Holding onto God's promise in real life

I read on a pastor's blog an observation. That when reading God's word, especially those super awesome exciting promises of the coming Kingdom, of a world with out pain, of eternal life and boundless hope, moments like those makes me feel like I'm already in paradise! But when I put down the bible and get back to real life, I am reminded of all the crap. Financial debt, broken family, constantly struggling with myself emotionally, struggling to love other people, struggling with critical attitude and bitterness towards some people... man, how does God's promises translate into real life? Why the disconnect?

Have mercy on me, for I am one of unclean heart and small faith

Yesterday I was reading Philipians 3 where Paul talks about how he suffered the loss of all things to make Christ his ultimate treasure.

Today as I went to Tim Hortons I saw an old man cursing at nobody by the library. I had the urge to go and talk to him, but was too afraid. My steps felt heavier and heavier as I walked away, head bowed low and trying not to look at him.

As I walked away, feeling guilty, I thought, man I know the gospel, and the old man needs to know God's love, it is my responsibility. Then I started to question myself, why am I afraid? I had to acknowledge the truth that I have not suffered the loss of all things. I still place my own reputation above the need for people to know God, the fear of being humiliated still overcomes my faith in God.

It was an humbling experience. I need God's mercy. I am one of small faith.

Forget about your calling!

Forget about trying to figure out your calling in life! Is it not used mostly as an excuse for disobedience?

Go read the Bible. Your calling is made plain and clear.
No more excuses. To love is to obey.
Go out into the world.
Let God's light shine.

Freedom

I long to be free.
To see the open clear sky,
To be lifted high in Your hands.

Not to do as I please,
But to have the choice to do as I should.
Because my soul has to cling to something.

If the Son sets me free,
I shall be free indeed.

Theology 1

Are we saved by faith or works?

We are saved through faith that comes with works of faith which is given to us by God through grace. (Ephesians 2:8, James 2:24)

Salvation is not earned by works of the law(Romans 3:28), which can be defined as trying in our own efforts to live up to God's demand and standards of living through the Old Testament laws, regulations and commands. (Romans 7:13-25, 8:3, Galatians 3:10-12).

Hope this helps to clarify Ephesians 2:8 and James 2:24

Pondering

Why is my heart so wicked?
Choosing daily passionate lusts of the flesh.
I feel more sorry lying to my fellow men than to You, o God most high.
My prayers are dishonest. Trying to make a bargain with you, trying to belittle my sin.

Have I fallen so far from You, that Christ needs to be twice crucified?
May it not be so! For I would be a man to be pitied above all man, forever doomed with no hope of salvation.

So have mercy on me my Lord, will you still forgive me and let me abide?
Let me crawl back to the cross, as a hungry beggar in need of the bread of life.
For in this walk there is no trying. Only abiding in You, my truth, my way, my life.

God died

God has given his life to save you

You ungrateful fool

You, you who play the harlot

Going after worthless idols

Going after the wretched desires of your heart

You eat to your heart’s content

You wipe your mouth and say

I have done nothing wrong!

You are like a linen waistband

Hidden, rotten, good for nothing

Return o you fool

To the one who created you and saved you

Return,

To the only hope, the only fulfillment of your desires

Repent while your heart is still soft

For God high and mighty

Became a man meek and lowly

To save a wretch blind and haughty