by David Brenneman
"And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us." Romans 5:3-5.
"All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work." 2 Timothy 3:16-17.
"But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you." John 14:26.
"He trains my hands for battle, So that my arms can bend a bow of bronze." Psalms 18:34.
It's been said for decades concerning exercise..."no pain, no gain". "If you want results, you have to work at it." "If it's important enough, you'll make the time for it."
Things like these people try to use to motivate people. Just look at the ads for getting people to go to the gym.
In spiritual life you can't work out for an hour a week and expect to run or even to walk with Jesus.
You can't expect to learn from the Spirit if you aren't engaging in the Word of God.
You cannot at all expect the transformation mentioned in Romans 12 by spending most of your life as a couch potato.
"Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect." Romans 12:1-2.
Spiritual training is supposed to change your outlook on life. It's supposed to enable you to stand your ground, to stand firm, in the Lord with the whole armor of God on you.
There's work to be done in the Lord but if you aren't even concerned enough to associate your obedience in training with the account you will give one day before Jesus...then my Dear Friend, what will you say for yourself?
What will you say was more important than God speaking to you? What will you say was more important than finding out what's important to God and living it out before men and women?
"Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil. So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is." Ephesians 5:15-17.
You, my Dear Reader, have before you two ways to live.
You can't serve two masters. You will cling to one and despise the other. You will hate one and love the other. Jesus said this.
Everyone faces trials and tribulations. Anxiety happens to everyone when the training gets intense or the situation called for training that the person didn't participate in. The Apostle Paul struggled with anxiety. If he did, they all probably did. But Paul said he wouldn't trade it for anything.
What are you doing with your time with your energy with your days?
Are you graciously giving the One who saved you from an eternity separated from God 30 seconds to 30 minutes of your day? Don't you see how incredibly wrong that sounds in light of what Jesus did, what He went through, to save you from that?
Don't you see how easy it is to cling to things that are of this world that do nothing to grow you in Christ?
You are going to face life's battles. It's a promised inevitability.
The training in righteousness you get from the Spirit of God prepares you in advance. No one from the streets, with no training, compares to an Olympic runner.
Was what Jesus did for you really worth what little you give back to Him?
Devotionals can be good but it's your Bible that is the work of God that has the power to transform a life. Get in it. Wear one out from something more than degradation from accumulated dust on the cover. Read the study notes. Before you add any devotionals, get your Bible reading habits formed.
Ask the Author how to better understand what you are reading.
Ask your Teacher, the Holy Spirit, to explain things.
"Your word I have treasured in my heart, That I may not sin against You. Blessed are You, O Lord; Teach me Your statutes. With my lips I have told of All the ordinances of Your mouth. I have rejoiced in the way of Your testimonies, As much as in all riches. I will meditate on Your precepts And regard Your ways." Psalms 119:11-15.
You can't hide in your heart what you haven't stopped to really consider.
You won't begin to understand how to navigate life's tribulations without your knowledge of God and His Word. You will not have a rich, vibrant, relationship with Jesus if you are not even trying to get to know the One who saved your life.
Now, what are you going to do, starting today, to get your life right before Jesus?
What needs to go from your life that's been in the way of you learning to become more like Christ?
If your salvation in Christ Jesus is as important to you as you confessed it to be when you came to Jesus to be saved...it's it about time your words and actions aligned?
Jesus said that His sheep hear His voice. Are you at all listening for His voice? Are you trying?
Get off the couch. He put you in the game. It's time to get back to training in righteousness the way the Spirit wants to do with you.
All NASB 1995 and NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission. (C) Lockman Foundation.
No comments:
Post a Comment