DON'T MAKE IT HARDER THAN IT IS!!! This morning, I received a thought. I, was raised very strict. In her day church members judged others by their outward appearance (dress, hair, makeup and jewelry). If you looked wrong, in their eyes, then you were condemned to hell. I always though I was not "good enough" for the Lord to accept us .
I think at times, the church's man made traditions and doctrinal opinions have hindered many from approaching the kingdom. How hard is it to be saved or restored? Samson needed restoration. He broke his Nazarite vows, and lost his anointing. Eventually, he cried out, "Remember me," and in that moment took out 3,000 Philistines at once. He is mentioned in the hall of faith in Hebrews 11. If he were living today, some would have told him he would be bound to a grinder the rest of his life, as punishment for his failures. God thought different because God operates off of covenant and not condemnation.
The thief on the cross needed salvation and not restoration. Yet he said, "Lord, remember me when you enter your kingdom." Jesus said, "Today, you will be with me i paradise." Notice - no long prayers, no "repeat after me" prayers, just faith in Christ and a sincere, "Remember me." In both cases, forgiveness and salvation happened instantly!! Forgiveness and salvation occur when with the heart you believe and with your mouth you confess (Rom. 10:10). Salvation is instant - but spiritual growth is progressive and takes time.
People's opinion of you do not define you. After 27 years, I have as many enemies as I do friends. I never try to win over enemies and critics. My friends don't need long explanations and enemies won't accept what you say. I'm seriously getting to old and not interested in trying to impress people and perform in some spiritual circus to gain applause from a crowd - that like Christ saw - can turn on dime and reach for a hammer and nails.
If you need salvation or restoration, look in one direction - to Golgotha and the cross of Christ, and allow his blood to cleanse you from all unrighteousness. Let no man judge your heart - as none except the Father can see your thoughts and intents. Get His favor and ignore the doubt peddlers and the joy killers - including a few sitting around sipping coffee, looking for the next knife to throw! Be Thankful for God, country and family. What you may have done wrong during a generation of time, Christ can wash in a moments time. Just ask Saul of Tarsus!!
“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.”
Psalms 51:10-12 NIV
