I just love the title Scripture for today! The words paint a beautiful visual of someone who is weak and struggling, a little bent over, shuffling along and then one by one others come along side and grab hold of the struggling one and they support them with their strength, the ones that go behind the weak one protect them from attack, and the ones in front remove obstacles from their path. Each one is a prayer prayed for the one in need.
I don't know anyone who cannot identify with the weak and struggling one at some point in their life and blessed is the one who knows Jesus as Lord and is a member of a Bible believing church, for they will have many who will join in their struggle by coming along side them and join them in their struggles through their prayers to God for them!
My Mother was what is known in Christian circles as a prayer warrior and she without even being aware of it taught me many life applications. For instance, we lived in different states and spoke on average once a week, yet without fail if I was going through difficulties, Mom would call and tell me that God woke her up in the night to pray for me! Many times I would respond that everything was alright even if it wasn't because I didn't feel like talking about it. She never pressed but we both knew that she knew that the Lord was never wrong, His timing is always precise, so she faithfully continued to pray for me. It was the same way with my brother and later with her grandchildren. This side of heaven I will never know how much her prayers influenced and intervened in all of her prayers on behalf of our family. I thank God for her faithful prayers. And I thank God for His watch care over me and my family!
I was blessed to be with her during the last two and half years of her life and I learned so much from her; if someone asks you to pray for them, don't just say, I will, pray for them right then, no matter where you are or what you are doing! This life application is infectious, the people that you pray for with them, many of them are now doing the same for others. Many times we can forget to pray for someone, certainly not intentionally it just happens. So pray right then with them it will surprise many and bless everyone, including you!
On several occasions over the past ten years I have asked the Lord to teach me to pray. And I can tell you right now that I am still very much a work in progress, I have so much yet to learn. Yet, I want to share some things that are such blessings in my life regarding prayer. First and foremost God helped me to hear His voice and trust in His voice and obey His voice then and there.
Let me give you an example; one time a believer named Theresa and I were studying the Word in my home and I heard God's voice in my mind (never have I heard God's voice audibly) and I knew I was supposed to stop right then and call the person He told me. I shared with Theresa and she began to pray for this person that we both knew while I called her. When she answered she was crying, she suffers with a disease that causes extreme pain and it was so bad right then she said she just cried out to God, if You are there, if You love me at all, help me now! And the second the words left her mouth she heard the phone ring and Theresa and I lifted her up in prayer over the phone and God of course heard and answered our prayer (the prayer that He had orchestrated)and touched her and the pain left immediately and completely!!
God blessed all three of us that day, He built the ladies faith that cried out to Him, by showing her how much He loved her, and was intimately involved in her life. He reinforced the truth of His Word that says "My sheep follow Me because they know My voice." John 10:4 and that truth was burned into me that day. Theresa was blessed by having her intercession for the lady answered in such a glorious way! Faith increased and praise and glory to God was proclaimed all around!
"I love the LORD, because He hears my voice and my supplications. Because He has inclined His ear to me, Therefore I shall call upon Him as long as I live." Psalm 116:1-2 NASB.
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
"To whom God willed to make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory." Colossians 1:27 NASB
Christ in you...what does that mean to you? What are the implications within that truth? Truth, if indeed you have been born again, through a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. Truth, if you have believed in Jesus Christ to have your sins forgiven, if you surrendered your life to Him. If you have confessed with your mouth Jesus is Lord and you believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, then according to the truth of God's Word you are saved! When a baby is born, we rejoice at this birth knowing it is the beginning of his or her life here on earth. In the same way when we are born again our life in Christ, Christ within us, it is just the beginning!
Christ in you means that your old life is over, you were crucified with Christ and it is no longer you who live, but Christ lives in you and the life that you now live in the flesh you live by faith in the Son of God who loves you and gave His life for you. Galatians 2:20.
Christ in you means that you will never face a storm that will overcome you, you will never face an enemy that is stronger than Christ, you will never ever be alone again! Christ in you means on the darkest of days the Light of the World is within you, when you don't know what to do or where to turn, look within to the One who embodies Wisdom, the One who directs your steps! God is for you, who or what can ever prevail against God to harm you? No one and nothing!
In those times when it feels as though the world is caving in all around you, look to , Jesus, focus your mind and thoughts on Jesus words; "I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have perfect peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer (take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted!) For I have overcome the world. (I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.)" John 16:33 Amplified.
Christ in you means you have the Source of wisdom, the Prince of Peace, the Wonderful Counselor, and Almighty God! What can you think of that you lack? Nothing!
The most amazing thing is that, in Christ we who were once separated from God because of our sins have been washed clean, sins forgiven through the shed blood of the Lamb of God; Christ Jesus and we now have access into the very throne room of grace. We have peace with God in and through Jesus Christ!!
Until you understand what having Christ in you means, you don't yet know Him as you ought. You will never know Jesus better than you know the Word of God! Begin today to read God's Word every morning, meditate on it and obey it and in doing so you will grow in the wisdom and knowledge of Jesus Christ, and in the wisdom and knowledge of His will! That is the abundant life; Christ in you!!!
Christ in you means that your old life is over, you were crucified with Christ and it is no longer you who live, but Christ lives in you and the life that you now live in the flesh you live by faith in the Son of God who loves you and gave His life for you. Galatians 2:20.
Christ in you means that you will never face a storm that will overcome you, you will never face an enemy that is stronger than Christ, you will never ever be alone again! Christ in you means on the darkest of days the Light of the World is within you, when you don't know what to do or where to turn, look within to the One who embodies Wisdom, the One who directs your steps! God is for you, who or what can ever prevail against God to harm you? No one and nothing!
In those times when it feels as though the world is caving in all around you, look to , Jesus, focus your mind and thoughts on Jesus words; "I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have perfect peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer (take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted!) For I have overcome the world. (I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.)" John 16:33 Amplified.
Christ in you means you have the Source of wisdom, the Prince of Peace, the Wonderful Counselor, and Almighty God! What can you think of that you lack? Nothing!
The most amazing thing is that, in Christ we who were once separated from God because of our sins have been washed clean, sins forgiven through the shed blood of the Lamb of God; Christ Jesus and we now have access into the very throne room of grace. We have peace with God in and through Jesus Christ!!
Until you understand what having Christ in you means, you don't yet know Him as you ought. You will never know Jesus better than you know the Word of God! Begin today to read God's Word every morning, meditate on it and obey it and in doing so you will grow in the wisdom and knowledge of Jesus Christ, and in the wisdom and knowledge of His will! That is the abundant life; Christ in you!!!
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
"For the Lord disciplines those He loves, and He punishes each one He accepts as His child." Hebrews 12:6 NLT
Let's read the following two verses that appear after today's title verse. "As you endure this divine discipline, remember that God is treating you as His own children. Who ever heard of a child who is never disciplined by its father? If God doesn't discipline you as He does all of His children, it means that you are illegitimate and not really His children at all." Hebrews 12:7-8 NLT.
How many times have you heard a child of God say when they were going through some tough times, I am really under attack from the enemy? Or have you ever wondered why God wasn't answering your prayers, at least not the way you wanted Him to? Ever opened the Word of God and nothing spoke to you, you couldn't even remember what you just read? Or you prayed and you felt like your prayers didn't get beyond the ceiling or maybe not even that high? We have all experienced these things!
Could we be experiencing the discipline of the Lord? Yes! What brings on the discipline of the Lord? As with everything else we find those answers in the Word of God. Read the following and perhaps in one or more of the examples you will be convicted by the Holy Spirit within you.
There is never an acceptable reason for refusing to do what the Lord is telling us to do in Scripture. And as in the laws of our land, ignorance of the Law of God is no excuse! God gave us an incredible gift, His Word, Spirit breathed and useful for everything pertaining to our lives, Jesus Christ is on every page and He will reveal Himself to those who seek Him in its pages and to those who do what He commands.
What are some of His commands that many refuse to acknowledge let alone obey? Tithing, fasting, forgiveness, love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your mind, and all your soul, and love your neighbor as yourself, be good to those who mistreat you, and do not seek revenge, for vengeance is Mine, says the Lord. Seek first the kingdom of God, do not have any idols, do not serve money or you will be a slave to it.
Attitudes of the heart can bring much needed discipline from God; pride, rebellion, liars, lovers of the world, judgmental attitudes, and hardened hearts to name a few.
Almighty God did not give us the Bible to be ignored or treated as though it was a cafeteria, where we can grab a tray and pick out what pleases us and ignore what we don't want to do, or that our church says is for another dispensation! Only to load up on the desserts, those promises and blessings of God! And then we wonder why God feels so far away, seriously?
Lord may 2012 be the year of daily feeding on the "whole council" of the Word of God not picking or choosing what we feel like doing but rather doing what Your Word tells us to do, knowing that You are a Good God and everything You tell us to do is for our good. True wisdom is found hidden in Christ Jesus and blessed, joyful, peaceful and fulfilled is the child that plumbs the depths of Jesus love!
Thank You Father for Your divine discipline, help me to recognize when I am being disciplined so I can repent of my sin and be cleansed from all unrighteousness.
How many times have you heard a child of God say when they were going through some tough times, I am really under attack from the enemy? Or have you ever wondered why God wasn't answering your prayers, at least not the way you wanted Him to? Ever opened the Word of God and nothing spoke to you, you couldn't even remember what you just read? Or you prayed and you felt like your prayers didn't get beyond the ceiling or maybe not even that high? We have all experienced these things!
Could we be experiencing the discipline of the Lord? Yes! What brings on the discipline of the Lord? As with everything else we find those answers in the Word of God. Read the following and perhaps in one or more of the examples you will be convicted by the Holy Spirit within you.
There is never an acceptable reason for refusing to do what the Lord is telling us to do in Scripture. And as in the laws of our land, ignorance of the Law of God is no excuse! God gave us an incredible gift, His Word, Spirit breathed and useful for everything pertaining to our lives, Jesus Christ is on every page and He will reveal Himself to those who seek Him in its pages and to those who do what He commands.
What are some of His commands that many refuse to acknowledge let alone obey? Tithing, fasting, forgiveness, love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your mind, and all your soul, and love your neighbor as yourself, be good to those who mistreat you, and do not seek revenge, for vengeance is Mine, says the Lord. Seek first the kingdom of God, do not have any idols, do not serve money or you will be a slave to it.
Attitudes of the heart can bring much needed discipline from God; pride, rebellion, liars, lovers of the world, judgmental attitudes, and hardened hearts to name a few.
Almighty God did not give us the Bible to be ignored or treated as though it was a cafeteria, where we can grab a tray and pick out what pleases us and ignore what we don't want to do, or that our church says is for another dispensation! Only to load up on the desserts, those promises and blessings of God! And then we wonder why God feels so far away, seriously?
Lord may 2012 be the year of daily feeding on the "whole council" of the Word of God not picking or choosing what we feel like doing but rather doing what Your Word tells us to do, knowing that You are a Good God and everything You tell us to do is for our good. True wisdom is found hidden in Christ Jesus and blessed, joyful, peaceful and fulfilled is the child that plumbs the depths of Jesus love!
Thank You Father for Your divine discipline, help me to recognize when I am being disciplined so I can repent of my sin and be cleansed from all unrighteousness.
Monday, March 5, 2012
"That they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me." John 17:21 NASB
On one occasion a well known evangelist was asked how had he changed after serving the Lord so faithfully for so many years. He answered that he loved people more now than he ever had! 1 John 2:9; "The one who says he is in the Light and yet hates his brother is in the darkness until now." And 1 John 4:20; "If someone says, "I love God," and hates his brother, he is a liar; for the one who does not love his brother whom he has seen, cannot love God whom he has not seen." Finally, John 15:12; "This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you."
The test of a true disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ is, do I love others, not just the body of Christ but do I love those who are lost, do I have the Father's love for the unsaved in the world? And in reality that is a test as to whether or not we truly love God, by the way we answer the previous question.
The longer I walk with the Lord I realize more and more that my heart attitude towards the lost reflects the truth of a believers maturity in the Lord! How can we call ourselves believers in the Lord Jesus if we ignore or worse yet, judge those that do not yet know Him? Can we really convince ourselves that it is okay to never lead another soul to Christ, when Jesus commanded all of us to be His witnesses? Jesus' love can be heard in these words from Matthew 23:37; "Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, the way a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were unwilling." Do you hear the love and compassion for the people of that city, for the same people that would later, with hearts full of hate, cry out over and over again "Crucify Him"!
The believers that love the unlovely in the body of Christ do so because they are so aware of how unlovely they themselves are! Anyone can love the lovely, anyone can love those who love them back, anyone can love those who are useful to them, so what? Even the lost do that!
Jesus loved, touched, and embraced the lepers of His day, He loved His disciples when they denied Him, when they argued amongst themselves as to who was the greatest, He loved them, He never stopped, He prayed for them. And we who are disciples in 2012 look and act the same, yet Jesus loves us, and He will never stop loving us and He is praying for us in Heaven! Hebrews 7:24-25 NLT; "Because Jesus lives forever, His priesthood lasts forever. Therefore He is able, once and forever, to save those who come to God through Him. He lives forever to intercede with God on their behalf."
Father, forgive me for not loving as Jesus does, create in me a clean heart O, LORD a heart like His, full of love, mercy and compassion for others. A heart that knows that none of us deserve Your love, I didn't deserve Your love but while we were all sinners Christ died for the sins of the whole world, including mine! May I walk in His love today. In Jesus name. Amen.
The test of a true disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ is, do I love others, not just the body of Christ but do I love those who are lost, do I have the Father's love for the unsaved in the world? And in reality that is a test as to whether or not we truly love God, by the way we answer the previous question.
The longer I walk with the Lord I realize more and more that my heart attitude towards the lost reflects the truth of a believers maturity in the Lord! How can we call ourselves believers in the Lord Jesus if we ignore or worse yet, judge those that do not yet know Him? Can we really convince ourselves that it is okay to never lead another soul to Christ, when Jesus commanded all of us to be His witnesses? Jesus' love can be heard in these words from Matthew 23:37; "Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, the way a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were unwilling." Do you hear the love and compassion for the people of that city, for the same people that would later, with hearts full of hate, cry out over and over again "Crucify Him"!
The believers that love the unlovely in the body of Christ do so because they are so aware of how unlovely they themselves are! Anyone can love the lovely, anyone can love those who love them back, anyone can love those who are useful to them, so what? Even the lost do that!
Jesus loved, touched, and embraced the lepers of His day, He loved His disciples when they denied Him, when they argued amongst themselves as to who was the greatest, He loved them, He never stopped, He prayed for them. And we who are disciples in 2012 look and act the same, yet Jesus loves us, and He will never stop loving us and He is praying for us in Heaven! Hebrews 7:24-25 NLT; "Because Jesus lives forever, His priesthood lasts forever. Therefore He is able, once and forever, to save those who come to God through Him. He lives forever to intercede with God on their behalf."
Father, forgive me for not loving as Jesus does, create in me a clean heart O, LORD a heart like His, full of love, mercy and compassion for others. A heart that knows that none of us deserve Your love, I didn't deserve Your love but while we were all sinners Christ died for the sins of the whole world, including mine! May I walk in His love today. In Jesus name. Amen.
Saturday, March 3, 2012
"Dear friends, don't be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot do any more to you after that. But I'll tell you whom to fear. Fear God, who has the power to kill you and then throw you into hell. Yes, He is the one to fear." Luke 12:4-5 NLT
If a person has a physical problem there are a plethora of doctors who are experts in their own fields; pediatrics, orthopedics, obstetrics, plastic surgery, geriatrics, gastrointestinal, and I'm stopping now because I think I may have misspelled some of these already and I'm sure you get the picture anyway. Sometimes all we need to do to start feeling better is to exercise, get moving and that not only helps physical problems but emotional problems as well. The Lord taught me that one time in my life when I was emotionally shot, I started exercising and it truly helped my outlook.
Beautiful music and beautiful words can touch our minds and hearts for good. Unfortunately, hate filled music and lustful words can do great harm in our minds and hearts. That is why we are told in Scripture, Philippians 4:8, "Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things."
When it comes to a persons soul health well, God alone has purview over our soul. Our soul is spirit and it is that part of us, that is created in the image of God, for God is spirit. And at death the body dies, and that which was dust returns to dust. But the soul of man lives forever, it never dies. If you are a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation, then you will spend eternity with Him! Even if you reject Christ your soul will live forever but you will spend eternity separated from Jesus, in Hell. Because you made the choice to reject Him.
In the Psalms we read over and over that the Lord restores our soul. In Isaiah chapter 58 He revives our soul. Psalm 142, He brings our soul out of prison, in Psalm 143, my soul longs for the LORD. The LORD strengthens our soul, He delights our soul, He fills our soul with joy, He fills our soul with hope and peace.
Fear and hold in reverent awe He that creates a soul, who alone can save a soul, or cast it away from Him forever. The LORD God is His name!
Beautiful music and beautiful words can touch our minds and hearts for good. Unfortunately, hate filled music and lustful words can do great harm in our minds and hearts. That is why we are told in Scripture, Philippians 4:8, "Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things."
When it comes to a persons soul health well, God alone has purview over our soul. Our soul is spirit and it is that part of us, that is created in the image of God, for God is spirit. And at death the body dies, and that which was dust returns to dust. But the soul of man lives forever, it never dies. If you are a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation, then you will spend eternity with Him! Even if you reject Christ your soul will live forever but you will spend eternity separated from Jesus, in Hell. Because you made the choice to reject Him.
In the Psalms we read over and over that the Lord restores our soul. In Isaiah chapter 58 He revives our soul. Psalm 142, He brings our soul out of prison, in Psalm 143, my soul longs for the LORD. The LORD strengthens our soul, He delights our soul, He fills our soul with joy, He fills our soul with hope and peace.
Fear and hold in reverent awe He that creates a soul, who alone can save a soul, or cast it away from Him forever. The LORD God is His name!
Friday, March 2, 2012
"He then asked, "And you-what are you saying about Me? Who am I?" Peter gave the answer: "You are the Christ, the Messiah." Mark 8:29 MSG
Jesus'disciple, Simon Peter knew that Jesus was the Christ, the Messiah, that prophets of old had prophesied about for over a thousand years. Peter knew because the heavenly Father had revealed that to him. It got me to thinking how would I respond to Jesus question, "Who do you say that I am?" Jesus has many diadems, and many titles most of which I could name off the top of my head. But how many of those titles do I "know" Him as, meaning that I have personally experienced? This is a wonderful exercise for any believer in Jesus, because with each title that you have personal experience of you have that reason to praise and thank Him.
In my life God has blessed me abundantly! I have personal experience with Jesus Christ as; Savior, Redeemer, Deliverer, Lamb of God, Healer, Provider, Almighty God, Good Shepherd, Teacher, Friend, Potter, Vine Dresser, Emanuel, Wisdom, Comforter, Shield, Mighty Fortress, Wonderful Counselor and Prince of Peace! Thank You Lord, I will praise Your name now and forever through out eternity!!!
I have received from Him; lovingkindness, mercy, forgiveness, love, tenderness, grace, discipline, righteousness, hope, peace, joy, strength and every good gift in my entire life! Thank You Lord, I will praise Your name now and forever through out eternity!!!
God is my Rock, He is the desire of my heart, He is God and there is no other!
Of all of God's commands none can be better that this; He has given to believers the privilege and responsibility of telling the Good News, sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ with everyone all over the world. All we have to do is to confess Jesus as Lord and share with others what Jesus has done in our lives, that is our testimony. Then we take them to Jesus through the Holy Word of God. For example this is my favorite Scripture to go to when sharing Christ for it was these very verses that drew me to Him for salvation! Romans 10:9-11, 13!
"If you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation. For the Scripture says, "WHOEVER BELIEVES IN HIM WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED." for "WHOEVER WILL CALL ON THE NAME OF THE LORD WILL BE SAVED."
Well,what are you waiting for...
In my life God has blessed me abundantly! I have personal experience with Jesus Christ as; Savior, Redeemer, Deliverer, Lamb of God, Healer, Provider, Almighty God, Good Shepherd, Teacher, Friend, Potter, Vine Dresser, Emanuel, Wisdom, Comforter, Shield, Mighty Fortress, Wonderful Counselor and Prince of Peace! Thank You Lord, I will praise Your name now and forever through out eternity!!!
I have received from Him; lovingkindness, mercy, forgiveness, love, tenderness, grace, discipline, righteousness, hope, peace, joy, strength and every good gift in my entire life! Thank You Lord, I will praise Your name now and forever through out eternity!!!
God is my Rock, He is the desire of my heart, He is God and there is no other!
Of all of God's commands none can be better that this; He has given to believers the privilege and responsibility of telling the Good News, sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ with everyone all over the world. All we have to do is to confess Jesus as Lord and share with others what Jesus has done in our lives, that is our testimony. Then we take them to Jesus through the Holy Word of God. For example this is my favorite Scripture to go to when sharing Christ for it was these very verses that drew me to Him for salvation! Romans 10:9-11, 13!
"If you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation. For the Scripture says, "WHOEVER BELIEVES IN HIM WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED." for "WHOEVER WILL CALL ON THE NAME OF THE LORD WILL BE SAVED."
Well,what are you waiting for...
Thursday, March 1, 2012
"So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace."" Romans 8:6 NLT
Here are the next two verses that go with today's title scripture. "For the sinful nature is always hostile to God. It never did obey God's laws, and it never will. That's why those who are still under the control of their sinful nature can never please God." Romans 8:7-8 NLT.
Another word for sinful nature is the flesh. One day the Lord really opened my mind and He gave me understanding of Romans chapter 8:1-14. At least what walking in the flesh looks like as compared to walking in the Spirit of God.
Walking in the flesh comes naturally since we are all born into the sin nature, it is like a default setting. Walking in the flesh is easy; my thoughts, actions, eyes are all focused on Me. I am the center of my universe. I'm living life my way, just like the song, its funny before I was born again and walking in the Spirit of God I really loved the lyrics of that song because it seems so appealing, being on the throne of my life sounded good but like all things of the world it wasn't as it seemed, it is another lie that ends up making us feel empty inside. Pursuit of wealth, power, prestige, also fall into that smoke and mirrors category.
When I am walking or being led by the Holy Spirit my thoughts, deeds, eyes are all focused on the Lord and being obedient to follow where He leads. As the Lord was showing me He made it simple so I could understand and I will attempt to share what He showed me.
The lesson involved revealing to me the way I interact with people, not just other believers but the unsaved people in my life. Generally speaking a life in the flesh is so self absorbed that there is very little room for other people except family members or unless you need them to achieve your own goals. If you are useful to me, I can be charming, if not I don't even see you. That sounds harsh but it is reality. There are two examples that I believe we can all relate to, the workplace or the grocery store. How often do you get involved with other shoppers or co-workers only if you need their assistance?
Walking in the Spirit is like all of a sudden instead of seeing people in shades of gray it is like they are all in living color! You are actually seeing people and you have a desire to reach out to them, as you are shopping, you notice a puzzled look on someone's face and you ask if you could help them, the person in the power cart is struggling to reach a shelf and you just hand it to them, or standing in line you help the person behind you unload their cart, you ask the cashier how they are doing and really listen, you offer to pray for them, in the parking lot you help an older lady to unload her cart into her car and put up her cart. The examples could continue, what has happened is that God is giving you His eyes for others! In the work place it is even easier, it is acknowledging others, encouraging and assisting people that can't do a thing for you or for your career. It is giving someone praise in front of their peers, or it is offering to pray with a co-worker that is really struggling. It is taking the time to help others to achieve their goals! It's coming along side a person in need instead of walking right past them as though they didn't even exist!
Everyday that we choose to be led by the Spirit becomes a day ripe with opportunities that have eternal consequences! "For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God." Romans 8:14 NASB.
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Another word for sinful nature is the flesh. One day the Lord really opened my mind and He gave me understanding of Romans chapter 8:1-14. At least what walking in the flesh looks like as compared to walking in the Spirit of God.
Walking in the flesh comes naturally since we are all born into the sin nature, it is like a default setting. Walking in the flesh is easy; my thoughts, actions, eyes are all focused on Me. I am the center of my universe. I'm living life my way, just like the song, its funny before I was born again and walking in the Spirit of God I really loved the lyrics of that song because it seems so appealing, being on the throne of my life sounded good but like all things of the world it wasn't as it seemed, it is another lie that ends up making us feel empty inside. Pursuit of wealth, power, prestige, also fall into that smoke and mirrors category.
When I am walking or being led by the Holy Spirit my thoughts, deeds, eyes are all focused on the Lord and being obedient to follow where He leads. As the Lord was showing me He made it simple so I could understand and I will attempt to share what He showed me.
The lesson involved revealing to me the way I interact with people, not just other believers but the unsaved people in my life. Generally speaking a life in the flesh is so self absorbed that there is very little room for other people except family members or unless you need them to achieve your own goals. If you are useful to me, I can be charming, if not I don't even see you. That sounds harsh but it is reality. There are two examples that I believe we can all relate to, the workplace or the grocery store. How often do you get involved with other shoppers or co-workers only if you need their assistance?
Walking in the Spirit is like all of a sudden instead of seeing people in shades of gray it is like they are all in living color! You are actually seeing people and you have a desire to reach out to them, as you are shopping, you notice a puzzled look on someone's face and you ask if you could help them, the person in the power cart is struggling to reach a shelf and you just hand it to them, or standing in line you help the person behind you unload their cart, you ask the cashier how they are doing and really listen, you offer to pray for them, in the parking lot you help an older lady to unload her cart into her car and put up her cart. The examples could continue, what has happened is that God is giving you His eyes for others! In the work place it is even easier, it is acknowledging others, encouraging and assisting people that can't do a thing for you or for your career. It is giving someone praise in front of their peers, or it is offering to pray with a co-worker that is really struggling. It is taking the time to help others to achieve their goals! It's coming along side a person in need instead of walking right past them as though they didn't even exist!
Everyday that we choose to be led by the Spirit becomes a day ripe with opportunities that have eternal consequences! "For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God." Romans 8:14 NASB.
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