Wednesday, December 12, 2012

BOTCHED

How do you know when you've botched a burglary?  When all the guns are pointed at you. Report in the DFW News 12/5/12 Springtown, Texas:  A suspected burglar called 911 after the owner of the home he broke into caught and held him at gunpoint as he sat in his pickup truck parked in their driveway.  Awkward!

I'm sure that guy would like to start his day over again.  I've had days like that.... well I have never been in a pick up truck with guns pointed at me but I've been under the shadow of darkness because of my chosen behavior.  I'm the one responsible for my actions and reactions and I hate to behave in a sinful manner. Charles Spurgeon said,

"The door of repentance opens into the hall of joy."  What a gift God has for me and for you. (Psalm 32:5) "{When} I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, 'I will confess my transgressions to the LORD'—and you forgave the guilt of my sin."  

A pearl to string: With Christmas approaching rapidly the thoughts of joy flood my soul.  It's not the shiny new Christmas gifts under the tree that bring lasting joy. Once the newness of the gift wears off, the joy starts to fade. Presents get lost, toys get broken, and dreams of long-lived happiness begin to evaporate. The truth is, nothing in this earthly life offers unending joy.  It's not the presents... it's His presence! The Bible says in 1 John 1:9, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." All sin, all unrighteousness—past, present, and future—is washed away by the blood of Christ when we confess our sins and receive his cleansing salvation. Our souls are forever freed from the crushing weight of guilt, thanks to the loving sacrifice of our Savior.  

I've been praying for you that the challenge of going through a negativity fast last week would set you up for repentance.  If you've walked through the door of repentance, then you've awakened into the hall of joy described by Charles Spurgeon. This is the message of the gospel that we celebrate at Christmas—God's pronouncement of everlasting joy to the world! 

Merry Christmas
His birth is our gift of JOY everlasting
                                                                Lyndi

 

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