05/10/2021 - OPPOSITES AMONG THEMSELVES

• 
• 
• 
• 

“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” says the LORD. Isaiah 55.8

This verse is enough to make us change our attitude from a mind that collects bitter failures – even if in the eyes of the people of the world we are applauded as victorious – to living fully, in everything we do (Psalm. 1.3). We must overcome daily struggles. Only he who is born again can defeat the forces of darkness and conquer the divine blessings. The worst is good for nothing. God will help us!

We come first from the Lord’s thoughts, when He decided to make a being in His image and likeness. In His design, He had foreknowledge of the stages man would face here (1 Peter 1.2). Would it be worth it? Of course! God knew that we would be tempted, but with the temptation He would also give the escape, that we might endure (1 Corinthians 10.13). The Most High created us with the power to decide; however, in the first test, in Eden, man fell. Then came the perfect plan of redemption for those who believe.

Again, the evil one comes into action to subvert the redemptive plan, leading us to believe that we can do whatever we want, thinking that at the Judgment, God will forgive us. This will not happen again, a second time. The Bible speaks of the second death, the eternal separation between the Creator and man, when sinners will go to eternal punishment, from where they will never come out (Revelation 21.8). Now, many are unaware that because of sin, their thoughts are not the same as God’s.

The Word exhorts us to change our way of thinking: And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God (Rm 12.2). Those who get lost and remain in error will not get a second chance, while the Truth is being preached to its full extent, and divine mercy gives man the faculty to convert.

We need to straighten our ways, which have become crooked with the enemy´s entrance into the world. Only in this way, will we transform our minds. Then, we will experience God´s good, pleasing and perfect will (Romans 12.2). Why postpone this decision, if later we will not have another chance to even count with the Lord’s help? Those who don’t surrender to Christ need to know that trillions of years from now – they will still be suffering.

When we understand the Lord’s ways, His promises and statements about us, we know how to do everything, even love our neighbors and enemies. Moreover, we experience how wonderful it is to walk with God. Thus, evil loses its power to influence us to sin. Know what is freely given to you in Christ and be happy. It is time to seek God, for He is near!

Be sensitive to the directions of the Bible. In it are all the things we need to know in order to follow the Lord. Those who don’t do this, are surrounded by bad company and will undoubtedly be hurt – when the enemy attacks them. Jesus said: But you are not willing to come to Me that you may have life. (John 5.40). Do you prefer being out of God’s presence? 

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares