If you have been following our course of writings this year you may not be surprised at this month's topic, rebellion. Last time we spoke on the inner-workings of idolatry and its' relevance in 2010. To take it one step further we have posed the question, what happens when one does not forsake their idols? Rebellion is the answer and the focus of our gaze as tax season is in full-bloom.

God is very clear about what He thinks of rebellion; "it is as the sin of witchcraft" (1 Sam. 15:23). Why does He take such a staunch stance? I think that as you read you will realize just how destructive rebellion is in the life of a believer. God likens it to the sin of witchcraft in that a person uses dark means to accomplish their own purposes as they persist in going their own way. Obviously God has spoken very succinctly. He will not bless this means of living.

So why take the time to write upon such an obviously condemned issue? Because the outflow of one's Christian walk is their response to life based upon their own pursuits and desires or submission to God's. Scripture is clear that God is the author of the hearts' desires yet it is also clear that He controls our realization of those desires in time. This leaves each of us in the precarious position to desire, long, and want, yet simultaneously surrender all to the sovereign will of God. This creates a friction that all of us feel.

In this edition we hope to inform you of how to respond to the friction between your hearts' desire and the Lord's plans, encourage you with the truth that God is devoted to increasingly capture the hearts of those who doubt that His way is best, and inform you of how to help those that may be struggling with rebellion in their own life.

Until next time, may the truth change you!