"Integrity: It's Always the Right Way"

Day #104 - 'A Woman of Faith' Devotional
Verse: "People with integrity have firm footing, but those who follow crooked paths will slip and fall." Proverbs 10:9 NLT

People with integrity have firm footing, yet others who walk on crooked paths, may slip and fall... God will lead, guide and direct us through the power of His Holy Spirit. God always promises in His Word, and to us as Christians that He will protect and not allow us to slip or fall even on a stone... but when we choose to sin, God cannot live in the face of sin, so his hands are basically tied until we make the repentance call, and acknowledge His Name once again. He does give us a choice -- although He would like us to walk in His paths. His paths are straight and narrow, and because He is there with us, He will not allow us to slip, and we can rest in the shadow of His wings.

To maintain our integrity, we need to walk in uprightness of character. But sometimes our integrity is questioned, because of our thoughts, words or actions. Sometimes we may choose to think, say or do thingsout of character & in question because we are frustrated or already not in the right state of mind. But sometimes it may seem like we are doing something, which we really aren't, but can be 'perceived' by others as not right. The perceptions of men... they can lead to disappointment and feelings of guilt, especially if because of them, we need be disciplined for our so-called thoughts, words or actions. Because then it seems as if your 'accusers' are praised for their views, and your 'discipliners' also have a new perception of you. In watching 'America's Next Top Model' the last couple weeks (not sure if it was just last week's, because we watch it 'on demand') one of the 'models/contestants' chose to speak some words out of frustration, because in her eyes this other person was not 'worthy' of being a spokesperson (because of her 'stinky' attitude). Her words, which were then used against her, because she said them in the presence of the photographer (who is a judge) and also the client (whom they were taking the pictures for) changed the view of her judges and the client, and even the other photographer sitting in as a guest judge. Her character and integrity was just lessened in the eyes of those around her. She was now being judged... and her 'stinky' words and actions made her just as bad as the one with the 'stinky' attitude. But the one with the 'stinky' attitude was in fact praised for her handling of the situation.

Now you may be saying, well that's a silly reality show, and a little drama makes the show more popular, it doesn't happen in real life. Well welcome to the real world... that happens to all of us. Perceptions and views of others can be used against you, even if you are a Christian trying to live by honesty, integrity and discipline. Now agreeably, we do slip up sometimes... but there are times when what we say or do are perceived wrongly, and we must be corrected or disciplined for it. However, in reality the perception of men are nothing in comparison to the perception of God. God knows our thoughts, words, actions, and the motives behind them. Thankfully He sees and knows everything, and because He is everywhere can also touch the hearts, minds and spirits of those around us too. (God knows your accusers heart, spirit, mind, and motives too, and will take complete control of the situation.) We need to walk out the discipline/correction with integrity, and we need to show the love of God to those who have accused us in forgiveness. We need to rise above the 'accusations' and show that we have the integrity and a clear conscience to move on. As Christians we truly need to be 'set apart', and through Him we will overcome, and our integrity and character can be raised back up to the standard in the eyes of God and man.

In the case of 'America's Next Top Model', the one model doesn't realize her bad attitude affects the others (which is the funny part, but we do know its in there for the 'drama' of it all) -- the others have stepped up to talk to her, and she attacks them with words like, well why did you ask how I'm feeling if you don't really like me, if you don't care. (Paraphrased of course) -- well it is because of their 'character' and integrity. Each of us have a heart, and we still can and will care about others, even when they are 'stinky' in their thoughts, words, attitudes, or actions. However, the one model, now has to 'rise above' and show the judges her true character and try to 'get back in Tyra's good books'. She mentioned in the show that she was frustrated because the 'stinky' model was making her feel this way. Sometimes others will make us want to make wrong choices, but we need to release those all at Jesus' feet, and He will help us and make us new. (Obviously as a Christian I would want ALL those Top Model contestants, judges, photographers & clients to reach out to God in times of need -- as Hollywood glamour is not what it's all about.)

So step out and live a life of integrity... it's not always the easiest, but it's the best choice! Perceptions of others will always be there, and attacks from the devil will always be there, but with the help of the Lord we will have the victory! Remember, "Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse." Romans 12:14 NIV

When you 'dwell in the shelter of the Most High' He will send his angels concerning you so that you will not even trip on a stone. READ PSALM 91, and start CLAIMING IT over YOUR life today...

"Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, 'He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.' Surely He will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday. A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you. You will only observe with your eyes and see the punishment of the wicked. If you say, 'The LORD is my refuge,' and you make the Most High your dwelling, no harm will overtake you, no disaster will come near your tent. For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone. You will tread on the lion and the cobra; you will trample the great lion and the serpent. 'Because he loves me,' says the LORD, 'I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation'." AMEN & AMEN! Thank You Lord!!

"God never called us to naivete. He called us to integrity... The Biblical concept of integrity emphasizes mature innocence not childlike ignorance." ~ Beth Moore

Step out and say, "I will have the moral courage to make my actions consistent with my knowledge of right and wrong." (Taken from a picture on the world wide web.)

Check out this continuing devotional, "A Clear Conscience"... and let God help you live a life of integrity!

BE BLESSED & BE A BLESSING!

"Real Repentance"

Day #71 - 'A Woman of Faith' Devotional
Verse: "Come back to the Lord and live!" Amos 5:6 NLT

Full repentance is turning away from the 'sin' that is trying to control us. It's not just repeated apologies over and over for the same sin, again and again. It's good to repent, yet why are we re-doing the sin in the first place. Our sin distances us from God, plain and simple. When we want to remain close to God, we need to remove the sin from our lives. God and sin cannot be in the same place. If we want the manifest presence of God in our lives, our homes, our churches, our cities then we need to get rid of the sin. One thing to remember is that we ALL have sinned, and we all fall short of the glory of God. (Romans 3:23)

We need to walk in obedience to God's Word, so that we can fully wrap ourselves in the protection and the blessings of the King. We need to allow the rain, the fire and the wind of God to cleanse, burn and blow over our spirits and bodies. Our natural man desires temporary fixes, which seem good at the moment. However, our spiritual man desires much more of the Father and His ways. We need to walk in repentance and forgiveness.

To REPENT directly means;
–verb (used without object)

1. to feel sorry, self-reproachful, or contrite for past conduct; regret or be conscience-stricken about a past action, attitude, etc. (often followed by of ): He repented after his thoughtless act.
2. to feel such sorrow for sin or fault as to be disposed to change one's life for the better; be penitent.
–verb (used with object)
3. to remember or regard with self-reproach or contrition: to repent one's injustice to another.
4. to feel sorry for; regret: to repent an imprudent act.

We need to walk in repentance to 'change one's life for the better'. God desires to change us inside and out, we just need to let Him have control instead of our natural man.

BE BLESSED & BE A BLESSING!

November 1 - Repent!

“POINTS TO PONDER” – November 1st
Written by M. Hall
Please feel free to agree or disagree with points made, and feel free to comment if so desired. If you would like, you could write your own thoughts on the verse of the day, and include that in your own comments below. Thank you and may you be blessed!! =)

“Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, and that he may send the Christ, who has been appointed for you—even Jesus.” Acts 3:19-20 NIV

According to dictionary.com
RE-PENT (VERB)
1. To feel remorse, contrition, or self-reproach for what one has done or failed to do; be contrite.
2. To feel such regret for past conduct as to change one's mind regarding it: repented of intemperate behavior.
3. To make a change for the better as a result of remorse or contrition for one's sins.
1. To feel regret or self-reproach for: repent one's sins.
2. To cause to feel remorse or regret.

Word Origin & History
repent
c.1290, "to feel regret for sins or crimes," from O.Fr. repentir (11c.), from re-, intensive prefix, + V.L. *penitire "to regret," from L. poenitire "make sorry," from poena (see pain). The distinction between regret (q.v.) and repent is made in many modern languages, but the differentiation is not present in older periods. Repentance is recorded from c.1300, from O.Fr. repentance (12c.).
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper

Repent is a verb, therefore it is an action word, something that we need to act upon, to do. Repenting is not a one-time action though we need to repent over and over, hence the use of the prefix “re”. “Re” means again, or in this case to do again. Unfortunately, most of our sins we do over and over again, which of course means we need to repent over and over again. Sometimes we do them unintentionally or subconsciously, but others we do intentionally and consciously. We need to be made aware of our SIN and then act upon the regret or remorse. We do not need to feel guilty. Jesus’ death has overcome our sin, and all we need to do is ask forgiveness. The devil however has other plans, and knows that our sin separates us from God. God cannot look upon sin, and therefore the devil wants us to hold on to our sin, so that we may not fully and boldly enter the throne-room of God when we wish to meet Him in our secret place, or in times of worship and praise in a corporate setting. The devil wants us to hold on to our sin, and feel guilty. The devil, our enemy, wants us to feel the pain over and over, instead of feeling God’s love, grace, mercy and forgiveness over and over. If we allow the devil to have our joy (because we give it to him, he doesn’t steal it), it gives him the feeling that he has power over us and our lives. However, if we give up our sins and guilt to God, He restores our joy, and gives us His peace that passes all understanding. (Philippians 4:7 – “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” NIV)

Jesus died for our sins, once and for all, yet we still need to repent for our sins, so that God can cleanse us from our unrighteousness. We have been ‘justified’… which means ‘just as if I’d’ never done it. Thank you Lord! He removes our sins, and doesn’t dwell on them, like we do. We seem to hold grudges a lot, and lack true forgiveness. In His word, He promises that our transgressions or sins are removed from us as far as the east is from the west. (Psalm 103:12 NIV – “as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.”) Since we have been justified, we can have His peace as well. “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.” (Romans 5:1-2 NIV) The devil does not want us to be able to approach God, but God says in His Word that we can approach His throne of grace boldly, and obtain that mercy that we desperately need. “Let us then come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” Hebrews 4:16 – In ‘The Message’, it reads, “Now that we know what we have—Jesus, this great High Priest with ready access to God—let's not let it slip through our fingers. We don't have a priest who is out of touch with our reality. He's been through weakness and testing, experienced it all—all but the sin. So let's walk right up to him and get what he is so ready to give. Take the mercy, accept the help.” (Hebrews 4:14-16)

There is a difference though, between grace and mercy, grace is getting what we don’t deserve, and mercy is not getting what we do deserve. I thank God for both His grace and His mercy. He bestows it upon us freely, we just need to ask for it. He sent His Son to this world, and He lived as us, except for the sin. The only time He took on sin was on the cross, when He took it for us. ‘He paid a debt He did not owe, and we owed a debt we could not pay’. (Hymn – ‘He Paid a Debt’ by G. McSpadden) We don’t deserve at all to come into His presence, but He lets us come in, and therefore we obtain His grace. Once we are in there, He loves us and forgives us, and doesn’t make us pay the price for our sin, which is where He bestows His mercy on us. He gave His Son so that we may live eternally with them in Heaven, after our earthly lives are through. What a promise!

Mark 1:15 (NIV) states, "The time has come," he said. "The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!" John told the people then, and his words prove true today as well. Now is the time for repentance, now is the time for salvation. Another verse says, “As God's fellow workers we urge you not to receive God's grace in vain. For He says, ‘In the time of My favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.’ I tell you, now is the time of God's favor, now is the day of salvation.” (2 Corinthians 6:1-2 NIV)

We need to forgive others, just as God forgives us. This is done with love, grace and mercy - unconditional love and an unending amount of grace, and mercy. Do not repay evil with evil, choose love. I close with one block of scripture found in Romans 13:8-14 NIV, “Love, for the Day is Near- Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law. The commandments, ‘Do not commit adultery,’ ‘Do not murder,’ ‘Do not steal,’ ‘Do not covet,’ and whatever other commandment there may be, are summed up in this one rule: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ Love does no harm to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law. And do this, understanding the present time. The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature.”

Be blessed, and live the life of love that you are called to!