Trading Abundant Life
Dear friends.
IN READING the books of the Old Testament prophets, I’ve discovered many sobering realizations about humans. None that I’m proud of. While you and I are not “doomed” to follow in their footsteps, the possibility of it still exists. Check out the following and let me know what you think by leaving a comment.
WHEN left to their own ways, they walked a path of self-destruction. Each time they turned away from God, their mentality deteriorated and they carried out atrocious acts. Like making their children walk through fire, alive. Inevitably, they ended up falling into captivity under oppressive rulers.
The insanity makes sense. If God is life and nothing lives without him, then an attempt at living 
without God is a slow death. We humans cannot escape our depravity. Sound familiar? I see it all over the TV.
BEFORE WE entertain condemning thoughts toward the idolatrous Israelites and their pagan practices, let’s remember something. You and I are human. They were given countless opportunities to return to the Lord God but chose not to out of stubbornness and selfishness. We are born with the exact same evil nature, and we have the same choices to make. Daily.
HOW CAN we turn away from the only Life Source? The Kingdom is healing, is wholeness, is fruitfulness, is blessing—on earth as it is in heaven. His Kingdom is come. Today. Wherever He is, there’s his Kingdom.
We worry and fret
despite the promise of provision and peace
We murder with our thoughts
after being completely forgiven of sin
We condemn and judge
even though His mercy was poured out on us
We are lazy
even though Jesus carried our wickedness
the green mile
to set us free
We lie and deceive,
aligning ourselves with the father of lies
We reduce God to something we can manage,
trading His godhood for our own
We choose human wealth and ability
over God’s unlimited power
We establish religious ceremonies and traditions
that undermine God’s Authority ♣♣
We reduce the gospel to a list of clichés
that render it ineffective
We have rejected abundant life
If the above qualities describe me, make me aware of it, for I will rethink my state of heart. I am wrong. I will agree with God.
GOD’s Word is alive.
I’ll hide it in my heart and let it speak through my life
GOD’s Authority stands forever, living and bountiful.
I’ll do away with man’s tradition.
GOD’s unlimited power exceeds my abilities,
and his riches surpass my professed wealth
GOD is unmanageable.
I’ll let Him run the universe that I cannot begin to comprehend
GOD of light casts out the liar.
With conviction, I realign my loyalty
JESUS lives.
I am privileged to serve the one who conquered death
JESUS extended mercy to me,
so I will not judge you
JESUS forgave me.
My heart is free from the hatred that kills
JESUS in me is peace.
I lack nothing
He is abundant life
