There is a subtle temptation that encourages Christians to be “practical” and to “get results,” believing “the end justifies the means.” Don’t be led away by man's reasoning. An examination of God's Word shows that the means are sometimes even more important than the results. The world tries to convince you that as long as you can accomplish something for the kingdom of God, that's all that matters. For example, Ananias and Sapphira gave an offering to their church, which was a good thing, but they did it deceitfully. God judged them immediately, not for what they did, but for how they did it (Acts 5:1–11). Satan tried to trap Jesus with this same temptation. Satan did not question the worthiness of Jesus’ task, but simply offered “practical” solutions to accomplish Jesus’ goal more quickly and at lesser cost. God's ways are not like man's ways. “Efficiency” from man's perspective is not prized by God. It did not seem efficient to have the children of Israel march around Jericho thirteen times and then blow their trumpets, but it brought the walls down (Josh. 6). It did not appear wise to select the youngest of Jesse's sons to become the next king, but God saw a man after His own heart (1 Sam. 16:11). At first glance, it does not seem logical for Jesus to have picked the twelve disciples He did, yet through them God dramatically affected their world. It is never wise to attempt to do God's work in man's way. It is an age-old temptation that seems to make sense on the surface but often is at variance with the purposes of God. - Blackaby Experiencing God Day by Day
Oh my dear reader this lesson hits home for me in many ways. You see, I jumped the gun on God's work on my life decades ago and paid a horrible price for my actions.
I had thought that I fully understood what God had planned for me, and had began working out my plans to make them happen.
The results were beyond disastrous. I won't go into details, but sufficient to say lives were affected and I can only pray that God still brought about good from my arrogance...that what I messed up...He used for good.
I have been seeing people post their testimony online recently. It's said that every believer has a story to tell of their coming to Christ. That's what a testimony is. It's where you can point to a moment in time and tell someone why you chose Jesus.
Mine goes way back to when I was 7. I am in my 50's now. It indeed is a long time ago. I can remember knowing that I needed Jesus to save me. Knew that I was a sinner in need of a Savior. I can remember going up front in church. Remember to this day being in the pastor's office and talking with and praying with the Elders. The sunshine coming through the tall window in that office.
I was excited like you might not believe. I was all geared up to tell others at school the next day. I wasn't prepared for how cruel kids could be about it. I grew up in a Christian home. Was always going to Church. My parents were involved in Church.
It was a painful time for me back then. It hurt bad enough that to this day I can remember how it made me feel. What was worse is that I was afraid to tell anyone how it went or how it made me feel. I held it all inside.
Life still happened and the struggles of it still happened. It was about 10 years later that I thought I was given another opportunity by God. He was showing me some plans He had for me. I got all excited again and forged ahead. Forgetting to bring Him along. That's the beginning of the disaster.
Talk about your wayward Disciple. It took God decades to bring me back around to where I am now. The trials and pains were necessary Spiritual surgeries to make me useful to serve. It's not been without speed bumps.
But all this to say...Jesus is the way. The way. Not a way...not one of many ways. In that Salvation is in Christ Jesus alone. With that comes the truth that it's in His way alone in your life.
Jesus has plans for you when you come to Christ. I am testifying to you today that you need to wait in Him when He begins His work in you. The days are drawing to a close on the Church age. But it doesn't mean believers can sit back and watch. To be His workmanship means we live according to His plan and purpose.
Each day of this virus's affect on the world can bring a level of anxiety. Something you can't see that can be anywhere. People are dying from it. People are recovering from it. But even in this, God has a plan. Look at what He has done! Millions who have never set foot in a Church building were at online services yesterday. Many are seeking peace and the Spirit is showing people the Way. They are seeking the truth and are finding Jesus.
Jesus fulfilled the Scriptures. He arose from the dead to rule and reign as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. He promised that any who call upon Him to be saved by no means would He cast away.
Jesus made a way when there was no way to be saved. People before Jesus who were God fearing people looked forward to the Prophecy being fulfilled in Him. Since He came, lived, died and arose again, we all since then who believe look back to what He did.
He keeps His promises. He promised never to leave us nor forsake us.
He promised that if He went away He would return again to take us to be with Him.
He promised that should they crucify Him, He would arise from the dead. He would do what He did because He loves you and I.
He defeated death. He became the Way.
Be careful today as you go about life. But know that your life is safe with Jesus if you are indeed a believer.
Jesus loves you and He has a plan for you. He is coming back soon. The Bible says blessed we are if we are found doing what God had wanted us to be doing when He returns. Pray always.
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