To Slip and Slide

Proverbs 27:12

A prudent person foresees the danger ahead

     and takes precautions.

The simpleton goes blindly on

     and suffers the consequences.  (NLT)

     There have been times during my new life-journey in Christ when I have caught myself slipping through the safety net of salvation and sliding into the sinful pleasures of this wicked world.  It was through my slipping and sliding that I discovered how easy it is to misinterpret and misuse the grace that our loving God pours out on us. I also learned that overcoming my sinful urges is impossible without the power of the Holy Spirit. He gives us the courage to surrender to the will of God every day and the wisdom to pray for what we cannot do. We must always be alert to the sin lurking at our door and rely on God's Power to keep it shut. Because of our sinful appetites, it can be so easy taking the bait and then justify our sin, especially when we know God is forgiving.  As children of the Living God we cannot overlook the basic precautions that help keep evil at bay, for when we are complacent in our faith and blind sighted by our salvation, we become the fool and suffer the consequences.  When- ever I find myself slipping into those gray areas of right or wrong, it reinforces the reality that there is indeed an intense spiritual warfare being fought for the hearts and minds and of those who belong to Christ Jesus our Lord God and Mighty Savior. 

     Because we are all natural-born sinners, we will always struggle with sin and give in, and it will remain so until your sanctification is complete and we are glorified in Christ Jesus.  But until that day you must wear the armor of God, faithfully bring your new sins to the Lord, and live in daily repentance.  You cannot keep from sinning, but you have an arsenal of mighty weapons to use in the battle.  You cannot escape the evil of sin on your own, because no matter how hard you try, you will sooner or later succumb to its power.   Your human weakness to sin and reap the instant pleasures it brings, is far greater than your ability to resist.  It is so easy to slip and then slide into the darkness of sin, but it's not so easy to escape from.  Keeping evil at bay is a hard battle to fight, but with God the Holy Spirit living in your heart and His wisdom guiding the Way, He will lead you right through the pearly Gates of Heaven and into the glory that is yours in Christ Jesus. 

                                                            

                          A Whisper of Hope

 Keep close, My child…for I am your Shield—the One who saves you when you slip into the darkness and protects you from sliding into sin.  I know you will sin, but don't try to hide it.  Bring into the Light so I can forgive it.  Then trust Me to renew and strengthen you, so you will be fully equipped for the next battle ahead.

Hebrews 10:35-36

So do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord.  Remember the great

reward it brings you! Patient endurance is what you need now, so you will

continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that He has promised.  (NLT)

   But the Lord our God is merciful and forgiving,

     even though we have rebelled against Him.

                                           (Daniel 9:9)