Mood:
energeticNow Playing: Umma23
Topic: Romans 9:31,32
S.
Romans 9:31,32 (NKJ) But Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, hath not attained to the law of righteousness.
Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumblingstone;
O.
Israel means 'Those who Prevail/rule with God'. That's US! If we haven't become 'honest, just and right', then we are pursuing the wrong 'Way'. If we are trying to 'fill up our time' with the action of being 'honest, just and right' with God, then we are being 'tripped up' and caused to sin.
We can't DO anything to be close to God.
That is why, thinking as human-beings, we try to 'fill up our time' with works, acts and deeds' that we think will get us into right standing with God. If we keep our minds and hands busy WE CAN GET INTO RIGHT STANDING WITH GOD BY OURSELVES. NOT SO! That's SATAN'S TACTICS!
Our job, as human beings, is to TRUST in what Jesus, the Son of God, has already completed for us...we rest in that...and then allow that 'resting place' to fill our minds and our actions with what pleases God. THAT is our 'occupation' and what should be filling the time and space in our lives.
A.
There is a episode of the 'Flintstones' that parallels what I see in this scripture.
A 'Boy Scout' is trying to earn badges by doing 'good deeds'. He thinks he can earn more badges by the more deeds he does. The results is that he helps the same old lady to cross the street, over and over again, even if that isn't the direction she is needing to go. He is 'forcing' a good deed in order to get his 'feel good' badge.
Did he listen to what direction she REALLY needed to go? No...he didn't ask.
Yes, he earned his 'feel good' badge, but he didn't get any closer to pleasing that old lady because he didn't ask where SHE wanted to go. He couldn't 'work' his way into her heart. He did his deed to please himself...to earn that badge and be 'known'.
Like this 'Boy Scout', we think we can fill our time and space with good deeds to get closer to God. WE CAN'T! We may look good to man and feel good about what WE did, but that doesn't get us closer to God. Jesus already did all we need to get us closer to God. And we only need to ask HIM what and where we need to do and be to please God. He'll show us the way!
P.
Father, take away the 'badge' of of self-earned good deeds. Place in my heart the faith I need to rely on what Your Son has already done in order that I'm in right standing with You. Holy Spirit, remind me to ask what GOD wants, and not what MAN wants.
Updated: Monday, 28 May 2012 7:08 AM PDT
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