Why We Do What We Do

I often ask myself why I do those things I know God could not be pleased with. I ask myself but know the answer. It's plain and simple - I don't have a strong enough relationship with God to arm myself against the evils of this world. The times I fail are the times I've drifted from God. I pray, but I'm not devoted. I serve, but I'm not devoted. I study God's Word, but I'm not devoted. I care about the souls of others, but I'm not devoted. Without devotion, I sin. Why is having a dedicated relationship with God so hard? I know the answer to this question too. Again, it's plain and simple - my commitment to other things or people is somehow more important than spending quality time with my Savior, the very One who formed me and gave me life.

It's easy for us to spend more time and energy on those things that please us. When these pleasures are not being satisfied, it's easy to lose focus on what's important - maintaining a close bond. Many if not most long-distance human relationships don't last because they've lost a precious element - quality time. This element is so important for me and my fiancé. Without quality time, I know we would drift apart, and that's scary to think about. But what should scare me the most is my failed attempt to draw closer to God. My relationship with Him should be the most important to me now and forever. How am I to follow any divine leading in my life without talking to God, without asking for direction, without reaching for that fatherly hand to hold onto when life throws me thorns? It's impossible unless I'm willing to take the time to devote myself to the One who so desperately wants a renewed fellowship.

God is powerful, and He is the One and Only. That reality should be cause enough for us to fall at His feet and obey. Stormie Omartian encourages to read and consider Leviticus 10:1-7. In this passage, the sons of Aaron (the brother of Moses), Nadab and Abihu, are physically consumed by fire from God because they carried out an act they knew would be willfully disobedient. Not spending time with God is willful disobedience. My prayer is that God will forgive me for my carelessness and give me a strong passion for His teachings.

The Cost of Forgiveness

If you've never been to a Sight and Sound Performance, I highly recommend that you attend one. Jonah was performed tonight, and it was spectacular! The main theme of this true biblical story is forgiveness and loving those who have done you wrong. Jonah was so consumed by the past that he couldn't forget the sins of the Ninevites. Is that not what forgiveness is about, forgetting and moving forward? Easier said than done. On the drive home, I thought a great deal of my grandparents and my father, of a rightful decision made and the unnecessary animosity born from a situation that should have drawn a family closer together. That animosity planted a seed of bitterness in my heart that I carried for far too long but recently addressed with a simple phone call. Well, I say simple, but it was probably one of the hardest things I've ever had to do; however, I knew that phone call was in the hands of God. I'm hoping that my "going to Nineveh" will make a difference in the lives of my family and form relationships so binding that nothing will tear it asunder.

God's grace amazes me. We let him down time and time again yet His grace is sufficient. I don't deserve His forgiveness, but to receive that forgiveness, we must forgive others no matter how often they disappoint us (Matthew 6:15).

Stormie Omartian sheds light on Leviticus 1:1-13. In this passage, it is explained in detail how the people of the Old Testament had to "[pre-enact] the provision that was to come through Jesus." It's incredible how explicit the instructions were for the sacrifices that had to be performed. How wonderful it is that we can come to God (with a humble heart) and receive His forgiveness so freely given to those who are willing to forgive. He truly is an amazing Savior.

Interceding Prayer

Abraham, Moses, Ezra, Elijah, Daniel, Nehemiah, Jesus, Stephen, and Paul - these are the names of prominent men in the Bible who have prayerfully interceded for others. Stormie Omartian highlights Exodus 32:1-14, a passage where Moses intercedes for the Israelites. While Moses spent his time on the mountain talking to God through a burning bush, the Israelites busied themselves in the work of the Devil, creating a molten calf and worshipping this hopeless, sad excuse for a so-called "deliverer". God knows the "thoughts and intents" of our hearts just like He knew the wicked thoughts of the Israelites, thoughts empowered by mockery and distrust. Moses knew their thoughts too only because God revealed them to him; however, when God expressed His plan to destroy them, Moses pleaded on their behalf. Why? Moses held onto the promise God made for Abraham, Isaac, and Israel. Moses remembered God's promise to multiply their seed and provide land for inheritance. In reference to Ezekiel 22:30, Moses stood "in the gap". God seeks for those who are willing to stand up for what is righteous and true. Intercession correlates well with forgiveness. Are we willing to intercede for those who are obscene or obtuse? When we intercede for others, we become stronger in that we develop a more trusting spirit in the things of the Lord and the power held in the hands of our mighty God. Intercession is a powerful tool freely given to us so that we may make a difference in the lives of others.