Fraudulent

This is a very strong word. It involves heavy deception and dishonesty. It is a word that is often connected with illegal behavior.  I would like to connect with a spiritual journey.

Over the years, I’ve seen people in very visible positions as church leaders fall through deception and dishonesty. It’s way too easy for sin to creep into our life and we justify our behavior.  Sin is ALWAYS wrong and harmful to my heart and soul.  I think everyone need accountability and authority in their spiritual journey.  The enemy doing all he can to cause us to sin and destroy any credibility that we might have.

I confess my sin quite often to the Lord. I can let pride have a seat in the living room of my heart and pride wreaks havoc on my walk with the Lord.

Job was pushing back on his friends who were trying to help give him perspective. He calls them out a bit regarding their self-righteous behavior. He asked them if they are trying to fool God. Check this out….

⁹ What will happen when he finds out what you are doing?
    Can you fool him as easily as you fool people?
¹⁰ No, you will be in trouble with him
    if you secretly slant your testimony in his favor.
¹¹ Doesn’t his majesty terrify you?
    Doesn’t your fear of him overwhelm you? (Job 13:9-11 NLT)

I have to confess my fraudulent spiritual behavior quite often. I can be judgmental of others. I find myself judging others by their motives, while judging myself by my actions.  The Lord knows my thoughts that no one else knows. He knows everything about me and chooses to love me and forgive me. Even when I appear righteous, He knows the truth. His grace has found me and cleaned up my heart more times than I can count.  I’m so humbled and thankful that with all the crap in my head and heart, He still finds a way to use me in His Kingdom.

Your Grace Finds Me   by Matt Redman

From the creation to the cross
There from the cross into eternity
Your grace finds me
Yes, Your grace finds me
There in the darkest night of the soul
There in the sweetest songs of victory
Your grace finds me
Yes, Your grace finds me
Your great grace, oh, such grace

The Grace of God turns my fraudulent faith into something real and tangible. His Grace has humbled me. His Grace has shaped the very posture of my heart.  I am a simply a sinner saved by His Amazing Grace. I don’t deserve it. My faith is a journey of seeking the Heart of God.

Pressing On!

Dwayne