Serving Rascals, Clumsy Disciples, and Physically and Mentally Ill Believers with the Unconditional Love of Jesus Christ
–Joseph Hall
–Oswald Chambers
As a rambunctious kid I’d be told by my mom, “This is going on your permanent record!” At the time I didn’t know what that was, but it sounded really scary. I remember debating myself of whether or not such a record existed– and if it did, well, I was in deep trouble.
There is the adult version of this permanent record. It is called the conscience. And it can be a ‘hell on wheels.’ Each of us have:
They don’t all have to be negative. As a matter of fact we have positive implications as well.
But like it or not, things get etched and colors become fast. Everything we are is a collection of past experiences. Some are godly, while others– not so much. Every decision you make determines your tomorrow. For some, this is a good thing, but a real terror for others.
“Come now, let us settle the matter,”
says the Lord.
“Though your sins are like scarlet,
they shall be as white as snow;
though they are red as crimson,
they shall be like wool.”
Isaiah 1:18
The consequences and implications are staggering. Few can live with this kind of truth. But many do come to God for forgiveness.
There is provision for our permanent record. The Word of God (the Bible) has a built-in filtering system that pulls out all the nasty stuff. Sin can build up, even in the blazing light of the Holy Spirit.
Another issue is having the guilt removed from your record by a sovereign act of God. The death of Jesus Christ wasn’t a noble act of a ‘religious teacher.’ Rather it was an atonement for our sin. At this point ‘amnesty’ is given to everyone who believes in Him.
Our permanent record has been expunged— erased, if you will. In a meaningful way, our record has been changed by God.
1 John 1:9
Psalm 32:1-2
To have a clear record is a life-changing thing. To have the slate wiped clean is such a joy. God now shares His life with us, and enables us to redeem our yesterdays. Our past gets fixed by the only one who can fix it for us. Sin was never supposed to be permanent.
(Study scriptures: Ps. 32:5; 130:3-4; Acts 10:43; Eph. 2:8-9)
Today I especially wanted to share a message the David Wilkerson shared on his blog a few years ago. It is probably one of the better messages I’ve read in quite awhile on the issue of pain and affliction in a believer’s life. I hope this helps!
Psalm 119:67
“I believe in healing. I believe in affliction. I believe in “healing afflictions.” Any affliction that keeps me from going astray—that drives me deeper into his Word—is healing. God’s most gracious healing force spiritually and physically can be afflictions.
To suggest that pain and affliction are of the devil is to suggest that David was driven by the devil to seek God’s Word. I have suffered great pain. I have called on God for deliverance and I believe him for complete healing. Yet, while I go on believing, I continue to thank God for the present condition and let it serve to remind me how dependent on him I really am. With David I can say, “It is good for me” (Psalm 119:71).
Pain and affliction are not to be despised as coming from the devil. Such burdens have produced great men of faith and insight.
1 Peter 1:5
Paul spoke of the “cares” of the churches that were thrust upon him (see 2 Corinthians 11:28). Every newborn church was another “care” on his shoulders. Growth, expansion, lengthening of stakes always involve new cares. The man God uses must have broad shoulders. He dare not shrink under the challenge of numerous cares and responsibilities.
Every new step of faith God leads me to take has brought with it numerous new cares and problems. God knows just how many cares he can trust us with. It is not that he seeks to break us—in health or strength; it is only that willing laborers are few and the harvest is so great. Cares are taken from those who refuse them and given as gifts to those who are not afraid of them. Forget the load of cares you carry—can we not cast them all on him?
Every new blessing is related to a family of cares. They cannot be divorced. You cannot learn to live with the blessing until you learn to live with the cares.”
Source: http://davidwilkersontoday.blogspot.com/
There are so many that are outside our walls. Those who are blinded and confused by the Church and the gospel.
People are for the most part not this blatant or obvious in their pain. But it is what they are asking that tunes us in. “Where?”
Humans have been created with a special spot inside them. This place is designed by our Creator for his use only. Life just doesn’t make sense unless he is the center. Christians are just people who are trying to be fueled by God’s Spirit.
Answers abound to questions unasked. Confusion is rampant and it seems no one can get a unified direction for his companions. This is precisely why the Bible brings a piercing and clear call to the children of man. Its promises are not dated, they are not obsolete.
They are many who have gone before us, thousands of generations who have found light and solace for darkened and wounded hearts. They testify to us of the spiritual reality that can be found in God and in his Word. We are not called to perfection, but a real obedience of faith and love.
He is populating eternity with beggars, the sick, the poor the addicted. He loves “sinners”. He loves the mentally ill. The Bible tells us, “that he ever lives to make intercession for them”.
You have a purpose, and life does have clear meaning. Don’t lose hope and don’t try to fill yourself with foolish and empty pursuits. Come to Jesus, ask for forgiveness. Find the people that will help solidify and confirm your decision. Feel free to contact me about your decision to follow Jesus.
“Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.”
John 14:6
Broken Believers 