" EXCUSES "

Once again another message that will prayerfully enhance your Spiritual Growth. This weeks message we are looking into Excuses, and before you say it...everybody makes them, but is it right? We all make excuses and it's time for us to say what we mean and and mean what we say. If you think real hard we make excuses all the time, I believe that we may just unconsciously do this. Now, as Christians why do we not witness. Sometimes we Christians excuse ourselves from witnessing by saying that our family or friends aren't ready to believe. Jesus, however, makes it clear that around us a continual harvest waits to be reaped. Don't let Jesus find you making excuses. Look Around. You will find people ready to hear God's Word. I always ask, This One Lord, and I will get a Peace whether to approach someone or not. Now let's touch on another subject matter where we make excuses and what we sometimes call pay back. Don't look for excuses to leave your marriage. Jesus said that divorce is not permissible except for unfaithfulness. This does not mean that divorce should automatically occur when a spouse commits adultery. The Word translated " Unchastity " implies a sexually immoral life-style, not a confessed and repented act of adultery. Those who discover that their partner has been unfaithful should first make every effort to Forgive, Reconcile, and Restore their Relationship. We are always to look for reasons to Restore the Marriage Relationship rather than for excuses to leave it. We must not avoid what God wants you to do. We must not make excuses to avoid doing what God calls us to do. If God truly is our Master, we must obey willingly. Our Time, Abilities, and money aren't ours in the first place - we are Caretakers, not owners. When we Ignore Squander, or Abuse what we are given, we are Rebellious and deserve to be Punished. LAST OBSERVATION: Now I'm reminded of Pilate in not making a decision he gave the crowd his permission to Crucify Jesus. Although he washed his hands, the guilt remained. Washing your hands of a tough situation doesn't cancel your guilt. It merely gives you a false sense of peace. Now don't make excuses, take responsibility for the decisions you make. Until Next Time... Jim,