When The Door Slams
We must pay the most careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away. For since the message spoken through angels was binding, and every violation and disobedience received its just punishment, how shall we escape if we ignore so great a salvation? This salvation, which was first announced by the Lord, was confirmed to us by those who heard him. God also testified to it by signs, wonders and various miracles, and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will. Hebrews 2:1-4 NIV
Most people who leave their faith in God behind don't make a sudden, deliberate decision to do so. Rather, they slowly drift away, little by little, day by day. The gradually become colder to the LORD, they lose interest in prayer, reading the Word, and fellowshipping with others Christians, and over time, they value their relationship with God less and less.
Hebrews 2:3 (NIV) asks, "How shall we escape if we ignore so great a salvation?" But that is what many people do. They don't dramatically revolt against God. They simply ignore Him for prolonged periods of time. Eventually such people become "nearsighted and blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their past sins"(2 Peter 1:9 NIV). First, they become nearsighted, their eyes are out of focus. Eventually they completely lose all spiritual sight.
Second, they often still go through the outward motions of being a Christian, but their heart has departed. They question the basic beliefs of the faith and believe it is irrelevant to their life in this modern world.
What is the solution? How can you avoid this from happening to you? You must pay careful attention to what you have heard from the Bible. When you hear the Word, meditate on it and allow it to change you. "Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts" (Hebrews 3:7-8 NIV). Pray and ask God to renew your relationship with Him and determine to truly live by faith in the Word of the LORD God
Think about this: Today why not focus your thoughts on the joy that is rightfully yours in Christ? Why not take time to celebrate God's glorious creation? Why not put your trust in spiritual hopes and prayers, instead of your fears? When you do, you will think optimistically about yourself and your world, and you can then share your optimism with others in the power of the Holy Spirit.
Affirmation: We have the prophetic message as something completely reliable, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your heart (2:Peter 1:19 NIV). The Lord your God is gracious and compassionate, and He will not turn His face from you if you return to Him (Revelation 19:1-2)
Ask the Holy Spirit to search your heart and reveal any areas of unconfessed sin. Acknowledge these to the LORD and thank Him for His forgiveness.
Never Rest Ministries
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