Clarity

There is a moment that must come to each of us.
It will come at different times and in different places.
It could happen in the middle of New York City...
Or out in the woods by yourself.
it might reveal itself in the blazing light of a noon day sun, or
come to you upon the soft glow of a full moon.

it might fall upon you like lightning bolt or light upon you like a gentle breeze, but the impact is life changing. it is more than a mental thought and is more than a feeling. I hear some people lay claim to this, but their lives show no evidence of it.
"What?" you may be asking.
That incredible moment when everything clears away. Your thoughts cease to ramble and fill your mine and you are left with the unmistakable truth that God is real and you are in need of being saved. I don't believe such moments come by any other way than God's Holy Spirit communicating. It isn't that such communication has labeled you "a sinner".....You just know you are. Because of this sin that drives us, you realize that you are standing outside every thing God stands for.  You are fully aware that you are outside of His grace, His mercy, His compassion, His love. The only thing that connects you to God is His judgment, and you stand condemned through your own actions and rebellious thoughts.  I know that even as I type this, there will be some who will say, "But I'm not a bad person. I've never killed anyone. I haven't even taken drugs or gotten drunk." While this is true, we need to see that we are born into this world with a nature that seeks to rebel against God.Having such a nature doesn't mean we run around screaming Anarchist slogans, thrusting our hands into the air screaming, "Power to the people." We are born with a terrible drive to be independent. This independence seeks to be in control of our lives to the point that we have no need for God. (Until the wheels come off and then we run screaming to Him.)

Living in this state of so-called independence, we are influenced by the ways and customs of our society (which is being directed by the god of this world, Satan). Some people are able to retain a semblance of "right-ness," while others sink lower into the darkness of life outside of God. We find ourselves using drugs and alcohol to alter our perception and to help us to deal with problems and circumstances. The only thing is, we are living a lie. Drugs and alcohol help us to cope with nothing. They only give the illusion that we can escape. The more we use, the more under the control of Satan we place ourselves. We begin to lie. We start to cheat those we love. We use others to get what we want and need. Thus begins the spiral downward that will end in death and destruction. That is why the 12 Steps say that we need a POWER greater than ourselves who can restore us to sanity. In my life, such a Power has a name, and that name is Jesus.

Sin builds a house of cards that eventually will fall.
Salvation is founded upon a rock of stability, Jesus.}
Sin requires you to turn your back and allegiance to God and give your life for the kingdom of darkness.
Salvation is a free gift from God. You don't have to surrender or give up....but you will find that you want to. You will find that turning your will in the direction of God to receive from Him will be the lifeline that will draw you out of this pit of despair.
Sin seeks to remain hidden and desires that you live in secrecy.
Salvation empowers you to be open and transparent, living life in a new way.

Psalm 32:1-2 and 6-7
Oh, what joy for those whose rebellion is forgiven, whose sin is put out of sight!
Yes, what joy for those whose record the LORD has cleared of sin.
Whose lives are lived in complete honesty!

Therefore, let all the godly confess their rebellion to you while there is time, that they may not drown in the flood waters of judgment. For you are my hiding place. You protect me from trouble. You surround me with songs of victory.

Thank God for moments where clarity rules our hearts and our minds.
That moment where You stand, O God, ready to save those who cry out to you.
Save them with an eternal salvation that cannot be destroyed or stolen by anyone or anything.
I can rest in the truth of such knowledge no matter what this day may bring to me.
Can you?

God on you....
mb