Isaiah 53.)

Day six, Good Friday, could hardly be called “good” since it was the most difficult of JESUS’ entire ministry. On that single day, JESUS was subjected to betrayal, endured multiple unlawful trials, false accusations, condemnation, mockery, beatings, the most inhumane tortures, and abandonment by His closest supporters. 

Finally, the end, death by crucifixion. A shameful form of execution reserved for the vilest of felons. Through it all, JESUS said very little, and not one word in His own defense.

But from the cross, JESUS spoke, making seven recorded statements. While each have great significance for Christianity, two in particular leave no doubt about JESUS’ unconditional and divine love for mankind.

Based on Bible accounts, these would be the first and sixth statements, in order:

“Father, forgive them, because they don’t know what they are doing.” Luke 23:34

“It is finished.” John 19:30

How does one forgive such injustices as JESUS endured?

Theology professor Justin Holcomb explains it this way in an article published in Christianity.com: “The wrath of GOD against sin had to be poured out on JESUS, the perfect sacrificial substitute, in order for forgiveness and salvation to be poured out to the nations…. the day that seemed to be the greatest triumph of evil was actually the deathblow in GOD’s gloriously good plan to redeem the world from bondage….”

Rather than focusing on His most agonizing human suffering, JESUS was looking beyond to the mission that His Father had given Him to carry out, on behalf of mankind. (Isaiah 53.)

The Jewish leaders who lied and deceived to have Him crucified, the Roman soldiers who humiliated and spat on Him, the criminals and gawkers who jeered and mocked Him – none understood that their actions would fulfill GOD’s plan and the scriptures.

   

When JESUS prayed to GOD the Father to forgive His enemies, He knew that a judgement day would come when every person who acted against Him that day would recognize the extent of what they had done, and to whom, and repent for their sin. Romans 14:11-12; Philippians 2:8-11. And some did come to repentance that very day:

• A Roman soldiers who witnessed the unique circumstances of JESUS’ death Mark 15:37-39;  
• One of two thieves crucified with JESUS and was promised a place in paradise Luke 23:39-43;
• Nicodemus, a member of the Jewish Sanhedrin sect, publicly takes JESUS’ side John 19:38-40

Less than a month thereafter, some 3,000 who had witnessed and taken part in the events of Good Friday were saved in one day. So began the church as we know it. Acts 2:36-42

The forgiveness JESUS prayed for on the cross is for all people who would come to believe in Him – past, present and future. All our sins are forgiven, those we commit in ignorance and those that are deliberate – past, present, and future.

JESUS completed His mission; He paid the penalty for all when He give his life as a ransom.” (Matthew 20:28). So, as death approached, He was able to utter with confidence His next to final words,

“It is finished.”

With one sacrifice he made perfect forever those who are being made holy. Hebrews 10:14

To be continued…

Prayer and Thanksgiving: Our FATHER in Heaven, may we never cease to be grateful to YOU for the events of that first Good Friday. With awe and reverence we acknowledge CHRIST JESUS as SAVIOR and LORD, REDEEMER and KING. Father, may JESUS’ prayers on the cross on our behalf echo in the hearts and minds of our future generations Teach us to bear all things with patience and perseverance and focus only on the reasons why the events of Good Friday are “good” – for our joy and YOUR glory. To YOU belong all dominion, all power and all glory, for ever and ever. We pray and ask all things in the matchless Name of JESUS CHRIST our LORD. Amen!

Always by God’s Word and prayer,

Cecile

More Things JESUS Said: “You Are the Salt of the Earth.”

Christians are half-way through the 2019 Lenten season calendar – the 40-day period leading up to Easter Sunday during which we prepare our hearts and minds to commemorate CHRIST’s resurrection, three days after His crucifixion and burial. With this one-time divine act of grace, JESUS purchased the gift of eternal life in heaven for all who believe. (John 3:16)

Believers in turn worship and honor JESUS’ life and ministry daily, not just once a year at Easter.

Romans 12: 1-2 reminds us that since GOD has shown us such great mercy through His SON, we honor Him by giving our lives back to JESUS and being a world-changer on His behalf.

Everything that JESUS did and said during His life on earth up to His resurrection and return to the Father become the foundation on which we base our lifestyle choices. The world does not shape our thinking and choices – JESUS does and He gave a specific task and role to His followers – 

“You are the salt of the earth...You are the light that gives light to the world.” Matthew 5:13-14 

How are JESUS followers “salt of the earth”?

Not everyone cooks but we all eat and we all know the difference salt makes in enhancing the flavor of our food. The right amount of salt changes a blah-tasting dish to one that’s finger-licking good while too much salt will thoroughly ruin a meal. We also know that substitutes do not satisfactorily replace the real. Although human life cannot be sustained without salt, too much salt can be harmful to health.

Salt is also used as a purifier and a preservative.

As we maintain optimum physical well-being by careful use of salt, so too we desire our spiritual saltiness to have maximum effect.

The doctrine, beliefs and moral values, of the gospel teachings are said to be like salt to seekers of truth. As believers we should both live the gospel and share its good news to a dark and dying world (be salt).

Scripture tells us to be ready always to explain and share the gospel news – what we have in CHRIST (1 Peter 3:15.) And to do so with respect and gentleness. Being pushy and aggressive with GOD’s grace is like putting too much salt in a dish – it’s unpalatable to the hearer and the damage is often irreversible.

Matthew Henry’s Bible Commentary on “You’re the salt of the earth,” states in part, “Mankind, lying in ignorance and wickedness, were as a vast heap, ready to putrify; but Christ sent forth his disciples, by their lives and doctrines to season it with knowledge and grace.”

Combining our knowledge of the gospel with grace is key to exposing others to the cleansing and redeeming love of JESUS the SON and GOD the Father.

The Apostle Paul’s zeal for spreading the gospel to the Gentile world is well documented in the Scriptures, by his own hand and that of others. Paul is a model for us of what it takes to be “the salt of the earth.” His epistle to the church at Colossae gives us a glimpse into what it takes to do as well as maintain our passion.  

In Colossians 4:2-4 Paul asks believers to pray with him that:

• GOD will give opportunity to tell people His message
• He can preach the secret that GOD has made known about CHRIST (that Jews and Gentiles will share in GOD’s promise of eternal life through His grace Ephesians 3:5-6)
• He can speak the message in a way that will make it clear

Paul also gives the Colossian church advice on living and sharing the gospel (Colossians 4:5-6):

• Be wise in the way you act with people who are not believers,
• Make the most of every opportunity.
• When you talk, you should always be kind and pleasant so you will be able to answer everyone in the way you should.

Paul's story is memorable. He was a persecutor of Christians who JESUS called into His service after which he suffered many hardships and challenges that eventually cost him his life. But Paul, once He met JESUS, never faltered (Acts 9,)  

In some parts of the world Christian persecution still exists. But for many, we have freedom and open access to everything we need to press forward. It’s all written down for us in the Scriptures.

Fear of being wrong, or looking or sounding foolish, may cause us to shrink back and question ourselves. But here’s the deal – our role as CHRIST’s representatives, the salt of the earth, is one of simply living what He has done for us and telling what the WORD of GOD says. The changing of lives and hearts is GOD’s doing, through His Holy Spirit and the divine power of His WORD. (Hebrews 4:12; Acts 2:14-42)

JESUS tells us that if we love Him, we obey His teaching. The reward for doing so is access to the Father’s enduring love and the divine wisdom and knowledge of the Holy Spirit. On the other hand, those who do not love JESUS, do not merit these rewards. (Matthew 4: 23-25)

Choosing to do what JESUS says is always a win/win for the believer.

Prayer and Thanksgiving:  Holy Father, thank you for YOUR saving grace that made us partners with JESUS in taking the message of truth and hope to a world that would perish without it. Father we ask that YOU increase our love for the things that YOU love.  Thank YOU, JESUS, for giving us life with joy to the fullest through the things YOU have done and said. We pray and ask all things in YOUR NAME. Amen.

Always by God’s Word and prayer,

Cecile

What JESUS Said: About Judging Others – Conclusion

The 2 Samuel account of King David’s life tells us how readily and harshly David judges someone else’s actions, when the grievous sin Nathan intended to expose was his own. However, David has one thing in his favor that's key to his redemption from moral failure. David loved GOD.

When confronted David understood immediately that his real transgression was against Almighty GOD, “I have sinned against the Lord.” 2 Samuel 12:13. And in Psalm 51 David is totally transparent before GOD regarding his sin with Bathsheba and truly contrite and broken when he asks for mercy and forgiveness.

David is able to go before the throne of grace with confidence because he knows GOD. He may have lost his way for a bit but he remembers that GOD’s character never changes – “(GOD) You are loving...You are always ready to be merciful...” Psalm 51:1b-2

While it may not be possible for us to ask forgiveness of everyone towards whom we behaved in a thoughtless and disrespectful manner, we are always able to do so with GOD, and we must. And with the same humility and sincerity as David does.

In the world’s view, making unfair and prideful judgments of another’s behavior and motives is no big deal. But to GOD it is sin. We would excuse it as not the same level as David’s adultery and murderous cover-up, but all sin is disobedience to GOD’s will and He despises it all.

But for believers, there’s the good news!

Our judgment day has come and gone and GOD has set us free to be his own beloved children, forever. We’re already forgiven in JESUS for every godless act, so this is not a guilt trip we take on ourselves. This is recognizing GOD’s working out our sanctification through the Holy Spirit. He brings to our attention the things we can confess, repent of and turn away from, to move us one step closer to being more like CHRIST.

This is grace!! It’s what David so desired of GOD for himself, “Turn your face from my sins and wipe out all my guilt. Create in me a pure heart, God, and make my spirit right again.” Psalm 51:9-10

Conclusion

JESUS does not forbid judging but commands that we first remove the big piece of wood from our own eye and be sure that our consciences are clear before we judge our brothers and sisters. He says we act as hypocrites when we don’t hold ourselves to the same standards by which we judge others.

JESUS’ teachings should motivate us to live intentionally in our relationships with others and with our Heavenly Father, instead of thoughtlessly imitating the world’s norms (Matthew 22:37-40.)

And why should we obey JESUS?

He (JESUS) gave himself for us so he might pay the price to free us from all evil and to make us pure people who belong only to him—people who are always wanting to do good deeds. Titus 2:14

Choices we make, both big and small, matter to JESUS because they bear consequences that will either hinder or develop us in our walk as believers.

Prayer and Thanksgiving:  Holy Father, thank YOU for the written WORD that teaches us how to live and also encourages us when we fail so we’re not without hope. Thank you for YOUR grace and mercy that’s always given in abundance to those who ask it of YOU. Thank YOU that our sin no longer separates us from YOU because of the finished work of our Savior and LORD and our soon coming King, CHRIST JESUS. We pray and ask all things in His NAME. Amen.

Always by God’s Word and prayer,

Cecile