sin – Page 16 – Cross Culture Church

March 2014 Article: “The Winds Of Change”

Seasons change, conditions are changing, and people will change. The world is in a constant state of motion. Life is a linear move towards a future state of being. Yes, we are changing, but the question is what are we becoming? Some would like to believe that they are making progress, while the mental attitudes of those who see themselves as progressives constantly pump themselves up with positive affirmations. Even though words do in fact have power, the truth will set you free.

Constantly saying a thing is not the exercise of faith. Faith must involve seeing the right path on which your life must travel. Then by faith, you must continually seek God’s direction to avoid veering from that course. Change presents the challenge to travel down the path of least resistance and it can be so subtle that it may happen unnoticed. This is not the same environment of the previous decade. Decisions have been made that influenced the mindsets of society as a whole, and now, it has become more difficult to express the values you once held dear. If you for a moment are more concerned about the majority opinion rather than maintaining a commitment for what is right, you have lost the cultural war. It is not what the majority of the people think or what you may think that you know; it is what God knows that really matters.

The mind of man is so fickle that even a popular movie depicted by actors can be enough for many to change their minds. The sound effects and the mood-setting music have the tendency to mesmerize the soul into a state of receptivity. Consequently, the conscience is not discerning enough to filter through what is being presented as fact or mere fiction. It is just entertainment, so why take this matter so seriously? It is because everything that we are exposed to, whether consciously or unconsciously, has the potential of influencing consensus opinion. It is similar to the frog in the kettle…The water is gradually warmed while the frog adjusts to his new found environment until eventually he is boiled in his pleasure. Is it mere entertainment or is it a part of the systemic programming of the will to accept what God has prohibited to defy and ultimately compete for His throne? Just listen with spiritual discernment to the message that the majority has chosen. The magnetic pull of sin and spiritual rebellion has brought the mass minds of society its lowest state without question.

The outcome is a dissatisfaction that continues to surmount. Suicide, drug abuse, murder, family violence, and divorce are at all-time highs. Even though the path may appear natural, it was never the path intended for you to travel. The changes occurring all around you will sweep you under its current unless a change takes place within the heart. God is unchangeable and anchors the soul, enabling you to get on the course for which you were born. You were not made for what the world is becoming. You were made to glorify your Creator. The heavens and all of nature respond to its Creator…But since God has given you the choice to love Him or rebel against Him, will you align your will to His will? Only then will you experience the peace that you so desperately sought after in the wrong places. Change is constant. You are living in a climate of change. But the question is, will you change in order for the Unchangeable One to bring you into proper alignment for which you were born? For God’s sake, don’t be swept away by the wind.

02 Feb 0Comments 0Likes

Meditation: February 2, 2014

Posted by wwalker Categories: Meditations

“No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue which rises against you in judgment you shall condemn.” Isaiah 54:17

The objective of Satan is the formation of weapons that may be used to attack areas of apparent weaknesses against the saints of God. The alluring factions that seem to appear out of nowhere were skillfully planned with precision to wear down even the strongest among us. If we ever become careless in our defense or unaware that we are in the battle of the lifetime, his fiery darts will attach itself to us and slowly dispense the poisonous venom that slowly produces death. Much of what is used are words that plant within our hearts the seed of discontent and doubt. What God has done and is currently doing in the life of the believer is establishing him in righteousness. Whatever is not of faith is sin. Our eyes must constantly be fixed upon the object of our faith, Jesus Christ that we might be established in His righteousness. Every trial, every challenge that comes can either be used as a means of establishing us in the faith or providing evidence against the One in whom we have placed our trust. We must be reminded that righteousness and faith to believe in spite of circumstances is from the Lord. Stand in faith and God will be our defense to judge as impotent whatever weapons may be used against us.

07 Dec 0Comments 0Likes

Meditation: December 7, 2013

Posted by Cross Culture Church Categories: Meditations

“The race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong,” Ecclesiastes 9:11

The race may begin with speed and the warrior may show both courage and strength. But when the battle continues beyond the allotted time, the soldier grows weary. Even when he is nearing the completion of the battle, it appears as if strength wanes and the possibility of surrender increases. It takes the second wind of the soldier to push beyond the discouragements that are sure to come. It requires that extra effort in remaining consistent regardless of fatigue. This where losers give in and are defeated. What is most important is winning the race and finishing the course that is before us. When our eyes are upon the right prize, we would settle for nothing less. What is before us is greater than anything left behind. Therefore, we must keep moving forward, putting one foot before the other. This is the race of life to become like Jesus as we press into His Kingdom. We are laying aside every weight and the sin that would otherwise hold us back. It is because we are desperate to fully possess what we are coming to understand and know.

25 Oct 0Comments 0Likes

Meditation: October 25, 2013

Posted by Cross Culture Church Categories: Meditations

“Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.” Hebrews 12:1

The host of heaven gives witness to our challenge. All of the saints that have gone before us give witness to our challenge. They are awaiting us to finish well what we have been assigned to accomplish. Therefore all of the impediments of heart and mind must be dispensed of unless they restrict our mobility and entrap us, holding us as slaves to old habits. Our minds must constantly be renewed in order for us to know what the will of the Lord is. Never should our pursuit fall short of those that have gone before us. We are to build upon the foundation that has already been established by them. The weights are spurned from the sin that would remain as a stronghold. Whatever is our greatest weakness is the sin awaiting the opportunity to be given full expression. Only when we maintain our focus on the Jesus Christ could we be empowered to resist it.

Look ahead in faith unless we find ourselves looking around in despair. Faith in Jesus Christ alone can produce the endurance to finish well.

23 Oct 0Comments 0Likes

Meditation: October 23, 2013

Posted by Cross Culture Church Categories: Meditations

“Do not be deceived: “Evil company corrupts good habits.” (34) Awake to righteousness, and do not sin; for some do not have the knowledge of God….” 1 Corinthians 15:33-34

The company of the deceived is hard to penetrate. There is strength in numbers among them. Even God had to come down and confound the language of those who would have built a tower that would reach the heavens. They would have made a name for themselves and stood in competition with God Himself. The company that is evil influences the behavior of those who gather together. Only the pursuit for righteousness will awaken them from the daze and cause them to be aware of what has taken control of their lives.

The wisdom of God shouts in order to draw their attention away from the path that leads to destruction and death. The warnings are for their good. But the loss of familiar companions often arrests their reasoning and they continue on the track leading to hell. Be not deceived. There is a way that leads to death, but God wills us to learn and live.