Friends,
As I've been scratching the surface of my relationship with Jesus since October 2011, my
cowardly infidelities as well as disobedient thoughts, words, and actions
have driven me to confession and, inchingly, repentance in gratitude for His
graces sealed in Jesus.
While I am determined to be
chastened by the Godly as exemplified in Jesus and explained in Holy Scripture,
I can no longer be "lukewarm" for Jesus and just sit/stand by as His
name is insulted and His people are injured. When I am wrong as noted, I
will confess and repent publicly. Otherwise, I will look up, stand up,
speak up, and act up for Jesus until He calls me home.
I will no longer play footsies with
the enemy and its accomplices for personal securities, perks,
political/ecclesiastical correctness, or to placate/pacify the posers
plaguing/polluting pews, pulpits, presbytery, and...
Always open to Godly chastening, I
will no longer shut up or look away when sisters/brothers are being brutalized
by process over professed and practical intimacy with Jesus.
I pray to speak/act the truth
according to Jesus as attested in Holy Scripture with gentleness, respect for
Him/His above all, and in the recognition that there is no fellowship between
darkness and Light.
I will salt.
I will pray to reflect His light.
I expect criticism, demonizing, condemnation,
poverty, and more...as He promised.
While all of Holy Scripture will be
my guide more than before, John 3:19-21 and John 17 have seized my soul in the
professed/practical applications of discipleship.
As Kopper took me for a walk on
11/9/12, I recalled a few sentences from Tozer's The Price of Neglect and was driven to my
knees in shame, then confession, then repentance, and now
calm restored resolve: "The way to escape this double snare is
simple. Make a complete surrender to God; love Him with all your heart
and love every person for His sake. Determine to obey your own
convictions as they crystallize within you as a result of prayer and constant
study of the Scriptures. After that you may safely ignore the
expectations of your friends as well as the criticisms of your enemies.
You will experience first the shocked surprise of the regimented army of
lock-step believers, then their grudging admiration, and if you continue to
walk the way of love and courage they will take heart from your example, throw
off the bondage of fear, and go forth as ransomed men and women to walk in the
sweet liberty wherewith Christ has made them free."
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, while
knowing my sins before, now, and to come, I devote myself to You from this moment
like never before. With Your help, I will cleanse my thoughts, tongue,
travels, and wholeness to be holy for You alone. This is my pledge,
desire, and passion for all that You have done for me through Jesus in whose
name I pray. Amen.
Blessings and Love!
11/9/12
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