Tag: Reality

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Good News About Sin; Seven Statements

The Good News About Sin; Seven Statements

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The good news about sin; seven statements. God, Himself makes at least seven statements about confessed sin. The evidence is certain as you will see in this post.

But first, let’s talk about sin.

How long has it been since you heard anybody call sin, sin?

Sin is not a forgotten word; it’s an avoided word. The word, sin, is short and very direct. In the effort to be an all-inclusive society we avoid using this word. In so doing we trade the acceptance of others without the regard of eternal consequences.

We must never project the issue of sin onto others. First, it is necessary to take a very long hard look inward at ourselves. Our look inward is where everything we do in life begins. Jesus made these remarks about this subject. “You wash the cup and the dish on the outside but the inside of your cup is filthy!” (My paraphrase of Matthew 23:25). So, cleaning the inside of our cup is paramount.

How does God deal with our ‘confessed’ Sin?

The problem for some Christians is guilt.

Worry about God holding past confessed sin against them.

Worry no more. God deals with confessed sin.

Read on for God’s solution.

Here is the good news, sin is not a disease needing treatment. No, it requires repentance which brings God’s forgiveness.

Wow, Good news indeed!

King David in the Psalms 32:5 faced the issue of sin by confessing his sin.

Finally, I confessed all my sins to you and stopped trying to hide my guilt. I said to myself, “I will confess my rebellion to the Lord.” And you forgave me! All my guilt is gone. Psalm 32:5

Reality is to acknowledge and define what is displeasing to God. I call this, “Self-Confrontation.” This is the process of finally admitting to God what He already knows! Iniquity, transgression; we don’t use these words too often in regular conversations. But it is time we use them in a discussion with ourselves.

Continue reading to understand the GOOD NEWS about SIN.

Seven statements God makes about confessed sin.

These verses and comments will bring rest and assurance about God’s love for believers in Christ.

Release the ties of guilt and shame. Refresh, renew and restore your peace in God’s amazing forgiveness statements.

Aziz Acharki on Unsplash

1. I John 1:9 -We confess it -He forgives it -And cleanses us

But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness. I John 1:9

2. Micah 7:18–20 -He pardons us -Forgives -Casts our sins into the depths of the sea.

Where is another God like you, who pardons the guilt of the remnant, overlooking the sins of his special people? You will not stay angry with your people forever, because you delight in showing unfailing love. Once again you will have compassion on us. You will trample our sins under your feet and throw them into the depths of the ocean! Micah 7: 18–20

3. Isaiah 43:25 -Blots out our transgressions -Remembers our sin no more.

“I — yes, I alone [God], — will blot out your sins for my own sake and will never think of them again. Isaiah 43:25

Continue reading for more GOOD NEWS about confessed sin.

4. Jeremiah 31:34 -Forgives our wickedness -Never again remembers our sin.

“…And I will forgive their wickedness, and I will never again remember their sins.” Jeremiah 31:34b

5. Psalms 103:10–12 -God does not treat us as our sin deserves. He does not repay us according to our iniquities. His love for us is higher than the heavens. God removes our sin as far as the East is from the West

He does not punish us for all our sins; he does not deal harshly with us, as we deserve. For his unfailing love toward those who fear him is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth. He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west. Psalms 103: 10–12

6. Romans 4:7,8 -The transgressions made He forgives them. Our sins, He blanked out with His covers. The Lord will never count confessed sin against us.

“Oh, what joy for those whose disobedience is forgiven, whose sins are put out of sight. Yes, what joy for those whose record the Lord has cleared of sin.” Romans 4: 7–8

7. II Corinthians 5:19 “…not counting men’s sin against them.”

For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people’s sins against them. And he gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation. II Corinthians 5:19

The case against your confessed sin is irrefutable, (beyond questioning). God forgives and obliterates the sin you confess to Him. You are given a clean slate.

The conclusion about my confessed sin is to heed to the Apostle Paul’s admonition. Confess my sin, cast it at the foot of the cross, walk away free from the devils taunts about my past.

Ephesians 5:1 -We’re to imitate God. Treat CONFESSED sin as God does. Ask for forgiveness and forget!

Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. Ephesians 5:1

Click here to read Ten Mindful Quotes For A Positive Lifestyle

Has this brief discussion on confessed sin helped you in any way? Let me know.

I welcome your comments and insights on this subject.

Thank you for reading.

Richard

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The Shocking Workday Calamity

The Shocking Workday Calamity

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“What Have You Done?”

The shocking workday calamity did not have to happen. These workers had been given the assignment to work in a specific area. Something outside their work area attracted them. Thereupon, the shocking workday calamity hit the downward spiral changing their world forever!

Here it is in Genesis chapter three, verse thirteen:

Then the Lord God asked the woman, “What have you done?” “The serpent deceived me,” she replied. “That’s why I ate it.” (my emphasis)

Working in an unauthorized, off-limits area, they ate the forbidden fruit giving birth to the chaos of sin.

“What have you done?” God asks this question to Eve and Adam.

This examination question is as relevant today as it was at the beginning of time.

The original questions God asked records how sin entered humanity. God’s first question; “where are you?” deals with our emotions. His second question; “who told you?” deals with our reasoning ability. The third question, “What have you done?” points to our will. These three soul issues, which are; our emotions, our intellect, and our will guide us through our day to day routines of life.

The shocking workday calamity happens with disastrous results when we take our eyes off our usual ‘work’ assignments.

These three questions are fundamental to me today. The questions form the basis of my walk with the Lord and interactions I have with family and friends. Where am I?, who am I listening to?, and what am I doing?

Three simple questions.

The simple, straight-forward questions are the hardest to answer.

So, what should I do to answer these questions?

  • Repent to God of my sin and ask forgiveness of my family and friends for wrongs done to them.
  • Respect the boundaries God has positioned for me to live my life.
  • Reach for new opportunities to grow in knowledge and wisdom.

Realizing what you have done in your past, what will you do to change your tomorrows? It is in the power of your will.

“Technique and ability alone do not get you to the top—it is the willpower to that, is the most important. This will power rises from your heart.” – Junko Tabei (First woman on Mt. Everest)

God stands before you, asking what you have done? It is not a question of condemnation but opportunity. Today is the day for a new direction in your life. The right to acknowledge your missteps and chart a different course. You can make the changes necessary; I know you can because you are a good person.

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Believe me: The sun will rise again and you will follow a new path. 

Please leave a comment, I read and respond to all comments. Freely share with others on your social media pages.

Thank you,

Richard

 

 

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The Listening Tragedy

The Listening Tragedy

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The listening tragedy describes the catastrophe at the beginning of time. It was a total disaster, a misstep of epic proportions in the history of humanity. It happened because people listened to the wrong voice.

The second of God’s first recorded questions in Genesis.

Here it is in Genesis chapter three, verse eleven: “And He, [God] said, ‘who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree of which I commanded you that you should not eat?’ (NKJV) (My emphasis)

The listening tragedy happened when people lent their ears to listen to the wrong voice.

This question, “Who told you” is relevant in our modern society as it was at the beginning of time.

The original question God asked records how sin entered humanity. God’s first question; “where are you?” deals with our emotions. His second question; “who told you?” deals with our reasoning ability. We still deal with these two soul issues today.

Mohammad-metri – Unsplash
How do we avoid the staggering outcome of the listening tragedy happening in our lives today? 

Confusion rules our lives when we listen to the wrong people giving unsound advice.    

Facebook and Youtube confirm our listening addiction.

Listening, yes a listening avalanche is engulfing us! Over one hundred hours of video are watched on FaceBook every day. On YouTube people watch five times what is on Facebook! No wonder we are not listening to each other. Check out this infographic here

There is a lot to hear, most is just ‘noise,’ so choosing what we listen to is of utmost importance.

So, how do we control this addiction? Adverting the listening tragedy from happening in my life, I’ve practiced these three steps. First my disclaimer; I have not always been successful adhering to these three.

  1. Getting rid of the noise must be an intentional pursuit.
  2. Keep conversations within the limits of my spiritual perspective.

Keep your heart with all diligence, For out of it spring the issues of life. Proverbs 4:23 NKJV

3.  Practice solitude. My reasoning mind covets silence to cleanse the soul.

A wise man will hear and increase learning, And a man of understanding will attain wise counsel… Proverbs 1:5 NKJV

“It’s not hard to make decisions when you know what your values are.” Roy Disney

  • So, who has your listening ear?
  • Are you concerned enough to avoid the listening tragedy?
  • Who are you listening to when considering decisions you need to make?

God’s question; “who told you” is a simple question with profound implications when considering the choices we make.

I’d like to hear your comments on this blog post. Please consider posting this on your media pages. Ask your friends to subscribe to wheelsaroundtown. Click here to send your invite to a friend.

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Answer this question honestly

I’ve often thought about this one question.

I need to answer this question honestly. My answers to this inquiry have helped to guide my life. When I take time to ponder this question seriously, the answers I come up with keep me on track to living a fulfilled life.

So, what is the question?

I’ll take you back to the beginning of time in the Bible to find this question.
Here it is in Genesis chapter three and verse nine. “Then the Lord God called to the man, “Where are you?” (NLT)

“Where are you?” is the first recorded question God asked humankind.

It indeed was not a geographical inquiry by God.

The issue was soul-searching.
People do stupid things when they do not know where they are at in the present moment. When God appeared in the garden, Adam and Eve hid behind a tree. Hence the ‘tree hugger’ movement had begun! They were avoiding the question God had asked. When we answer this question honestly, we spy our actual reality of where we are at this moment in time.

Three choices.

It is surprising to me that many people continue to go on their merry way disregarding their reality.
People choose one of three ways when this question is asked of them; “where are you? Many do not answer this question honestly. In fact, some don’t even give an answer. Instead, people do this:
1. Ignore the issue by getting busy doing trivial things. Such as hiding behind trees.
2. Object to the person for asking such a personal question. They choose to shoot the messenger rather than considering the message.
3. The wise ones ponder the reality as it is at this time in their life. Honestly forming a soul-searching response to the ‘where are you’ which leads to fulfillment.

God spoke the question at the beginning of time, it still resonates down through the centuries to this very day; “where are you?”

luke-Ellis-craven – Unsplash
To answer this question honestly, I need to take a reality checkup.

1. Spiritually is my experience on right standing with God?

2. Are my relationships with other people thriving and positive?

3. Am I using my resources wisely?

Summing this up; where am I at spiritually, physically, financially, socially and morally?

“The word ‘question’ originates from the Latin root, quaestio, which means ‘to seek.’ Inside the word, ‘question’ is the word ‘quest,’ suggesting that within every question is an adventure, a pursuit which can lead us to hidden treasure.” – Tom Wujec

So, God stands before you today; He poses the question; “Where are you? Will you ignore, object, or ponder this inquiry He raises? Or, are you still ‘hiding behind trees?

“Everyone who got where he is has had to begin where he was.” – Robert Louis Stevenson

The second aspect of this first question God asked is incredible! Think about it for a moment. God comes to humanity; His reach is toward us. God approaching us sets the whole narrative of the Bible apart from other religions.

Answer this question honestly, and you live a more abundant life.

I’d like to see your comments. Give your insight on this post. Did it cause you to think, where you are today? Did I miss something? Let me know. Use the comment box to write your notes. If you deem this post worthy of reading, please post it on your social pages.
Thank you,
Richard Armstrong

Woods picture by Valerity Andrnshko – Unsplash

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Four Talking Tips From A Hitch-hiker

Everyone has a story to tell.

Are we listening?

Today, let’s look at four talking tips from a hitch-hiker. It is an inspiring story happening over 2,000 years ago. Modern-day hitch-hikers use Uber or Lyft to get around town. In the few minutes, people are in my car I sometimes get to hear bits & pieces of their history. Usually, I greet them with; “good morning, how are you today”? Responses surprise me sometimes! “terrible”, “great”, “silence”. At times I hear a history of their last year in my 7-minute drive. Everyone has a story to tell, and most would like someone to listen.

My definition of a hitch-hiker is a person walking along a road and he or she is invited to enter a vehicle to go for a ride.
The man in this story fits my description.

There is usually a story within a story which is true in this narrative.

Look, for the four talking tips from a hitch-hiker in this scripture.

Philip, one of the apostles of Christ, could be the first hitch-hiker recorded in history.

Utsav-shah – Unsplash
It is an interesting story, here is just a snippet of the story found in the Bible’s book of Acts:
The Holy Spirit said to Philip, “Go over and walk along beside the carriage.”
Philip ran over and heard the man reading from the prophet Isaiah. Philip asked, “Do you understand what you are reading?”
The man replied, “How can I unless someone instructs me?” And he urged Philip to come up into the carriage and sit with him. – The eunuch asked Philip, “Tell me, was the prophet talking about himself or someone else?” So beginning with this same Scripture, Philip told him the Good News about Jesus. Acts 8:29-31 & 34, 35

Now, I would not even assume to say that the Apostle Phillip was trying to hitch a ride since he was explicitly told to “go over and walk beside the carriage” by the Holy Spirit.  Aside from the beautiful spiritual transformation of the Ethiopian man, we can grasp insight on how to make the most of these chance meetings with people.

This story of Phillip changed the tale of a man and forever is inscribed in the Book for us to read today.

Stick with me here since I have discovered some good insight on how to kick up our conversations a notch.

Here are my four talking tips from a hitch-hiker for meaningful discussions with people, especially those we meet briefly.

  1. We have to make ourselves available to people. Phillip ‘ran over’ to the Ethiopian’s side of the road to be more accessible.
  2. Most people would like us to ask them to tell their story. “Do you understand what you are reading?” the Apostle said.
  3. We just might have to sit and listen to the person for some time. Phillip sat with the man in his carriage. 
  4. This last point is the key; It helps to begin with where they are at in their story. Aha! Phillip did this; “so beginning with this same scripture.”

“A suffering person does not need a lecture – he needs a listener.”– Billy Graham

“The word ‘listen’ contains the same letters as the word ‘silent.’” – Unknown

Summing it up on the qualities needed to impact people’s lives are these: Making ourselves available, asking good questions, taking time to sit with the person and giving input beginning with where the person is in their discussion concerning themselves. I think, Phillip, the hitch-hiker did his part well, don’t you? Now it is our turn.

Most of us know what I shared here but hopefully, it serves as a reminder of four qualities needed in the communication toolbox we use every day. Perhaps 2018 is the year to really communicate!

Did one or two of the four tips resonate with you and in what way?

Did I miss something that you would like to add?

Any questions on this post?

Please leave a comment, I’d like to hear from you.

Richard

 

    

 

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Surrounded By Storm Clouds of Defeat

Are most of your thoughts clouded by negative thinking?

Surrounded by storm clouds of defeat, is what this biblical Old Testament young man thought. When this servant of Elisha pulled back his tent door as the sun rose he saw they were surrounded by a large enemy army. “Oh, sir, what will we do now?” the young man cried to Elisha.“Don’t be afraid!” Elisha told him. “For there are more on our side than on theirs!” Then Elisha prayed, “O Lord, open his eyes and let him see!” The Lord opened the young man’s eyes, and when he looked up, he saw that the hillside around Elisha was filled with horses and chariots of fire. II Kings 6:14 – 17 

I have been through a few ‘gloom and doom’ days. In 2001 a heart attack seized my chest with severe tight threating pain. Was my life over? At the hospital, the surgeons placed two stents in my arteries and I was good to go. But, I must admit, at least for some moments gloom tried its best to grip my soul. However, my faith in God and my family surrounding me opened my eyes to a brighter future.

When surrounded by storm clouds of defeat, it is easy to fall prey to negative thinking patterns. 

The young servant in the biblical story saw they were surrounded by defeat, but the man of God saw defeat surrounded by victory. Three ‘takeaways’ we can deposit in our lives today from this biblical account. When surrounded by defeat, anxiety builds in our mind and gloom purveys our thoughts, instead let us sharpen our focus on these three insights from this story.

  1. We should always be open to the supernatural. God still cares about us today.
  2. When defeat circles our space, look for the rim of victory beyond the doubt clouding our mind.
  3. The enemy in this story was blinded to what God had in store for His prophet. First blinded spiritually, then later blinded physically. See beyond the negativity into God’s positive hand directing us to victory.

Additionally, let us keep hope alive, working towards our success. Read my post on hope here.

For some real encouragement in overcoming adversity, Read Bill’s blog at Unshakable Hope

Queen Victoria, the second longest reigning Queen of England said:

“We are not interested in the possibilities of defeat.”

Winston Churchill had this to say about defeat:

“There is only one answer to defeat and that is victory.”

The possibilities of overcoming storm clouds of defeat are tremendous when we focus on God’s word. Here are two of the many scriptures on overcoming defeat and negativity in our lives:

“I wait quietly before God, for my victory comes from Him.” Psalms 62:1

 “… despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.” Romans 8:37

Are you surrounded by storm clouds of defeat?

Is your life driven by negative thoughts?

Take heart today, since God has given us eyes to see His victorious armies surrounding the enemies of defeat.

Blessings to you today,

Richard

I invite you to leave a comment, question or insights you have on this post in the comment section of this post. Thank you.

Victory photo: Jepheth Mast – Unsplash