NEXT STEPS -- The Basics: Understanding the Pattern of Futility
STEP #1-RECOGNIZE THE PATTERN OF FUTILITY: The Consequence of Wicked Reasoning
Thought that starts from a fragmented element of the truth-fractured by distance from God can easily progress to the point of the absurdity. Such constitutes the first stage of wicked reasoning. Wicked reasoning is an irrationality that serves to twist aspects of reality into conformity with our base nature. The twisting serves like wicker furniture. The twists are capsulated renditions of fragmented truths that lead to circular reasoning. Truth prevails but not in a form readily understandable to point of being beneficial because of the distorted perceptions that animosity toward God yields.
Revisiting the Genesis account, we find Cain, angered at God’s unwillingness to accept what he offered resulted in Cain’s killing of his brother. The problem being that Cain offered to God what he deemed to be appropriate to give, rather than what God demanded. Cain’s reasoning was ‘twisted’. This twisted reasoning was:
- "I, Cain, am a farmer – I work the land."
- "God wants a blood sacrifice."
- "My plants do not possess blood, only animals and human beings possess blood.
- "I will not sacrifice an animal because I have perfectly good plants here."
- "I will give God some of my plants."
- "I have worked hard to raise these beautiful plants."
- "These plants are good enough for God."
When God rejects the plants, Cain reasons as follows:
-"How dare God accept Abel’s offering of an animal and reject my plant offering?"
- "I have a right to be upset with God because He has clearly preferred my brother, my younger brother and his offering, over what I offered Him."
-"I'm angry."
Then in bitterness, Cain surmises,
-“God prefers Abel over me.”
-"I’ll show God. I will kill him whom God prefers."
-"I have no responsibility for my brother."
-"I will lash back at God by killing Abel."
- "I will shed his blood, the blood of my brother who has found favor with God."
The derivative thought yielding ‘twisted reasoning’ began with a focus on self, not on God. Statement 1: I, Cain, am a farmer – I work the land. The TRUTH statement that should have come first is:
The truth is God created the heavens and the earth.
Then, God created man in His own image.
I, Cain, am one of God’s creations.
God created me and my brother in His image.
He has provided me the life that I have including the ability to farm.
He, my Creator, requires a blood sacrifice.
I will comply with His request because He is God and I am not.
I did not make myself.
I could not farm if God did not make the earth.
I know what God requires.
Out of the fundamental appreciation I have for God, I will comply.
Please note that the reasoning process that brings moral clarity is the same reasoning process that is evident in our Declaration of Independence:
It is the reasoning that recognizes that "In the Beginning God...!"
It is that explanation, the First Cause that is God, that shapes the reasoning process for subsequent action. [Tomorrow we will discuss the nature of action.]
Consider this statement:
"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. — That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, — That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security. — Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government."
The consequences of failing to acknowledge God are murder. The consequences of acknowledging God are appreciation of life and intolerance for the abuse of such. This fact has not changed over the millennia.
Starting with TRUTH is the most effective and efficient way to solve any problem.
TRUTH is both absolute and knowable.
Partial truth dilutes the favorableness of outcome.
Lies kill.
In this era of eclecticism where even much of the institution of the Church wavers on its allegiance to the inerrancy of Holy Scripture, discomfort is at it’s highest with exposure to the Holy Bible. There is genuine dis-ease with thinking about God first.
The Holy Bible is the dividing line for our nation, and the dividing line for the institutional mechanisms of the church. If there is any hope for the nation, it rests with God's people walking in the Light afforded by adherence to God's written Word, the Holy Bible. "Half-stepping" on this issue dishonors God, fractures the church, and dilutes any and all efforts to preserve this nation.
If we focus on fiscal issues, we will reflect the attributes of that which becomes our primary focus, which will obstruct are ability to see the full tapestry of interrelationships God has woven for which we are to take dominion. Blindness ensues. Partial truth spins. And, action then takes shape based upon the explanation of what constitutes the full description of an elephant is view of the elephant's tail. There is no real sustainable future in that point of reference.
To walk with God, to see His view by reading His Word, gives a panoramic view of all the elements required for success. Such right relationship with God which comes as a consequence of our acceptance of Christ Jesus as Savior and Lord must be reinforced through prayer and Bible study.
So, here is our Step for Today, and some support activity that you will find useful.
Step 1—PRAYER
Steps to Returning to One's Right Mind
Prayer is in acknowledgment of the existence of God. Repentance—completely relying upon Jesus to be rightly reconciled with God the Father. If we have drifted from God, we must return by confessing our sins. God says, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9, The Holy Bible
At Some Point Today,
#1A - I RECOMMEND: Exterior Solitude
Take time for quiet rest. It may be a case of having a walk alone, a trip to the park where you can be alone. Take your Holy Bible with you. Pray and then consider starting with Chapter 1 of Genesis and read. Read. Read. Read Aloud. God describes not only the state of humanity but He also gives us an example of how to restore to right order that which is void and without substance. Chapter 1gives the order of operation in which God set forth the process of making a chaotic world inhabitable. More about the process of restoration for the individual and for the society tomorrow. Just read and pray for now if you are saved. And when you finish Genesis Chapter 1 & 2, skip the next few paragraphs and move on to Step #1B.
If you are not saved, HEY!It is time to examine your life.
Do you want your Creator to take change of your life? If you do, you need to call on God by praying which really just talking to God. You can pray in your own words exactly what you want God to know. He sees you and is waiting for you to come to Him in complete surrender recognizing that you are in need of a Savior from your sins. If want some help with the prayer, here is one that can help you as you make your confession.
Dear Lord Jesus,
I know I am a sinner. I need your forgiveness. I know that you died on the cross for me. I now turn from my sins and ask you to forgive me for all of my sins. I invite You to come into my heart and life now. I now trust You as my Savior Jesus and follow You as Lord of my life. Please deliver me from my waywardness and make me into the person you designed me to be before the foundation of the earth. Cry out to You to save me from my sins.
Because I prayed to you, I know I am saved! You say so right here in Romans 10:3,
"For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." I just called on You for salvation, Jesus, so I am saved!
You say in the Holy Bible that I must be born again and that is exactly what happened when I just prayed. I know this is true because it says so right here in 2 Corinthians 5:17,
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come? All of this is from God who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them."
I know you hear my prayer, Lord. I see right here in John 5:24 what your promise is Lord. You say, "Whoever hears my word and believes Him who set me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life."
I believe Your Word, Jesus!
Thank You, Jesus for Saving Me! Amen!
Reader, if you earnest prayed for salvation, you are saved. Welcome to the Family of God!
Now, you must do a few things to help you grow in the faith because not only are the angels in celebrating the fact that you are saved, the enemy of our souls is quite upset and wants to make you ineffective. He just lost, you know. So, here is what should happen next.
1. As evidence that you really have given control of your life over to Jesus Christ, you need to find a Bible Believing Church and publically confess Jesus Christ and follow Him in baptism and church membership. This is in accordance with Acts 2:41-47.
2. Next you must study the word of God. This is in accordance with 1 Peter 2:2-3.
3. And, you must pray, meaning spend time talking with God everyday throughout your daily routine. Tell Him what you think of Him. Ask Him questions and make sure you ask Him to help you understand the Bible and confirm His answers to you.
4. Worship God and witness for Him. Tell your testimony to others as God actively works in your life. Praise Him! For, God is worthy of all praise.
Now, when you commit a sin, repent immediately. Don't let the accuser beat you up. But, also don't simply deny your sin nor excuse it. Instead, you must name your sin before God. Yes, just confess your sin to God so that you may return to right standing in Him. Then, claim His promise of forgiveness. God alone gives us victory of sin. You will find yourself committing fewer and fewer transgressions. As a friend of mine put it, "I don't lie as much as I use to. I don't get as angry as I use to. And, I am not as scared, anymore! It is all because Jesus saved me!" What a testimony of God working in that young man's life!
5. The truth is that if you really have repented and accepted Jesus Christ into your life---meaning that you have invited Him into all aspects of who you are and now He has decided to take up residence in you, you will reflect that fact by your behavior. You will act in accordance with God's will and not simply your own. God will take up more of who you are as you surrender more of yourself to Him. You will be a "new creation," all things really will be new! Amen!
#1B--I RECOMMEND: Interior Solitude
--Every morning, pray and read the word of God so that you can ask Jesus to order your day.
--During the day, hold a running conversation with God in your heart so that He can guide you in your decisions. In fact, ask for His wisdom and discernment so that you may be a good witness for Him.
--At the end of the day, pray asking God to point out any sins you may have committed willingly or unwillingly against Him. Then, repent of those sins before you go to sleep. He promises his children sleep.
#1C-I FURTHER RECOMMEND: Examination of Your Use of Time
--Time is a gift from God. Use it wisely. A good routine to get into is to keep a small journal with you. Each morning when you get up to do your prayer and Bible reading as your devotional time, also ask God to call to mind those things that you should do. Write them down. Ask God to establish what is priority—or the order in which those things that are listed should be accomplished. Also, ask for wisdom about how these items are to be accomplished to His honor and glory. Then, as the items are accomplished during the day, check them off your list. Or, if keeping the journal during the day is not workable, revisit your list at the end of the day. Pray, and check off the items that were completed. Ask God for His assessment of the day. Repent where required. And, then give thanks to God for His faithfulness!
NEXT:
#1D-I RECOMMEND: An Exercise in Priority
---The idea of prioritizing is important. But, we must remember to pray that God grant us understanding about what is priority to Him and not simply our notions of priority. This takes humility. God assures us in His Word, "The fear of the LORD teaches a man wisdom, and humility comes before honor."---Proverbs 15:23
The biblical principle for today is this: Draw near to God and He will draw near to you!
AMEN!
--Livvy McDonald :)<><
Feed
My Postscript
According to 2 Timothy 3:16-17 of the Holy Bible says, "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work."
Ezekiel 18 gives God's perspective about the twisted thinking and resultant actions of His people. It's sobering! I've got work to do. How about you?
"The word of the LORD came to me: 'What do you people mean by quoting this proverb about the land of Israel: The parents eat sour grapes, and the children’s teeth are set on edge’?
As surely as I live, declares the Sovereign LORD, you will no longer quote this proverb in Israel.
For everyone belongs to Me, the parent as well as the child—both alike belong to me. The one who sins is the one who will die.
Suppose there is a righteous man who does what is just and right.
He does not eat at the mountain shrines or look to the idols of Israel.
He does not defile his neighbor’s wife or have sexual relations with a woman during her period.
He does not oppress anyone, but returns what he took in pledge for a loan.
He does not commit robbery but gives his food to the hungry and provides clothing for the naked.
He does not lend to them at interest or take a profit from them.
He withholds his hand from doing wrong and judges fairly between two parties.
He follows my decrees and faithfully keeps my laws.
That man is righteous; he will surely live, declares the Sovereign LORD.
*
Suppose he has a violent son, who sheds blood or does any of these other things (though the father has done none of them): He eats at the mountain shrines.
He defiles his neighbor’s wife.
He oppresses the poor and needy.
He commits robbery.
He does not return what he took in pledge.
He looks to the idols.
He does detestable things.
He lends at interest and takes a profit.
Will such a man live?
*
[God says,]
He will not!
Because he has done all these detestable things, he is to be put to death; his blood will be on his own head.
*
But suppose this son has a son who sees all the sins his father commits, and though he sees them, he does not do such things:
He does not eat at the mountain shrines or look to the idols of Israel.
He does not defile his neighbor’s wife.
He does not oppress anyone or require a pledge for a loan.
He does not commit robbery but gives his food to the hungry and provides clothing for the naked.
He withholds his hand from mistreating the poor and takes no interest or profit from them.
He keeps my laws and follows my decrees.
[God says,]
He will not die for his father’s sin; he will surely live.
But his father will die for his own sin, because he practiced extortion, robbed his brother and did what was wrong among his people.
Yet you ask, ‘Why does the son not share the guilt of his father?’ Since the son has done what is just and right and has been careful to keep all my decrees, he will surely live.
*
The one who sins is the one who will die.
The child will not share the guilt of the parent, nor will the parent share the guilt of the child.
The righteousness of the righteous will be credited to them, and the wickedness of the wicked will be charged against them.
But if a wicked person turns away from all the sins they have committed and keeps all my decrees and does what is just and right, that person will surely live; they will not die.
None of the offenses they have committed will be remembered against them. Because of the righteous things they have done, they will live.
Do I take any pleasure in the death of the wicked? declares the Sovereign LORD.
*
Rather, am I not pleased when they turn from their ways and live?
*
But if a righteous person turns from their righteousness and commits sin and does the same detestable things the wicked person does, will they live?
None of the righteous things that person has done will be remembered.
Because of the unfaithfulness they are guilty of and because of the sins they have committed, they will die.
Yet you say, ‘The way of the Lord is not just.’
Hear, you Israelites: Is my way unjust?
Is it not your ways that are unjust?
If a righteous person turns from their righteousness and commits sin, they will die for it; because of the sin they have committed they will die.
But if a wicked person turns away from the wickedness they have committed and does what is just and right, they will save their life.
Because they consider all the offenses they have committed and turn away from them, that person will surely live; they will not die.
Yet the Israelites say, ‘The way of the Lord is not just.’
Are my ways unjust, people of Israel?
Is it not your ways that are unjust?
Therefore, you Israelites, I will judge each of you according to your own ways, declares the Sovereign LORD.
Repent!
Turn away from all your offenses; then sin will not be your downfall.
Rid yourselves of all the offenses you have committed, and get a new heart and a new spirit.
Why will you die, people of Israel?
For I take no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Sovereign LORD.
Repent and live!
Praise God that Acceptance of Christ Jesus as Savior and Lord, brings with it the power to live a God-honoring life through the power and presence of His Holy Spirit that takes residence in the believer. Dear Lord, We are absolutely powerless without You. Thank You for not leaving us here as orphans! May Your sanctifying Agent have full control over our hearts, our minds, and our actions this day and forevermore to the honor and glory of God in Christ Jesus!
We say we love You, Lord!
May our ever increasing obedience to Your Word prove that statement to be a fact.
Obedience...Starting with me, Lord.
AMEN!
--Livvy McDonald :)<><
Posts
