11.10.2009

A Sinful Virus

The H1N1 virus has everyone a little on edge right now. We hear in the media about people dying from the virus. Several of us are wondering, "Is the vaccine safe?" "Is the vaccine available?" "How can I avoid the virus altogether?" "How can I protect my family?" There's no doubt it's on the minds of many and there's legitimate reason to be concerned about this virus - I know I personally have never used as much hand sanitizer in my life as I have in the past few months. But I think we can learn something from this virus, as it is so characteristic of the way in which sin can creep into our lives and reek havoc on our spiritual health.

Sin enters in so innocently but then entrenches itself deep within the latent areas of our hearts. It hides, spreads, destroys, steals, corrupts, multiplies, deceives and eventually shuts us down to the things of God. 


The only possible remedy to sin is the Word of God. “For the Word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12). Sin doesn’t stand a chance against the Word of God. Allowing God’s Word to run through our hearts is a MUST. What we feel is a small sin could infiltrate our hearts like a virus if we aren’t careful, and once sin has a foothold, it will distract and seek to destroy what’s important in your life.

There's no question that viruses are vicious, they can put our health and lives at risk, but so can sin.

What's the Condition of Your Heart?

We rarely hear the call, even within the church, to take a moment to assess our spiritual health. If we're not careful and intentional about striving after Christ, it's easy to fall into any number of spiritual traps (i.e., routine rather than passion, coasting rather than growing, knowing rather than doing, etc.) and before we know it we may find ourselves in a dark place spiritually. So I challenge you, take some time to assess your spiritual health. Use the following questions to assess the condition of your heart toward God:
  • Do I love Jesus with a demonstrable love? Is there anything or anyone that I love more deeply than Jesus or pursue more intensely than Jesus?
  • Do I look forward to spending time with Jesus in the Scriptures and in prayer? Do I miss out on other things to spend time with Him?
  • Am I regularly discovering new things in the Word of God that impact my daily life?
  • Do I sincerely desire and intend to obey God in every area of my life?
  • Do I sincerely desire purity of heart, mind, and body?
  • Do I sense the Holy Spirit’s presence in my life leading me and strengthening me?
  • If He were to leave my life, would I sense a great loss?
  • Do I sincerely confess my sins to God with a broken heart? When did I last weep over sin in my life?
  • Is there anything in my life I am hiding from others that I am afraid will be exposed? Is there anything in my life right now that I know displeases God, but I am not willing to repent of?
  • Do I spontaneously and whole-heartedly give thanks to God for saving me by His grace?
  • Do I give my resources regularly and sacrificially to see God’s purposes for this world fulfilled?
  • Is my life marked more by thanksgiving or by complaining and criticizing?
  • Do I sincerely love others and seek their good as passionately as I seek my own? Am I as patient and forgiving toward others’ failures as I am toward my own?
  • Do I show genuine humility toward others? When have I recently sacrificed my time and money for the good of others?
  • Am I able to admit when I am wrong and able to say to others, “I am sorry, please forgive me.” Or, am I slow to admit failure and do I make excuses for my behavior?
  • Have I forgiven others the wrongs done to me? Or, do I have bitterness toward others who have wronged me?
  • Am I currently grieving the Holy Spirit with unloving attitudes and harmful actions toward others?
  • Do I truly desire for my friends to know Jesus and honor him in their lives? Do I earnestly pray for His increased fame and renown in my city?
Related: 5 Ways Sin is Serious By John Piper

11.09.2009

Listen to the Psalms of Ascents

Rise

Pastor Steve Brown of Key Life Ministries recorded the Psalms of Ascents (ESV). Clicking on each Psalm brings up a separate pop-up window.

Psalm 120 | Psalm 121 | Psalm 122 | Psalm 123 | Psalm 124 | Psalm 125

Psalm 126 | Psalm 127 | Psalm 128 | Psalm 129 | Psalm 130

Psalm 131 | Psalm 132 | Psalm 133 | Psalm 134