Living Within God’s Design
Posted on January 6, 2017 by America's Keswick in Freedom Fighters
“God removes the sin of the one who makes humble confession, and thereby the devil loses the sovereignty he had gained over the human heart.” ~ Saint Bernard
Today is the day we make the special oatmeal rolls. It’s been a tradition in the family for as long as I remember … oatmeal rolls and football. The key to the airiness of the rolls is the yeast… Used correctly, this ingredient produces light, feathery rolls… used incorrectly or unchecked, yeast makes a mess.
Sin is a lot like yeast in these same ways. Augustine referred to sins as “inordinate desires”… that is, taking what was intended to be “good” and beneficial, and going beyond its designed use or limit. When we choose to go beyond what God has designed for us to be… or we use what God has provided us in ways other than He designed them to operate, we sin. But, if we confess or admit to Him our mistake and willful choice, John tells us, “… God is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)
The part that is satisfying, and most like the “checking” power of confession, is punching down the dough before rolling out the rolls. It stops the progress of the yeast (sin) before it goes beyond the limits of the bowl.
Sin has a very destructive power over our lives and it corrupts everything it spills over on. The Bible and confession is God’s “punch” to limit sin’s progress in our lives. The only option to these two in dealing with sin, is to “sear our conscience”. But this is to feel no -pain, becoming insensitive, self-centered, hard-hearted, or simply… dead.
I love the taste of the fresh, warm oatmeal rolls.. covered in butter and homemade strawberry jelly. But the only way to reach that joy and contentment is to operate in accordance with the recipe and the design of yeast.
The same is true of life. If we live by the guidelines of God’s Word (recipe), we WILL properly enjoy the desires He has given us… within the limitations of His design. And if we cross over those boundaries to ‘inordinate desire’, when we reach out to our Savior through repentance and confession, He is faithful to pull us back within the realm of His love and peace.
Choose wisely…
“Oh, what joy for those whose disobedience is forgiven, whose sin is put out of sight! Yes, what joy for those whose record the LORD has cleared of guilt, whose lives are lived in complete honesty! When I refused to confess my sin, my body wasted away, and I groaned all day long. Day and night your hand of discipline was heavy on me. My strength evaporated like water in the summer heat. Finally, I confessed all my sins to you and stopped trying to hide my guilt. I said to myself, “I will confess my rebellion to the LORD.” And you forgave me! All my guilt is gone.” (Psalms 32:1-5)
Written by David Brown: David Brown is a husband, father, and grandfather with a Masters of Religious Studies and a Professor of Philosophy and Comparative Religions. Dave is a member of Pemberton’s First Baptist Church.
Daily Quote: “God is interested in developing your character. At times He lets you proceed, but He will never let you go too far without discipline to bring you back. In your relationship with God, He may let you make a wrong decision. Then the Spirit of God causes you to recognize that it is not God’s will. He guides you back to the right path.” – Henry Blackaby
The Daily Bible Reading: Isaiah 1-6 | You can download our 2017 Daily Bible Reading Plan by clicking here
This Week’s Verse to Memorize:
Let all those who seek You rejoice and be glad in You; Let such as love Your salvation say continually, “The LORD be magnified!” Psalm 40:16
Want to get away & have dedicated time to read & learn God’s Word?
Consider a retreat at America’s Keswick retreat center.
