Front Porch Confessional

God is calling his people out so he can restore them, but we have a responsibility.

Humble--Pray--Seek--Turn 

2 Chronicles 7:14 if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.

This passage is for those longing for safety.  Where do we do in times of need?  We go to the ONE who promises to protect us.

Psalm 27:5 For he will hide me in his shelter in the day of trouble; he will conceal me under the cover of his tent; he will lift me high upon a rock.

ONE thing...that is what David is directing us toward.  The problem is our ONE thing is typically different than his.  Our deepest desire should be to desire the presence, beauty, and wisdom of the Lord.

Psalm 27:4 One thing have I desired of the LORD, that I will seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to inquire in His temple.

We are in such a hurry that we don't realize that Jesus wants to disciple us.  We think we know who Jesus is, but we don't.  Slow down, and let Jesus teach you.

Mark 8:30 Jesus warned them not to tell anyone about him.

We should be known as people who do good.  When people talk about Christians, they should proclaim...those people make things better.  Is that what you/we are known for?  Paul says to us...may it be!

Galatians 6:9 And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.

God is inviting us into himself...into relationship, but so often we are so busy trying to figure out our problems in our lives on our own.  What happens when we direct our attention to God...mysteries are revealed.

Jeremiah 33:3 Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.

All of life is all for Jesus.  This should be the focus of every moment of our lives. How would that change the way we exist?  Would we be more joyful and at peace?  Paul is trying to get us to reframe the way we live our lives.

1 Cor 10:31 So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

This passage is so important.  We are people who evaluate ourselves on what the outside looks like, but Jesus flips the script- Look inside!

Mark 7:15 There is nothing outside a person that by going into him can defile him, but the things that come out of a person are what defile him.”

So much of our life is being pulled away from the Love of God.  Pastor Jude is trying to help us get our chins up to see what really important.

Jude 1:20-21 But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit,  keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life.

So many of us are pursuing after our own truth and it's why we're so lost.  David realigns us to the real truth of life.

Psalm 86:11 Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth; unite my heart to fear your name.