Is There A Difference

Tuesday, ‎September 26, ‎2023

Good morning, Lord

Verse of the Day: Hebrews 10:30-31

For we know Him who said, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. And again, “The Lord will judge His people.” It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

Memory verse: Philippians 4:8 ►Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

Today's reading: ISAIAH 1-2 GALATIANS 5

Is There A Difference?

Is there a difference in what God wants and what is going on in your life? No, don't turn and ask me, "Well, what does God want?" That answer is different for each of us. God has blessed us all with different lives and only you can hear what God says to you, but...

There are things in the Holy Scripture, the Bible, the written-God breathed-living-infallible word of God--there are many things for us to hear if we have ears. In fact, if we are diligent, we can hear God speak each day of our lives-all day long-everyday.

We pray for peace. Paul called God our God of peace, 2 Thessalonians 3:16, 1 Corinthians 14:33. One of the fruit of the Spirit is peace, Galatiians 5:22,23. But how can we know this fruit if we are disobedient to what God has for of each day. There are mountains of prayer offered up for world peace. The truth is, we could spend years and have, praying for peace with no results because we have ignored what God says for us individually. The answer to this is realizing that peace has to be real in our own lives through obedience and that world peace will not come...except for one heart at a time.

We pray for revival. What we mean is that people return to God and live like it. Are we living like it? Can the people you encounter everyday see the results of revival in your behavior. Will you live your life and become old and cranky and one of the 'complainers' that people behind the counter roll their eyes at as you walk away? It happens all the time.

Where is the unconditional love that judges not?

Paul wrote about it in Galatians 5: 22 The Holy Spirit produces a different kind of fruit: unconditional love, joy, peace, patience, kindheartedness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. You won’t find any law opposed to fruit like this. 24 Those of us who belong to the Anointed One have crucified our old lives and put to death the flesh and all the lusts and desires that plague us.

25 Now since we have chosen to walk with the Spirit, let’s keep each step in perfect sync with God’s Spirit. 26 This will happen when we set aside our self-interests and work together to create true community instead of a culture consumed by provocation, pride, and envy.

Self-interests? When you are really aggravated at the 'person behind the counter or their organization, do you consider the person themselves? Every person you encounter has a different set of trials and burdens they carry and some are ready to hear just a small word of encouragement or simple kindness. Will you be the one who delivers the grace of God to that heart? Or, are you consumed by provocation, pride, or envy?

I am not writing to a congregation. I am writing to you-because when you go before God, you go alone. You hear what God says to you if you are listening. Is your heart right or does your own heart condemn you so badly you are afraid to try to pray?

The will of God for you is written right there in the Bible.

1 Thessalonians 5:16 Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

God has told us how to live:

Micah 6:8 He has shown you, O mortal, what is good.

And what does the Lord require of you?

To act justly and to love mercy

and to walk humbly with your God.

Jesus told us what the number one and number two commandments are:

Matthew 22:37 And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. 38 This is the great and first commandment. 39 And the second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. 40 On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.”

Are you obedient? Don't look around. There is no one to answer but you-but it is as simple as the Bible says it is:

1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

It can be this simple if we wade through the swamp of our own stuff-leave it at the door as we confess it-let it go-walk as Jesus walked-selflessly and unconditionally loving neighbor and self.

I write to myself as I write to you. We all have a tremendous opportunity before God and in this world-to know Him and make Him known-to keep the main thing the main thing.

There is always loving to do...

...because He loves us...

Father in Heaven,

I confess it all. I am not who I am supposed to be. I confess I am me. I own up to all my junk. Have mercy on me and forgive.

Merciful and patient God.

In the name of Christ Jesus,

Amen