Thanks Dad!

I wrote something a month or so ago, that the opposite of faith wasn't doubt, but control.

Doubt, of course, is what happens when there is a lack of trust, but the reason we doubt, is our own desire to do what we want. That, is a control issue.

Basically, we want something, but God says no, and because we want it so much, it tests our faith in God's motive, for saying no. We then want control, and will take it, in rebellion against God.

James 1:14-15

[14] but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed.

[15] Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.

This is what happened in the Garden of Eden, and what happens everytime we face that choice of trusting God, or going after what we want.

Faith in God, saving faith, is trusting Him over, and above everything...especially ourselves.

Satan, isn't looking for worshipers. If you ever talk to a true Satanist, they will tell you, if you listen, that they don't worship the devil at all. They will tell you that the devil wants them to worship themselves.

Yes, this is true. I have done this, but I already knew it was true, when I began the conversation, because of how scripture is written, and God's Holy Spirit.

Satan's lie to mankind, was the same lie he is working with now, and the reason he is going to fall. "I will ascend, and become like the Most High."

The temptation, the reason for Adam and Eve to doubt, was that desire to gain the knowledge of good and evil, and become like God.

This IS what is written.

God is the ultimate. The One in control. So this is about control. Controlling what we say, what we do, what we want.

It is the Lie.

You see, if God is limited by anything, He is not in control. If your "choices" limit Him, you are above Him in a small way. You then, are something He cannot control.

Also, if every person also has a "free will", then God has an extremely frustrating job of trying to manage His plan with millions of rebellious toddlers messing up their "choices" on a minute by minute basis. Herding cats?

This is not how God is described in scripture. Not even remotely. Free Will, however, is a perfect fit for the original lie, "You, can be in control!"

I'm sorry cupcake, but you can't, not even in your tiniest of choices.

"How is that even fair!?"

Have you not read Romans chapter 9? Paul addresses this plainly. God is so far above us, in His knowledge and power, that our only job is to trust Him. To really do this, we must know He is good, even in the face of great evil.

Shadrach, Mishach, and Abendnego did. They knew God could save them, but might not. They trusted in both His power and goodness, even if God chose to let them burn.

Ouch!

Yes, this IS the biblical narrative. Faith in God, is trusting Him in both power and character. This is how, and why, the nation of Israel, flopped back and forth, between great faith and a stupid desire for control. From their kings to the smallest subjects, this was the battle.

It is for us too.

Think about it. If I see a pretty girl, but I am married. Married to a woman with a vow before God, a covenant that is to the death of either one of us. It's a big deal. If my desire for this girl, tempts me to break my vow, then I am at risk of taking control from God, and diving into a world of hurt.

A broken family is the result. A terrible experience for my wife, children, and myself, all for a few minutes of me being god.

No, it's not worth it. It never is to make myself like God.

It's the same with any sin. Homosexuality will destroy lives, possibly even by a disease like HIV.

"Are you saying AIDS is a judgement from God!?"

No, but it is a boundary. It's like a parent saying to a child, "don't touch that stove." The child, doesn't trust the parent, but wants to be in charge, and does it anyway...and gets burned.

Note here please, that the parent doesn't hate the child for doing so, in fact, the parent, a good parent, will run to get a salve even as they lecture the child on listening to them.

Remember this, because God is the same, and He has no interest for YOU to berate other children for touching the stove. You can, point out that trusting the parent is better, but since you struggle the same way on many other issues, have no right to berate, or discipline another child!

Yes, scripture does say this too!

Ascension, or Control, is the temptation. It is true. You can deny it all you want, but then you are no different from all of those gay churches, changing god into something that is more comfortable for them.

"But we are not robots!"

No, we are not robots. We are not even Artificial Intelligence. There is nothing artificial in anything God does. No, we are God designed beings specially made, and trained, by specific life situations, to become more, by a faith in God that will eventually deny our every desire.

If you are breathing, you are not there yet. If you die young, that level of faith you ended with, if you have any, is all God wanted for you. This IS the biblical model of life.

Some won't make it, sure, it's true. God's sheep WILL hear His voice. He said so! He also said that there are weeds. Those who will never hear and follow.

"Isn't that cruel?"

It might be, if God was cruel, but I know He is not. My faith is in Him, because I know Him. This, not just because scripture says it too! I have walked, and experienced Him for over 40 years. He is my best friend. He is absolutely Awesome!

I still struggle with the desire for control. I want things, many things. Things that I know are bad for me, because He said so. Yet, my God ordained choices are wrapped in His control, so I am not afraid of what stupid things I will do.

Listen, it works. Faith must be first! I want to touch the stove. I look to my Father who clearly says no. I look again at the stove. It looks so inviting! It's bright red now. I look back at my Father with a pout. I still won't touch it because I trust Him. So, after a minute or so, my Father smiles and carefully takes my hand in His. He then draws it close to the burner, but not enough to burn. I can feel the heat, and clearly see that if I did touch the burner, it would hurt, like my Father said it would. As He pulls my hand back, I sheepishly smile at Him and say "Oh, OK, that would hurt."

Now, I have a better example of how good and kind my Father is. I gained something extremely powerful in this little encounter. Something I could not have gotten if I believed I was on my own, in my choices. I gained trust in my Father.

I gained Faith.

It all starts with a realization that I am not in control...and never will be.

Yes, when you see that, it is very comforting.

"Thanks Dad!"