Let me ask you a question. How many of us get real close to that line of doing something we know is wrong and try to push it as close as we can without actually crossing over it? Hey, I've been there. Many times.
It is because of my on shortcomings that we've begun a new series at Lawson Baptist entitled Guardrails to help us from straying over into areas that are off-limits. Andy Stanley wrote a book on this topic that spoke directly to me and I'm sure has affected most others, as well.
Guardrails are those things that are installed in areas of roadways to keep us from getting into those areas that could be dangerous. They serve as a warning. The theory behind guardrails is that you do less damage to your body, and even in some cases, to your car, if you hit the guardrail rather than what is on the other side of it.
For our purposes in this study, a guardrail is a standard of behavior that becomes a matter of conscience so that when we veer off in a direction we know is not pleasing to God, a warning is activated to keep us going straight.
In the coming weeks the messages will touch on topics such as marriage, relationships, friendships and even our time. Every member of the family will benefit from this series.
Paul tells us in Ephesians 5:15 to "Be very careful, then, how you live, not as unwise, but as wise." In other words, to live life with our eyes wide open knowing that Satan is eager to detour your path from God's intention. When we follw Satan's direction, that's when we wreck and it can be very difficult to fix the mess we've made. God says, "I want to rescue you. I don't want to keep you from something good, I want to rescue you from something bad."
For now, think on this: You know there is an area in your life where you are dancing on the yellow line and you need to back up a few feet and set a standard that says, "I'm not going there."
Join us Sunday mornings at 11 o'clock. You need a guardrail in your life.
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
Blessed is the Nation
"Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people He chose for His inheritance. From heaven the Lord looks down and sees all mankind, from His dwelling place He watches all who live on earth, He who forms the hearts of all, who considers everything they do. No king is saved by the size of his army; no warrior escapes by his great strength." - Psalm 33:12-16
Our nation turns 236 years old today. She's been through a lot of changes, seen a lot turmoil and survived many a battle. Through it all, God has had His mighty hand on this great land.
I often fear that we as inhabitants of this country have been taking it for granted. As the Psalmist said, "Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord" but many have proclaimed that America is not a Christian nation. I understand that many other religious beliefs are practiced here, but it's because of such freedoms we have that make this nation great. More and more Christians are being viewed as intolerant, narrow-minded people. We simply love them enough that we want them to know the One who has blessed us.
We should not forget those who paid the price for the privileges we enjoy. Sons and daughters who left the comfort of home, left concerned and loving parents, to sacrifice their lives for ours. Even today, while many are enjoying a day off from work, our soldiers are on the line right now willing to put themselves in harms way for us. God bless them.
We wonder why America may be experiencing problems in recent years, why so many other countries want harm to befall us. Then maybe we need to revisit another passage from God's Holy Word.
The second book of Chronicles tells us, "...if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land."
God is willing to restore America to its former glory and bless us richly if we, as God's people, will bow before Him. Let's swallow our pride America. He's waiting.
NOTE: This Sunday we begin a new series aimed primarily at the family. God has placed guardrails in our lives to warn us not to stray into dangerous territory. This six-part series is to help us recognize and heed those warnings before we get into trouble. Hope to see you.
Our nation turns 236 years old today. She's been through a lot of changes, seen a lot turmoil and survived many a battle. Through it all, God has had His mighty hand on this great land.
I often fear that we as inhabitants of this country have been taking it for granted. As the Psalmist said, "Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord" but many have proclaimed that America is not a Christian nation. I understand that many other religious beliefs are practiced here, but it's because of such freedoms we have that make this nation great. More and more Christians are being viewed as intolerant, narrow-minded people. We simply love them enough that we want them to know the One who has blessed us.
We should not forget those who paid the price for the privileges we enjoy. Sons and daughters who left the comfort of home, left concerned and loving parents, to sacrifice their lives for ours. Even today, while many are enjoying a day off from work, our soldiers are on the line right now willing to put themselves in harms way for us. God bless them.
We wonder why America may be experiencing problems in recent years, why so many other countries want harm to befall us. Then maybe we need to revisit another passage from God's Holy Word.
The second book of Chronicles tells us, "...if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land."
God is willing to restore America to its former glory and bless us richly if we, as God's people, will bow before Him. Let's swallow our pride America. He's waiting.
NOTE: This Sunday we begin a new series aimed primarily at the family. God has placed guardrails in our lives to warn us not to stray into dangerous territory. This six-part series is to help us recognize and heed those warnings before we get into trouble. Hope to see you.
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