Bible verses to build your life on

Jesus said: “… whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock…” ~ Matthew 7:24

 

 

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CAUGHT! ~ how to avoid that dreadful feeling ~ :) study

October 2010

 

Hey you! That's right you! Come over here! We need to talk... *

 

What went through your mind, when you read that? What was your first response? :) ~ That's what I'd like to talk about for a second, but here's a verse on it ~ "But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil." ~ Hebrews 5:14

 

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So, what the point of that mental 'torment'? I was trying to quickly give a visual that would bring back memories of us getting caught doing something we knew we shouldn't, because I believe there are some effective ways to reduce those tim...es of feeling 'caught red-handed'.

 

First, let me start by looking at a phrase in that verse: "by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil." ~ There is a powerful little nugget, right there! Don't see it yet? Then, allow me to explain.

 

We live in America - land of the free, where we can do just about anything we want, because we're, well, free - free from enemies and free from conscience (or so we tend to think). But, what does that freedom to do whatever we want do to us? Well, for one, it causes many to become used to doing whatever they want (really, it does), and thinking they have the right (in addition to the ability) to ignore God's Word, their consciences, and those that God graciously sends their way to prevent them from literally destroying themselves. Think about this with me for a second: kids who love candy, and hate hearing that it's bad for them - that's the wrong response, right? Right. Why is it bad? They are burning out their systems when they are young, which will make them less useful for God when they are older, because they will have earned and brought on extra health troubles, reaping the results later in their life. That's an easy example to see.

 

It's sad, but many fellow Americans seem to flee from accountability likes it's a deadly disease. I understand that. We all struggle with it. It's a wrong thinking and selfish attitude that we all need to keep growing in maturity in. But, think about it for a second, with me, if you will - does it really make sense to run from those who are trying to graciously stop us from following the world and hurting ourselves? No, not really. Proverbs 27 says: "Faithful are the wounds of a friend, But the [flattering] kisses of an enemy are deceitful." (Prov. 27:6)

 

On a parallel subject, many pastors (real and 'so-called') in this great country, likewise, run from accountability and discernment, likes it's a deadly disease. Why do we run from it? Because when we are knowing walking in darkness and our conscience is convicting us, it's much easier to run from the light, rather than to the light. But, which works better - running from God, or to God? Obviously running to God, and He never turns us away. And Biblical discernment is something every Christian must study, and every Biblical pastor will gladly submit to, for that system keeps all of us growing in holiness, helping us dwell in His presence and making us vessels for our Master's use.

 

I do need to stop here, and make one little clarifying note - not everyone in our lives can be an effective accountability partner. We should seek out only those who show a pattern of walking in the Word themselves, and even still there are some things we should share with no one but God, and our spouse (or future spouse). Btw, spouses make great accountability partners - it's one-heart, one-mind, for better, for worse - for life, right?

 

So, in conclusion, we all need to keep re-working our rebellious thinking and learning not to run from the light of God's convicting and piercing Word, but toward It and learning to embrace it. And, we also all need to keep growing in not running from those who care about us enough to gently tell us the truth, and rather re-train ourselves to embrace them as our dearest friends, in this life, and (most often) the next.

 

So, caught red-handed or already confess and growing? :) Are we running from accountability or toward it? - a question that requires constant and consistent growth, from this writer too.

 

ttfn, your growing bro/friend, and a servant/life-slave of Jesus, SH :)