When I look back over my walk with the Lord, there were many many times when the selfish-reasoning stopped Him from working through me, and I have witnessed the results of such. Anguished comes to mind. Then in the same examination, I witness evidence of Him flowing.. He just needs a willing vessel. To see Him work is just miraculous.. just awesome.

Thus… I hate the selfish-reasoning that comes up. Not to a point where I’m down on myself, because we both know who the condemner is.. When I see what happens through obedience, and can see what happens through disobedience.. It’s a “duh” moment. Why would I ever reason such things out again? But I do! lol. I hate it! lol – This came to mind: John 12:24-25 Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit. He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.

At the end of the day tho, I smile and have the joy of the Lord. Praising God that I’m not walking as I once walked.. and that I am purified more through this event. Hallelujah!

Yes, the delay in obeying… I was talking to a brother last night about this.. Another blessing from this event is the purification process.. growth in my walk. Learning lessons of obedience, recognizing self-reasoning, learning more on hearing His voice, etc. It’s just how God works. Spiritual pride usually wants to look at others, what they are doing wrong, how others can improve, etc. God works “all things” together for the good, us included.. His grace spider-webs out.. He just needs a vessel who is willing to let the water flow, unhindered.. I pray I can fully remove the self-created dams in my life that stop His flow..

Good to hear from you Mark.. Be blessed brother. Keep on keepin’ on.

I think it all worked out very well, even your delay in obeying…it makes for a great testimony free of self advertising. God works all things out, even our delays are factored in sometimes, to give Him glory. Love it! mark

It’s interesting how God works.. He teaches me, I share. You are now learning the same lesson and read what I shared. Now, you share with me that it helped you. This adds fuel to me. It doesn’t stop there. I then respond.. and tell you how you helped me.. This encourages you. (This is a great cycle of grace and love! It only stops when man stops it.)

Now, when God gives you the opportunity (He surely will), be sure to share the lesson you learned.. Keep His grace flowing.. :)

1 Peter 4:10 As every man has received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.

May the Lord bless you and keep you. May His love, grace, peace, and mercy be multiplied unto you and those of your household. In the name of Truth, the Christ, amen.

Merry Christmas!!! :)

Thank you so much for this article. As a new Christian, I have been struggling for the past few days with what I assume is God revealing sin in my heart that I have not yet acknowledged. Having read this, I now know that I need to confess it as truth and be free of the darkness it has left in my heart. On this eve of Christ’s birth, I have learned a very valuable lesson and have received His wonderful gift of grace. Thank you for being his instrument in doing that!

Merry Christmas!
Erryn

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http://gulfcoastpastor.blogspot.com/2011/10/ancient-wine-and-bible-book.html
David R. Brumbelow