Chosen by God!
We are to be aware of the signs of pride that will lead to God’s discipline in our lives. Jeremiah 13 lists three reflections of pride that can be evident in the lives of some professing Christians in today’s world:
They refused to listen to God. (Jeremiah 13:10a)
Their hearts became more and more stubborn. (Jeremiah 13:10b)
They “followed other gods.” (Jeremiah 13:10c)
We can see these things happening not only in the world but in the church. We have God’s Word to guide us, however, many are disobedient choosing their own way instead of God’s way. This happens subtly over time. The less believers listen the less they hear and the more they want to do it their way, hardening their hearts to God. This sets believer’s up to follow other Gods.Anything that is given more importance to, you spend more time with, pursue whole heartedly other than God has become your god, your idol.
After the many times they turned away from Him, they were in captivity, chose other gods, mingled with those God told them not to mingle with, God did this for Israel:
“For I will take you from the nations and gather you from all the countries, and will bring you into your own land. I will also sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean. I will cleanse you from all your impurities and all your idols. I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will remove your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. I will place My Spirit within you and cause you to follow My statutes and carefully observe My ordinances.” (Ezekiel 36:25-27 HCSB)
He can do the same thing for us. He can gather us from the places we’ve turned, to that don’t include Him, bringing us back to Him. All we have to do is admit our sin of pride and all other sins while turning away from them and turning to Him. He is ready to forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
“If we [freely] admit that we have sinned and confess our sins, He is faithful and just (true to His own nature and promises) and will forgive our sins [dismiss our lawlessness] and [continuously] cleanse us from all unrighteousness [everything not in conformity to His will in purpose, thought, and action].” (I John 1:9 AMPC)
It is really this simple when there is true sorrow for sin and repentance, a desire to turn away from sin. God restores.
“Therefore, house of Israel, I will judge each one of you according to his ways.” This is the declaration of the Lord God. “Repent and turn from all your transgressions, so they will not be a stumbling block that causes your punishment. Throw off all the transgressions you have committed, and get yourselves a new heart and a new spirit. Why should you die, house of Israel? For I take no pleasure in anyone’s death.” This is the declaration of the Lord God. “So repent and live!” (Ezekiel 18:30-32 HCSB)
Be Encouraged! ❤
Leisa Wilkins Ministries
"Encouraging and Empowering you to become who God created you to be, God's Masterpiece, a Divine Original!"
Pastor | Author | Bible Teacher | Speaker | Encourager
www.leisawilkins.com