who knew

that my downfalls could be a (good) example for someone else. The pain I feel in my spirit over some of my past mistakes. Being able to articulate that ... actually having someone trust me enough to confide in me their relationship problems and ask for advice. That is truly amazing and awe-inspiring. I just don't want to lead her astray. But I can explain what sin does when you knowingly disobey God to pursue your own interests and wants. When you put His plans and desires behind your own. That pain still exists and I don't know if it will ever go away. And her priest has also told her about the cost, about how much you can lose. I don't know why she confides in me. But in a way I am glad. It makes me re-examine my life, and motives, and makes me face up to how real or hypocritical I may be at any time. We're human, we believe in the same God and know that He only plans good things for us. But we also want the comforts and to live life at our own pace. And in comfort. Definitely in comfort.

Maybe I mis-understood something, but every now and then, it's good to be honest. With yourself and with others

A promise to remember

Well, it's been quite a while since I actually sat down and read the Bible for more than a Bible study (like homework style) or to find a quick verse relating to a problem. This month and next I am trying to do a Survey of the Bible and some things spoke to me.

Today's reading was Exodus 1-5, but I read 6 too. And got a promise and a look into my response. Talk about a lightbulb moment. Ex. 6:6-7 reads

"I am the LORD. I will free you from your oppression and rescue you from your slavery in Egypt. I will redeem you with a powerful arm and great acts of judgement. I will claim you as my own people, and I will be your God. Then you will know that I am the LORD your God who has freed you from your oppression in Egypt.

Now this is a promise I can grab hold of. And here, I think has been my unwilling response. I struggle with grabbing onto and holding onto and beleiving the promises of God. I know that they are true, and have been proven, I just have a hard time accpeting them for myself. Does that make any sense? Probably not, but that's me. And here is a reflection of me. Ex. 6:9 reads "So Moses told the people what the Lord had said, but they refused to listen anymore. They had become too discouraged by the brutality of their slavery."

Discouraged. That spoke volumes to me. I have put myself in slavery to all sorts of sin, I know I can be self-destructive, and it's starting to affect my family. It has affected my family. But I don't know how to stop. Prayer doesn't seem to work as well as I would like it too. And I know some of that has to do with unconfessed and unrepentant sin. I acknowledge the sin, I just can't seem to take the next step. The shame, and I suppose some pride, and definitely a healthy dose of fear thrown in for good measure, keep from doing what is right. What is needed to get my heart back on the right path. I am discouraged. And my ears are stopped up. And my heart is almost as hard as Pharoah's. Maybe more so. I'm so confused ... But I have a new promise to hold onto, meditate on, claim as my own so that maybe, just maybe, I can get out of this mire and have some joy in the Lord again.

Technorati Tags: Exodus, slavery, discouragement, God, promises of God, rescue, Bible

Recall Notice

RECALL NOTICE

=============

 

The Maker of all human beings is recalling all units manufactured, regardless of make or year, due to the serious defect in the primary and central component of the heart.

This is due to a willful malfunction in the original prototype units code named Adam and Eve, resulting in the reproduction of the same defect in all subsequent units.

This defect has been technically termed,
"Sub-sequential Internal Non-morality," or more commonly known as SIN, as it is primarily expressed.

Some other symptoms:

[a] Loss of direction
[b] Foul vocal emissions
[c] Amnesia of origin
[d] Lack of peace and joy
[e] Selfish or violent behavior
[f] Depression or confusion in the mental component
[g] Fearfulness
[h] Idolatry
[i] Rebellion

The Manufacturer, Who is neither liable nor at fault for this defect, is providing factory authorized repair and service free of charge to correct this SIN defect.

The Repair Technician, Jesus, has most generously offered to bear the entire burden of the staggering cost of these repairs.
There is no additional fee required.

The toll free number to call for repair in all areas is: P-R-A-Y-E-R.

Once connected, please upload your burden of SIN through the REPENTANCE procedure.

Next, download ATONEMENT from the Repair Technician, Jesus, into the heart component.

No matter how big or small the SIN defect is,
Jesus will replace it with:

[a] Love
[b] Joy
[c] Peace
[d] Patience
[e] Kindness
[f] Goodness
[g] Faithfulness
[h] Gentleness
[i] Self-control

Please see the operating manual, HOLY BIBLE, for further details on the use of these fixes.

As an added upgrade, the Manufacturer has made available to all repaired units a facility enabling direct monitoring and assistance from a resident Maintenance Technician, The Holy Ghost.

Repaired units need only make Him welcome and He will take up permanent residence on the premises!

WARNING: Continuing to operate the human being unit without correction voids the Manufacturer's warranty, exposing the unit to dangers and problems too numerous to list and will result in the human unit being permanently impounded.

For free emergency service, call on JESUS.

DANGER: The human being units not responding to this recall action will have to be scrapped in the furnace. The SIN defect will not be permitted to enter Heaven so as to prevent contamination of that facility.

Thank you for your attention.