All too often we attempt to take life’s problems, complications, worries and stresses upon ourselves. I think you would agree, that more often than not, we often sit and think up a hundred ways to solve an issue, or fix a problem. When we finally come to the point where we can’t handle it any longer we decide to pray about it and “give it to God”. This isn’t to speak down on those of us who do this, because I know I sure do find myself doing it more often than I would like!! But it is a word of warning. Today we point this out as an area in our lives in which we can do better. Today we want to stop and pray to the Lord and ask Him for help in correcting this issue. To all of us that we need to work on this we must work on training ourselves to come to Him first for instruction and then act in obedience. When we come to God first in all things the results that follow are: a better relationship with Him, becoming more like Him, and walking in obedience with Him. The effects of us training ourselves in this one area benefit a wide variety of areas in our lives and can/will potentially have an effect on those close to us.
Doing what is right “in our own eyes” has consequences
On Sunday, dad mentioned the story of King Ahab, using him as one example of the many Kings in Biblical times (and today’s times!!) when they “did what was right in their own eyes”. When we apply this concept to our personal lives, the effects are the same as it was for the nation of Israel. If we do “what is right in our own eyes” we are setting ourselves up for failure and evil will be lurking around every corner to tempt, distract and destroy us. When we seek the Lord’s guidance in all we do we will have stability and success. In King Ahab’s search for solutions to his problems, he found himself in the temple of Baal looking for answers. We too can sometimes find ourselves outside of God’s will and looking for answers in the wrong places when we don’t go to Him first. Some start slow by searching for just a temporary fix, just a little distraction or relief and it can lead down a path that winds up far from God’s will.
Be Careful, It’s a slow fade
As dad spoke on Sunday on this topic, his speech moved into a message with a word of warning. It reminded me of an awesome song I’ve heard in the past with a strong message of warning. Its called “It’s a Slow fade” By Casting crowns if you would like to listen I’ll put a link to the song below, but the Lyrics are: Be careful little eyes what you see, It’s the second glance that ties your hands As darkness pulls the strings
Be careful little feet where you go, For it’s the little feet behind you, That are sure to follow
Be careful little feet where you go, For it’s the little feet behind you, That are sure to follow
It’s a slow fade, When you give yourself away, It’s a slow fade, When black and white have turned to grey
And thoughts invade, choices made, A price will be paid, When you give yourself away.
People never crumble in a day… It’s a slow fade…
Be careful little ears what you hear, When flattery leads to compromise, The end is always near.
Be careful little lips what you say, For empty words and promises, Lead broken hearts astray.
It’s a slow fade When you give yourself away, It’s a slow fade When black and white have turned to grey.
And thoughts invade, choices made A price will be paid When you give yourself away.
People never crumble in a day.
And thoughts invade, choices made A price will be paid When you give yourself away.
People never crumble in a day.
The journey from your mind to your hands Is shorter than you’re thinking.
Be careful if you think you stand, You just might be sinking.
…A price will be paid When you give yourself away.
People never crumble in a day, Daddies never crumble in a day, Families never crumble in a day
People never crumble in a day, Daddies never crumble in a day, Families never crumble in a day
It’s a slow fade lyric video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0wo26sCH-Fw
The Warning
What a powerful song and word of warning many need to hear right!? Destruction usually comes with that “slow fade” one decision, then another, then another… The Bible says there is fun in sin… for a season. Don’t be surprised when the consequences of that sin comes knocking on your door. Gen 4:7 says, “If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin lies at the door. And its desire is for you, but you should rule over it. Note: You should rule over it! There’s our hope, he hasn’t left us to sit in our sins, even when we make wrong decisions, He is there with strength to help you get back up in a position to rule over the evil that is “seeking whom it may devour.”
King Ahab’s Warning and our warning
In the story of King Ahab, God sent Elijah with a word of warning to the people. God said to them, “How long will you falter between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow Him; but if Baal, follow him.”
God has a warning for us today, Matthew 25:6-13 And at midnight a cry was heard: ‘Behold the bridegroom is coming; go out to meet him!’ Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ But the wise answered, saying, ‘No, lest there should not be enough for us and you; but go rather to those who sell, and buy for yourselves.’ And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding; and the door was shut. “Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, ‘Lord, Lord, open to us!’ But he answered and said, ‘ Assuredly, I say to you, I do not know you.’ “Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming.
The Lord has a word of warning to us today also, watch therefore!
Ask Yourself: Am I making good decisions? (because those decisions have very real consequences)
When it comes time to go into the wedding, will I be ready to go in? Or will the door be shut before me?
If you are unsure of the answer to those questions, please reply to this email, and let us help you draw near to Christ for instruction.
When it comes time to go into the wedding, will I be ready to go in? Or will the door be shut before me?
If you are unsure of the answer to those questions, please reply to this email, and let us help you draw near to Christ for instruction.
Hope for Restoration
In the Story of Ahab, the land was without rain as a consequence of their sin. Elijah prayed for rain, and God sent the rain. We must take this word of warning today and take steps in correcting our mistakes. If you find yourself today in a place of suffering the consequences of sin, please don’t let the enemy convince you that you are stuck there. You are not. There is hope for restoration. God can hear the cry of His people. He has used many men who have most likely done much worse than you have. (example Paul) God wants to send rain into your life today, He wants you to choose Him. He wants you to come to him so He can help you with all of the many issues life can bring. Please make a choice today, to seek Him first in all things, for He will direct your path!
Scriptures for additional encouragement
Ps 42:11
Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; For I shall yet praise Him, The help of my countenance and my God.
2 Tim 1:6-7
Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
Ps 103: 1-2
Bless the Lord, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless His holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits:
Prov. 3:5-10
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the Lord and depart from evil. It will be health to your flesh, and strength to your bones. Honor the Lord with your possessions, and with the first fruits of all your increase; So your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine.
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This message was based of Sermon notes from Tyrone Dastugue at Word of Faith Church. For more sermons like this one, check out our Sermon video’s on our facebook page.