Vomit

Not the most inviting title for a blog post, I know.

I haven't spent much quality time in God's word lately. Still reading through Isaiah though but not spending as much time praying through it. All good. God knows how slow I am, and I am grateful he has given me such things as: his GRACE and mercy to become aware of my need of Him, secondly a sense of humour so that I wouldn't drive myself nuts. :-) Grace...Grace...I need it every day.

So. Reading this morning (I know it's 12pm) was in 2 Peter 2:13-22. Look it up if you have a minute.

Verse 22 is pretty... Tasty.

What Peter is doing here is denouncing false teachers. It's something that Paul and the other apostles (John, James) were committed to.

Peter obviously was really upset at those people's hypocritical behaviour in general ("they never stop sinning") and specifically their bad influence on younger and/or more vulnerable Christian folks ("they seduce the unstable", "they entice people who are just escaping from those who live in error").

It seems to me that he is describing them as people Satan is using to destroy the Church. The language Peter uses is quite intense to say the least!! He pictures them as animals: pigs returning to the mud and dogs to their...vomit. *shuts eyes in disgust*

Peter wasn't afraid of standing up for the Truth.

Am I?

It's something I find difficult when I am most struggling in my faith. I find it easy to wander from "the sacred commands that were passed on" to me when life is tough on me and all I want is comfort and relief. Being vulnerable at times is one thing, and Satan is there lying in wait for every opportunity to tempt me and lead me astray. He was there yesterday, he is around today and will tomorrow...but not forever. :) Christ has conquered and is coming back to set things right!

In the meantime I remain a rebel who needs to put on the new self and the armour of God every day. I need to hold on fast to the Truth and defend it and not give the enemy a foothold. In the strength that God has given - the power of the Cross - I am more than a conqueror.

I need to ask the Lord for protection, daily. And not fear.

"lead me not into temptation,
but deliver me from the evil one" (matt 6)

That I may not become like those hypocrites who preach one thing yet do another, or those who return to their vomit and lead others astray. I will not become a tool of destruction for the enemy.

The LORD is One. He is the Rock Eternal.

"Remember this, fix it in mind,
take it to heart, you rebels.
Remember the former things, those of not long ago;
I am God, and there is no other;
I am God, and there is none like me.
I make known the end from the beginning,
from ancient times, what is still to come.
I say: My purpose will stand,
and I will do all that I please.
From the East I summon a bird of prey;
from a far-off land, a man to fulfill my purpose.
What I have said, that will I bring about;
what I have planned, that will I do.
Listen to me, you stubborn-hearted,
you who are far from righteousness.
I am bringing my righteousness near, it is not far away;
and my salvation will not be delayed.
I will grant salvation to Zion,
my splendor to Israel." (-isa 46)

AMEN!!! Christ, my righteousness and my salvation.

xx