Today's scriptures are about learning how to live by the principles of God. It's so easy to hear sermons, and read devotionals about the forgiveness of God, but it's very hard to stand on the ones that hold us responsible for our own conduct and choices in life. There are so many people that start to question God, their salvation, and even the validity of the Bible, at the first feeling of conviction, because the real truth is hard to bear. God gives us as the responsibility to choose Him, each and every moment of the day. That's how most of us have to live, moment by moment, because the devil is always working to steer us onto the wrong path. However, we give him way too much credit, because in everything that we do, we have a choice. No one is making us choose to do the wrong things, we're just weak to the flesh. Some are more weak then others, so it's up to us to live our own life, and go down the path that God has laid out for us. One of the hardest things to do in life is to admit that you're wrong, but the easiest thing to do is to make excuses for the wrong that you've done. How many people use the infamous line, "the devil made me do it"? In all actuality, he really don't matter, one way or the other, in the life of a believer. From what we learn about him in the bible, he was kicked out of heaven because wanted to be equal with God, but he is in no way equal. Jesus Christ, who lives inside of us, makes us much stronger than he.
It's time for us to start living in victory--like the Saint's that we are through Christ. He's not looking for a perfect believer, but a believer that will at least try. Samuel tried to explain this to King Saul, because Saul had lost sight of this very thing. It's written: "...The LORD has sought for Himself a man after His own heart, and the LORD has commanded him to be commander over His people, because you have not kept what the LORD commanded you.” (1 Sam 13:14) There you have it, the simple truth--The Lord seeks men and woman who are after His own heart, and He exalts them in His Kingdom. His commandment to love Him with all of our heart shouldn't be taken lightly. Jesus said: "He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him.” (John 14:21) The only way to keep Jesus' commandments is to be aware of His presence, and to learn His ways.
We must first know what Jesus expects from us, before we can do what's required, and it takes some practice. It takes the study of His Word, and our praise and worship. It takes fellowship with other believers, and a yearning for righteousness. Everyone who has confessed Jesus as Lord and Savior, has been anointed with the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit not only convicts us when we do something wrong, but He warns us before we even make the choice. However, if we've consistently ignored His warnings, then we'll become immune to His voice, and will go on to make bad decisions. I don't know if you know anyone who confesses Jesus as Lord, but still lives like one of the biggest heathens on earth, but I sure do. I remember when I was one of those people, so I understand why they can live like they seemingly have no conscience or the Holy Spirit. However, the good News is, that the Holy Spirit is a living breathing Spirit of God, and He's always waiting to be called by you. He's been sent to live within us to be our helper, and Spiritual "tour guide" of sorts, as we continue on this journey to righteousness, among this wicked and perverse nation. Consult Him before you make a decision, especially when you're not sure if it's good or bad, and He'll be right there to help you along the way. Just as Jesus' job was to go to the Cross, the Holy Spirit's job is to be our helper and "Spiritual Adviser".
If God appointed Jesus as our Savior and High Priest, and the Holy Spirit as our "Helper", then surely He's appointed each and every one of us a job to complete on this earth. The first job is to be sure that we're trying our best to make better choices. You don't have to curse everyone that makes you mad, or drink every time you go to a party or social event. You don't have to fornicate, or commit adultery just to please your flesh. You don't have to wear provocative clothes just to get attention, because when we allow Jesus to completely purify our heart, His light will shine so brightly in you, that everyone will notice. These are just some of the surface, and most common sins; we all know that it gets way deeper, but we don't have to let all of these frivolous things have control over us. You can choose to live like Christ, because you are in fact a Christian, which gives you the power to overcome the world and the temptations of the flesh. Jesus paid a great price to give us that opportunity, so it's time to choose Him.
If you're feeling like no matter what you do in life, something is missing, then it's time to make better choices. I know how it feels when you're growing in your finances, career, and personal relationships, but you still feel like there's something missing. I ignored God's calling on my life for so many years, and in those years I was miserable, depressed, and lost, but the moment I made a conscious decision to at least try to live for Him, my life changed drastically. I'm not referring to the outward changes only, but my inner peace--my ability to trust Him for everything I could ever want or need in life--which freed me to live again. If you're ready to live again, please take a few moments to take the God Quiz right now. Choosing Jesus is the first "right choice" you can make in life. Next, be aware of every decision that has to be made, and if you're not sure what the right choice is, consult your Holy Spirit. My favorite verses today are: The grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ: who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. (Titus 2:11-14)
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