Daily Dose 12-2-11

1 John 3:4-6 All who indulge in a sinful life are dangerously lawless, for sin is a major disruption of God's order. Surely you know that Christ showed up in order to get rid of sin. There is no sin in him, and sin is not part of his program. No one who lives deeply in Christ makes a practice of sin. None of those who do practice sin have taken a good look at Christ. They've got him all backward.

When those of us who claim to be Christians read the words “indulging in a sinful life – dangerously lawless” it doesn’t seem applicable. We all know we sin, but we often see our sins as mistakes or slip-ups. What does it look like for a Christian to “indulge” in sin? Look in our churches and you will see it – behaviors and a lack of love that lead to broken and unreconciled relationships, spiritual arrogance, and the disobedience of unbelief. When God says, “Trust Me!” He means it. What does trusting Him look like? We treat one another with love and bear their burdens instead of causing more heartache. We minister and teach with the humility of Christ. We trust God in our trials without fear, grumbling or accusing Him of disregarding us. We live our lives in peace. Read through the Old Testament, especially the scriptures dealing with the exodus from Egypt. The journey from Egypt to the Promised Land was 11 days. However, the hardened hearts, grumbling, discord and unbelief of the Israelites turned 11 days into 40 years of wandering in the desert. Only two of the original travelers saw the Promised Land. What is it that has you wandering in the desert? Do you need to be the one to step forward to restore broken relationships – even if it was not your fault? Do you need to humbly confess to anyone? What negative thoughts and worries have you imprisoned in the disobedience of unbelief? Stop the negative thinking and talking and trust God to deliver you and deliver for you!

Powerful Father, I trust You! Use Your Spirit to prick my heart in areas of sin and unbelief. Give me the courage to follow Your map and stop my desert wanderings! I love You! Amen