How often have you thought about how well things are working in your world? If you’re like me, maybe you don’t think about what is working well until something breaks down or goes missing. In our fast-paced world, we are often in such a rush to get somewhere or do something, that we overlook many things.
This week, Karen and I watched a movie that was made more than 20 years ago. A lot has changed since then, but our need to have our sins forgiven remains constant. Sadly, pride keeps many people from reaching out to the Lord.
In “The Strategy of Satan: How to Detect and Defeat Him,” Warren Wiersbe writes: “The Christian life is basically a matter of the will. We are to love the Lord with all our heart (the emotions) and our mind (the intellect) and our strength (the will). The Holy Spirit wants to instruct the mind through the Word, inspire the heart with true holy emotions, and then strengthen the will to do the will of God. A dedicated Christian prays whether he feels like it or not. He obeys the Word of God regardless of his own feelings. The believer who lives on his emotions is repeatedly up and down; he lives on a religious roller coaster. But the believer who lives on the basis of ‘spiritual willpower’ has a consistent Christian life and a steady ministry that is not threatened by changing circumstances or feelings.
Your will is important because your will helps to determine your character. Decisions mold character, and decisions chart the directions of your life. You may want to blame circumstances or feelings, or even other people; but this is only an excuse. It is the will that must direct the life. You were saved by saying ‘I will!’ as you responded to God’s gracious call; and you grow and serve God by saying ‘Thy will!’”
In Psalm 40, David wrote about God hearing his cry and setting his feet upon a rock. He looked forward to when the Lord Jesus would fulfill the prophecies written of Him. These are found in John 6:38 and Hebrews 10:5-7.
May we seek to walk hand in hand with the Lord, who loves us with an everlasting love.
Scripture for the weekend: “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble. Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:5-7 (NKJV)
Thought for the weekend: “On a very personal level, your ability to stay the course as a Christian is directly linked to your participation in the body of Christ. Our enemy, Satan, constantly seeks to detour God’s people away from God’s path. Those who fail to meet regularly with other believers will be more likely to give up in the face of temptation, discouragement, or problems (Hebrews 10:25).” – Dr. David Jeremiah (from his Study Bible)
Steve