Sin and unbelief are what keeps us from following Jesus and being saved. Therefore, the wicked acts that are brought about through people are sending thousands of people to hell each day, as they die in their sins. Only Jesus can help get this under control in our lives. Speaking of the Lord helping us, the writer of Hebrews, in chapter 12 of that book, said the following… “Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.” (Hebrews 12:1-4) I promise that if you look to Jesus in your everyday life, then sin will no longer abound. Whatever addiction, bad habit, lust, covetousness, and more, will become less and less until you have control over it. It doesn’t mean that we justify our sins over time, but have finally distinguished it through the blood of Jesus.
Before anybody can gain any control over their sinful lifestyle, they must first let God rebuke them for their wrongdoings. This is called chastisement and God does this to those he loves. He knows exactly what is holding people back and will bring it to their remembrance. And not just that, but help them understand how far they have strayed from His sight. That His wrath is upon them, lest they look to Him in faith and repent of their sins. Otherwise, they will never be called His sons or daughters. The writer of Hebrews also said this. “And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.” (Hebrews 12:5-8) This is a warning to every person who denies God’s counsel and assistance in their lives. Pretty much, by doing this, they are telling Him that they don’t want to go where He is at, which is heaven. This is the reason people go to hell. They’ve chosen that path.
Let us pray:
Oh Lord, I pray that we will learn what it means to get right with You while we still have time. Tomorrow is not promised to anybody. We cannot say that tomorrow will be the day that we will get right with You and repent, for today is the day of our salvation. I pray that this will sink down into people’s hearts and minds. Then, will they listen to Your wise counsel and be moved to live differently. As for me, I love it when You speak to me and show me the way. Without You, I am blind and have no way of finding my way in this darkened world. Therefore, I pray daily that You will take my hand and lead me on the path of righteousness. Chastise me as You will. Rebuke me when I go astray or fall into sin. I know that there are only two paths I can go down. One leading to destruction and hell and the other leading to Your light, which is heaven. Yes, God, scatter the darkness, that only Your light will abound. Even now, I am alone, my wife and kids, being across the country. In this time, I ask that You keep my eyes fixed upon You. Don’t let me deviate from Your path and do things that I will later regret. You can see everything. Nothing is done in secret. My flesh may be weak but is made strong with You in my life. I can do all things because You strengthen me and give me ways to overcome the enemy. Lead me from temptation. Help me endure in the faith, even until the end. I love You. Amen.
