Choosing an Obedient Lifestyle

Though God is sovereign and omnipotent, many believers don’t trust Him to guide them. Instead they think about obedience on a case-by-case basis, evaluating how the consequences of various choices might affect their life. But the Lord desires followers whose lifestyle is submissive—in other words, people who’ve made a deliberate decision to surrender to His will in every circumstance.

When confronted with the idea of absolute submission, many of us are assaulted by anxious thoughts: What if the Lord wants me to do something I can’t? Or, What if I don’t want to do what He asks? We fear we wouldn’t have the strength, wisdom, or faith to carry out commands He might give. And we’d be right—if we relied upon our own resources. But if we commit to obedience, God equips us at the right moment to follow where He leads.

One obedient act prepares us for the next. Each step of faith shows us that God not only supplies the tools and preparation for doing His will; He also handles the consequences.

In spite of the God’s faithfulness, however, we will take a misstep every now and then. We’re not alone. As Scripture shows, even saints’ lives include occasional rebellious acts, because obedience is a learning process. Jesus rebuked Peter several times (Matt. 16:21-23; John 18:10-11; Mark 14:72). Yet He continued to train the disciple in righteousness.

Believers learn from both successes and failures how to live a lifestyle of commitment. But we must first make a decision to follow God regardless of the outcome. His sovereignty demands our obedience.


From: Intouch - Early Light Devotionals

Love One Another

THE WATCHMAN

The Lord watches over all who love him. Psalm 145:20


FROM THE FATHER'S HEART
My child, you can relax in My arms. I’m much more capable of protecting you than you are yourself. Are you terrorized by the events you see in My world? A thousand may fall all around you, but I will keep evil from your home. I am your watchman, and I have eyes in the back, front, and on the side! I can see in every direction what’s coming your way. Nothing escapes My attention. Continue on faithfully, My child. I’m in control.

A GRATEFUL RESPONSE
Just like a faithful security guard, wary of every surrounding detail, You keep watch over my life. I trust You, Lord, for You see before me and behind me. In daylight or dark, from every direction, I feel Your awesome protection. Thank You for being my watchman.


SIMPLE TRUTH
We are never out of sight or out of mind. God’s love and light reach farther than the eye can see.


From: Crosswalk - Daily In Your Presence

SEPARATED OR SANCTIFIED?

“Therefore come out from among them and be separate, Touch not the unclean thing, and I will receive you. I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.” 2 Cor. 6:17-18

In the preceding verses, Paul emphasizes the need of separation of the clean from the unclean, the godly from the ungodly, and the just from the unjust. Unfortunately, some Believers respond in a legalistic manner and take great pleasure in being “separated from the world.” They make this the criteria of “spiritual maturity,” when in actuality, they are simply taking pride in “their” accomplishment. Such an attitude comes through as being “spiritually superior.” Paul has something different in mind in these verses.

When we become a Believer, God seeks to “draw us unto Himself” to an intimate relationship, that we may start our Spiritual Journey of BECOMING “conformed to the likeness of His Son.” [Rom. 8:29] Rather than focusing on being “separated from the world,” God wants us to be “SEPARATED UNTO HIM”… humbly responsive to His working. This ‘growing process’ is HIS doing, not ours. HE is the “Potter,” we are the clay. He is the Creator who now seeks to mold and fashion our life for His glory. We are a “Work In Progress”… a vessel being cleansed, shaped, and created to magnify His Name. We have no reason to boast of ‘anything’ in our spiritual life … HE DOES IT ALL … “We are HIS WORKMANSHIP ‘created’ in Christ Jesus unto good works.” [Eph. 2:10]

Separation from the world, with all of its superficial allurements, is but a “by product” when our lives are yielded to the leading of the Holy Spirit. Being “Sanctified” means to be “Set Apart” unto the Lord, where HE is our Authority. We surrender unto Him “the right of control of our life” unto His Lordship. Paul says, “put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.” [Eph. 4;24]

The “creative development” of our spiritual life is the work of the Holy Spirit. He “reveals’ unto us an understanding of the Scriptures, “leads” us in the paths of righteousness, and “empowers” us so we may “walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God.” [1 Thess. 1:10]

God has given unto us “exceeding great and precious promises, that by these we may be partakers of the divine nature.” These promises must be “appropriated and applied,” so they will be a reality in our daily walk, and produce sanctification and holiness in us. In proportion that we claim and apply them in our lives, will be the sanctifying effects produced by them. In this “process,” we begin to mature in our faith and grow in grace … becoming like unto the image of His Son.

Separation from the world is often the effort and work of the flesh that manifests ‘pride’ in its accomplishment. Sanctification is the opposite. It is a ‘humbling decision’ whereby we surrender our heart and life without reservation … that God will make us what HE wants us to be. ‘Sanctification’ is WHOLLY GOD WORKING IN US.

Dare to trust God to do His sanctifying work in you. You will be brought into a blessed, intimate, relationship with the Lord … blessed in walking in His Companionship … and a steady growth in grace that will bring you to spiritual maturity. SANCTIFIED IN CHRIST.

May the whole of your personality be filled by the Holy Spirit with the Adequacy of Christ!


From: Literature Ministries International - Ed Powell