“… I found, that GOD made man upright; but they have sought out many inventions/ schemes” (Ecclesiastes 7:29).
Ever heard, or felt or even said, “I want to do it my way?” Starting with Eve, yes, from the beginning of time the Bible records that people consistently choose to “do what is right in their own eyes” (Judges 17:6). And that is what gets them and us into trouble. To do what was right in our own eyes we must turn away from what was right in GOD’s eyes.
Some may think it narrow, but since all wisdom and knowledge come from GOD, HE really does know what is best and what will bring each of us the greatest satisfaction and fulfillment. According to Romans 3:23 to do less than GOD’s standard is sin.
Are there any reading this like me and many I know who have loved ones and friends who are making poor choices-doing what is right in their own eyes? And they won’t listen to reason?
The wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23) and each person must make their own choices. Yet GOD loves people who HE has made in HIS own image with, among other qualities, the abilities to reason and choose. GOD says there is something we can and really should do as HE seeks to turn them around!
“Like as a father pities HIS children, so the Lord pities them that fear HIM. For HE knows our frame; HE remembers that we are dust” (Psalm 103:13-14). GOD wants us to stand the gap before HIM for those who are doing their own thing (Ezekiel 22:30). For their sins separates them from GOD (Isaiah 59:2) so they cannot hear HIM.
How can we stand the gap? As Moses stood before the LORD to turn away HIS anger (Psalm 106:23) from the Jews, so we can intercede for our loved ones and friends going their own way and doing their own thing through confession of the sin and by appealing to GOD’s mercy and grace.
1 John 5:16 “If any man see his brother sin a sin which is not unto death, he shall ask, and HE shall give him life for them that sin not unto death”
You might ask well how do I know if it is a sin unto death? “Now it is appointed unto ALL men to die once” (Hebrews 9:27) so it is quite clear 1 John 5:16 must be speaking of the 2nd death. According to Revelation 20:14-15 the only sin that leads to the 2nd death is refusing to believe in JESUS and get written into the Lamb’s book of life. So, any other sin we can ask the FATHER to forgive our loved one so they can see the truth.
Sin separates us from GOD (Isaiah 59:2) and from understanding truth, since we have turned our back on GOD when we turn from HIS truth. Only GOD can open eyes to truth (1 Corinthians 2:10-12) so they can choose to escape the lies that have blinded them to truth (2 Timothy 2:25-26).
“If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly FATHER give the HOLY SPIRIT to them that ask him? Luke 11:13.
It works this way. As we confess the sins of our loved ones, GOD our FATHER sends the HOLY SPIRIT to explain truth to them. Yes, they can reject the truth. So, what do we do? We keep praying and praying and over and over they will be shown the truth in hopes that eventually they will receive the love of the truth. This is one of GOD’s amazing ways (Isaiah 55:8-11) that brings results! For HIS Word that goes forth from HIS mouth shall not return to HIM empty but it shall accomplish that which HE wants and it will prosper in the thing HE sends it to do.
Is there someone that comes to mind that you should join with GOD in seeking by standing the gap before HIM in confession and prayer for them?
Hugs
Sharon
wakemyear 