I heard the true story of a failed robbery that happened recently. A man walked into a convenience store and placed $20 on the counter, asking if it could be broken. When she opened the till, he demanded all of the cash, which she promptly handed over to him. Immediately he dashed out of the store, leaving the $20 bill behind.
He escaped with the money, but unfortunately for him, the amount of money in the till came to a grand total of $15. He left more money on the counter than he got away with!
Such is the disappointing nature of sin. We walk into it expecting much yet receiving little.
Sin deceitfully promises to yield fulfillment and satisfaction, yet winds up costing us more than it delivers. We trade our peace, our joy, and our fellowship with God for something of far lesser value.
A clean conscience is worth infinitely more than the passing pleasures of sin.
How many times have you compromised your convictions, gave in to temptation, and felt good about it?
Anyone with a tender conscience can identify with the truth of what I am saying.
Thankfully, we have a remedy for sin. John tells us, “and if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. And He Himself is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not for ours only, but also for the whole world.” Just before this, he told us, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
If you have given in to temptation and are reaping the negative consequences of your sin, you can find forgiveness and restoration in the blood of Jesus Christ today. Turn to Him. He will receive you.
Humble yourself in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.
Then walk in the Spirit, and you will not fulfill the desires of your flesh.
One More Thing:
If you have been reading this blog for very long, then you know that we go to India once a year. We will be leaving for our 2014 trip on Feb 2. During that time, I will be sharing daily updates on the ministry happening there, so you can be expecting to receive plenty of emails from Sowing the Seed.
We have a small team this year, so we have not been able to do the usual fundraisers. This has resulted in a small budget for ministry. If you would be willing to partner with us, there are two ways you can do so.
Our annual dinner night at the church is Friday the 10th, and costs $15 per person to attend and enjoy great fellowship and delicious tri-tip. The event will be held at Calvary Chapel Tri Cities at 6:00. Tickets can be purchased at the door. All proceeds benefit the mission work.
Also, you can easily make a tax deductible donation by going to the Sowing the Seed website, http://sowingtheseed.com and clicking on the “Donate” tab. You will be redirected to the Calvary Chapel India Missions page. Just make a ‘general’ donation and it will go towards the mission work on this trip. You will be given an email receipt for your tax records.
Mostly, we covet your prayers. Please take a moment to deliver up our team and those we intend to reach. Satan hates it when the great commission is fulfilled, so we expect him to attack in any way he can. We know that greater is He who is in us, than he who is in the world, so we do not fear.
Thank you, brothers and sisters. I look forward to sending you many encouraging and inspiring updates!