Truth or Consequences

Truth or Consequences was a TV game show that ran in some form from 1950 until 1988. Contestants chosen from the audience would answer a silly question (truthfully)  or face the consequences,  usually a silly prank or trick.

Whether we walk in the light of the Spirit or in the darkness of our flesh, truth and consequences apply to both.  I used to tell my kids that there were good consequences for good actions and bad consequences for bad (sinful) actions.

We do not have a sinful nature. But even those of us who belong to Christ  disobey  and sin at times.  That’s because we still have flesh and it is battling with the Holy Spirit constantly. Our sins have all been forgiven at the cross. But we will not escape consequences for our actions–good or bad. It is the same for sinful or righteous behavior. There are simply consequences no matter which way we lean. We will not nor can we escape them.

 The Holy Spirit may convict us of our sins and make them obvious to us. He will show us God’s truth and make it obvious to us when we sin.  That’s when we’ll have the choice of repenting or suffering the consequences for disregarding the truth and following our flesh. Even if we’ve repented from flesh behavior, and started sewing seed from the Spirit, we need to be aware that we may still reap consequences from PAST sowing after the flesh.

2-decades-old prayer still strikes a nerve

Detaching to detox

“Pick up your mat and walk.”

When Jesus encountered a man who had been afflicted for 38 years, He gave him three commands: Get up; pick up your mat; and walk.

if I make a conscious, deliberate decision to get up, to obey Jesus, to do what Jesus tells me to do, my life will change. It’s a lot easier, and more comfortable sometimes, to remain where we are. To remain in the grasp of a place we don’t want to be, but don’t have the courage, or the faith, to do what Jesus tells us to do.

Like the sick man Jesus encountered, I need to make an effort to change, especially if I’m lounging on a mat of my own creation. I have to want to get well. I need to obey Jesus’ command. The man needed to take action.

Then Jesus told the man to pick up his mat. John 5:9 says, “Immediately the man became well.”

I’d be willing to wager he showed that mat to everyone he met, skipping through the streets testifying to how Jesus had healed him. His mat became his message. God used the man’s 38 years of affliction as his testimony to God’s faithfulness and powers of healing.

Finally, Jesus told the man to walk. It was finally time for him to act. Once Jesus has touched us, impacted our lives and healed us, He wants us to walk out our testimonies. To share our healing with others.

I am a victim of post traumatic stress disorder, PTSD. We experienced a homicide in our home November 10, 2013. Following the murder the PTSD set in and it took several months of weekly counseling for me to work through it. When I did, I shared my story in recovery groups, church groups and with others who experienced PTSD. I walked my story out and could tell others, “I know how you feel.” Because I did. I was able to share understanding and compassion with them. And others shared their stories with me as well. We share a bond that others can’t share. But as we walk out our experience, we grow stronger and closer to the Lord. I am forever grateful for all the things God showed me as I lay on that mat.

Maybe someday I’ll write about all that.

If you missed the post, “Get up”, you can read it here.
If you missed the post, “Pick up your mat”, you can read it here.
If you’d like to read about the homicide and the source of my PTSD,  You can read the full post here.

Does your pastor preach too long?

Target stores pander to LGBTs; and the bride’s wearing soiled undies.

CAUTION: Today’s post contains a frank, candid discussion of the state of the bride of Christ. To err on the side of caution, I recommend it for adult readers only.

Help With Obeying

Step In The Water

What’s A Christian To Do?

Just Do It

Adultery Website Hacked; Hackers May Expose 30+ Million Cheaters’ Personal Info

Here’s a couple of probing questions for you:

How About THESE Rules?

Good People Don’t Go To Heaven

God’s Extra Two Cents

Staying Out All Night

Punishment Or Discipline?

Saint Or Sinner?

At The Edge Of The Water

Mary, Mary, Quite Contrary

Rice Krispie Treats And Original Sin

Putting Your Heart Before The Course

God’s Resume. He’s Looking For Work.

When Jesus Said No

Jesus’ Immigration Policy

I volunteer once a week at an elementary school our church adopted as a local mission project. Staff and teachers are wonderful. The kids are wonderful, pleasant and generally well-behaved.