Debate verses Truth.

There really is no debate on what is right and what is wrong. It is but it should not be. God has truths but humans like to debate opinions. The Bible is a book set in stone with no error and it will not change. You either believe it or you don't, but its still going to exist. People have opinions and they all differ but the BIBLE tells us what God says. God clearly tells us what sin is, how we should live, and what laws we should follow. Sin is sin whether you murder, commit adultry, steal, get drunk, or use His name in vein. The world measures sin by judicial system but God sees it all the same. I saw an illustration where we see buildings from the side and some are big, others are small... that is how we view sin. God sees it from above, viewing something from over head shows a horizon  where they all look the same height.  What are you passing off as a restaurant building when its really no different than a sky scraper? Great example!  

Oh Lord, forgive me of the sins I have committed and make me a better person. Please open my eyes to those things I often shrug off as human nature when its really a sin. I want no wicked ways in me, nothing holding me back from growing closer to You, and no room for Satan to distract me from what truly matters. Help me to love unconditionally, only point fingers at myself, and help those in need no matter the cost. Thank you for loving me. Thank you for showing grace and mercy to the fullest.  Amen

We should stand firm on the gospel of Christ no matter the cost. Do not give in to worldly  views, human laws that constantly change one minute to the next based on whose getting offended, what man says is right, how the world sees sin, etc (Romans 12:2 says "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.") We have the answers people, let's all just pray and open our Bible and read till we find them all. Watching the world will only confuse you. Take hold of the truth that never changes. Stand firm on that truth.  We will not go unnoticed in the eyes of God  and if you think about it, we will not go unnoticed in the worlds' eyes either. It may stir up a "debate" but it exposes the Gospel.  

God did not say standing firm for Christ would be easy and with out ridicule, but we will be blessed for choosing HIM over the world (Matthew 5:10 says "Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
    for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."). Yet, if we deny Him we will suffer the ultimate consequence (“Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. But whoever disowns me before others, I will disown before my Father in heaven.). What will you chose to do when challenged about your faith???

"As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD."

 Joshua 24:15 

Busy?

Yeah, Yeah, I know... Everyone is busy during the holiday season!  I think that's why this study hit home. One of those perfect timings from God to show me to get my focus back on Christ this Christmas in every aspect of my day not just at times when I think about it. I mean, I didn't think it was possible for our family to get any busier really. Between  Chris' work traveling, the new house building,  Aiden's first time in school, and all the things the winter/holiday months bring for gatherings and parties is it possible to have any free time? Well, lately it has been. The cold temps have kept us home and from working on the new house and we are trying to relax!

Anyway, busy is something I am used to so naturally when I read my devotion tonight it hit home... HARD. 

I have been reading (again) one of my books called Becoming a Woman of Extraordinary Faith by Julie Clinton. So good. 

Tonight was about "Finding God's Beauty"

If you see any beauty in Christ, and say, "I desire to have that," God will work it in you. - G.V. WIGRAM

Read Psalm 27 and focus on verses 4 and 5 in that chapter.  Very eye opening how David's focus was solely on Christ.

As I read a little further in the book, this paragraph stuck out to me. I read it twice and couldn't quit thinking about it because BUSY is what I am. If you are a busy person, too, just think what is keeping your attention and time from God.

"If Satan can't make you bad, he will make you busy. Being busy in the "good" of things often robs us of the "best" things. Busy has wisely been defined as Being Under Satans Yoke."

WOW. That hit me hard. I don't want to think that by being occupied and busy is being under Satans hold to keep me away from the things that matter... God, Ministry, Fellowship, Bible Study, etc! Although, I do make time for this, I don't do as much of it as I have or should. Its true when you think about it. When life is busy we often put aside the most important things.  What is the first thing you skip out on when you get busy? What do you forget to do? How does your schedule change? Just think about it. I know I have.