Funny, in this world, we will always be tempted by the things that we thought we have already committed over to the Lord. For me, it came particularly strong these few days, over lust of the eye, over lust of the flesh, and over pride of life.
This morning, as I wake up bleary-eyed, suddenly I thought over the things I did the last few days. I was amazed that some of the old sins that came back to haunt me, even in the midst of my busyness. Then I realised 2 things:
1) To be tempted is not the same as being falling back into temptation to sin. I think many a times I felt soiled and unworthy, because of some thoughts I had in my mind* (which I thought I had committed over to the Lord). Then this morning I realised, that to be tempted is not the same as fallen back into an old sin.
2) Even when I do sin, the Lord Jesus never said "oh, "jia lat!" you scoundrel^! Ingrate! How can you go back to your old ways!"**
Instead, Jesus will say," Jack, my friend, my brother. Never mind. Pick yourself up again. I will walk with you through this."
Such is the marvellous love and grace of my Savior, my Lord! It does not mean God is pleased when I fall back into old sins; nor does it mean I will not be judged by Him for all the missteps I've taken. But as the master disciple-maker, Jesus (who've been through all that I have experienced and will experience) understands my human frailties and helps me in this process of becoming a worthy vassal of God.
yea, they are pretty basic principles. But yours truly can be quite dense and thick in the brains department at times. Give thanks with me, and I pray these will bless you too, at the start of the week. :>
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*because of the evilness of my own heart, and/or due to the scheming of the evil one.
^ my engerland really cannot make it. Forgot how to spell the word, so first I typed "scroundel". Then I typed "scoundle". Think need to go read up my english dictionary again..
** Most probably I'm hearing the voice of the evil one, if I do hear these lines...
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Band: Petra
Album: Petra Praise: The Rock Cries Out
Track: Salvation Belongs To Our God
Salvation belongs to our God
Who sits upon the throne
And unto the Lamb
Praise and glory
Wisdom and thanks
Honor and power and strength
Be to our God forever and ever
Be to our God forever and ever
And we the redeemed shall be strong
In purpose and unity
Declaring aloud
Copyright 1989 Petra
Printed from Firestream.net
(Taken from http://www.firestream.net/viewlyrics.php?id=6229&band=Petra&album=Petra%20Praise:%20The%20Rock%20Cries%20Out&year=1989)
Never knew Petra did that song. Their album Petraphonics is one of my fav.
ReplyDeleteit's a popular song... nope, never heard the album before. Just grab the lyrics off the Internet :p
ReplyDeleteit's a popular song... nope, never heard the album before. Just grab the lyrics off the Internet :p
ReplyDelete