A New Chapter

It is a new chapter in our life. Yes, the book is still being written, although recently at times it felt like it ended abruptly. Perhaps it would be better to call it a sequel. Even though others’ decisions have been forced upon us God is turning it to a favorable position for us so the story continues.

We are in a new place that is not necessarily a comfort zone but an opportunity to grow more in God’s grace. It is a place to grow beyond the mundane routine we found ourselves in. There is new vision, new opportunity, new respect and new relationships growing out of the process. It is uncertain where it will finally lead us but we know it will be God’s will.

The sustaining provisions are not what we have been customarily comfortable with; adjustments and compensation must be made. At times it seems awkward. We walk in unfamiliar territory and get a new perspective on the goal set before us. Caution must be taken to avoid destroying what is already ordained of God; at times our feelings must be overruled. The truth will set free.

Our lips must be guarded to avoid doing as we have been done. It is too easy to offer retribution. Loss such as we have experienced is difficult to overcome. There must be a reliance on God to avenge us and we must pray for our enemies. I would not dismiss the judgment that will come without true repentance to those who have knowingly wreaked the disaster.

Less stress in the great advantage discovered in this new chapter. There was so much pressure placed upon us in our former position and God has shown us the relief we can have being removed from that place. It’s an escape from the unreasonable expectations placed upon us by people. The demands of perfection created complex and pointless matters to wade through.

Accountability is the responsible way to conduct life but excessive rules and restrictions that are non-biblical establish horrible expectations that eventually destroy the person. Those who keep score on these trivial matters will doubtless be judged by the same standard. Condemnation tears down a person’s character instead of bringing the much needed biblical edification.

A denomination that has overridden Scripture to enforce lifestyle upon its constituents has overstepped its boundary. Expectation of the presbytery exceeds biblical principles; this is reverting to legalism. The alleged return to the old paths is not the message. It should be a new way, albeit straight and narrow with a Holy God, not a Holy hierarchy. I remain biblically a Pentecostal. I would further qualify my stance by calling myself a Reformed Pentecostal; freed from the radical deviation of rules and orders ascribing to things such as KJV only, avoiding theaters, etc. The particular group of people needs to avoid snubbing the alleged violators of their standards; God will send a rain that will fill up their upturned noses and drown them.