How God Works on Your Inner Life.
In Ecclesiastes 5:1 Solomon writes to guard your steps. When you go to the temple of the Lord try not to say things that are ill considered for a vow will place you under obligation, even at the cost of your own life. We must take vows seriously. Don't rashly make a vow for hinderances come from not acting on a vow you’ve taken.
If you have made a vow to the Lord, don’t delay paying that vow. After taking a vow, don’t then say it was a mistake. It’s important that you fulfil any vow you've made to God. God honours His vows to you and He expects you to honour your vows to Him.
What happens when you fail to fulfil a vow? This can cause you to feel stuck in an area of life. It can leave you feeling you’re not moving forward, as if your life is on hold and it is, for God will not act until you move on your vow.
If you can’t fulfil the vow straight away, repent. Let God know you’re sorry for the vow you can’t now fulfil. If you break a vow, name it specifically and ask God’s forgiveness and ask that He give you the grace and power to do better. You’re not perfect. You’ll never be perfect, but God will work with you any time you find yourself out of step with Him.
Because the church has been operating under hyper grace, that anything goes and God will forgive, this causes people to do what's right in their own eyes. You tell yourself; It’s all good. God will forgive me. That’s not what the bible says. God is a God of judgement. He will allow you to go so far and then no further, so be very considered when you make promises you can’t keep.
Back in the day, traditional wedding vows were ordained by God. They still are and they’re and not to be entered upon lightly. These days people write their own vows and hope all goes well. That’s not what God sees. He sees the bride and groom as united together under a vow, sworn before Himself. He takes it very seriously.
As we walk with God, we want to see spiritual advancement and power over sin. We want to see balance and joy in our life, plus revival of all the dead areas, the areas that aren’t working for us. And sometimes we’ll fail in some areas. Don't let failure cause you to stop. Dust yourself off, repent and keep going.
If you have made a vow, review it often. Don’t let is escape your grasp. Harmonise your heart with His power and He will honour the vow, if you honour the vow. Repent quickly if you fall. Repent as soon as you notice.
There are two types of Christians; carnal Christians and spiritual Christians and the carnal Christian often doesn't know they're carnal. Our hearts and minds deceive us and sometimes we don't know we've crossed the line.
The spiritual Christian will voluntarily honour Jesus; they’ll go to church, worship, take communion, give of their tithes, talent and time. They make the effort to do what Jesus requires of them. The carnal Christians refuse to make that effort, going to church only when it pleases them.
Of course, if you work on Sunday’s, it can be impossible to go to church, but that shouldn’t stop you from finding a bible study group, or going to a Friday night service and the like. There should be a consistency and predictability in the practice of our faith.
Carnal Christians detest legalism. They're dismissive of those who are walking in an honourable fashion. They don't attend church, they don’t marry, they don't like religion to the point they don't discipline themselves in any way.
You should have strong scruples about your faith. It matters! Many in leadership make sacrifices in order to increase their effectiveness, whereas carnal Christians don’t accept responsibility. If you assume a role that matters, you need to sacrifice some of your freedom in order to be effective in the role you’ve undertaken.
Vows are a challenge and if you can't fulfil them, don't take them, but consider to work towards them in the future. All things are permitted but not all things are good. It’s better to say no to certain things than to fall into disobedience and lose power.
You want power; the power to have dominion over storms or nature or other people and when your earthly nature is corrupted and you refuse to yield to it, you will lose power. The power to lead, to shape and restore people, to heal minds and bodies. The power of God is not necessarily monetary.
What are your priorities? Have a clear form of those priorities in your mind? Your iniquities have caused a separation between you and God. Sometimes something we do gets in the way and our sins have hidden our face from Him. Sin will shut down the power of God. Deal with your sin. Our indiscretions, our improper and immoral behaviour will be our downfall. Call it what it is…sin…and deal with it.
There is so much more I could add, but I need to stop here. Just know; if you sin – repent. If you make a vow to God – honour it. If you don’t know where to start or what to do, read the bible for it will show you the way.
