Wrapped with a bow

We like things pretty.   Things that aren't messy.  We are drawn to those things, people, places that have life all wrapped up and neat with a pretty little bow.

Because that is what is easy.....

But life isn't easy.  Life is MESSY!!  Filled with infinite mis-steps, wish I hadn'ts, make this go aways, and more.

Life can be tough and most especially in today's times where everything evil is proclaimed to be good.  Where sin is called choice and that choice is celebrated by a world filled with depravity.

Believing people begin struggling with just what makes up sin.  What is it?  Is it those things that deviate from the ten commandments?  Is it those things that do not follow what your grandparents lived out? Your parents?

Face it, it is a brand new world out there and very little of it is good!  We might think that with all that is happening today that there are no answers in God's Word, the Bible.  It is rather old after all!

Let's go straight to James 4:17 "Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, it is sin."

W O W!!  Straightforward and simple.  No list of rules to follow, no to do check list, no list of sin to avoid.  It truly is as simple as that.

The Holy Spirit is alive and is whispering to each of us every single day, guiding us, letting us know what choice to make, what direction to go, what words to speak, and what actions to take.

Is it sin?  You already know what that answer is.  Even something as simple as the failure to do good is counted as sin.

Bend your knee, bow your head, and listen as the Holy Spirit gives you wisdom for the day.

Let us continue to put boots on our faith and walk this road holding God's hand.

Much love...

Justice ~ Yours, Mine, or His???

Psalm11:4-5   The Lord is in His holy temple, The Lord's throne is in heave; His eyes behold, His eyelids test the sons of men.  The Lord tests the righteous, But the wicked and the one who love violence His soul hates.

Justice.  There is a word we all like!  Let's be real here, when we see someone who has done wrong, don't we celebrate within our hearts when they suffer consequences?  Of course, we all like that word only when it applies to someone other than ourselves.

Over and over again we are told in the Word NIV "Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord." Romans 12:9.  

Do we really leave it there?  I can think of a situation that I have been party to for several years.  In my eyes, I would tell you that I was innocent in the matter.  The recipient of malice in all its forms. My heart would cry out, "I have been wronged!"  While that may contain some truth, is it the whole truth?  Is it truth that would stand to the measurement of God's truth?

Hmmm...perhaps not.  As I sat in study and prayer this morning, the Author of truth began to speak through Psalms 11:4-5.  During this time have I kept myself pure and holy before the Lord?  Have I wronged another with malice in my words?  Have I repeated circumstances to those without knowledge to seek compassion?  Or have I left this fully with the Father for Him to work and for His glory to be shown?

Can you see me sitting with my head bowed, tears dripping in front of me, and my cheeks flamed with shame?  For that is the picture you would see right now.

I read the words below this morning as I was studying the life of David and knew instantly that God is calling me to true repentance and to stand still so that He can work and be glorified.  

     **** It is a test of the righteous person's patience and faith when he sees wicked men committing injustice.  The Lord waits momentarily to see who will remain loyal to just ways."

Powerful!  Thought provoking.  Requires deep soul searching.  Requires willingness to see God's truth.  

Truth:  I failed.  I returned malice for malice.  I did not continue to keep myself pure before God so that He would be glorified.  

Rather I got in the muck and wrestled with pigs.  What comes of that?  Every time, you both are filthy and there is no victor.

So this morning I kneel before the King, thankful that His mercies are new every morning.  I will rise after a time of repentance with the knowledge that I am forgiven.  I will seek the other party and request forgiveness there as well.  From there, well.... that becomes God's problem doesn't it?  I lay it down and refuse to pick it back up.

I hope that my stumbling on the road of Faith with Boots On will prompt you to keep yourself closely aligned with the Author of Truth so that you don't stumble and scrape your knees as I have done.

Much love my friends....  Let's join hands and continue this journey onward!