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Thursday, January 22, 2009

It's Time to Build an Ark

Talk about rowing upstream. Does anyone else feel like they're standing alone wearing the only glasses without a pink hue to them?

This is not a time to be lukewarm. We need to know what we believe and who we serve because if not, some smooth talking person might just convince us that wrong is right. That sin is nothing but rainbows and sunshine. And the most ridiculous idea ever: that sin brings freedom.

Hebrews 11:7 (The Message Bible)
By faith, Noah built a ship in the middle of dry land. He was warned about something he couldn't see, and acted on what he was told. The result? His family was saved.

His act of faith drew a sharp line between the evil of the unbelieving world and the rightness of the believing world. As a result, Noah became intimate with God.

That sharp line does not mean that we walk judgemental and look down on others, it means that we know our God and don't compromise our lives to go with the crowd. We should be known for our genuine love for others and our faith in the Creator of all we see.

Jesus hung out with sinners, but was not changed by them, instead He changed the atmosphere from darkness to light.

Here are His own words:

John 12:44-50
44 Jesus shouted to the crowds, "If you trust me, you are really trusting God who sent me.

45 For when you see me, you are seeing the one who sent me.

46 I have come as a light to shine in this dark world, so that all who put their trust in me will no longer remain in the darkness.

47 If anyone hears me and doesn't obey me, I am not his judge — for I have come to save the world and not to judge it.

48 But all who reject me and my message will be judged at the day of judgment by the truth I have spoken.

49 I don't speak on my own authority. The Father who sent me gave me his own instructions as to what I should say.

50 And I know his instructions lead to eternal life; so I say whatever the Father tells me to say!"
NLT

It's not our job to be judge and jury. We need to walk in love and let others know that there is something better than hope in an empty promise. There is hope in a God who loves them more than they could ever imagine and has a plan for their life.

Noah obeyed God by doing what seemed ridiculous. I'm sure people thought he was crazy.

Believing in right and wrong, sin and forgiveness, may seem crazy in a world that has blurred all the lines. But standing firm and refusing to compromise our integrity honors the Lord and just as Noah, we will become more intimate with our God.

20 comments:

Anonymous said...

Sue wrote: "And the most ridiculous idea ever: that sin brings freedom."

Thanks, ridiculous indeed.

lynnmosher said...

Sue, It seems it is more urgent than ever to take a stand for the Word of God. That "sharp line between the evil of the unbelieving world and the rightness of the believing world" is becoming more prominent, dividing the sheep and the goats. On which side of the fence will we fall? Thank you for your stand for truth. Blessings...

Anonymous said...

timely post for me personally! Agreed - we can know who we are and what we believe without being judge and jury. Walk in love, without compromise.

beckyjomama said...

Beautiful - so very well written :)

Jackie said...

Thank you for your post.
I read your blog EVERY day, but seldom post.
I always cherish what you have to say.
I love that you have a Servant's heart. I love that your commitment to God is so strong & evident.
Thank you.

SunnySusan said...

Sue~~what a wonderful post after what I saw on TV on Tuesday...you have a great way of putting to words what I feel. Sin brings freedom....wow....that is great....blessings

Sheila said...

A big ole Amen! I was just thinking the other day that being merciful requires an acknowledgement of sin. I can't show mercy to the "sinner" if I don't or they don't recognize sin as sin and enslaving and horrible. You can't see light if you love darkness.

praying much in these times,
sheila

Victoria said...

Well said! I say let's swap those rose colored glasses for crimson ones! Seeing life through the blood of Christ is the ONLY way to live!

Becky said...

AMEN!!! AMEN SISTAH!! PRAISE GOD FOR YOU!! AMEN!

Anonymous said...

Sue,
Very well said!
We do need to shine our light! Stand up for God's truth! Reading your post makes me think of Former President George W. Bush's Farwell Address when he said ' good and evil and there is evil in the world'. I will truly miss him, but I know he will continue to fight the good fight! So should we!
Miriam

SWade said...

Thank you Sue! The timing of your comments are perfect, especially the part you wrote "And the most ridiculous idea ever: that sin brings freedom."

It would be so easy for so many to fall prey to that notion. I pray that the world will keep their eyes on Christ and that we can all stand strong in our faith, for Him.

Pat Thacker said...

Another word filled truthful post that I have enjoyed thanks for sharing.And it is time for us to continue to stay in the word to know our Father better and stand for the right.
Numbers 6:24~26
Blessings

Susan said...

As always well said. At such a time as this we must have ears to hear and eyes to see what The Spirit of God is saying to us and we MUST walk circumspectly.
Susan

Quiltingranny said...

Sue, amazing post. Lets keep our children in prayer and ground them in the word so they can be strong. As a educator, the playground is full of things that kids need to protect themselves from.

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Sue -

I've given you the Premio-Dardas award for excellent blogging. Thank you for upholding marriage and family.

You can get the details at my blog tomorrow. I hope you'll pass the award on to bloggers you appreciate.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Xandra@Heart-of-Service said...

I couldn't agree more, and now is the time to stand up for what we believe. I was reading in Proverbs this evening and was struck by 1:32

"Fools are destroyed by their own complacency."

We cannot afford to be complacent.

Xandra

Unknown said...

I receive much inspiration from your post. And I live in Las Vegas.

Smelling Coffee said...

Wonderful post, Sue! So true - and something we must remember in this world we are now living among!

A Stone Gatherer said...

AMEN! Hoping my life reflects this truth and that I am bold to speak that truth to others, no matter the cost! But yes always in love and for a restored or new relationship with Christ!

Anonymous said...

Praise Jesus, what a great post. I hope to come back when I can. One can get fed here in the Word.

Take care,
Amy
www.crumbsonmyfloor.com

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