I'll go back to The Marys next week, but I had to give some thoughts about Lysa's devotion and blog today. I'm so thrilled that Lysa used her platform as someone who has been on Oprah's show to address the controversy of A New Earth.
In addition to Lysa's persuasive defense of the truth, I want to add one thought. My friend Holly and I were talking this week about the contrast in the lives of believers that we know. Many of our friends have been through hard times--abuse, neglected childhoods, divorce, affairs, abortion, etc. Some of our friends have come out on the other side stronger, more positive and with powerful personal testimoneys of the transforming power of Jesus. Others speak of Jesus, but are still bitter and negative. We were discussing what creates the difference.
It truly boils down to a pivotal choice. Will I believe that God's Word supercedes my feelings and my thoughts and will I choose to mold my feelings, thoughts and actions to God's Word? That sounds so black and white, doesn't it? Most of us even nod in agreement. In examining my own life, though, it's so much harder to live out. It means that every decision, every reaction to my circumstances and every thought pattern has to be examined and brought into line with what God says in scripture. He alone dictates Truth. My role is just to live according to His Truth.
The "truth" that is found in every other source is flawed by human perception. It's easy to see how flawed it is just by examining the lives of those espousing the "truth". I don't want to go too far down this road, but take a look at those who are giving their seal of approval to "A New Earth".
We had a children's pastor who constantly repeated to our kids "God's ways are always best." It's something that still rings in my heart every time that I make a choice. God's ways don't always seem the most pleasant in the short-term, but His Truth alone leads us to lives of peace, joy and contentment. I look forward to the day in The New Jerusalem when the Truth of God's Word is evident and the lies of A New Earth are exposed.
Friday, May 16, 2008
Always a Choice
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7 comments:
Amy, it's so true, our reactions speak volumes. When faced with tough times, do our lives still demonstrate trust in God.
My Pastor spoke on Ruth, Chapt 1 last Sunday. His sermon was focused on Naomi. Her world was falling apart - having lost her husband, both her sons, facing famine etc...yet she remained faithful to God and continued to praise Him. Her testimony is what spoke deeply to her daugher-in-law Ruth, causing Ruth to desire that Naomi's God be her God as well. Naomi continued to trust in God even in the face of tragedy and darkness. Her life was a witness that God is real.
Our present affliction says nothing about the future's relief. Today has hope if tomorrow is controlled by God.
Just this morning, through tears, I was sharing with my employer at work who was discouraged as we just received word yesterday that the Christian bookstore we work at will be closed in 3 months, that our reaction to this news will be a testimony that we know God is in control and that we can trust Him with whatever lies ahead.
My heart is disappointed, but as you wrote, God's Word supercedes my feelings and His Word tells me that all things work together for my good...that He has plans to prosper me, not to harm me.
Praying for strength to live according to His Truth,
Joy
Thank you for this post. I needed to hear this. I have been praying that I will become more consistent in my faith, in my walk, in my belief of God. I commented a while back about my situation. After being married to an abusive man for 20 years, my kids and i struggle. My daughter is having so many troubles. She acts like she hates me. I believe that she is very bitter. The Bible speaks of a root of bitterness. It will destroy a person. I believe this is her problem.
Anyway, I want to be consistent. I have struggled this week with my alcoholism. I finally gave in to the temptation Wed. night. I've been drinking since then. I want to be to the point where when things are tough, I turn to Jesus and not the bottle or pills. I just believed the lie and turned to it once more. Now, it's hard to stop.
Thank you for all you do. I read your blog daily. I appreciate you and your obedience to share with us what God lays on your heart.
Kim, Tifton, Ga
Kim and Joy,
I'm praying for you as you face hard times. Kim, please turn to someone in your church for help. God made us a community so that we don't have to slog through things alone. I'm going to be praying that God will lead you to just the right person. You're not alone in the struggle with alcohol, but God can lead you to someone to help who has found victory.
Much love,
Amy
Thanks for the prayer, Amy. It's like I've awakened the dragon and it's ON. I was determined I wasn't going to drink today(Sat) and before I knew it, I was at the liquor store. Tonight, I have to pray and read the Word. I have a hard time doing that when I'm drinking. I'm full of guilt. Does God hear when I'm in this state? God has been so good and faithful to me. I can't believe I'm doing this to Him AGAIN. Over and over. It's just very hard.
I do appreciate your prayers.
Kim
Will you comment to my email. singlewhitefemale85@hotmail.com
Thanks!!
Kim
Kim,
Your comments touched my heart, and I share Amy’s concern.
I cannot tell you that I share your problem or know what it’s like to struggle with alcohol. However, I do know what it’s like to struggle with an addiction. For me, it’s food. That may not sound like the same thing, but, trust me, an addiction is an addiction. I understand the pull of whatever it is you struggle with (alcohol, food, etc.). I understand the self-hatred and self-loathing that comes when you give in to the pull. I understand what it’s like to feel alone and wonder if anyone else can truly know what you are going through. I also understand what it’s like to wonder whether you have let God down one more time and can He possibly continue to forgive. The answer is a resounding Yes!
I was just reading today about David. He was an adulterer and a murderer, and yet, God called him “a man after His own heart.” God made him a king. David knew when he had messed up, and he knew His Lord would forgive Him. He asked for that forgiveness and accepted it when God freely granted it.
I have struggled with my eating for years. I have been from one extreme to the other with my eating habits and my weight. For years, I cried out to the Lord to help me with my food struggles. I wanted things to be different, but any progress I made was always short-lived. It wasn’t long before I was right back to where I had begun. Finally, God showed me that what I was actually dealing with was an addiction. He told me to confess that addiction. I did and asked for His forgiveness and His help. It wasn’t until that happened that for the first time in my life I actually felt hope that things could be different. I won’t tell you that I don’t struggle anymore. I still do. Possibly, I always will. I cannot overcome it, but there is One who can. The enemy would have you believe that your alcoholism cannot be beaten. He is a liar! Ask the Lord to help you drown out the lies.
Recognize the alcohol for what it is. It is an addiction. If you haven’t already, confess the addiction to God. Ask Him to forgive you for it and then accept the forgiveness He will most assuredly grant you. Don’t feel guilty about it. Don’t feel ashamed. Those feelings are not from the Lord. He wants you to experience His forgiveness and grace. Cry out to Him that you are not strong enough to conquer the addiction on your own but that you know with His help, you can overcome it.
Amy is right in that you need to seek out a strong Christian to walk with you as you make this journey. Perhaps a pastor or someone in women’s ministry at your church. Please do that right away. I will be praying for you.
In Christ’s Love,
Dawn Ward
Dear Amy,
I too was very happy that Lysa spoke the truth about Oprah and the new book she is advocating. This is definitely apostasy. I pray that Oprah's heart will be opened to the real truth of God's word. It is heartbreaking that so many "Christians" are going along with what she is saying. Oprah is such an influential woman that people just accept whatever she says as truth. I rest in the knowledge that God is in control of this situation. And I am boldly speaking out against the lies of this book, The New Earth.
Thank you for all you do to further His kingdom. Be blessed!
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