On My End!

Quite some time ago we went for a while with our internet getting kicked off line while we were in the middle of accessing it. Our internet provider kept telling us the problem was either with our router or our cables. Though they credited us for time offline, we still were frustrated as we replaced connections and the problem still arose from time to time. Eventually it was determined there was a lose connection where the cable was connected on the pole where the line began that led to our house. This was causing a leak in the system. Therefore it ultimately confirmed my suspicion that it was NOT US, but rather their system that needed fixing. And isn't that generally the way we are in life? It is always someone else who is creating the problem! It just couldn't be ME!

Many of you know that in October I ceased to be able to post to the "teEn-MAIL" website. There was a problem in the system I needed someone to fix. I continued to wait for the problem to be identified and so I waited patiently for someone to fix it. Last week the problem was determined and it turned out to be a problem with the internet browser I WAS USING. For some reason it stopped allowing the program to work. Once I downloaded another browser I was able to start posting again, and will now gradually get caught up on what still needs to be posted.

Yes, the problem was CLOSER TO HOME than I thought. The problem was AT MY END, not somewhere else. Once I MADE THE CHANGE things were again working as they should. And that is the way I must be in approaching God. His Way will always work moving toward the ends and purposes He has in mind. The problems most often arise when I GET IN THE WAY! His Way never needs to change, but rather it is MY WAYS that must be corrected and brought into harmony with His!

When Paul noted our basic struggle to do what is right, he stated. . .
"(13) Did that which is good, then, bring death to me? By no means! IT WAS SIN, producing death in me through what is good, in order that sin might be shown to be sin, and through the commandment might become sinful beyond measure. (14) For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am of the flesh, sold under sin." ( Romans 7:13-14 ESV)

In referring to the old law, Paul acknowledged how it made him aware of what sin was. (note also Romans 7:7) We need to recognize how sinful sin is and that God's standard is not the problem, but rather the weakness of our flesh is the challenge. Therefore we must continue to respond appropriately to what His Word reveals to us and instead of being tempted to change His Word, we need to be willing to allow Him to change OUR LIFE. Through the means He has provided to become "a new creation" in Christ ( 2 Corinthians 5:17 ESV) we are graciously and mercifully blessed. A changing world begins with a changing "ME". May we allow it to happen.

Have a great day ACKNOWLEDGING OUR CHALLENGE AND ACCEPTING HIS SOLUTION!
Carl

See other teEn-MAIL on Receptiveness