I was studying in Ezekiel last night and came across some scripture I don't recall reading ever before. In chapter 36, Ezekiel said that Israel would be restored as a nation and that they would return to its own land. God promised to restore Israel both physically and spiritually!
That isn't what I got out of this passage though.
What I found intriguing was verses 31 and 32.
This applies today. To me and to you.
People, we need to remember our evil ways. I don't care if you got saved at 5, 6, 7, 8 or 99 years old.
What matters is that we remember.
To me, evil is anything apart from God.
Even after we have accepted Christ and turned from our sins, we still are capable of sinning and though we have turned away, we still occasionally may sin.
I think there is a difference though in remaining in a sin and working on it daily.
Example. Lets say you cussed before you accepted Christ and after you accepted him you slipped!
You repent and ask God to help you not do that anymore.
You make a conscience effort to THINK before you talk and react.
I think the music you listen to and the shows and movies you watch play a huge role in what comes out of your mouth later.
It is true... what's goes in... comes out!
So, I'm not saying it's okay to cuss. I don't think it's okay at all, actually. I know Jesus wouldn't say the slang words and curse words people so often use today, so I don't want to either.
We are supposed to be Christ like, right?
That being said... when I got saved something I knew I needed to give up and not do anymore was listen to secular music. There are a ton of Christians I know of who think you can listen to whatever and the music will not effect you negatively. Well, call my old fashioned, a holy roller, Jesus Freak, whatever ya want. I really don't care. I know Jesus wouldn't listen to that junk, so neither will I.
Cheating. Cussing. Drinking. Premarital sex. That's about 90% of secular music. At least when I listened to it that's what it was. And by the sounds of it when I go into the mall, time hasn't changed music in a positive way one ounce. Not in the secular world anyways.
So, that all being said, I knew I had to stop listening to that music if I was going to grow spiritually. I wanted so bad to have a close relationship with God, and I still do. I feel that music plays a role in my attitude and outlook on life. So, I only listen to positive and encouraging music that is by Christian artists. Maybe you don't agree with me. That's fine.
It says in the Bible to work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.
That's in Philippians 2:12.
Back to what I began with.
Remember your evil ways and your doings that were not good.
Have you ever gossiped about someone?
Oh, you haven't?
Well, you truly do deserve a pat on the back, because very few people can say that.
Have you ever told a lie? How about a white lie? (A white lie is just as much a lie as a "black lie.")
Those are doings that aren't good.
Remember those.
Think about them.
Now be ashamed.
Sin is not only what people see on the outside.
Homosexuality.
Drunk.
Premarital sex.
Cussing someone out.
Yelling your head off at your spouse.
Or your kids...
Talking about the preacher.
Tearing down the youth pastor.
Talking about somebodies situation that isn't even any of your business.
Being jealous of someone.
Not being content.
Hating yourself.
Not tithing.
10%.
Yep, most people don't like being reminded of that one.
Putting others or things above God.
Being confident in your looks and talents to a fault.
Caring about what others think too much.
Loving money.
Secret sin.
Pornography.
Being immodest.
I could go on and on and on.
There is simply too many things that separate us from God.
Remember them.
Think about them for a little while.
Be ashamed.
BUT....
but, but, but...
don't stay there.
Jesus forgives us and forgets it. But when I read this passage, it made me remember any sin and wrong I have ever done. I am ashamed. I want to see God for who He really is. I want to be like Him. I don't sit here and study and write and pound away on a keyboard a couple times a week just to try to make someone feel bad about their sin.
THAT would be a sin for me to do that!
I just want someone, anyone, to not only accept Christ, but to turn from their evil ways.
I want to see a revival broke out in this nation.
It is end times.
You don't have much longer to make it right.
You aren't promised tomorrow.
PLEASE stop running away.
Run to Him.
We need to be ashamed of ourselves. My sins are no greater than yours and my sins are no smaller than yours. The difference though, is maybe that I have recognized my sin and have chosen to leave them at the foot of the Cross. The Cross is where you need to lay yourself down at.
Ask Him to forgive you.
Ask Him to free you.
HE WILL.
That is a promise.
I am praying that maybe just one person will accept Christ by reading this.
I am praying that maybe just one person will turn from their sins and repent, whole-heartedly.
I only write from my heart.
I do it because God shows me to.
I have to be obedient.
I pray you are challenged.
So, that all being said, I knew I had to stop listening to that music if I was going to grow spiritually. I wanted so bad to have a close relationship with God, and I still do. I feel that music plays a role in my attitude and outlook on life. So, I only listen to positive and encouraging music that is by Christian artists. Maybe you don't agree with me. That's fine.
It says in the Bible to work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.
That's in Philippians 2:12.
Back to what I began with.
Remember your evil ways and your doings that were not good.
Have you ever gossiped about someone?
Oh, you haven't?
Well, you truly do deserve a pat on the back, because very few people can say that.
Have you ever told a lie? How about a white lie? (A white lie is just as much a lie as a "black lie.")
Those are doings that aren't good.
Remember those.
Think about them.
Now be ashamed.
Sin is not only what people see on the outside.
Homosexuality.
Drunk.
Premarital sex.
Cussing someone out.
Yelling your head off at your spouse.
Or your kids...
Talking about the preacher.
Tearing down the youth pastor.
Talking about somebodies situation that isn't even any of your business.
Being jealous of someone.
Not being content.
Hating yourself.
Not tithing.
10%.
Yep, most people don't like being reminded of that one.
Putting others or things above God.
Being confident in your looks and talents to a fault.
Caring about what others think too much.
Loving money.
Secret sin.
Pornography.
Being immodest.
I could go on and on and on.
There is simply too many things that separate us from God.
Remember them.
Think about them for a little while.
Be ashamed.
BUT....
but, but, but...
don't stay there.
Jesus forgives us and forgets it. But when I read this passage, it made me remember any sin and wrong I have ever done. I am ashamed. I want to see God for who He really is. I want to be like Him. I don't sit here and study and write and pound away on a keyboard a couple times a week just to try to make someone feel bad about their sin.
THAT would be a sin for me to do that!
I just want someone, anyone, to not only accept Christ, but to turn from their evil ways.
I want to see a revival broke out in this nation.
It is end times.
You don't have much longer to make it right.
You aren't promised tomorrow.
PLEASE stop running away.
Run to Him.
We need to be ashamed of ourselves. My sins are no greater than yours and my sins are no smaller than yours. The difference though, is maybe that I have recognized my sin and have chosen to leave them at the foot of the Cross. The Cross is where you need to lay yourself down at.
Ask Him to forgive you.
Ask Him to free you.
HE WILL.
That is a promise.
I am praying that maybe just one person will accept Christ by reading this.
I am praying that maybe just one person will turn from their sins and repent, whole-heartedly.
I only write from my heart.
I do it because God shows me to.
I have to be obedient.
I pray you are challenged.
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