"A Manner of Life" -Too

"They set their mouth against the heavens, and their tongue walketh through the earth." (Psalms 73:9) We actually started in Joshua last night at church, so it was really fitting to close the post yesterday with the most well known verse from the book based upon such an interesting character. I know that Moses messed up, and God told him that was the reason for him staying on the other side, but Moses represented the law, and Joshua, in a manner of speaking, represented Christ. Now that we have established the two choices are that of obedience and disobedience, the law always comes into question when we examine the choices; mostly because the law shows us the incredible difficulty we have in keeping on the side of obedience. But, there really is another way! It's so incredibly simple, it is almost ridiculous! Which is probably why the cults have so much success in recruiting people to join them, because it makes more sense to be governed by rules than it does to be governed by love. The word "set" appears twice in the Scriptures, and it speaks about the act of provoking, as in to provoke heaven; as if anyone could, but they do it all the time. We, that are considered His children, might even be found doing it ourselves, in just the way we willfully disobey; not just slipping up here of there, but we are talking about willful disobedience, the kind where you know what God is telling you to do, but you do the opposite. Oh, what do you say, that's not you? Okay, if that's what you think, then go ahead and run with that; but let me remind you, the law accounts for the actions of the heart, which means that you can break the law in your sleep! Why can't we just fess up and cry out to God for help, like we are meant to do? Pride is the main reason; we just can not seem to get past ourselves to get to God. Like I heard pastor Matt say yesterday, he fights with himself more than anyone else. Which is absolutely true; we really are our own worst enemy when it come to obedience. You know, if you really wanted to, you could find a church that will fit perfectly to what ever form of sinful life that you want to live; what ever it is that you want, if it can be imagined, you can find people to help make you feel comfortable and safe. You know that old saying about "Safety in Numbers;" well it has more truth in it than we might otherwise think. Although it is totally "set" against heaven, based on the extremely false manner of living, it is highly accepted as the normal way of life. There is just one problem with that manner of living, because we will not be judged according to the sins of others; it's all about a one on one relationship with Christ. Just so you know, Adam and Eve will be waiting for you in heaven when you get there, so don't be surprised when you see them...
"Be strong and courageous, for you are the one who will lead these people to possess all the land I swore to their ancestors I would give them. Be strong and courageous. Be careful to obey all the instructions Moses gave you. Do not deviate from them, turning either to the right or to the left. Then you will be successful in everything you do. Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do. This is my command -be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:6-9) NLT