Thursday, December 23, 2010

Emotions can deceive us

So often religion stops when emotions are touched.  We usually sing, “….send your power..O’ Lord…” or “….come Holy Spirit…” which usually means; give me a warm fuzzy feeling, make me cry and feel spiritual. We tend to think the service was touching, if the tears flowed, or if we were made to feel humbled and holy or if we were coaxed by worship to ‘feel’ the presence of God.  Not necessarily!    How quickly we forget that there is another ‘presence’ that can come upon us… “he disguises himself as an angel of light..”  2 Cr 11:14-15.  We must go beyond feelings.  Our emotions are part of our flesh and they can deceive us!
The emotional service is good if it serves to rend our hearts.  If we experience the presence of God, then live the rest of the week in sin; jealousy, unforgivness, hatred, strife, anger, selfishness, lying, greed, lust, pride, haughtiness, careless words, control, manipulation, fear and intimidation our hearts have been left unrent!  NO CHANGE!!!  The question is: were we really in the presence of God?
So many decisions are made today based on feelings/emotions.  But once the emotions settle down we return back to our former way of living.  There will be no change until we learn to crucify our flesh, emotions, desires and selfishness to the cross and choose to serve God based on His word and faith.  A true heart change will reveal whether or not we were in the presence of the Most Holy God!
The prophets of old were emphatic that repentance show itself in truth, love for everyone in equity, and reaching out to those who are hurting and lost.  To them the right attitude towards God means a kind, loving and gracious attitude towards others.
Sackcloth and ashes, ripped clothes and sacrifices mean very little unless they are expressions of my inward rendered heart, where the very roots of my life are changed.  I thank You, Jesus, that when You give us the power of Your Spirit, it always is “in the inner man” (Eph. 3:16).  That is where we need it the most, down in the root of our personality, where life-changing action occurs.
“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”  1 John 1:9
Jesus Loves Me!

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