Only Two PathsWritten by Joyce C. Lock
Once upon a time, there was a retarded young man whose heart's desire was to go out on church visitation. One might wonder what good a retarded person could accomplish. But, it was decided to let him go. He walked up to a strange door, in a strange neighborhood, and knocked. A man answered door. The young man asked, "Are you going to Heaven?" The homeowner answered, "No." Then, young man responded, "Well, go to Hell, then." They tell me this was a true story and stark shock of that incident caused man to realize his need for God. Thus, he became saved. Though we might get our lights punched out for trying same, it would be just as good were we to look at "either ors", in our life, with just as much boldness and honesty.
| | A Choice to Believe GodWritten by Joyce C. Lock
It was beyond thrilling once I realized Bible was a How-to Book; a list of Master's tools for overcoming whatever we face in world. I would see all kinds of wonderful instruction and promises, then look around and not see such faith in others. It is as if people believe Jesus died on cross and, then, lied about all rest. "If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable," I Co. 15:19. And, if we are miserable, we just might have a contracted a contagious disease called Stinkin' Thinkin'. "As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he," Pr. 23:7. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to grow toward protecting ourselves from lies of Satan. Only two options are available for which to place our faith: (1.) to believe God, or (2.) to call Him a liar, (1.) to give glory to God by recognizing Him for who He is and who He said He would be, for and through us, or (2.) to give credit to Satan by focusing on all that is wrong with us and world. Of course, one could choose to place themselves on God's throne; thinking they have no need of Him. Our choice determines to whom we give power; to which presence we will dwell in. And, we know that Satan both promotes pride and accuses brethren. So, next time a negative thought comes your way, before you open your mouth, stop to think. Just who are you representing, anyway? Rejoice in Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice. Satan is like a roaring lion, all he does is roar. We either give him power to devour us, or we choose to believe God. It is impossible to fall or fail following instruction God speaks to us, as Satan can not defeat God. Being that nothing is too hard for God, rejoice even before He brings it to pass (Ro. 4:17). Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. Only God knows how to defeat Satan and where he'll be lurking next (Pr. 14:12). So, it is most advisable to get one's instruction and faith from words God speaks to you (Jb. 23:12).
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