Proverbs 16:1-3 <\/strong>\u2013<\/p>\nIsn\u2019t it interesting how God\u2019s Word offers simple advice? It offers common sense and straightforward answers to life\u2019s dilemmas and demands.<\/p>\n
When it comes to being good, it\u2019s not about the ramifications of the action. It\u2019s about motivation and commitment. It boils down to the core of the matter \u2013 the motives of your heart and soul.<\/p>\n
When we commit ourselves to HIS plans, we find success. We discover a narrow road with a solid destination. More often than not, making plans without His consent leads to foolishness and demise. We plan to be good, then end up trapped by pride, lust, greed, etc.<\/p>\n
We believe we are the catalyst for change and prosperity in that trap. We begin to think we know better than our Creator \u2013 or worse, we see ourselves as deities.<\/p>\n
This life requires us to rely on Him instead of ourselves. It\u2019s about consciously knowing that we are neither good nor evil. Instead, we choose which force and narrative direct us. Which do we choose? The way of the world or the path of our Creator?<\/p>\n
I appeal to you, therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.<\/em> 2\u00a0Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. <\/em>\u2013 Romans 12:1-2<\/strong><\/p>\nAs we walk with Him, learning from His Spirit and Word, we notice the alignment of all things GOOD and HOLY. First, we begin to see Him. Then, we want to know Him more \u2013 to be good<\/em>, acceptable<\/em>, and complete.<\/em><\/p>\nAs His Spirit and Word renew our minds, we see things differently \u2013 more clearly. \u201cI Better Be Good<\/em>\u201d transforms into \u201cI Want To Be Good<\/em>.\u201d We become new creatures \u2013 ambassadors for Christ<\/em>. We crave reconciliation and righteousness (2 Corinthians 5:16-21<\/strong>).<\/p>\nWrapping up this week\u2019s post, we find that our lives are not our own when we commit our goals, actions, and plans to Him (Jeremiah 10:23-24<\/strong>). The world sees our deeds as fleeting and sacrificial, but we know better. We know that prosperity comes from Him and a life lived with Him (Psalm 1:1-3<\/strong>).<\/p>\nThe bottom line is this: if you want to know more about a piece of artwork, you go to the artist. As God\u2019s creation, we learn more about ourselves and our journey by going to Him.<\/p>\n
On that note, C.S. Lewis does a beautiful job conveying this point:<\/p>\n
This act [creation], as it is for God, must always remain totally inconceivable to man, for we \u2013 even our poets and musicians and inventors \u2013 never, in the ultimate sense, make. We only build. We always have materials to build from. All we can know about the act of creation must be derived from what we can gather about the relation of the creatures to their Creator. <\/em>\u2013 C.S. Lewis<\/p>\nIn conclusion, Zipper Catches Skin <\/em>was written and released during a difficult time in Alice\u2019s life. It was a time of change and transition, when music was constantly evolving. It was a time that Alice doesn\u2019t remember \u2013 a blackout.<\/p>\nEven though Alice struggled, isn\u2019t it magnificent how God never turned His back on him? God never said, \u201cYou\u2019ve gone too far; you\u2019re unredeemable!\u201d Instead, Alice was shown Mercy, Grace, and Love like no other. He was pulled back into the fold.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s often said that God\u2019s Light shines brightest in the dark, and miracles happen when we are willing to embrace Him. Luckily for Alice (and all of us), our Creator is a loving Father who believes in redemption and offers us grace and salvation. He only asks that we accept His invitation and repent.\u00a0<\/p>\n
That\u2019s it for this week. See you next Friday!<\/p>\n
Until then, Keep Walkin\u2019 in Faith and Rockin\u2019 with Alice!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n