But . . .

We had a great Bible study last night at our place. 18 young people showed up. That's AWESOME! Last night's subject was, "Introducing the New You!" We talked about not allowing the flesh to lead us and destroy us, but rather allowing God to lead us. We must refuse to listen to the "old us" and begin listening to the "new us". Many lives were changed at Camp 09 this year and we are planning to Continue On in this battle!

Today's thought comes from a little devotional book that I have called, "If God Loves Me, Why Can't I Get My Locker Open?" By Lorraine Peterson. It's a great little book with provoking thoughts. Remember, "Provoking one another to good works and in love."

Are you able to talk yourself into and out of almost anything? Can you think of a hundred good reasons for not doing your history homework? Are you able to defend yourself for ten minutes straight when you mother or father mentions that a bulldozer may be needed to get your room cleaned out? Can you rationalize that running with a rowdy group of friends won't hurt you?

If you decide to prove that everything you do is okay, you will hurt yourself immeasureably. Peopole who are really good at rationalizing won't take advice--but it's amazing what you can learn from other people if you listen.

Jesus demanded no ifs, ands, or buts from His disciples. If you keep making excuses, you won't obey your parents, your teachers, your pastors, or God. Probably the worst thing about an excuse-maker is that he or she can't really ask God for forgiveness. If you can't admit that you're dead wrong and you need forgiveness, God won't forgive you. Your confession cant' be, "God, if you had to live with my sister, you'd blow up too--besides, she started it. Oh, and by the way, I'd like forgiveness for getting angry." God wants you to deal directly and honestly with your sin. No excuses are allowed.

Psalm 36:2
For in his own eyes he flatters himself too much to detect or hate his sin.

Those who allow themselve to think everything is ok, when it really isn't, they have a rude awaking come really soon. Don't flatter yourself because you're having so much fun in the sin.

Luke 14:16-20
A certain man was preparing a great banquet and invited many guests. At the time of the banquet he sent his servant to tell those who had been invited, "Come, for everything is now ready." But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said, "I have just bought a field, and I must go and see it. Please excuse me. Another said, "I have just bought five yoke of oxen, and I'm on my way to try them out. Please excuse me." Still another said, "I just got married, so I can't come."

When it comes to God needing us, we need to drop everything and everyone to do His will. He needs to be number one in our lives. He can't take second place in anything. He must be first.

No more excuses why we can't worsip Him. No more excuses why we can't witness. No more excuses why we can't teach a Bible study. No more excuses why we can't get involved with church activities and services. NO MORE EXCUSES!

But . . .