Copy and past the link into your browser
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mloC5fUGI24
or search YouTube for What does it mean to backslide?
GotQuestions.org (5 min 41 sec)
“The backslider in heart will have his fill with his own rotten
ways, but a good man will be satisfied with his ways – the godly thought and
action which his heart pursues and in which he delights.” Proverbs 14:14
“What shall we say to all this? Should we continue in sin and practice sin as
a habit so that God’s gift of grace may increase and overflow? Certainly not! How can we, the very ones who died to sin,
continue to live in it any longer?” Romans 6:1-2
“A backslider is a Christian who
has slipped out of fellowship with God. The
Bible gives a very apt definition of a backslider: ‘The backslider in heart shall be filled with
his own ways.’ The moment a Christian
turns to his own way instead of God’s ways, he is a backslider.
“A saved person does not want to
sin. He has a new nature that is born of
God and he hates sin and loves righteousness.
They may fall into sin, but they do not remain in sin; they do not
practice sin, but confess and forsake it, and find mercy.[1]”
One of my favourite books of the Old Testament is the book
of Judges. It has lots of neat characters
and lots of foundational lessons, the most important lesson is futility. It points out repeatedly that we all have a
sin nature that urges us to ‘Do what we think is right in our own eyes.’
The para-ministry, Campus Crusade for Christ (called
something else nowadays so as not to offend or seem trendier) uses the
illustration of a Christian having a throne in their heart. You can abandon the throne to the Lord, or
you can push Him aside to sit on it yourself... and when you do, there is
heartache. The only cure for that is:
“If we say we have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the
darkness of sin, we lie and do not practice the truth; but if we really walk in
the Light – that is, live each and every day in conformity with the precepts of
God, as He Himself is in the Light, we have true, unbroken fellowship with one
another -- He with us, and we with Him, -- and the blood of Jesus His Son
cleanses us from all sin by erasing the stain of sin, keeping us cleansed from
sin in all its forms and manifestations.
“If we say we have no sin, refusing to admit that we are
sinners, we delude ourselves and the truth is not in us. His word does not live in our hearts. 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 and cleanse us continually from all
unrighteousness – our wrong doing, everything not in conformity with His will
and purpose.’ I John 1:7-9 (Scripture verses from The Amplified Bible)
Take care with love, especially His, Darlene (who still
prays for you each day)
PS: Find my
statement of faith: https://especiallyhislove.blogspot.com
(where you will also find a series of beginner Bible studies to
share). You can easily find the WeakDay Devotion online by doing a Google
search for ‘WeakDay Devotion’. (Also,
there is an android ‘Google
Blogger’ app you can download to read them on your phone. Not sure about Apple.)
NEW PRAYER REQUESTS (any updates?)
· Christians in Afghanistan – Many Christians went to this country to
share the Good News to many who would never have heard of Jesus. These leaders and baby Christians are now in
heightened danger and need your prayers to protect them and sustain them during
this time.
·
Ray Jr. – Ray’s father passed away after his struggle
with cancer. Continue to pray for Ray’s
family. Pray the Lord holds Ray Jr. (and
his brothers) closely during this time of loss and personal pain.
·
Grant – as he grieves the loss of his mother.
·
Family of Eric – Eric at 52 died suddenly leaving his 47-year-old
wife and three girls (ages 16, 19 and 23).
Pray the Lord comforts the family through this time of mourning. Pray for their wisdom and that Go-d will send
trustworthy, honourable, Bible-based councilors for the many decisions that now
must be made.
· Peyton - eldest granddaughter of Jeff and
Rachael – now in her second year of college.
Please continue to pray for her that she does well, makes good decisions
and continues having a good relationship with the Lord.
·
Adam –
please pray for his strength and peace as he pursues new job possibilities and
that the Lord will guide him clearly in his decisions and to know without doubt
the depth of forgiveness; and that his wife will be the loving supporter he
badly needs.
· Barb – my brother’s
faithful and kind wife. Thank you for
praying for her. She needs prayers to
sustain her and protect her health and energy during this time of additional
stress and challenge at work.
·
Sophie – three-year old daughter of a friend. She is chronically unwell and frail. Please pray for her, her parents and health
carers to find ways to manage the symptoms and heal her.
·
Hans –
a dear friend in Germany, the cancer seems to be stable for now. Pray for his financial situation to improve
and for his ongoing strength through the pain when it comes. Pray for his patience and God’s mercy. Pray for his healthcare providers and that he
is surrounded by faithful and compassionate Christian friends who will support
him through this journey. Pray for his
Mom (age 84) who is also unwell -- that their time together is filled with
extraordinary good memories and lots of love.
·
Callilah
- a lost child. Pray the Lord will
capture her heart.
Pray for those in full-time service
Pray to uphold our Christian leaders – that they never compromise God’s Word, are bold and courageous in the face of evil. Pray for their wisdom, safety, ingenuity, strength and for their families.
Pray for those with ongoing health concerns
Many of us have family, friends and loved ones with fragile health. Pray God takes special care with them and protects them in practical ways and that the Lord will have mercy on them during this challenging time.
Pray for the World
[1] © 1958, Moody Bible Institute of Chicago, God’s Word Made Plain, by Mrs. Paul Friederichsen, pp. 199-200.
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