A Gift I Do Not Deserve.

In Romans 7:15 Paul says, "I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do."

This week's message is more for me than any one of you. Regretfully, it's been one of those weeks that I behaved more "of the world" than "of God." Sin causes us to act in a way that does NOT demonstrate Christ living in us. When that happens, the message others interpret from our lives gets muddy. When people around us don't see that Christ is the Lord of our lives, they can label us as "hypocrites." Ouch! When that word applies, it is definitely a contradiction to what "Live Out Loud" is all about.

So if you say you are of God and you act according to His will you have established boundaries right? Those boundaries, taught to you from God's word, demonstrates your love for God. So why are those boundaries so easily compromised when sin tempts us? I have a short answer to that complex question. Satan knows we are weak and he knows where we are most vulnerable.

So what did I do about it? I repented and confessed my sin to God. I'm sad to say it's not the first time and unfortunately it won't be the last, I'm sure. It's such a humbling experience when you have to go to God, pray, admit that you've messed up, and ask Him to fix the mess you've made. It's times like these that I become a genuine God fearing woman because I am completely in the palm of his hand.

On the flip-side. It's was so freeing to release the guilt, regret, and shame that I was carrying. Once I got it out and talked to God, I was reminded that Jesus died on the Cross for me because it is inevitable that sin will raise it's ugly head. I'm a sinner and even with the blood of Christ, I still inherited a sin nature from my ancestors, Adam and Eve.

So, in humility, I share this message because I am not the epitome of a Life Lived Out Loud. I had a setback this week and I've taken some time to redirect my path. Thank God for his Son, Jesus. As we approach a week celebrates His perfect sacrifice, I am reminded that His sacrifice is an example of His abundant grace. A gift I do not deserve, but He gave so I can have life and live it to the fullest. Even when I screw up.

Please read Psalm 40 - It is the cry of my heart this week.