As a newly saved, totally committed follower of
Jesus, I did not want to displease God. Therefore, in my first few months after
being Born Again, I made lists, using my trusty concordance to look up verses
about what pleased Him and what displeased Him.
I diligently researched verse after verse, making
two columns on a legal pad, so that I could fully comprehend what He wants from
His Saints. I religiously adhered to even the most vague letter of the law
(Matthew 5:18).
My heart was in the right place in desiring not to
disappoint God; however, what I eventually learned was that no amount of
striving could produce righteousness in me (Titus 3:5; Ephesians 2:8-9).
All of my religious effort to walk in holiness
amounted to no more than a pile of old dirty rags (Isaiah 64:6). All of my
determination simply built my house on the sand and gave me boasting rights,
because of my accomplishments, that did not really belong to me (Matthew 7:26).
God finally got through to me and convinced me that
I could accomplished nothing lasting or valuable by trusting in my own
self-efforts. Only as I drew near to God, and resisted Satan, could I walk in
freedom and truly please God (James 4:7-8).
I learned that the real key is to walk in the
Spirit each moment of the day. Listening to His directions and following His
peace takes practice; but once learned, it turns into a lifetime habit that
results in righteousness, peace and joy (Romans 14:17).
Prayer:
Father God, our old way of life is gone forever.
You made everything completely new by Jesus' sacrifice on Calvary's cross (2
Corinthians 5:17; Romans 6:23). Thank You for ordering our days and blessing us
in every area of our life as we trust in You (Psalm 139:16; 2 Corinthians 9:8).
Your ways are perfect. Your Son dwells within us
and is the God of truth with no iniquity in Him (Deuteronomy 32:4). Thank You
for drawing us closer to You, for filling us with a fresh union with Your
Spirit, and for blessing us in each new day beyond anything we could ever
imagine.
Thought for the Day:
The Spirit of God empowers us, fills us, directs
us, comforts us, and enables us to shun evil and honor God with all of our
thoughts, words, emotions and actions.
