On the dawn of a new year, I felt inspired to write a compelling message about the one thing that continues to separate us from God, the most disgusting thing on the planet, sin. More importantly, I am targeting the hypocrites among us, you know the ones who run around complaining that God overlooks them, or they keep whining about unanswered prayers.
Frankly, I’ve just about had it with them sinful cry babies. Seriously! How can anyone expect anything more than God’s Grace? Isn’t a ticket to heaven enough? For some people, it is. For too many, God’s grace isn’t enough. Those are the ones who could use a little holy bread with their whine…
Unfortunately, it is easy for me to write about such people since they are all around. One troubling example involves a long time friend whose vision is fogged by the world. An aspiring photographer and multimedia artist, Markus has had very little success since his debut in the mid nineties. Although a gifted designer with a sharp eye for imagery, he is also a keen software thief who uses a wide array of excuses to justify his use of pirated titles. Worse yet, he is also pursuing work opportunities in the United States – illegally.
I’ve known Markus since 1991; he was saved then and continues to stand by his testimony, or lack thereof. You see, Markus is one of those devoted Christians who doesn’t really remember when or how he was saved. Basically, he claims he was always a Christian. Personally, I think there is no such thing as “having always been Christian” and honestly fear that Markus is not saved in spite of what he says.
How do I know? I don’t. But God does! And it just so happens no matter how much advice I give Markus, how much help I offer, how much time I spend ministering to him, the Lord continues to ignore his prayers.
Is it the drugs? The stealing? The obvious disregard for the law? The habitual sin? I think it’s all of it– God does not leave the guilty unpunished (Exodus 34:7b).
Considering the fact we are all sinners and all fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23) how then can anyone earn God’s blessings? First of all, the Lord’s blessings cannot be earned since it is by God’s grace that blessings take shape in our lives. Since we are all sinners, how does God decide which ones among us are to be blessed while others punished?
I like to think the answer to that question can be found within each one of us. I believe God knows our hearts and acts upon our faith, our works, our lives.
“We know that God does not listen to sinners, but if any one is a worshiper of God and does his will, God listens to him.” (John 9:31)
Are you a sinner? Of course you are. Are you doing anything about your unrighteousness? For your sake I hope so! REPENT! Turn from your sins and open yourself to God’s eternal grace, allow Him to shine His light bright upon you and bless you with all His might.
“Draw near to God and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you men of double mind.” (James 4:8)
“Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.” (Luke 15:7)
The good news is there is hope for all of us sinners through repentance and faith in Christ. If you haven’t already done so I invite you to pray a prayer of repentance and ask God for His forgiveness. What comes next is too wonderful for words, this I promise you.
Let’s pray!
Father God;
We thank you for your blessings in our lives
And for looking after us day and night,
For looking after our friends and families
And answering the prayers of those who seek you.
Lord we ask you to inspire us
To continue to pursuing a relationship with you
By allowing us to see through the fog that is the world
Guiding each step with the beacon that is your grace.
We thank you for your forgiveness, your unconditional love
And for relentlessly pursuing us in this life
So we can rejoice with you in the next.
God we love you and thank you for all that surrounds us!
Praise God,
Amen!
This message was written by Daniel St.Pierre
Email: DanielStPierre@ThriveThroughChrist.com
