How many chances?

How many? Facebook reminded me that while talking to my LORD 6 years ago concerning a prodigal I love, I asked, “How many 2nd chances (new beginnings) are there, LORD?”

JESUS answered immediately and simply:” 70 times 7” (an idiom meaning= times without number.)

Wow! It’s nothing new but what a refreshing reminder!

When Peter asked JESUS that same question (Matthew 18:22) he put a number by it… 7 times… and he was really being generous for the Rabbinical rule (taken from Amos 1:6) stated that you were to forgive 3 times period.

But JESUS took the question out of the sphere of the law—(what must be done) and transferred it into the realm of grace where there is always mercy and grace it help in times of need. A realm where nothing is impossible.

So until time is no more, (and that day is fast approaching)if you but go to GOD you will find another chance.

Hugs
Sharon

Ever find it hard to do what is right?

Have you ever gone on a diet or a fast?  It seems like everything you should not have is exactly what you intensely crave.

Before I knew that I should restrict carbs, I had no problem but the moment I was told to cut them out, that is all I could think of and all I wanted.  That truth is an illustration of what Romans 7:8 is speaking about.

But sin used this law against evil desires by reminding me that such desires are wrong, and arousing all kinds of forbidden desires within me! Only if there were no laws to break would there be no sinning. Romans 7:8TLB

Several translations say “sin seized the opportunity” and the original words in the Greek for King James translation: wrought in me all manner of concupiscence means produces or ignites within me all kinds of intense desires.  (Just like when they tell me to cut down on sweets, that makes me want them.)

You see the Law was given by GOD to show us that by ourselves we cannot be good. 

Galatians 3:24 Therefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.

Eve was seduced by Satan to believe that independence of GOD would bring her fulfillment and would make her equal to GOD (you will be as GOD Genesis 3:5).  Doing things our own way does the opposite.  The standard of right and wrong is God’s holy nature (Romans 3:23). That is why GOD urges us to trust Him (His wisdom and understanding and timing) and not lean on our own understanding or be wise in our own eyes but to talk to HIM about everything (Proverbs 3:5-7).   

When we take those thoughts and intense desires that invade our minds and hearts to JESUS, HE will show us what to do and give us the power to do it.  HE promises (Hebrews 4:16). An HE always keeps HIS word.

Hugs

Sharon