Fresh Manna 2009© by Pastor Tim Burt

Eph. 5:10-11 (NLT) Try to find out what is pleasing to the Lord. Take no part in the worthless deeds of evil and darkness; instead, rebuke and expose them.

Many people consider God’s request to carefully follow His ways out of touch and out of reality with the times. They see God and Christians representing God, as party poopers – something trying to hinder their fun. What they don’t know is what the devil tempts them with and draws them into – this so-called “fun,” are often hurtful practices and behaviors that will tear apart their lives and leave them pained and miserable. Jesus isn’t trying to hinder the good that life can offer us. Jesus said, “I want to give life and give it more abundantly.” He is trying to show what the good in life sincerely is. He is the loving Father that is trying to protect his children from wandering in the street so they don’t get hit by a car. God’s boundaries protect us, not steal from our lives. Pssst…Satan never wants anyone to know that.

Even Christians get sucked into the worldly lifestyles that corrupt and steal from this life, destroying the abundant life Jesus wants us to experience. Too many Christians say these kinds of things; “Oh well, what can I do? Times have changed. Open and greater sexuality is just a part of life. It’s everywhere! Do you expect me to be a monk? You can’t watch TV without seeing sexuality and hearing profanity. You can’t find a movie without it.” “I can handle it.” “It won’t hurt me. After all, people I work with swear all the time. They tell dirty jokes and talk freely about their sexual exploits all the time. Sex is just like going to the movies. It’s entertainment.”

People that think like this are in serious spiritual trouble but, they are blind to it. Sin clouds the insight and revelation that loving and seeking God brings. Sin makes you forget God’s ways. Sin works like a dimmer switch. The more you continue in it, the darker it gets and the more you forget why God’s ways are important. It takes a purposeful love for Jesus and a continued appreciation for what He has done for you in order to stay in that place where you can hear from Him and be lead by His Spirit. When you love God and His Word, and out of that love, you desire to carefully walk in His ways, you will find strength and help from Him. He’ll help you to learn to live according to His standards instead of being sucked into the ever-degrading moral standards of the world.

The Apostle Paul also warns us us in Ephesians 5:3-11 writing, “But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person–such a man is an idolater–has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient. Therefore do not be partners with them. For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light… and find out what pleases the Lord. Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.”

God loves us. He tries to protect us from being lured into and taken captive by the Satan In 2 Timothy, we can clearly see that there is a high road and low road which you can end up on. You can be one who lives God’s standard and helps others to do the same or one who has walked carelessly and has been taken captive. The Apostle Paul writes: “And the Lord’s servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Those who oppose Jesus he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.” 2 Tim 2:24-26

Living on the fence with one foot in both worlds is a convicting Hell if your heart is soft toward God at all. I had to learn to go all for God or not at all. I learned to make Bible reading, prayer, attending church (where the Bible was taught), commitment in service to God in some capacity, fellowship with other Christians, and sharing Jesus Christ with those around me the standard and priorities I would live my life by. This is the life that brought me joy and peace. Anything less left me dissatisfied and disappointed in myself.

I can look back now and Praise God that I did not waste years in captivity being beat up by the devil. It has been much more gratifying stealing souls from Satan’s grip and helping steer them toward the Kingdom of God through Jesus Christ.

Stand strong today and be the difference. It may not seem like you have much impact now, but I guarantee you that as you look back ten years from now, you’ll have a smile and thank God.

In His Love,
Pastor Tim Burt

Published by Pastor Tim Burt
Copyright© 2009 Tim Burt, All rights reserved.
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