By His Grace: Whose side are you on?

"Then Moses stood in the gate of the camp, and said, 'Who is on the Lord's side? Let him come unto me.'"

The recent pandemic and social unrest has generated the need to erase all that has occurred since the beginning of March. It has been reported many Americans are unsuccessfully attempting to create an environment of normalcy as they earnestly search for what was once safe and familiar. If you are anything like me, changes are sometimes difficult to digest. How so?

Change requires adjustments that are not always comfortable to human nature. It challenges one’s authority while requiring adaptability as well as accountability. We must then adjust our pattern of thinking and way of life, which will include yielding to something or someone.

“Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.”

The plans of man before the virus had become more self-centered with a strong disconnect from what is righteous. What this epidemic did was reveal the true nature of society and how far we have fallen away from God. No longer were the inhabitants of the world seeking the Lord in prayer and petition, including Him in our daily life. Instead it became the world view that seemingly directed the path of many.

Today, the plan of man to govern one’s self has increasingly become more desirable than following the plans of God.

“A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls.”

In recent days it has been reported of rioters from many different factions in Portland, Oregon, burning the American flag and hundreds of Bibles. This was done in a bold and unashamed fashion as an act of rebellion against God and his authority. And like the days of old, if man does not turn from their wicked ways the wrath of God shall be poured out upon the land and its inhabitants.

“But they rebelled and grieved His Holy Spirit; So He turned Himself against them as an enemy, And He fought against them.”

There is Hope…

We serve a God of unlimited grace and mercy, whose love never fails. His patience is long and accompanied with endless second chances and do-overs in life. To obtain these precious gifts only requires you and me to seek him in earnest forgiveness of our transgressions (sins) and turn from our offensive ways. In doing He is just to forgive and his wrath against us is no more.

“For as the heavens are high above the earth, So great is His lovingkindness toward those who fear and worship Him [with awe-filled respect and deepest reverence]. As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our transgressions from us. Just as a father loves his children, So the Lord loves those who fear and worship Him”

Many may question how I can be so sure this would apply to me. Disobedience of any kind against the will of God is an act of rebellion in which we all have committed the offense. Remember we are sinners saved by grace.

Recall the two men on the cross next to Jesus in Luke 23. Both were guilty of sin and sentenced the worst punishment imaginable death by crucifixion. They, too, beheld their blessed hope who knew no sin. And just like you and I, the two thieves had a choice to make before too late.  

“One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: “Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!”

But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.”

Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”

Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

Nowhere in scripture was it recorded these two men were followers of Christ. It is safe to assume they were not. However what I always like to refer to when questioned can I be forgiven. The response of the good thief was of a man asking for forgiveness as he acknowledges Christ as Lord. Whereas the unrepentant thief to this day is forever separate from God as he dwells in Hell for eternity.

The question is who sides are you on the world or the Lord?

If your answer is Jesus, then of your own free will you accept him into your heart today? The time is now for he is coming soon. He loves you just as you are and requires nothing more than your love in return.

To make sure you will be heaven bound to be with our lord and family for eternity, a relationship with the son of God must be established. There is no other way to the father but through the son. When you declare with your mouth, "Jesus is lord" and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. It is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.

Please repeat this prayer: "Lord Jesus, forgive my sins I committed against you. I believe Jesus died for my sins and has risen again. Please come into my life and heart and lead the way. I confess you as my lord and savior from this day forward. In Jesus’ name, amen."

Welcome into the family of Christ.

Until next week, be blessed and continue to bless others along the way. Go in peace.

Bible references: Exodus 32:26; Proverbs 19:21 NIV: Proverbs 25:28 ESV; Isaiah 63:10 NKJV; Psalm 103:11-13 AMP; Luke 23:39-43 NIV. To obtain the full benefits of each verse, please read the five verses before and after each verse.

Writer Edith Nevis can be reached at 985-857-2200 or at edith.nevis@houmatoday.com