Don’t look to man. Look to God

By: American Decency Staff

Popular Christian radio host confessed to raping 12 year old.

There is a reason that the Bible refers to Jesus as the Great Shepherd and we the people as sheep – even wayward sheep. 

There is a reason that the Bible says all we like sheep have turned astray.  We have each gone in our own way.  (Isaiah 53:6)  The Bible lets us see who we are.

West Michigan Christians are deeply saddened and troubled over the tragic account of a local Christian radio host being charged with and  confessing to the rape of a 12 year old boy and much more purportedly yet to come in regard to degrading things.

As my wife said this morning as I came to the office, we need to pray for this man, his family and the Christian radio station.

It brought back to mind a recent conversation I had with a elderly man as we were discussing service in Christ’s name.

He said, “Bill, I have learned not to look to man but look to God.” 

Further, he stated, “Man will let you down again and again because he’s prone to wander. Only God is faithful and true.”

Isn’t the Bible replete with that message?  David, Solomon, Peter, Abraham, “righteous” Lot, even Noah.

God gives us His Word revealing its raw reality to show us ourselves that we would see our tendencies, our weaknesses, our sheeplikeness: stubborn, rebellious, disobedient, self-centered, self-serving.

It should be more often said in the Christian community:  don’t think that we aren’t capable of falling.  We need to look to Jesus.  Guard your heart and look to Him!

When I had the opportunity to speak at a secular university in recent weeks, one of the things that I said to the students was this:  “All people bear the mark of sin upon us from the fall of Adam.  Not one of us is perfect or will be this side of Heaven.  As a Christian, I have learned not to vilify or castigate Christianity because a person who seemed to be so godly falls into sin – even sin of such a heinous nature as molestation, incest, adultery, homosexuality.”

We like sheep have gone astray.  We need God’s helping hand day by day throughout the rest of our lives.

At the same time, I say this:  It doesn’t have to be. 

God has given us His Word and His Spirit to not only set us free from the bondage of sin but to be set free from the degradation of sin.

I know because I was set free from the bondages of pornography long ago.  And, I can say “Hallelujah!”  My Savior lives! 

As goes the timeless words of the old, once popular Christian hymn:

“You ask me how I know He lives.  He lives within my heart.”

I serve a risen Savior
  He’s in the world today.
I know that He is living,
  Whatever men may say.
I see His hand of mercy;
  I hear His voice of cheer;
And just the time I need Him
  He’s always near. He lives, He lives, Christ Jesus lives today!
He walks with me and talks with me along life’s narrow way.
He lives, He lives, salvation to impart!
You ask me how I know He lives?
    He lives within my heart.

2

In all the world around me
  I see His loving care,
And though my heart grows weary,
  I never will despair;
I know that He is leading,
  Through all the stormy blast;
The day of His appearing
  Will come at last.

3

Rejoice, rejoice, O Christian,
  Lift up your voice and sing
Eternal hallelujahs
  To Jesus Christ the King!
The Hope of all who seek Him,
  The Help of all who find,
None other is so loving,
  So good and kind.

Source: http://www.hymnal.net/en/hymn/h/503#ixzz35fOP6N16

Please join with me in praying for John Balyo and his family, loved ones, friends and WCSG, Grand Rapids.

Pray that God would do what only He can do – Restore this man to faith, strength, godliness and fruitfulness all the remaining days of his life wherever he may be in prison, in a jail cell, or perhaps one day set free.

And, Father God, keep us from the evil one.

LASTLY:

Pray for the victims and the innocent lives being victimized via human trafficking that are in some cases right in our own local communities.   This ought not to be! 

Look to Him means exactly that:  LOOK TO HIM.

Prayer
Regular time in devotions (Bible reading, meditating upon His word – applying it to your life)
Scripture memorization
confession of sin
Standing up for Truth, not running from Him but letting Him use you. 
Being willing to suffer for Him
Serving.

Being true
Seeking first the Kingdom of God
Practicing the presence of Christ in your everyday life

Being a Christian is an undeserved act of mercy from a holy, yet gracious God.  The punishment we deserve is far greater that what this confessed child molester will receive in prison.  As such, let us strive to represent Christ well, exhibiting the fruit of the Spirit in all we do and say.

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Register today for our summer conference, “Godliness in a Day of Godlessness,” featuring speakers Mat Staver and Kamal Saleem on Friday, July 18 from 7:00 – 9:30 PM at Sunshine Community Church in Grand Rapids, MI.

Event details:

Friday, July 18 – 7:00 – 9:30 PM
Sunshine Community Church
3300 East Beltline Avenue, NE
Grand Rapids, MI

 Registration:

Contact: American Decency Association – 231-924-4050
Email: kimberly@americandecency.org
Online: Click Here

Cost:   Freewill Offering

For more information, click here. 

Spread the word in your church.  Make copies of the attached flier, and circulate.  

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To support our efforts please click hereor mail your gift to American Decency Association (ADA), PO Box 202, Fremont, MI 49412.   

American Decency Association is a member of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability.

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