Out of the World and Into His Arms.

"The new man takes a new course. His conversation is in heaven. No sooner does Christ call one by effectual grace, but he immediately becomes a follower of Christ. When God has given him a new heart, he henceforth walks in His statutes. Though sin may dwell in him truly a wearisome and unwelcome guest, it has no more dominion over him. He is not one man at church and another at home. He is not a saint on his knees and a cheat in his shop. He turns from all his sins and keeps all of God's statutes, though not perfectly, yet sincerely, not allowing himself the breach of any. Now he delights in the Word, and sets himself to prayer. He has a good conscience willing in all things to live honestly without offence towards God and men (Heb. 13:18). Here you find the unsoundness of many that take themselves for good Christians. They take up the cheap and easy duties of religion, but are not thorough with the work. They are like a cake half-baked. You may find them exact in their words, punctual in their dealings, but they do not exercise themselves unto godliness; as for governing their hearts, they are strangers. You see them duly at church; but follow their families, and you see little but the worldly minded... They seem religious, but do not bridle their tongues (James 1:26)... The hypocrite is not thorough in obedience. The new man bears fruit unto holiness, and though he makes a blot, yet the law and life of jesus is what he looks for as his pattern. He respects all of God's commandments. He is sensitive in his conscience even to the little sins and little duties." ~ Joseph Alleine, A Sure Guide to Heaven, pp. 36-37

I have often been concerned with my own heart. I struggle with my own sin and therefore have questioned my salvation from time to time. I am sure we all have struggled with these thoughts early in our walk with the Lord. I am sure we have all wondered what a true believing heart produces in our lives, actions, thoughts... and I am most certain that it produces remorse. sadness. frustration. longing. determination. We are remorseful over our sins acted upon or thought upon. We are saddened at the thought that it will happen not only this once, but often. We are frustrated that we struggle with these sins when we desire so much to be like Christ in our attitutes, actions, thoughts... every aspect of life. We are longing for more of Him and less of us. We are determined to prayerfully battle this sin to the death. We are... if lining up with this process and thought pattern... followers of Christ. He IS in fact hidden in our hearts if we soo long for, and ache for, Him in these ways. I am certain. We are Christians. Not just labeled; but sealed, signed, stamped, and ready for delivery into His Kingdom. We are His... live for Him.

I feel we are all hypocrites at some point in our lives.. but you can not be so if you truly accept Him in rather than romanticize the idea of it. So take the leap... step out of this world and into His arms... He will catch you without fail... He never misses. :)

LL