New Season

During the drought days of summer, we may see even the greenest of grass and trees begin to show signs of thirstiness. You may recall Lot's choice of that well-watered Jordan Valley: "Lot lifted up his eyes and saw all the valley of the Jordan, that it was well watered everywhere ... like the garden of the LORD ... So Lot chose for himself all the valley of the Jordan" (Genesis 13:10-11, NASB). That grass-is-greener mentality is still powerful today! Make no mistake the pleasures of sin are alluring and inviting but only a "passing pleasure" (Hebrews 11:25, NASB). In his book, Going Places with God, Wayne Stiles writes: "Consider how often we make lifelong choices based on the impulse of a glance." Oh yeah, we often buy clothes, books, cars, an endless parade of things times simply with ... a look. Don't forget how Eve "saw that the tree was good ... that it was a delight to the eyes ... that the tree was desirable" (Genesis 3:6). In Genesis 19, we read how God destroyed those sinful cities of Sodom and Gomorrah (Lot's home), including the vegetable; sin always leads to spiritual judgment. How marvelous, however, God forgives - "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9, NASB). He gladly welcomes the repentant back from bad choices into His arms and a new season of peace, joy and gladness. Yay, for forgiveness and a ... new season.