Within the last week or two God has made it His business to turn up the heat in conviction in my life. On several occasions I sensed a strong prompt from the Holy Spirit. The only way I can describe it is this...... "a seriously piercing/cutting conviction of the heart". Of course, very soon after I found myself doing the rounds of apology to people. Secretly, I try to learn to love apologizing, because the spiritual rewards are huge! Yes, it hurts the flesh, but it is a discipline that is necessary to those who want to take up their cross daily and follow Jesus. In fact, the bible says that we are to "make no provision for the flesh!" Rom 13:14 But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.
Such joy this brought me, such a peace has overcome me. I was relaying this story to my 7yr old son as I brushed his teeth tonight. I told him that it is a joy to obey Him, it is wonderful to know that God loves us so much that He won't leave us to ourselves. Such security, to know that the God of all the heavens and the earth sets boundaries for us and disciplines us for our OWN benefit, because He loves us.
Heb 12:4 Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.
Heb 12:5 And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him:
Heb 12:6 For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.
Heb 12:7 If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?
Heb 12:8 But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.
Heb 12:9 Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live?
Heb 12:10 For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness.
Heb 12:11 Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.
Heb 12:12 Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees;
Heb 12:13 And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed.
Heb 12:14 Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:
Turn up the heat Lord and humble us so that we will have joy and peace, and be holy vessels for you. Amen.
Sarah
great article Sarah!
ReplyDelete