I am quite sure that God is tired of hearing "but God knows my heart", in referrence to disobedience to His Word.
Why do so many people think that they can live as they please without regard to God's prinipcles, and their heart can still be right with God?
Our actions prove our heart, when we love God we love His prinipcles, it's who we are! When our actions show a disregard for God's principles it shows our sinful heart condition of rebellion.
Believers who sin are grieved over their sin, not defensive of it. When someone rages because we have chastized them, it is a sure sign that they are not born again. True believers are ashamed when they sin even if they don't always admit it right away. The Holy Spirit nags at them until their heart is deeply convicted enough to confess and forsake their sin.
A believer who sins, knows they have sin in their heart, this is the reason their reaction to a rebuke is shame rather than defensiveness.
A heart that loves God operates in actions the fulness of their heart. The heart condition comes first then the actions. The actions are not separate from the heart condition.
Matthew 15:18 ""For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, slanders."
You see, we cannot indulge in worldly sinful things and claim our heart is inclined toward God. Our actions and attitudes will prove your heart.
When we say all these things to someone who is wrong about something and their response moves from rage to personal character attacks, we have most likely observed a pretender, one who was never changed into a new creation by Christ but has been pretending all along.
Proverbs 19:3 "The foolishness of man ruins his way, And his heart rages against the LORD."
Thursday, October 8, 2015
Neglected Confession Grows Sin
Have you noticed that when you rebuke someone for something that is wrong in their post, they like to defend it by saying that because there are so much worse things, it is petty to handle the least thing?
Because people are committing abortion, murder or theft, it means that all lesser sins are unimportant?
It is my contention that all lesser undealt with sins lead to the bigger ones. If we lack integrity in one area, it is evidence of a soul that lacks integrity in general.
Integrity dwells in the soul of someone who displays it in just one way. It is not the one way that determines the sin but the element of lack of integrity that allows for the one way always leading to more lack of integrity.
The lack of integrity comes first, then the actions that is evidence of the lack of integrity.
A man or woman of integrity lives a lifestyle of it, rarely if ever lapses in this. The one who lacks integrity in one area, will be deceitful in other areas.
It was Christ Who taught us to think in terms of the character within even more than the outward sin when he said:
Matthew 5:28 "but I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart"
If we do not deal with the heart of lack of integrity, it will continue to manifest itself in action in greater ways. All unconfessed sin eventually leads to greater sin.
Dust swept under the rug doesn't make it go away, it merely hides it to mold and become more disgusting over the years. Dust bunnies under the bed do not grow smaller with neglect they get bigger.
Because people are committing abortion, murder or theft, it means that all lesser sins are unimportant?
It is my contention that all lesser undealt with sins lead to the bigger ones. If we lack integrity in one area, it is evidence of a soul that lacks integrity in general.
Integrity dwells in the soul of someone who displays it in just one way. It is not the one way that determines the sin but the element of lack of integrity that allows for the one way always leading to more lack of integrity.
The lack of integrity comes first, then the actions that is evidence of the lack of integrity.
A man or woman of integrity lives a lifestyle of it, rarely if ever lapses in this. The one who lacks integrity in one area, will be deceitful in other areas.
It was Christ Who taught us to think in terms of the character within even more than the outward sin when he said:
Matthew 5:28 "but I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart"
If we do not deal with the heart of lack of integrity, it will continue to manifest itself in action in greater ways. All unconfessed sin eventually leads to greater sin.
Dust swept under the rug doesn't make it go away, it merely hides it to mold and become more disgusting over the years. Dust bunnies under the bed do not grow smaller with neglect they get bigger.
The Most Difficult Things The Best Blessing
The biggest learning curve I have had was in realizing that God knows best, even when it doesn't feel so good.
The most difficult times in my life have been the times of serious and wonderful lessons. I wouldn't exchange them for an easier experience, because then I would have missed the lessons.
Romans 5:3-5...
" 3 And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance;
4 and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope;
5 and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us."
The most difficult times in my life have been the times of serious and wonderful lessons. I wouldn't exchange them for an easier experience, because then I would have missed the lessons.
Romans 5:3-5...
" 3 And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance;
4 and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope;
5 and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us."
Narcissists Will Ruin Your Walk
If you want to find out who is a narcissist and who is not, there is a simple test, just challenge them about something and watch what comes out.
A narcissist will become angry and disrespectful. They will fight to win, whether, what they say makes sense or not, and finally they will begin the personal assaults on our character and intent.
I have been called "mean spirited", "a witch", "unsaved", "an heretic" and other disparaging names in attempts to embarrass or silence me.
If you are trying to bring good sense to any situation, the narc only wants to be seen as right, all that matters for them is winning.
In their mind the narc wins by causing their target to lose control or apologize to them, often for things that needed no apology. It is common for the narcissists to accuse us of things we are not doing but they are doing, a tactic of the devil since the beginning.
If the narc can get others to come along side in their contempt for us, they also count themselves as having won. Good sense arguments are of no use with the narcissist. Their desire is to appear superior, not to find truth.
Never let a narcissist control your emotions or dictate what you say through their manipulation. Manipulation and intimidation is their favorite tactic in unnerving those who will not elevate them or capitulate to their tactics.
2 Timothy 3:1-5 tells us all about these people, they care nothing about truth, they have no love and they love to control anyone in their path.
"3 But realize this, that in the last days difficult times will come. 2 For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, revilers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 unloving, irreconcilable, malicious gossips, without self-control, brutal, haters of good, 4 treacherous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 holding to a form of [b]godliness, although they have denied its power; Avoid such men as these."
Notice God says to avoid these people. We have to engage them long enough to find out what they are, but then once we know we can remove them from our lives, they will cause nothing but trouble, distracting us from the things of the Lord, even fighting bitterly to ruin our walk with Him.
A narcissist will become angry and disrespectful. They will fight to win, whether, what they say makes sense or not, and finally they will begin the personal assaults on our character and intent.
I have been called "mean spirited", "a witch", "unsaved", "an heretic" and other disparaging names in attempts to embarrass or silence me.
If you are trying to bring good sense to any situation, the narc only wants to be seen as right, all that matters for them is winning.
In their mind the narc wins by causing their target to lose control or apologize to them, often for things that needed no apology. It is common for the narcissists to accuse us of things we are not doing but they are doing, a tactic of the devil since the beginning.
If the narc can get others to come along side in their contempt for us, they also count themselves as having won. Good sense arguments are of no use with the narcissist. Their desire is to appear superior, not to find truth.
Never let a narcissist control your emotions or dictate what you say through their manipulation. Manipulation and intimidation is their favorite tactic in unnerving those who will not elevate them or capitulate to their tactics.
2 Timothy 3:1-5 tells us all about these people, they care nothing about truth, they have no love and they love to control anyone in their path.
"3 But realize this, that in the last days difficult times will come. 2 For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, revilers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 unloving, irreconcilable, malicious gossips, without self-control, brutal, haters of good, 4 treacherous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 holding to a form of [b]godliness, although they have denied its power; Avoid such men as these."
Notice God says to avoid these people. We have to engage them long enough to find out what they are, but then once we know we can remove them from our lives, they will cause nothing but trouble, distracting us from the things of the Lord, even fighting bitterly to ruin our walk with Him.
Obedience is First in the Heart
There are many children who do what their parents want thinking that this alone is obedience. Merely doing what our authorities want, is not all there is to obedience. When we reluctantly obey an authority while dishonoring them in our heart, is the same as disobedience.
Isaiah 1:19 "If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land; "
"If you are willing...and obey." Notice that wording, it is not obedience alone, but a heart desire as well that is required.
Psalm 112:1 "Praise the Lord! Blessed is the man who fears the Lord, who greatly delights in His commandments! "
"greatly delights in His commandments!" Again, our heart must delight in God and His commands to be counted as obeying.
2 Chronicles 21:31 "And every work that he undertook in the service of the house of God and in accordance with the law and the commandments, seeking his God, he did with all his heart, and prospered."
"Seeking His God" is the criteria for obedience, a heart desire to honor and obey.
1 John 5:2-3 "2 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and obey his commandments. 3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome."
God is not pleased when we obey with a rebellious heart simply to keep out of trouble or to placate the one in authority. He wants us to love Him, love His wisdom and commands.
Psalm 119:1-2 "119 1 Blessed are those whose way is blameless,
who walk in the law of the Lord! 2 Blessed are those who keep his testimonies, who seek him with their whole heart,"
Notice these verses speak of "seeking God." When we desire to obey in our hearts, then we will seek to meet the desires of those in authority over us.
Proverbs 30:17 "The eye that mocks a father and scorns to obey a mother will be picked out by the ravens of the valley and eaten by the vultures."
Proverbs 17:11 "An evil man seeks only rebel...lion, and a cruel messenger will be sent against him."
Proverbs 29:1-9
"1 He who is often reproved, yet stiffens his neck,
will suddenly be broken beyond healing.
2 When the righteous increase, the people rejoice,
but when the wicked rule, the people groan.
3 He who loves wisdom makes his father glad,
but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth.
4 By justice a king builds up the land, but he who exacts gifts tears it down.
5 A man who flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his feet.
6 An evil man is ensnared in his transgression,
but a righteous man sings and rejoices.
7 A righteous man knows the rights of the poor;
a wicked man does not understand such knowledge.
8 Scoffers set a city aflame, but the wise turn away wrath.
9 If a wise man has an argument with a fool, the fool only rages and laughs, and there is no quiet."
The child that mocks father or mother by rolling of the eyes when told to do something or does it reluctantly without diligence in the process are in rebellion in their heart, while not fully obeying.
When raising children, it was clear to me when a child was obeying to keep out of trouble or whether or not they were doing so to please me. When they wanted to please me they would joyfully go off and do the task doing it well. Even coming back to share what a good job they thought they did.
When a child was rebelling in their heart, they would roll their eyes at the direction, walk away in a prideful haughty stride and do a job that was not well done. When asked if they did what I told them to do, they glibly and arrogantly answer "yes I did" in a range boss tone of voice as though I had done something wrong in asking.
Often we know the attitude of our children by their response to our commands. In our present culture it is considered rude to command a child, our sick rebellious culture requires that we "ask" our children "if they will please" do something. This leaves the control in the hands of the child while demeaning the authority, relegating them to a friend who is asking a favor, while giving the child the impression that they are free to dishonor if they please.
God wants our heart and so do parents. When we whine, complain and mock our parents, even if we do what they ask, we are still walking in rebellion.
Matthew 6:21 "21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. "
Proverbs 4:23 "23 Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life."
Romans 12:2 "2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect."
Psalm 51:10 “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.”
Philippians 4:7 “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
1 Samuel 15:22 "Samuel said, "Has the LORD as much delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices As in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, And to heed than the fat of rams."
If we obey with selfish reasons, even to just keep out of trouble, rather than obeying to be a blessing to our authority, then we have disobeyed God.
If we obey because our heart desires to be a blessing to our authority and because we deeply love them, then we have obeyed God and He is honored.
Isaiah 1:19 "If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land; "
"If you are willing...and obey." Notice that wording, it is not obedience alone, but a heart desire as well that is required.
Psalm 112:1 "Praise the Lord! Blessed is the man who fears the Lord, who greatly delights in His commandments! "
"greatly delights in His commandments!" Again, our heart must delight in God and His commands to be counted as obeying.
2 Chronicles 21:31 "And every work that he undertook in the service of the house of God and in accordance with the law and the commandments, seeking his God, he did with all his heart, and prospered."
"Seeking His God" is the criteria for obedience, a heart desire to honor and obey.
1 John 5:2-3 "2 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and obey his commandments. 3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome."
God is not pleased when we obey with a rebellious heart simply to keep out of trouble or to placate the one in authority. He wants us to love Him, love His wisdom and commands.
Psalm 119:1-2 "119 1 Blessed are those whose way is blameless,
who walk in the law of the Lord! 2 Blessed are those who keep his testimonies, who seek him with their whole heart,"
Notice these verses speak of "seeking God." When we desire to obey in our hearts, then we will seek to meet the desires of those in authority over us.
Proverbs 30:17 "The eye that mocks a father and scorns to obey a mother will be picked out by the ravens of the valley and eaten by the vultures."
Proverbs 17:11 "An evil man seeks only rebel...lion, and a cruel messenger will be sent against him."
Proverbs 29:1-9
"1 He who is often reproved, yet stiffens his neck,
will suddenly be broken beyond healing.
2 When the righteous increase, the people rejoice,
but when the wicked rule, the people groan.
3 He who loves wisdom makes his father glad,
but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth.
4 By justice a king builds up the land, but he who exacts gifts tears it down.
5 A man who flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his feet.
6 An evil man is ensnared in his transgression,
but a righteous man sings and rejoices.
7 A righteous man knows the rights of the poor;
a wicked man does not understand such knowledge.
8 Scoffers set a city aflame, but the wise turn away wrath.
9 If a wise man has an argument with a fool, the fool only rages and laughs, and there is no quiet."
The child that mocks father or mother by rolling of the eyes when told to do something or does it reluctantly without diligence in the process are in rebellion in their heart, while not fully obeying.
When raising children, it was clear to me when a child was obeying to keep out of trouble or whether or not they were doing so to please me. When they wanted to please me they would joyfully go off and do the task doing it well. Even coming back to share what a good job they thought they did.
When a child was rebelling in their heart, they would roll their eyes at the direction, walk away in a prideful haughty stride and do a job that was not well done. When asked if they did what I told them to do, they glibly and arrogantly answer "yes I did" in a range boss tone of voice as though I had done something wrong in asking.
Often we know the attitude of our children by their response to our commands. In our present culture it is considered rude to command a child, our sick rebellious culture requires that we "ask" our children "if they will please" do something. This leaves the control in the hands of the child while demeaning the authority, relegating them to a friend who is asking a favor, while giving the child the impression that they are free to dishonor if they please.
God wants our heart and so do parents. When we whine, complain and mock our parents, even if we do what they ask, we are still walking in rebellion.
Matthew 6:21 "21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. "
Proverbs 4:23 "23 Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life."
Romans 12:2 "2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect."
Psalm 51:10 “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.”
Philippians 4:7 “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
1 Samuel 15:22 "Samuel said, "Has the LORD as much delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices As in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, And to heed than the fat of rams."
If we obey with selfish reasons, even to just keep out of trouble, rather than obeying to be a blessing to our authority, then we have disobeyed God.
If we obey because our heart desires to be a blessing to our authority and because we deeply love them, then we have obeyed God and He is honored.
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