WELCOME
Guilty of The Offense
As a Born again
Christian, I desire to willingly admit to a very common short coming that so many of us
should and must admit to being guilty of, as God's children, in this world of darkness. I
find myself frequently being offended by someone or some thing that comes into my path. I
would prefer that each and every one of these occasions would not find me, and that such
an ugly character flaw, such an ugly characteristic would not reveal it's presence in me.
But it is necessary for me to be put in these situations as I am made aware of certain
hidden or unnoticed problem areas in the inner chambers of my heart. For on these
occasions, my failures, my weaknesses, my deficiencies, my need to call on Someone greater
than all, Who will graciously, only upon my request, provide me that which is necessary,
to overcome such an ugly character flaw, and assist me in my spiritual growth until I
reach the full stature of a man that He has purposed for me. Just as He continues to tell
me: " It is necessary for these offenses to occur in your life, but who ever causes
these offenses, has much more to be concerned about ". These offenses are necessary
for spiritual growth.
Many times The Lord
has spoken to me about this matter, but on this occasion, the true heart of the matter
finally reached my inner man as it had never before had such an impact. Most undoubtedly
one of the greatest lessons to be learned is taught in this historical, edifying, and
definitely not to be overlooked account, of our predecessors times, trials, troubles and
temptations; which are so very similar to our own, and The Lord has promised us that He
would not drive out this evil, that He would be able to test and prove us, to see if we
would keep His ways or not.
During the movie of
Moses and the Ten Commandments, which consisted of those events leading up to the
Israelites departure out of Egypt and the events during their time spent in the
wilderness, prior to their arrival into the Promised Land. Many of the Israelites fell
into the enemy's snare. When I gave special heed to Moses also falling victim, The Lord
revealed to me why the adults did not experience the promised land.
The time the
Israelites spent in the wilderness, is called " The Days of Provocation ", and
during this time, they continually complained as they were met with tests of their faith,
many types of troubles, trials, and temptations; all of which could be compared to our own
day and time. Many things happened and many situations occurred, continually trying them.
Many met with defeat as they crossed the line, from their obedience to disobedience and
their own loss of a rightful share in the promise in this life.
During those days,
it probably seemed like every one complained about something. Most likely, of all who left
Egypt, there were many who got on other's nerves, or got under their skin. Because of such
a portrayal by so many, it must have been hard to remain focused on the promise. There was
always someone who was continually stirring up trouble ( a devil's pawn ), that many did
give in to disobedience.
Because of all that
which developed, they were offended; & once they were offended, they reacted rather
than acted; at which time, their anger, being no longer under control, was released;
causing their deserved punishment. In layman's terms: Due to all the offenses each met
with, they became offended; once they were offended, because of the small amount of
residual doubt and lack of faith they possessed, they became angry; and revealed that lack
of faith by allowing their anger to be exhibited by their actions, ultimately receiving a
sentence or punishment which was deserving of their actions. Moses was most likely tried
like no other, being that he was the leader, the called one of God
(similar to our own
positions). The day came when he couldn't put up with it any longer, being so offended by
them, because of his own hidden lack of faith, he got angry as they complained about
water; and struck the rock twice. At that point he became guilty of a similar crime, as
the others. But in his case it was more severe as he had just crucified Christ the second
time. Through lack of faith, patience, not waiting upon The Lord, and proceeding ahead
without authority, they did not experience the promised land in their lifetimes. I want to
experience & know the promised land in this life; & I sincerely hope that you
share the same heartfelt desire.
Remember: If
The Love of God truly dwells within you, you will love your neighbor, believers and
unbelievers alike; and no matter what they do or say, you will not be offended, due to
your trust in The Lord as you remain focused on His promise!
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