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Friday, January 15, 2010

Like Breaking the Rules?

Ever get bent out of shape when it comes to following rules? Rules are usually given for our safety and security; in God's case the rules are for our good.
http://read.ly/Deut6.24.NASB

Rules and the Rule Giver

Now that we know God exists and has created all things including human beings (you and I) shouldn't we thank Him for giving us life? But how are we to do that? He has explained to us in His Word (The Bible) the rules which we are to live by.

Isn't that great? We aren't left to wander around on this earth trying to figure out what we should do or if it is right or wrong; He's even given us some guidelines to live by. Now who would know what is best for us than the One who created life itself?

Just in case we have trouble understanding His Word (the Bible), He has placed these rules in our minds so we have no excuse for why we are living in a way that does not honor Him. Our conscience, that God has placed in us, tells us that we should not lie, steal or hate another person! It makes perfect sense that we should not look with lust, desire that which belongs to another person or even be naughty to our parents. We should take time to rest, worship God alone and not idolize anyone or anything above Him. And we should certainly not curse His Name!

Remember, He has created all things including us, He is even responsible for the air we breathe. His rules are not a burden to us and we, with gladness, should strive to follow His rules.

Does God even exist?

I've heard many say, "there is no scientific evidence or proof of God's existence". Even if that were so, there are many things you know as true and factual without your knowledge of any scientific data to back it up. For example: You cannot see the wind, however you know it exists because you can see the effects of it and you can feel it when it blows across your face. You don't need to know the scientific details behind everything (How, What, When, Where, Why) to know that it exist or if it's true.

As with God, you cannot see or touch Him but the evidence of His creation (trees, birds, flowers, people),(Genesis 1) and the effects of His existence can be clearly seen by all. Your own conscience bears witness to the fact that God exists, God even placed that knowledge within you. We all know that God exists however there are some who choose to reject this truth.

Repentance: A one time event?

We were not born children of God rather we were born children of the devil; however, that will be another topic for another time. The Bible says that repentance is necessary to become a child of God.

Repentance is apologizing to God for our sins which is our disobedience to Him, it is more than just saying I'm sorry for my sins against God, we should be sorry for our sins, we have offended the One who gave us life, we have offended the One who loves us more than anyone else.

Repentance also means to turn from our sin (stop doing it), no more continually living in disobedience to God, no more loving and treasuring the things that God hates. God even helps us to move in this new direction, He does not leave it all up to us. When we trust Him, He gives us a new heart with new desires. Does that mean we never sin again? Of course not, we will never achieve perfection during our lifetime, remember the Bible says we have a sinful nature.

As we grow in our faith, God will reveal other areas of our lives that are sinful, and His desire is that we will be obedient to Him and turn away (repent) from these newly revealed sins. As we become closer to God we will desire to please Him in every area of our lives, and it will not be a burden to us but a joy. Once you are saved by God and trust in what His Son Jesus Christ has done for you, repentance will be something that you find yourself doing more as you come to a greater understanding of God's will for your life.