Comfortable Sins Ingratitude, laziness, neglecting the daily reading of God’s Word… the list can go on.

Because these are not obvious sins (such as drunkenness, fornication or thievery), the tendency is to coexist with them, often for years. These sins are plainly shown to us at each observance of the Lord’s Supper as we examine our hearts before God and seek His forgiveness. Resolving to address these sins before the next supper, we forget and fail to take any steps to eradicate them.

Targeting the Comfort Zone

Personally, I decided it was time for me to be aggressive about the ‘comfortable sins’ in my life, so I devised a plan. On 3×5 cards I wrote…

1. the name of my sin

2. a scripture pertaining to my sin

3. the action I need to take

I committed to read these cards every morning after scripture reading and prayer. By the third day, weary of looking at my sin, I thought, “If I’m tired of looking at my sin after three days, how grieved God must be! How merciful He has been to me!”

This practice reminds me to “take up my cross daily” and to ask God’s help to fight the battle for the day. More aware of the temptation to sin, I look more readily for the way to escape. Perhaps, by His grace, this practice may help you also.

“ There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.”

1 Corinthians 10:13

F i g h t O n ! ! !

For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace. What then? Shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid. Romans 6:14-15

JESUS CHRIST IS LORD

It is imperative that we are vigilant. The world cries out to us to conform; it desires our hearts. We must be ever mindful of its subtle influence and not fall prey to its wooing...

Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. I John 2:15

Our flesh howls for gratification. It relentlessly demands that we satisfy its ungodly desires which have no place in our lives as new creatures in Christ.

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:10

The scriptures plainly tell us what the devil is up to – he is on the prowl…

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: 1 Peter 5:8

Through the knowledge and application of God's Word we can claim many victories in this daily fight. Do not believe scripture reading doesn’t matter. It is crucial.

JESUS CHRIST IS LORD

We have been exiled…

The sin of our father, Adam, caused us to be exiled from Eden, the beautiful land of our nativity. God set guards to ensure that we could not re-enter…

“So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubim, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life.” Genesis 3:24 52

Battling sin daily and becoming more painfully aware of the magnitude of our depravity, we cannot help but to think of Eden. It was not merely a place of physical beauty, but a place of spiritual wholeness. God was there with man in a peaceful intimate relationship. This was the ultimate beauty.

but not permanently!

Blessed be our God for His great mercy and grace – Who in His sovereignty chose to redeem us through the blood of Jesus Christ…

“In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace“ Ephesians 1:7

The day is coming when God will bring His redeemed into Christ’s residence – from which we will never be cast out…

“And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and shewed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God, Having the glory of God: and her light was like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal” Revelation 21:10-11

Knowing this sin ravished earth is not our permanent home, let us not be forlorn like the earthly exile nor weary of the battle. Christ’s residence is far more beautiful and glorious than Eden. It is our everlasting dwelling place, with God, all in all.

JESUS CHRIST IS LORD

Resolutions made, many broken, so much stress… At the onset of each new year thousands resolve to improve their lives. Some of the most common resolutions are:

1. lose weight
2. quit smoking
3. eat healthy
4. exercise
5. get out of debt

Statistically, a mere 8% of resolutioners achieve their goals.

As followers of Christ, our overarching goal is to live a holy life. Hebrews 12:14 tells us...”without holiness, no man shall see the Lord.” Therefore, we must endeavor continually to put off sin and put on the attributes of our LORD (Ephesians 4:22-32, Colossians Chapter 3).

Assessing our lives once a year raises the question, “Why wait for a new year to examine ourselves whether practically or spiritually?” Bear in mind that the items on the preceding list have spiritual connotations as related to the fruit of the Spirit – temperance (self control) in particular.

Are you a new year resolution enthusiast? If so, I encourage you to “resolve not to resolve.” Press toward the mark daily.

JESUS CHRIST IS LORD

Life brings adversity (tribulation) to all. It comes in many forms: the loss of a loved one to death, financial distress, or failing health. When we try to express our heartache and troubles to others, they don't always understand.

As redeemed children, we can go to our Father for divine aid. He is able to comfort and give strength to endure. We can have confidence in God during times of adversity because He is…

1. Omniscient - He knows our circumstances...“But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.” Matthew 10:30

2. Omnipotent - He has the power to help. “Great is our Lord, and of great power” Psalm 147:5a,b

3. Omnipresent He is with us; thus the Psalmist stated, “...the Lord is thy shade upon thy right hand.” Psalm 121:5b

We can avoid the pit of despair by taking all of our woes to the One Who loves us most.

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble Psalm 46:1

JESUS CHRIST IS LORD

Guilt-ridden, we continuously resolve, “I’ll start tomorrow” or “I’ll start next week.” We do it for a day or two and then it’s over. We can’t understand why this is such a battle. Let’s take a look at what most of us believe is the number one obstacle…

Time! Time! Time!

We truly believe there are not enough hours in the day. For many, time with God is three minutes. That’s how long it takes to read a page from a devotional while gulping a cup of coffee or eating lunch; prayer is on the fly.

Dedicated time alone with God to read scripture and pray is vital. It must be the one nonnegotiable time slot in our day. Without it, we will not grow in the faith nor be a fruit-bearing disciple, wife, mother or employee.

Morning - The Time Solution

My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up. Psalm 5:3

Since our relationship with God is more important than any other person, thing or pursuit, we must not allow anyone or anything to hinder communion with Him. Morning is the perfect time to meet with the LORD. Why morning? Frankly, if we don't do it before we get involved in the activities of the day, we probably won’t do it later. The goal is to make our time alone with God a natural part of our morning.

Our success may be dependent on getting up earlier than the rest of the family. Some of us may need to do the chores we normally do in the morning like making lunches or ironing may need to be done in the evening. The temptation to hit the snooze button, cuddle into the pillow and sleepily say, “I’ll do it before I go to bed tonight” or “I’ll do it during my lunch hour” must be resisted. We know it is not likely to happen, or if it does, it will lack quality.

Would we get up an hour earlier to catch a plane? If the kids’ school schedule changed and required getting up an hour earlier for the entire school year, would we do it? Suppose our boss needed us to come in early, would we? The answer to all of these questions is “Yes.” So, time you see, is a matter of perception. We do with time those things we believe are important. So each of us must give an honest answer to the question, “Why, isn’t daily time alone with God important enough to make sure I don’t miss it?”

Persevere!!!

Perseverance is the key to victory in this struggle. We must do whatever it takes! It may be hard at first and may take a week or so to get a workable plan.

Get up early enough tomorrow morning to read one chapter in your bible and pray. Psalms may be a good place to begin. Notice the difference in your day. Do it again the following day. If you miss a day, don’t throw in the towel. Persevere!

Dedicated time alone with God to read scripture and pray must be the one nonnegotiable time slot in the day.

JESUS CHRIST IS LORD

Group One: The Eleven Disciples

Jesus is addressing the eleven after His resurrection, telling them to “go” spread the gospel. These men are so commissioned because they are eyewitnesses of His death and resurrection. They know that it is truly Jesus the Christ who is speaking to them.

Group Two: The Creatures The “creatures” (individuals) of the world. These are those who:

1. are lost

2. do not know the gospel of Christ (or have rejected it) and destined for the lake of fire

All of us were members of the second group before God mercifully saved us. Ephesians 2:12 tells us that we were without Christ, without hope and “without God in the world.”

Now we are Christ's disciples and His commission applies to us. Preaching the gospel (telling others of the great work Christ has done on behalf of lost mankind) is our responsibility.

How do we accomplish this? Tell of Christ's work...
-when engaged in conversation with family, friends, co-workers, neighbors or strangers
-by knocking on doors
-by writing letters to family and friends who are far away
-by distributing biblical gospel tracts

I am aware that pointed evangelism is an uncomfortable topic for most. “Faith,” they say, “is a private thing; I should not try to force my beliefs on others.” “Talking to people about God is way outside of my comfort zone.”

Our comfort is not God's concern. Rather, that unsaved people hear the gospel that they may be saved. Evangelism is not optional for God's people.

Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place. For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish: To the one we are the savour of death unto death; and to the other the savour of life unto life. And who is sufficient for these things? 2 Corinthians 2:14-17

JESUS CHRIST IS LORD

Jesus has commanded us to make disciples. We are to teach them the gospel. What is the gospel?

“Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures” 1 Corinthians 15:3b-4 – “and that believing ye might have life through his name.” John 20:31

God has given us a great stewardship. A stewardship is the responsible overseeing and protection of something considered worth caring for and preserving: nothing is more precious than the gospel! – “for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth” Romans 1:16b.

We are to watch over this gospel, protect its integrity and preserve it for the generations to come.

Is that not what our LORD has done?

He entrusted the gospel to the apostles and the apostles made disciples. Many died (and are yet dying) along the way to ensure the gospel would continue to be taught...and so it must continue through us.

Let it not be said that it stopped with “us” and certainly not with “me.”

JESUS CHRIST IS LORD

Christians often struggle with evangelism. Why do we have to talk to people about salvation? The primary reason we must evangelize is because Christ commands us to do so (Matthew 28:19-20).

The sinner does not know he is lost and most certainly does not think he is headed for damnation of any sort. There is no fear of God before their eyes. Romans 3:18 Sinners must be warned. They do not know the facts pertaining to this earthly life:

1. Everyone is a sinner at birth, not because of any action on his part.

2. Because he is a sinner he will spend eternity in the lake of fire and there is nothing he can personally do to change this.

3. The sinner needs a Saviour, someone who can change his situation.

4. Jesus Christ is God's Son and Saviour of those who put their trust in Him.

5. The sinner must repent of his sins (turn away from them) and put his faith in Christ

Of course, we cannot save anyone. Our job is merely to teach the lost about the wrath to come and of Christ, their only refuge according to God's Holy Word.

But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name. John 20:31

JESUS CHRIST IS LORD

Some years ago, I was friendly with an older woman in my neighborhood. I tried to talk with her about Christ many times. “I don’t want to talk about it. That stuff scares me,” she said. Her health was declining, and eventually she moved several states away to be near family.

One day she called and wanted to hear the gospel. I am confident that she knew her time here was short. In 20 minutes, I did my best to share the truths of the gospel and man's proper response. That was my last conversation with her; she died shortly thereafter. It is my hope that she did repent and put her faith in Christ.

Mine is not the only story of hard-hearted individuals who desire to hear the gospel as they are nearing the end of their lives. As we evangelize from day to day, we must always...

• Share the gospel with love

• Share the gospel with compassion

• Share the gospel with humility

May we leave every gospel conversation in such a way that the lost know that Christ wants them to come, we are approachable, and our hearts are open to them.

JESUS CHRIST IS LORD

One such merchant had over 3,000 sales; another more than 6,000.

Not only did people buy, they wrote positive reviews about the service they received.

In other words, they believed the hocus-pocus actually worked.

The sellers have found a great avenue to make money. No proof of completion is given or required as with other services offered on the site such as graphic design, programming or writing.

The buyers, obviously, are spiritually bankrupt.

Without Christ and desperate, they turn to other mortals for guidance and help for the issues of life.

According to God’s Word, these people know they are getting nothing for their money. Romans 1:18-19 says, “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.”

Plainly speaking, they have suppressed (subdued, snuffed out) the truth God has made evident (indisputably obvious) within every living person.

What truth? – that He Exists; He Is Real.

God, not witches and mediums, is the True Navigator of life. He has revealed the answers to all of life’s questions in His Word.

Man’s pride causes him to refuse to bow to Him. Instead, he devotes himself to men, false gods, and idolatry.

Let us not fail in our responsibility to share the gospel of Christ with those who are living in abject spiritual darkness and misery.

JESUS CHRIST IS LORD

Hell Is Real

People go to hell every day. How many will lift up their eyes in this place of eternal torment within this hour? The greater question, however, is this: What are we doing to prevent those within our reach from becoming an occupant? All of us should be sharing the gospel with the lost.

Sadly, doing so is frowned upon by many professing followers of Christ today. Some say their faith is a “private thing” and they don’t want to “force their beliefs” on anyone. Others shrink back because they don’t know what to say or are simply afraid to speak up.

Do We Care?

Daily living in the joy of God’s great salvation, how can we keep silent? We don’t hesitate to spread the word when we discover a phenomenal sale of any kind or a great recipe. Why? Because we want others to benefit from the savings the sale affords or savor the same delicious food we have enjoyed. Surely we desire others to experience the joy of redemption.

Will We Obey?

As disciples of Jesus Christ, we must be committed to adhering to His commandments. Sharing the gospel is a commandment, moreover, a personal one. Each of us is personally accountable to obey.

Our pastors, church or the missionaries we support monetarily cannot share the gospel for us. To those that are sharing the gospel, endeavor to continue. If you are not, pray that God would give you the love for souls that He has and help you to be obedient to His commandment.

No excuse gives us permission to disobey.


The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise. Proverbs 11:30

JESUS CHRIST IS LORD

We like to believe a doctor will give us a “heads up” that death is near. Such is not always the case.

Unexpected automobile accidents, heart attacks and natural events (floods, hurricanes) are not rare occurrences. Wrapped up in our daily lives, it is easy to forget the LORD's commission:

“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” Matthew 28:19-20

Note, this is a command. It is not an option.

We are debtors whom God has commissioned to evangelize the lost.

Is there a soul in heaven or on earth that knows of the love of Christ because you have shared the gospel? We don't know how much time God has granted us.

Pay your debt.

JESUS CHRIST IS LORD

I was saddened recently to learn of a minister who has chosen to condone his son’s sinful lifestyle. More and more we see those that have been ordained as ministers and also professing believers take a position on moral issues that are opposed to scripture.

They allow their emotions or the culture to determine their position rather than the Word of God. If I will not stand firm on the Word, am I truly a disciple of Jesus Christ?

It’s easy to say I am His disciple and to attend church regularly. But when the Word is not popular with the culture or it demands departure from sin in my life or the life of someone I love, will I stand on it?

If my child is in sin, will I tell him what the scriptures say and call him to repentance? Will I choose to overlook sin and keep quiet because I love my child so much? Jesus said, “He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.” Matthew 10:37

Jesus calls us to love Him more than anyone – our children, our husbands, ourselves and our ever changing culture. If we are truly devoted to Him, we will always stand with the scriptures – even when they flay our hearts or are contrary to the pulse of the world around us.

The Word of God is the only constant.

From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him. Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away? Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life. John 6:66-67

JESUS CHRIST IS LORD

Visiting churches recently, I noticed an overt absence of reverence for God among the people.

Food, coffee and other drinks were consumed during worship as if we were seated in the local movie theater.

Can we focus on the LORD with the delectable taste of mocha latte on our tongues?

Parishioners were texting, answering their cell phones and conversing.

Surely, we can abstain from these pleasures for 60-90 minutes and give God the respect of which He is more than worthy…

Just something to think about…

JESUS CHRIST IS LORD

I enjoy antique shops. Sometimes an item will grab my attention and I wonder… who desired this so much that they paid handsomely for it decades ago?

It may have been the desire of two sisters to possess it after their Mom passed away; they fought over it and their relationship was severed forever.

Perhaps, it was stolen from a store when it was new by someone who was obsessed with possessing it. Ah! If only the items in the shop could speak!

I am sure the history of many would reveal covetousness and selfishness.

Desiring Christ only is to live a life that is not dominated by covetousness and selfishness.

These sins tell us what to wear, what to drive and how large our home should be – they keep us materially focused and we can never own enough to satisfy.

If JESUS CHRIST IS LORD of our lives, we should desire and love Him above all, rest in His will for our lives and be content with His material provision.

It is blessed peace.

JESUS CHRIST IS LORD

It is amazing what one notices in scripture when listening as it is read. Truths that have gone unnoticed come forward, demanding attention and study.

Listening can be very beneficial to spiritual life and growth. Audio bibles are available on free websites and in MP3 format. Apps are also available.

Bible Gateway

As of this writing, biblegateway.com is a notable free website. It offers audio in many English versions and a good number of other languages, including Chinese, Portuguese, Spanish, Swedish, and more.

The site has a setting for continuous play, so it is possible to listen uninterrupted for hours.

Good Use of Time

Because it is not necessary to keep your eyes on a page, this method can make good use of time as you do some of those repetitive, mundane household chores.

This is not a suggestion to stop reading! — only a recommendation for those that are able to hear — listening is a great (and beneficial) way to spend additional time in God’s Word.

JESUS CHRIST IS LORD

One Chapter a Day

The size of the bible can seem overwhelming to us. We think, “There are 66 books here! Should I just pick it up and start reading anywhere?” This may be the reason many people opt to read devotionals instead.

Here is a little system for getting started. We call it, “Just One Chapter a Day.”

Go to the New Testament Table of Contents and find the books with the least number of chapters. These books (one chapter) are:

Philemon, 2nd John, 3rd John, Jude

Read one chapter each day beginning with Philemon.

Day 2 read 2nd John
Day three read 3rd John
Day four read Jude

Go on to the books that have three chapters (there aren’t any with only two) and read one chapter each day until all of the books with three chapters are read.

Proceed with the books that have four chapters and do the same and so on...

You Will Grow

As you can see, we are reading the books according to the number of chapters they have, from the least to the greatest. You will move quickly through the small books and this will encourage you to continue.

By the time you get to the larger books, you will have developed the daily habit. You will be amazed at how much you will grow through this simple practice.

If for some reason you miss reading one day, don’t try to make up for it by reading two chapters the next day. Doing so will frustrate you.

Just continue to read one chapter each day.

Just Start

You can do this! There are 260 chapters in the New Testament. Reading “Just One Chapter a Day” will take you through the entire New Testament in less than a year!

Start now!

As newborn babes, desire the sincere

milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby

1 Peter 2:2


JESUS CHRIST IS LORD

Guilt-ridden, we continuously resolve, “I’ll start tomorrow” or “I’ll start next week.” We do it for a day or two and then it’s over.

We can’t understand why this is such a battle. Let’s take a look at what most of us believe is the number one obstacle…

Time! Time! Time!

We may truly believe there are not enough hours in the day. For many, time with God is three minutes. That’s how long it takes to read a page from a devotional while gulping a cup of coffee or eating lunch; prayer is on the fly.

Dedicated time alone with God to read scripture and pray is vital. It must be the one nonnegotiable time slot in our day. Without it we will not grow in the faith nor be a fruit-bearing disciple, wife, mother or employee.

Morning – The Time Solution

My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up. Psalm 5:3

Since our relationship with God is more important than any other person, thing or pursuit, we must not allow anyone or anything to hinder communion with Him.

Morning is the perfect time to meet with the LORD. Why morning?

Frankly, if we don’t do it before we get involved in the activities of the day, we probably won’t do it later. The goal is to make our time alone with God a natural part of our morning.

Garnering Success

Our success may be depend on getting up earlier than the rest of the family. Some of the things we normally do in the morning like making lunches or ironing may need to be done in the evening.

The temptation to hit the snooze button, cuddle into the pillow and sleepily say, “I’ll do it before I go to bed tonight” or “I’ll do it during my lunch hour” must be resisted. We know it is not likely to happen, or if it does, it will lack quality.

Let’s Ask Ourselves

• Would we get up an hour earlier to catch a plane?

• If the kids’ school schedule changed and required getting up an hour earlier for the entire school year, would we do it?

• At the request of our employer, would we report to work an hour early for a meeting?

The answer to all of these questions is “Yes.” So, we see that is a matter of perception.
We do with time those things we believe are important.

Each of us must give an honest answer to the question, “Why, isn’t daily time alone with God important enough to make sure I don’t miss it?”

Persevere!!

Perseverance is the key to victory in this struggle. We must do whatever it takes! It may be hard at first and may take a week or so to get a workable plan.

Get up early enough tomorrow morning to read one chapter in your bible and pray. Psalms may be a good place to begin. Notice the difference in your day. Do it again the following day. If you miss a day, don’t throw in the towel. Persevere!

Dedicated time alone with God to read scripture and pray must be the one nonnegotiable time slot in the day.

JESUS CHRIST IS LORD

Next time…
Time In the Word…Where Do I Start?

Tools That Free Us

Today, dishwashers, washing machines, clothes dryers and disposable diapers are commonplace for many women in the western world. A flip of a switch ignites stove tops and ovens.

Our predecessors would have loved to possess these precious luxuries that save us hours of time and energy.

What are we doing with the hours and energy that our foregone sisters used for routine chores? Many women these days say they do not have time to read the bible on a daily basis.

Time — Not Enough?

A concept has engulfed our culture called “not enough time.” It has become a belief system, and is affecting the behavior of the masses. Prioritized planning helps to accomplish the things that are most important.

Reading the Word of God daily is a priority for all disciples of Jesus Christ. It must be done in order to grow spiritually and live in a way that pleases God.

If you struggle in this area, please consider…

• How much time do I spend each day utilizing technology — social media, internet surfing, text messaging?

• Do I direct my day or does my day direct me?

• Am I buying into the concept that I do not have enough time?

  
  
  Next time…
  Daily Time In the Word