And Gideon the son of Joash died in a good old age, and was buried in the sepulchre of Joash his father, in Ophrah of the Abiezrites. And it came to pass, as soon as Gideon was dead, that the children of Israel turned again, and went a whoring after Baalim, and made Baalberith their god. And the children of Israel remembered not the LORD their GOD, who had delivered them out of the hands of all their enemies on every side: Neither shewed they kindness to the house of Jerubbaal, namely, Gideon, according to all the goodness which he had shewed unto Israel. (Jdg 8:32-35)
Even with the Spirit of GOD within, it is all too easy for us to stray from GOD's teachings and to be enticed by our own wants and lusts, leading to sin and rebellion. If we don't consciously focus on Him and seek His face, staying in His Word, we will fall. If we allow ourselves to become too busy, even doing good things and the work of the church, or if we get distracted by the cares of this world, we can be led astray and away from our Lord. Our response must be the same as it was when we were born again, repent and return to GOD our Saviour in faith and surrender on His terms. He alone is Lord, King, and Sovereign over His people.
GOD wants His people solely focused and relying on Him who is our Lord and King, for without Him we are nothing and can do nothing. He has called us, not to be busy doing busy work for appearances, but in love and true charity, ministering to those around us who are hurting and in need, and He guides us and provides for our needs. He has commanded us to love one another and disciple one another, not just knowledge for knowledge sake, which puffs up, but unfeigned love for the brethren which edifies until we all grow up into the fullness of the measure of Christ. He has commissioned us to take the Gospel of Jesus Christ, not a social or political gospel which is temporary or of this world, but the Good News of reconciliation with the Father through repentance of our sin and faith in Him and His finished and perfect work on the Cross of Calvary, and as we go, sharing Him with all we meet, that they may hear and believe in Him and Him alone and have life in His Name.
For GOD is not willing that any should perish, but that all would come to repentance and the knowledge of the the Truth. Jesus loves you and wants to establish a covenant relationship with you that is real and personal. Surrender to Him on His terms and He will give you a brand new life of discipleship and fellowship with Him that is abundant and everlasting. GOD calls you to trust Him and what He has already done for you to pay your sIn debt. He has provided the only way of reconciliation with GOD, forgiveness from GOD, and Salvation through Jesus Christ, the Son of GOD who is GOD the Son, to give you a new life in Christ. Turn away from yourself and your sIn and turn to Him alone for eternal Life, now and always.
In Christ,
Jefferson Sweet