By Pastor Naomi Mitchell
For Carter County Times
We don’t think these sins are a big deal, but God does! It is all in the scriptures. Let these remind you the next time you just think “it’s ok” God won’t mind.
- Gossip. We thought it was just sharing our opinion. But God says gossip stirs up conflict and separates close friends. (Proverbs 16:28)
- White Lies. We thought we were protecting someone’s feelings. But God says all liars will have their part in the lake of fire. (Revelation 21:8)
- Pride. We thought we were just being confident. But God resists the proud and gives grace to the humble. (James 4:6)
- Gluttony. We thought we were just enjoying food. But God says those whose god is their belly are enemies of the cross. (Philippians 3:19)
- Being Lukewarm. We thought we were just being “balanced.” But God says He will spit out the lukewarm. (Revelation 3:16)
- Idleness. We thought we were just resting, But God warns that laziness leads to poverty and ruin. (Proverbs 6:10-11)
- Lustful Glances. We thought we were just looking. But Jesus said looking with lust is adultery in the heart. (Matthew 5:28)
- Envy. We thought we were just wishing for what they had. But God says envy rots the bones. (Proverbs 14:30)
- Complaining. We thought we were just being honest. But God says grumbling shows a lack of trust in Him. (Philippians 2:14)
- Not Helping Others When We Could. I thought someone else would help. But God says if I see a need and do nothing, that’s sin. (James 4:17)
- Being Easily Offended. We thought we were just being sensitive. But God says love is not easily offended. (1Corinthians 13:5)
It matters to keep your heart on the altar. It’s not a one-time act of surrender. It’s a daily decision to invite God into your motives, emotions and responses every day. Romans 12:1 says to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to the Lord. This is your true and proper worship. This is necessary as an un-surrendered heart is a vulnerable heart. Bitterness, pride, and offense fester when your heart drifts from the fire of God. The altar is where healing, conviction of sin, and purification happens.
These sins create legal access for the enemy to torment, distract and divide you so he can keep you ineffective. It is the little foxes that spoil the vine, that can wreck a close relationship with the Lord. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal anything hiding in your heart. The altar is your anchor so your heart stays yielded to do what is right.
Pray this prayer. Father, I ask you to create in me a clean heart and renew a right spirit within me. Reveal anything I’ve buried – offense, pain and unforgiveness and bring it into your light. I choose to surrender over self. I choose obedience over bitterness. Keep me on the altar. Let my life be a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing in your sight. In Jesus’ name.
Amen! So be it!
JOYFUL House of Prayer, 2519 Quicksand Road, (P.O. Box 856), Jackson, Kentucky 41339. Send Comments/Prayer Requests: Pastornaomi4god@gmail.com. FB: JoyfulHoprayer. Services: 10am Sunday and Joyful Kids Class at 10:30am, 6:30pm Thursdays. Radio Broadcast: WJSN 97.3 FM & WEKG 81.0 AM Sundays 1-2pm.
