3 Reasons Believers Stumble
By Jean A Sturgill | September 6, 2010
When we were in New Hampshire in 2001, I frustrated many a driver as I walked to the curb and stopped to look around. You see, in New Hampshire there is a law that drivers must stop for pedestrians.
Ignorance causes a lot of confusion. I was knowledgeable of the law, but ignorant of where I was going. My stopping at the curb to look around could not be helped. The drivers, on the other hand, were ignorant of my ignorance.
Judging by all the horn blowing, I’d have to say that neither of us thought ignorance was bliss.
If I had been armed with more knowledge of the area, I would have known the truth about what was waiting for me around the corner. When it came to riding around in the area, I had a wonderful guide. She was the wife of a man my husband knew. She volunteered her time to show me around.
Three main reasons believers stumble in their walk with the Lord is because of their lack of knowledge of the Bible, their lack of relationship with the Lord, and their lack of faith.
Believers sometimes stumble simply because they do not know of a passage of scripture in the Bible that has the answer they need. Stopping on the corner to look around at the unknown was frustrating. Living without the knowledge that God intended for you to have is also frustrating. We need to spend more time in the Word.
As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:
1 Peter 2:2
For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.
Hebrews 5:13-14
Believers sometimes stumble because they do not have a relationship with Jesus. My guide in New Hampshire knew what was in the area and had all the answers to where I wanted to go. In life, Jesus has the answers to where we need to go.
Believers sometimes stumble because of a lack of faith. When that wonderful lady acted as my guide, I had to trust her enough to let her be my guide. When we depend on Jesus, He will open and shut doors of opportunity for us. We win when we trust Jesus enough to let Him make the decisions for us.
And the apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith.
Luke 17:5
If the apostles – who could see and touch Jesus – needed a little more faith, surely we could all use a little more faith.
LIFE APPLICATION
Key Focal Verse:
Grace be with you, mercy, and peace, from God the Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love.
2 John 1:3
Today’s challenge is to spend more time with Jesus. Spend more time in the Word, and spend more time building your faith. Pray about that challenge the Lord has put before you. Ask God what He wants you to do, and then boldly step out in faith. While you are asking for yourself, please remember those that are young in the faith, and pray for them to have more faith. Ask God to show you how you can be an encouragement to them.
Topics: Fundamentals, Learning to Walk | Leave a Comment »
Slavery In America
By Jean A Sturgill | September 3, 2010
As our national debt soars, so does the interest we owe on it. Much like our personal debt ties us to working to pay off the bills, national debt means higher taxes.
National debt rises because of government spending.
Right now every citizen – man, woman, and child – in America owes over $43,000. Per taxpayer it breaks down to over $120,000.
A delicate question to discuss is how much income does the government have a right to take in the form of taxes. When does it become extortion? Why is that important? As Christians, why should we care?
Debt is a master. The indebted are slaves. The greater the debt is the less freedom for all. As the government continues to spend, our children and grandchildren must carry the burden. It is the road into slavery.
And there was a great cry of the people and of their wives against their brethren the Jews. For there were that said, We, our sons, and our daughters, are many: therefore we take up corn for them, that we may eat, and live. Some also there were that said, We have mortgaged our lands, vineyards, and houses, that we might buy corn, because of the dearth. There were also that said, We have borrowed money for the king’s tribute, and that upon our lands and vineyards. Yet now our flesh is as the flesh of our brethren, our children as their children: and, lo, we bring into bondage our sons and our daughters to be servants, and some of our daughters are brought unto bondage already: neither is it in our power to redeem them; for other men have our lands and vineyards. And I was very angry when I heard their cry and these words.
Nehemiah 5:1-6
Ultimately Nehemiah had a talk with the leaders, and the burden was forgiven.
Then said they, We will restore them, and will require nothing of them; so will we do as thou sayest. Then I called the priests, and took an oath of them, that they should do according to this promise.
Nehemiah 5:12
Unless someone forgives the debt, and we cannot count on that, debt is a road into slavery. We need to avoid it at all costs. If we continue to pile it on, we could ultimately dig a hole so big that we may never get out. Even as it is right now, we need God’s help.
Please continue to pray for revival.
If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
2 Chronicles 7:14
LIFE APPLICATION
Key Focal Verse:
Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
2 Timothy 3:12-15
Today’s challenge is to pray before you spend. Then, just as you hold yourself accountable, pray about the importance of holding your government accountable. Pray that America returns to God.
Topics: Learning to Walk, National Concerns | Leave a Comment »