A Paradox of Scripture, Conscience, Culture and Personal Habit

JUSTIFICATION
I have heard this word, considered its definition, and I have been blessed to know that I am justified by the acts of our Lord Jesus Christ. The scripture underscores this by stating: “The just, shall live by faith.”

Jesus Christ has justified us, or placed us in right standing with His Father.

However, I have come to understand a new definition of this word through my observations. Many of us, violate our conscience and what we know is the determinate counsel of God by finding ways to Justify ourselves.

Our justification does not come through the blood of Jesus, but it comes through logic, reason and personal opinion. No longer is right - right and wrong - wrong – what is right (correct) and what is wrong is now evaluated in the context of our personal circumstance or our cultural experience.

What is wrong becomes right (or correct) depending on the circumstance in which we find ourselves. What is right to do, is not necessary if we determine that it is not easy, comfortable or feasible for us.

I believe that I have come to a paradox of conscience, scripture, culture and habits. Each one of us, must clearly make the choice to adhere to God’s directive in our ethical and moral standards, what is correct behavior and character cannot be measured from the perspective of personal opinion, culture or anything outside Godly order and divine resolve.

I challenge myself to adhere to God’s determinate counsel in my personal habits and in those things that will cause a stumbling block to others. I challenge you also, in review, to consider your actions that may be outside of the constraints of Godly parameters?

Change our choices, be personally accountable for our actions, walk in Godly truth and Godly ways. Only then, will each one of us, not just attempt, but pursue what is right and correct in Christ. Then we will indeed be transformed and become agents of transformation in our world.

Lord, You Are My God

While preparing for our TV tapings this morning I came across this verse that really ministered to me:

"O LORD, You are my God; I will exalt You, I will praise Your name, for You have done wonderful things, even purposes planned of old [and fulfilled] in faithfulness and truth." Isa 25:1AMP

Pioneers of Faith: William Freeman

The day William Freeman retired from secular labor to pursue full time ministry he made a vow to GOD. "GOD", said Freeman, "I've given that job eight hours out of everyday of my life all these years, now I'm going to give you eight hours every day for the rest of my life in prayer."

Eight hours a day in prayer for years birthed one of the most powerful deliverance ministries of all time! William Freeman had power over sickness to such a degree that he could point to a section of people on cots, or in wheel chairs, or from a deaf school and say, "Everyone in this section is healed!" Freeman had great compassion for the sick coupled with great faith in GOD. The result was outstanding miracles.