4/17/2013
Diligence in an Age of Instant
"14 Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: 15 Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled" Hebrews 12:14
In order to remember and take hold of God’s grace, we need a dose of old fashioned diligence. It is not bad to have cell phones, ipods, and kindles; but all this technology sometimes gives us a false sense of accomplishment. Its ‘instant’ nature may also make it hard to discipline ourselves. However, in God’s kingdom – it takes discipline and diligence to following God’s path. We must continually strive, even when our flesh becomes tired and no longer wants to read God’s word or pray.
What do we do then? We rely on God’s grace. Just like the Apostle Paul asked for healing from one of his infirmities, God’s response was, “My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9)
When we become tired, even exhausted – God’s grace is available in such abundance that it will take over in our lives and see us through difficult times. If we feel weak or we feel as if we are straying off the narrow path of holiness, God’s grace (His goodness and gifts of love on us) will allow us to say as Paul, “Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” (2 Corinthians 12:9)
Our brain is a magnificent gift from the LORD that was affected by sin in the garden of Eden. We need to daily renew our mind with the Bible so that overtime, it will no longer be a struggle for us to love God. Very soon, a new habit will form that will say no to sin and yes to God. Solomon wrote it this way: "Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life." (Proverbs 4:23)
Listen to this life changing sermon below:
MP3 Download: 04.14.2013 - A Remembering Grace - Pastor Doug Mann
When we become tired, even exhausted – God’s grace is available in such abundance that it will take over in our lives and see us through difficult times. If we feel weak or we feel as if we are straying off the narrow path of holiness, God’s grace (His goodness and gifts of love on us) will allow us to say as Paul, “Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” (2 Corinthians 12:9)
Our brain is a magnificent gift from the LORD that was affected by sin in the garden of Eden. We need to daily renew our mind with the Bible so that overtime, it will no longer be a struggle for us to love God. Very soon, a new habit will form that will say no to sin and yes to God. Solomon wrote it this way: "Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life." (Proverbs 4:23)
Listen to this life changing sermon below:
MP3 Download: 04.14.2013 - A Remembering Grace - Pastor Doug Mann