Deuteronomy 11-13

God's affectionate feelings of love toward us are most certainly unconditional but His favor and blessings are most certainly not! This is one of my complaints against Reformational Theology, that God's grace is never consequential. While I whole heartedly agree that there is nothing I can do to earn Heaven, I compel you to consdier that His favor in the here and now, what I call heaven on earth, is a reaction to our actions/inactions.

Paul in writing to the church of Rome, opening chapter 12..."I urge you therefore my bretheren, by the mercies of God, offer your body as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the patterns of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, that you may know His good, acceptable, perfect will."

In Deuteronomy 13:5-11, without mercy, demands the death of everyone who attempts to lead the Israelites astray. We find the relevance of this text in our own hearts. What part of me, what part of you is continually leading you astray? Is it the past betrayal of a former relationship, temtping you to linger in bitterness? Is it a certain pattern of web browsing into places that damage your sexuality? Is it coveting the possessions of others around you...and the list continues! Satan wants us to believe that we are a victim to our humanity. Respecting our own personal vulnerabilities and being powerless against them are not the same! You have the authority to slay, to put to death the parts of you that lure you away from God's ways!

Paul in the text mentioned above gives just one of the countless examples of God's favor, that of having a confidence in regards to His will for your life. How, by putting to death our inclinations for conformity with Godless patterns of living.

Kill something today!

Pastor Fred