RE-ESTABLISH JOY

Why do you involve yourself with sin? Hasn’t it cost you enough already? You’ve been burned by it before, so why do you still play with fire?  What are you thinking when you find yourself again in the grip of its deadly jaws—does that make you want to take a second shot at it? Have you not had enough of that old sneaky-snake? Hasn’t he stabbed his poisonous fangs into you one too many times already? What kind of thrill is there in jumping into the snake pit?  Don’t get mad at me for bringing up your sinfulness!  It’s foolish to think of it as fun! Did sin ever produce real lasting pleasure? Have you found lasting satisfaction in it? If so, go back to your old ways, and wear that ball and chain again, if it makes you happy.

In as much as sin has never given you what it promised to deliver—only to deceive you with lies—don’t seek a second chance at being snared by the crafty Deceiver. Because, you doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results is Albert Einstein’s definition of insanity! Be free! Let the memory of your old lifestyle forbid your entrance into it ever again!

Sin is contrary to the blueprint of God’s eternal love.  We know God’s love lets us see the possibilities of His righteousness and holiness. Therefore, stop running counter to the Lord’s purpose for your life. Here’s another thought that should bring your sin under control. Christ-followers can never sin on the cheap. We pay a heavy price for sin. Disobedience destroys our peace of mind. It muddies our fellowship with Jesus. It hinders prayer. It darkens our character.  Therefore, don’t be a servant and slave to sin. “Could it be any clearer? Our old way of life was nailed to the cross with Christ, a decisive end to that sin-miserable life—no longer at sin’s every beck and call!” — Romans 6:6 MSG
  
There is a greater point to make on this subject.  Each time you "serve sin" you have "Crucified the Lord afresh, and put Him to an open shame." (Hebrews 6:6 KJV)  Can you live with that thought? How can you continue? Is there some sin your walking in today?  This worthy note might just be the Lord’s way of bringing you back before you backslide any farther.  Stop, turn to Jesus. He is your second chance. He has not forgotten His love for you. His grace is still the same. Come to Him with sorrow and repentance asking for forgiveness and surrender at His feet. Receive your second chance into His heart. He will set you upon a rock again, and reestablish your joy.

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