Friday, December 30, 2011

Relationship Builder

I want you to think about something. Everytime we sin, we damage our relationship with GOD. We also hurt ourselves and/or others.

Thankfully GOD dealt with the consequences with that by Jesus' redeeming sacrifice at the cross. But HE also did more. When Jesus left to take HIS place at the right hand of GOD, the FATHER, HE promised a Helper, the Holy Spirit.

Since you became a believer in Christ,  have you noticed that when you sin, you feel like less than dirt? That's good. The Holy Spirit is convicting you of that sin. You see, The Holy Spirit know of our tendency to want to hide our shames and slip them into the guilt locker. But HE loves us and won't let us get away with that. HE leans on us until we repent and will keep adding on the pressure till we do.

Why? HE knows that we need clear unbroken relationship with GOD. Sin is like a big roadblock to that. Confession with repentance clears the air and restores that relationship as if you haven't erred at all. (Note that doesn't mean you may not be disciplined by GOD for what you did. Just like our earthly parents, GOD does punish HIS children. HE does this because HE loves us even if we aren't crazy about being disciplined at the time.)

The Holy Spirit also encourages us when we make right decisions and enter wise relationships. Ultimately this dependence on HIM for guidance is one of the clearest ways of growth as a believer. And as we grow, the Holy Spirit will grow build into our life journey relationships with believers and non-believers. Because believe it or not, non-believers and our interactions with them do matter in our walk with Christ.

Thus by conviction, correction, encouragement, guidance and comfort, the Holy Spirit develops us our relationship with GOD and each other.

Take Care and GOD Bless,

Freedom's Scribe

Sunday, December 25, 2011

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas to all my readers. May your day be blessed with friendship and fellowship as you rejoice in the birth of our LORD and SAVIOR Jesus Christ.

A thought...

My pastor mentioned that the shepherds were directed to see Jesus at the manger not just for their own faith experience but to share with others. May I add that GOD often does this. If you look ahead to Easter, there is a pointed remark that the angel pushed away the stone in front of the tomb. Why? Jesus could have done that or for that matter walked right through it. That little bit of stone and wax couldn't stop the maker of the universe. No, the stone was rolled away for the women and the apostles. So they could go, see the empty tomb, and share with others what had occurred.

We too are called to share what we witness. As my pastor said, we share because others who do not yet have relationship with Jesus will not see otherwise. It is this way that they may look through our eyes of faith and come to envy what we have. And in this manner seeds are planted.