Daily Devotional Day & Night

HAPPY THURSDAY!

Today's scriptures are about having self-control. I’ve learned to adopt this concept: “In everything, therefore, treat people the same way you want them to treat you, for this is the Law and the Prophets.” (Matt 7:12 NAS) Jesus gave us this command to help us be better individuals. We should see ourselves as a reflection of Christ, because we are created in His image. Jesus was a Man who walked uprightly, and was kind to everyone He encountered, not because He had to, but because He loved everyone, and wanted to show God through His actions. Nothing He did was in vain, and He took pride in knowing that just by being obedient, He was literally saving all mankind from destruction and eternal death. We should take on that same burden, knowing that our actions could easily bring life or death to people. If we’re claiming to be Christians, we’re taking on the responsibilities of Christ. We’re disciples, and not only are we required to love each other, but we’re required to share His love, and teach His commandments. However, how could we adequately teach something if we aren’t practicing it? It’s written: It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit, who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the coming age, if they fall away, to be brought back to repentance, because to their loss they are crucifying the Son of God all over again and subjecting him to public disgrace. Land that drinks in the rain often falling on it and that produces a crop useful to those for whom it is farmed receives the blessing of God. But land that produces thorns and thistles is worthless and is in danger of being cursed. In the end it will be burned. (Hebrews 6:4-8 NIV) Wow, Paul laid it all out for us right here, and in an “as a matter of fact” way. What Paul is saying is that it is impossible, once you’ve received the Holy Spirit, and have experienced the love of God, for you to live like a person who isn’t saved. If you do, it’s like crucifying Jesus all over again. Imagine how bad Jesus must feel when He’s in Heaven fighting for you, and you disgrace His Name? It is so important that we practice self-control in our Faith walk, because we are not only adding sins to our soul, but we’re pretty much worthless to the Kingdom of God. God has cleansed us with the blood of His only Son, to sow His love into us, and when we aren’t reaping, then we’re in jeopardy of falling by the wayside. It’s important to seek the Kingdom of God, commit to submitting to His will, and try our best to be obedient. When we’re doing those things, we’re sure to be wonderful representatives of Christ. We must “practice what we preach”, because we can do more harm to people’s Spiritual wellbeing by being dishonest, than anything else. We cannot live by the “do as I say, not as I do” mentally. We must lead by example, and there are so many lost sheep that are in need of leadership. They’re looking to those of us who confess Christ as Lord as their guide. How could I try to convince you to only eat McDonalds, because it’s the healthiest choice, but you only see me eat Burger King? We cannot convince these Spiritually lost and confused people that God is the only way to go, and condemn them for the lifestyles that they lead, if we lead those same lifestyles as well. We may not lead them as often, or as blatant as them, but we still lead them. This goes right back to the “treat people the way you want to be treated” moral value. You expect to be able to trust your teachers, or the people who are supposed to be showing you the love of God, so you must truly live like Christ, so that people will also trust you. Give yourself completely to God, and never look back. If you can do as Jesus commanded the “Rich Man”, and give up all that you have, [meaning the sinful and wicked ways you’ve become accustomed to], and follow Him, you’ll forever be in God’s good graces. As humans we’re comfortable with what we know, and when we’re asked to step out of our comfort zone, and trust something new and foreign, it’s sometimes hard to do. However, God is asking you to do your best to control your flesh, by changing your surroundings, praying without ceasing, and yearning for His Word. This allows your light to shine brighter with each day, and that light will help lead more and more people home to Christ. If you don’t have a relationship with Jesus, or aren’t sure of your Salvation, take Dr. Stanley’s God Quiz today! My favorite verses today are: Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize. (I Corinthians 9:25-27 NIV)

ENJOY! http://www.bible.com/scripture-detail.php?juli=2455337&dtype=Scripture
http://www.intouch.org/site/pp.aspx?c=cnKBIPNuEoG&b=4943197
http://www.intouch.org/site/apps/nl/newsletter.asp?c=cnKBIPNuEoG&b=4943547

I love you!

PS