Beating yourself up—that's not like our God!

Ever heard the saying, "Don't beat yourself up over it?" Moving past your past is incredibly important, but people often express to me how hard it is for them to do it. "God can't forgive me for what I've done," is a common sentiment, but consider who our God is.

Our God is the God who forgives "wickedness, rebellion, and sin." (Exodus 34:7). He is God and not man; one who "delights to show mercy" (Micah 7.18). Our God is the Father who runs to the rebellious son and welcomes him back with a feast, music, and dancing. (Luke 15)

Our God is the God of mercy, and He desires that we show mercy to ourselves. "For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment." (James 2:13)

What difference will one more sin make?

Many Christians let their past failures accumulate to the point where they have a hard time resisting temptation. They think, "What difference would one more sin make?"

There's a way to beat that. 2 Cor 5:17 says, "Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come."  That's a beautiful statement, but God alsosays, "you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus." (Rom 6:11)

We ARE new creations. We ARE dead to sin. But we have to actually believe it—we have to consider it, buy into it, and act in faith on that. Do you really consider yourself as dead to sin? If not, start today. 

How I want to forgive.

Micah 7:18 says, "Who is a God like you, pardoning iniquity and passing over transgression for the remnant of his inheritance? He does not retain his anger forever, because he delights in steadfast love."

Man, I want to be more like that. I want to truly delight in having steadfast love. Praise the God of second chances who delights in forgiveness! 

If you can't forgive or forget, pick one.

Are you good at record keeping? Have you ever had a falling out with someone? Maybe it was ages ago, but you still don't talk? Maybe it was SUPER-SERIOUS FACEBOOK OFFICIAL and you even blocked them for whatever reason and thought, "Aha, me and Mark Zuckerberg will teach 'em!?" 

God said love "keeps no record of wrongs." When will you tear up that record and start fresh? After all, the second greatest command is to, "love your neighbor as yourself.’" (1 Cor 13 & Mark 12)  

How do you react to different sins?

How do you react to different sins? I was talking to a friend about struggles we have. Sometimes, for example, we night not think a thing about a Christian sleeping around, or routinely getting wasted with friends, but someone gay, on the other hand, is not even worth bothering with! Blech!

God warns us against this habit, saying, "Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals,  nor thieves, nor the covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God.  Such were some of you; but you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God. " (1 Cor 6:9-11)

Do you let some sins slide because they're more acceptable to you? Or do you say, "Such were some of us?" Put the sin in the past, and help anyone get on target, no matter how they currently miss the mark! :)

When you just can't stand someone.

"Man, that stinking witch...well, God requires that I love her, but she should have her sins exposed and man I'd like to punch her face!  If only everyone else knew what I know about her!"—an internal thought from a Christian.

"Oh yeah, well you don't really serve Christ; it's all for show with you [censored], go to HELL!"—a Christian phone call gone nasty.

"Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness.”—Romans 13:14; God.

The above are a symptom of sickness in the lives of Christians; the symptom of a deadly disease which carries with it a host of other maladies. It is called "bitterness," expressed in Greek as being "pikros," meaning that the entire thing is cutting, sharp.  Have you ever seen that sort of response from a Christian in a relationship? Calculated, incisive, meant to cause damage...here is something better to consider:

"Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice."—Eph 4:31 

Settling differences.

Ever had a brother or sister in Christ who you just KNOW ain't livin' up to expectations? Time to give 'em an earful! Especially if it's affronted you!

Galatians 6:1 says, "Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted."

Our goal must not be punishment, but restoration, and not with the fierce wrath of a volcano, but rather in gentleness. I lack this, but I'm getting better daily. One last thing: that brother or sister out indulging in the world...is caught in something very, very addictive. Be very careful lest you get caught up in the same sin. 

How to Prevent a Tsunami of Bitterness or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love.

BQ:  What should you do if you feel yourself becoming upset with someone? Proverbs 17:14 says, "The beginning of strife is like releasing water;  Therefore stop contention before a quarrel starts."

Don't even let that floodgate open. Once it does, the angry words that surge out erode the walls of a good relationship, leaving lasting scars. When I feel like I'm being hurt, I go to Luke 6:28, which says, "bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you." When I'm praying for the good of someone, I find that I can't get angry. If possible, I try to have them pray with me.

BQ: Have you ever had a brother or sister in Christ that you couldn't stand? That feeling isn't good, but it is a blessing because it's like a klaxon going off to warn you that your spiritual health is damaged. 1 John 2:11 explains, "But he who hates his brother is in darkness and walks in darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes."

While an unkindness may cause you to feel anger in response, God tells us, "Be angry, and do not sin: do not let the sun go down on your wrath." (Eph 4:26) Don't let a feeling of quick anger be anything more than that. Put a damper on it immediately, and focus on walking in the light with whoever has hurt you, so that you don't end up by yourself in the darkness.

BQ: Have you ever called someone a bad name? Told them to go to hell? The second we let that bitterness toward a person exist, God isn't even interested in us trying to follow Him in other ways—not until we fix the flaw of inner hatred.. Instead, he tells us,

"Whoever says, ‘You fool!’ shall be in danger of hell fire. Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift." (Mt 5:22-24) 

If you have a brother or sister that you're not reconciled with, don't let it ride. Give your best effort to love them. Suck up your pride and be kind. You might not win your brother, but you will have tried your hardest, and you will be able to say that Romans 12:18 applies to you. "If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men."

Hurt for trying to help?

BQ: Sometimes, people who are spiritually sick will even lash out at you and hurt you when you want to help. If you've seen a trapped, injured animal, this is common when you're trying only to release them from something which is killing them. Do you give up and let Satan take all the way over?

Luke 11:5-8 has a take on a situation in a different light, but the concept is sound. A man goes to someone's house at midnight to ask for a meal for a traveler, and the following happens:

‘Do not bother me; the door has already been shut and my children and I are in bed; I cannot get up and give you anything.’ I tell you, even though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, yet because of his persistence he will get up and give him as much as he needs."

Without persistence, nothing good will be accomplished.  If you want to free someone, you need to never give up. 






BQ: I mentioned that people suffering from sin will also lash out when you try to help them. God knows this, and that's why he describes those as suffering from sin as in 2 Pet 2:20-22,

"For if, after they have escaped the defilements of the world by the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and are overcome, the last state has become worse for them than the first. For it would be better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known it, to turn away from the holy commandment handed on to them.  It has happened to them according to the true proverb, “A dog returns to its own vomit.”

And in verse 12, He wrote, "But these, like unreasoning animals, born as creatures of instinct to be captured and killed..."

When we're enslaved to sin, we can be like unreasoning animals, lashing out at those who help. But in sin, we indulge the flesh, fornicating, drinking in great excess, and never stopping, much as animals do. 






BQ: We saw that in helping free someone from sin, we can accomplish nothing if we decide that, well, we have to give up. 

In Deut 31:6, God said, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.”

When people you're trying to help hurt you for your efforts, don't be afraid of them, and don't get caught up in the cruelty. But at the same time, God refuses to leave and forsake us, so do not totally write the injured off. 





BQ: When you try to help someone who is spiritually ailing, it's not always sugar and spice and everything nice. Sometimes a person will instead turn on you and tear you down.  

Is this anything new?

No. Jesus came and was perfect, the embodiment of love. For that, He was crucified. We, too, have to expect backlash every now and then, and like Jesus, even from people who at first profess their love for us. 

What do you do if that happens?

A good example is from Acts 16 with Paul and Silas. A crowd of those Paul and Silas wanted to help instead rose up against them, and they were beaten and thrown in prison. Sometimes, when a friend hurts you, you'll feel like this emotionally. I love the response from both Paul and Silas, though, who after this happened, "were praying and singing hymns of praise to God." (Acts 16:25)

When you've been hurt, giving some praise to God with a brother or sister, studying the Bible, and dwelling on Him really help. It always helps me.  I am blessed to know many who build me up when I'm down. Having a spiritual support network is better than anything the world could ever offer. 




BQ: When helping a friend out of sin, it can hurt that individual. They can feel bashed or embarrassed.  Do not say, "You bad person, you! You're a liar and nothing but," but rather, "You're a great person who needs help fixing this issue. Let's work on it together."

The writer of Hebrews came down pretty hard on the audience of the letter for their flaws, but in Hebrews 6:9 said, "But, beloved, we are convinced of better things concerning you, and things that accompany salvation, though we are speaking in this way." 

We have to make it clear that, though we are speaking in this way, that we are convinced of the excellence within them.

As soon as Zion travailed, she brought forth her sons.

With thanks to Rio and Miriam, about something that has been on my mind.

I have personally watched Christian friends slip into the world, committing both spiritual suicide with themselves, and spiritual murder with the things they did with others, and encouraged others to do. And those times have been the most painful of my life, bar none.  And those times have been the most painful of my life, bar none. A lot of that pain comes from the pain of knowing what I've been, and the damage I've caused in the past.

Even if you don't personally like the person that much, the pain is devastating, because there is nothing you can do.  You cannot be the conscience for someone who wants his or her conscience to be seared.  Often, these people will apply a veneer of godliness, so that they can look at their fake reality and call it real, but the poison runs deep and is killing them.

What do you do? Do you delete such a person from your life? Do you utterly abandon them?  

I have often done that. I don't think it's right. It was my selfish way of protecting myself from pain. I once encouraged my mother and sister to abandon someone who caused them great pain and tears. They refused.  Instead of letting the person simply get off easy, they were loving but also truthful.  Their efforts were met seemingly forever with rejection and cruelty.

And yet God says, "Those who sow in tears shall reap with shouts of joy!" (Psalms 126:5)

Who wants to sow a field with such effort that it causes them to cry? Isn't it easier to just abandon that plot and more on to easier territory? 

My sister and mom didn't. They sowed in tears. Eventually, the person they loved changed. Hard times came. Rock bottom was hit. This person was abandoned. And suddenly, the person realized that through everything she had done, despite the evil of it, two people were still compassionate. Compassionate despite the way they'd been treated. And indeed, none of the person's actions had been more than passing pleasure.  And in the end, my mother and sister reaped with joyful shouting.

Compare that with two of my own examples. Both times, I saw someone reverting back to their old friends and old ways, including drinking. Both times, I said, "That hurts me and is repulsive behavior. You're otta' my life."  And both these people, now, are fully surrounded by the world, molded into it as a part of it, horrifically deep.  Attempts by me now to say, "Hey, I care about you," have no weight behind them. Because I gave up. Instead of being loving but correcting, I threw away anything, including hope, no matter how small.

Jeremiah 17:7-8 says, "Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose trust is the LORD. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit." 

Are you like that? If you persist in love, will you not remain green? Are you afraid of the pain, and willing to wilt away from hope and caring? There is only one way to bear fruit, and it is through persistence. 

Sometimes, however, when you are persistent, people will reject you. It happens. As my friend Rio once told me as a wake-up call, and this is paraphrased "Sometimes nothing you do can reach people, and you'll be consumed."  You have to know when that point is, but you can also make the conscious decision to not simply and utterly reject them.

The truth with the person struggling is that we do not know if they will be overcome, or shall overcome.  We cannot make the call with their struggles, or with their future.  We cannot condemn their hearts, but can see their difficulties. 

And more importantly, sometimes people have to hit utter rock bottom. They have to be at the lowest, where the sun does not shine, before they decide they don't want to be in the pit. 

God tells us that a struggle is present, and that it shall not come without weeping. For our struggles, for our help, and for the struggles of others, it is often true that much pain must be endured before we conquer. 

In Isaiah 66:8, God confirms this and says, "Who has heard such a thing? Who has seen such things? Can a land be born in one day? Can a nation be brought forth all at once? As soon as Zion travailed, she also brought forth her sons."

New birth does not come without pain and persistence, but we have to maintain the hope of beautiful things to come. We must have the attitude that we would, "could wish that I myself were accursed, separated from Christ for the sake of my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh." (Romans 9:3)

And if you're sad, hurt, and damaged, remember, "Whoever gives thought to the word will discover good, and blessed is he who trusts in the LORD." (Proverbs 16:20)  When you're feeling darkest and down in the dumps, dwell even stronger in the Word.

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9)

It's Hard to Forgive!

It's Hard to Forgive!

Do you find it difficult to forgive others who have hurt you?

This is no simple question. Sure, if someone does something unintentionally, or is apologetic... It's pretty easy to forgive them.

What if they hurt you purposefully, callously, and could not care less if you've been deeply wounded by their words and actions?

Should we wait for an apology that may never come?

Many of us are familiar with the verses like this one:

"For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." Matthew 6:14-15
(see also Mark 11:25, Col 3:13)

We know that for God to forgive us, me must be forgiving of others. Sounds simple, right? So what is it that holds us back, that makes it so gut wrenchingly hard sometimes to just let go of the infractions we tightly grasp in our fists and hold over the head of the offender?

For that we must look at our own hearts. What are we storing up? Anger and bitterness, or joy and compassion?

"The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks." Luke 6:45

If we store up anger and resentment, it will show up in all parts of our life-- creating new victims, and continuing the cycle of hurt. BUT, what if we do this instead:

"Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD, and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones." Proverbs 3:5-8

Oh what joy it will be to find that HEALING! The kind of healing that penetrates beyond the surface and into our very bones!

We may never understand why that person did what they did! They may never offer a meaningful apology, if they offer one at all. But does it matter whether or not the offender deserves our forgiveness? Does it matter if they appreciate it? It's certainly a nice thought and a great hope. And perhaps our attitude of forgiveness can prick their heart and start them on the path that leads to redemption. (That's not to say that we should allow ourselves to be hurt again-- some situations require that we keep a distance for safety sake.)

But when it comes to forgiving those who have hurt us, we must first remember that God tells us it is vital. After all, we have a Savior who ***gave His very life*** so we ourselves could have forgiveness-- and He did this for everyone, when no one deserved it, whether they loved Him or not. God wants us to extend that same love to others.

It may take time, and it won't be easy, but we must work to empty our hearts of dark thoughts and allow them to be refreshed by the healing power of God's ways.

Need a good place to start renewing your thoughts? Here is some wisdom from Phillipians 4:8-- "...whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things."

And Col 3:12-13--
"Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive."


One more thought-- forgiveness is a topic with many sides and faces. For those dealing with difficult people on a daily basis-- I pray for you. It is a hard journey to have to forgive the same hurts over and over, with no relief in sight.

"Then Peter came up and said to him, "Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?"

Jesus said to him, "I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times." Matthew 18:21-22

Wow. That's hard. Almost seems impossible, but remember: "I can do all things through him who strengthens me." Phil 4:13

Keep fighting the good fight and be a light for the sake of Christ-- and when you are weak, when you fail, have mercy on yourself. Pray for strength and try, try again.

Secret Sin: Can You Keep It Hidden?

Food for thought and the stout of stomach:

I have personal reasons to address this heavy topic today, but it is my hope to prick your hearts and dampen the power of evil that has so strong a hold on too many souls in this world. And so I ask:

What dark secrets are you hiding?

How long do you think you have before they will be discovered?

It really doesn't matter how clever you are, how carefully you cover your tracks or how masterfully you might be able to manipulate those around you. No matter how hard we try, we cannot conceal our sin from God, and He has the power to reveal it to anyone, at any time.

"Nothing is covered up that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known. Therefore whatever you have said in the dark shall be heard in the light, and what you have whispered in private rooms shall be proclaimed on the housetops." Luke 12:2-3

Are you ready for that?!?

"Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption..." Gal 6:7-8a

Sin reaps corruption! That's a harsh saying and a hard truth, isn't it? Some sin is easy to confess and some sin is so shameful, so utterly vile that we might rather die than to speak it aloud, but even that sin is forgiveable.

What do we do?? For one, we could repent and confess of our sins (which means STOP IT! and FIX IT!) letting Christ wash it away OR continue in our delusion that we are in control and will never be found out.

Choosing the first, we can continue in Galatians to see that:
"...the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up." 8a-9

Trade the physical for the Spiritual! Do GOOD, have patience, and be determined never to give up! The reward is beyond any fading lust or pleasure we experience here-- it is eternal life in paradise!

Still don't think you're touchable? Still think what you're doing isn't hurting anyone? What they don't know won't hurt them, isn't that the saying? If you've got the idea you are just fine, consider the warning of Titus:

"To the pure, all things are pure, but to the defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure; but both their minds and their consciences are defiled. They profess to know God, but they deny him by their works. They are detestable, disobedient, unfit for any good work." Titus 1:15-16

If you aren't obeying God, if you refuse to fight your sin, beware, lest you go so far down the path of destruction that you develop a defiled conscience that cannot guide you back the right way. If you are unfit for any good work, what are you fit for?

No pity parties! No excuses! Your sin hurts those you love and it is your choice to change that path. . . . 

AND ALWAYS REMEMBER your Savior waits for you with love and open arms, He will forgive you. He's pretty awesome like that. 

The Barnabases among us.

BQ:  Acts 9 describes how Saul of Tarsus, after his experience with Jesus on the road to Damascus, was trying to associate with Christians. He had a tough go of it, since Christians avoided him like the plague—after all, he'd been murdering them. Let's read Acts 9:26-27 and see who helped him:

"When he came to Jerusalem, he was trying to associate with the disciples; but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he was a disciple. But Barnabas took hold of him and brought him to the apostles and described to them how he had seen the Lord on the road, and that He had talked to him, and how at Damascus he had spoken out boldly in the name of Jesus."

Everyone knows a ton about Paul in the New Testament, but sometimes we gloss over what we view as "lesser" characters. Above, we saw that Barnabas was a very forgiving, kind, and, in his own fashion, brave man. What do you know about Barnabas? Over the next few days, we'll learn more about this awesome man.





BQ: Yesterday we saw that Paul was alone after his conversion, but Barnabas gave him a second chance and trusted him. Paul was always a fiery individual. Let's read Acts 15:36-41 and see some more about the character of Paul and Barnabas:

"After some days Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us return and visit the brethren in every city in which we proclaimed the word of the Lord, and see how they are.”  Barnabas wanted to take John, called Mark, along with them also. But Paul kept insisting that they should not take him along who had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not gone with them to the work. And there occurred such a sharp disagreement that they separated from one another, and Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus.  But Paul chose Silas and left."

Here we see that Paul was very upset over a past wrongdoing, and not willing to put up with a chance of a relapse on the part of John Mark. Ignoring that, though, look at what it reveals about Barnabas. When Paul was looking to overcome his horrible past, Barnabas came to him and helped him when no others world.    Barnabas, we can see, is a very loving, caring, kind, forgiving, and patient. 





BQ: We've seen that Barnabas was very courageous and willing to give people second chances. When Paul wanted to join the Christians, Barnabas was the one who was willing to help him out. When John Mark wanted to re-join after his defection, Barnabas gave him another chance. 

We can learn a lot more about Barnabas, who was an exceptional individual. We really first encounter him in Acts 4:36-37, which says, "Now Joseph, a Levite of Cyprian birth, who was also called Barnabas by the apostles (which translated means Son of Encouragement), and who owned a tract of land, sold it and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet."

Barnabas was not only forgiving, but giving as well, and a son of encouragement.  What we can also tell is that people of various personalities can do great things for God. Paul was also an awesome man, but not at all like Barnabas, yet they are both given recognition for helping people. 






BQ: Barnabas, we know, was encouraging, giving, forgiving, and willing to take risks to help people. We've also seen that, even in assemblies, a great person might have a sharp disagreement with you over something, as Paul did with Barnabas in regards to keeping John Mark around.  What can we learn from this?

One thing is to not let this hurt our self-worth.  No matter what Paul felt about Barnabas, Barnabas was still known as the Son of Encouragement. Also, disagreements aren't a reason to think poorly of the other person. Just like with Paul and Barnabas, we each serve a different purpose. Paul reached people that Barnabas didn't, and Barnabas reached people that Paul didn't. :) Don't let a squabble damage your ability to serve!




BQ: There's a lot to know about Barnabas. We've seen that, in many ways, he was simply a very kind and giving man. Acts 11:22-26 really highlights the need for people like him.

"They sent Barnabas off to Antioch.  Then when he arrived and witnessed the grace of God, he rejoiced and began to encourage them all with resolute heart to remain true to the Lord;  for he was a good man, and full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And considerable numbers were brought to the Lord. And he left for Tarsus to look for Saul;  and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. And for an entire year they met with the church and taught considerable numbers; and the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch."

Barnabas is called a good man, and fully of the Holy Spirit and faith. His attitude is one of rejoicing and, as was his nature, encouragement. More than that, he was steadfast and resolute, and he brought many people to God. Barnabas also wasn't one to hog the limelight, but when he saw opportunity, he went to find Paul to help out! In fact, where Barnabas was teaching for an entire year was the first time we saw people being called Christians.

While certain people in the Bible get more attention than others, lesser-known individuals like Barnabas are just as important. :)  What can you learn from him?

How to have a glorious future with a dismal past!

How to have a glorious future with a dismal past!
BQ: With a dismal past, it's sometimes hard to imagine a glorious future.

Q: What are some things God says are necessary to have a glorious eternity when we have stained and dirty pasts?

A: "Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. He who says, "I know Him," and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him. He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked" (I John 2:3-6).
"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (I John 1:9).

"But if a wicked man turns from all his sins which he has committed, keeps all My statutes, and does what is lawful and right, he shall surely live; he shall not die. None of the transgressions which he has committed shall be remembered against him; because of the righteousness which he has done, he shall live. "Do I have any pleasure at all that the wicked should die?" says the Lord GOD, "and not that he should turn from his ways and live?"" (Ezekiel 18:21-23).

"In Him you were also circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the sins of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, buried with Him in baptism, in which you also were raised with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead. And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses" (Colossians 2:11-13).

Becoming a Christian offers us the chance to shed the old and be renewed daily. Choose your friends wisely, because there are those who help you draw near to God, or who drag you away.
(PN106)
 

Self-deception and the seared conscience.

Self-deception, seared consciences.
BQ: How deceitful sin is! In 1 Tim 4:2, it's mentioned that there are people who are "seared in their own conscience as with a branding iron." We're tempted to think that we can pick some little forbidden thing and just keep it around while getting our salvation. It's kind of like saying your steak is on the grill and as long as you don't turn UP the heat from the current setting, it's not going to continue to cook. The thing is, you will indeed sear that steak through unless you pull it off that hot surface!

Question: When is God faithful to forgive our sins? What does repentance cause? Don't be deceived—who won't inherit the kingdom?

A: 1 John 1:9, 2 Cor 7:10-11, 1 Cor 6:9-11.

If we don't confess our sins and get rid of self-deception, we continue searing our consciences in the heat of the world! Let's get off that hot grill! 
(PN4) 

Restoring someone.

Restoring someone.
BQ: Have you ever been upset when someone's let you or others down? When someone has failed at some task? One battle I personally have is with taking failure critically, both in myself and in others. It's something that's completely unattractive and I seriously need to work on it.

When it comes to doing things which aren't morally upright, it can be tempting to use righteousness as some sort of hammer. The thing is, it's impossible to bang out sin in someone. They have to want to
remove it.

"Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ" is written in Galatians 6:1-2.Matthew 18:21-22 says, ""Then Peter came to Him and said, "Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?" Jesus said to him, "I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven."

When someone falls, we need to help them up. Isn't that what you'd want for yourself? Helping someone up, however, does require that we acknowledge that they indeed have fallen. We can't just ignore it, or they'll never be restored. At the same time, we don't kick them when they're down, or yank at them furiously.

Remember, you can never fix a broken item by destroying it. Let's gently restore those who have fallen, and remember how we'd like to be treated ourselves.
(PN2)