REPENT / CHANGE

Pride makes is difficult for us to change or repent even when we know we are wrong and need to repent.  We always feel right in our own eyes regardless of the damage we find around us.   “You shall not do according to all we do here [in the camp] this day, every man doing whatever looks right in his own eyes,”  Deut. 12:8.  “Be not wise in your own eyes; reverently fear and worship the Lord and turn [entirely] away from evil, ” Prov. 3:7.   “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but he who listens to counsel is wise, Prov.12:15.  “All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the spirits (the thoughts and intents of the heart).,” Prov.16:2.   “Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs and tries the hearts, Prov. 21:2.   “Do you see a man wise in his own eyes and conceit? There is more hope for a [self-confident] fool than for him,” Prov. 26:12.   “There is a class of people who are pure in their own eyes, and yet are not washed from their own filth,”  Prov. 30:12.    And much more, in your Bible but I think you get the point.   Apostle John says it this way,  “ Do not love or cherish the world or the things that are in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh [craving for sensual gratification] and the lust of the eyes [greedy longings of the mind] and the pride of life [assurance in one’s own resources or in the stability of earthly things]—these do not come from the Father but are from the world [itself]. And the world passes away and disappears, and with it the forbidden cravings (the passionate desires, the lust) of it; but he who does the will of God and carries out His purposes in his life abides (remains) forever,”  1 John 2:15-17.     So apostle John points out the the following are diversions from God’s Truth that sets us free.  So these things actually place us in bondage.

1.    Lust of the flesh (physical cravings for sensual gratification)  Our body giving our soul commandments and direction.
2.    Lust of the eyes (greedy longings of the mind)  The lies that stuff can make us happy.
3.    Pride of life (assurance in one’s own resources or in the stability of earthy things.)

John tells us that these are temporary cravings of a temporary body & mind in a temporary world that is passing away.   But only those who find and carry out the eternal purposes of our Creator God will abide for eternity.  (Be given an eternal body)  Life is rather short when compared to eternity so in which world are you investing your time?    The world is getting darker and darker by the hour.   But God’ Truth and Love and Purpose is for eternity.

So assuming some of you would like to change or learn how to help others to change I will make some suggestions.

On my web site:   www.OhanaChurch.Life  at the bottom of the page are some links,  take some time and check them out.
Especially  “Worth Considering” and “Keys To The Kingdom”    If you really want a good book on God’s Truth I can give you a copy on line of a book by Derek Prince,  “Foundations for Christian Living” which is an excellent study of 52 doctrines of the Christian Faith to help you grow up in Christ Jesus rather quickly.   Also under ACTS (Aloha Christian Theological Studies you will find a list of exceptional books that would help you grow up in HIM in all things,  Eph.4:11-16.  If you have not read the Bible start with the Gospel of John and continue through Acts and Romans for a good foundation of the whole Bible.   Also find a fellowship/church that has a balance of Love, Holiness & Power.  2 Tim.3:1-5 to attend.