Back to Basics
Monday, January 14, 2008
“Talk is Cheap…”
22On judgment day many will say to me, ‘Lord! Lord! We prophesied in your name and cast out demons in your name and performed many miracles in your name.’ 23But I will reply, ‘I never knew you. Get away from me, you who break God’s laws.’ Matthew 7:22-23 NLT
I hope I didn’t leave you confused by the last two questions for reflection and action yesterday. When I asked you to consider the area that has been most problematic in your life when it comes to doing the will of Jesus, and then to find a Scripture to “hide” in your heart as “ammunition” against it, what I was saying was—God’s word is our only “weapon” in spiritual warfare. If we have a sin that’s keeping us from living in victory, we won’t overcome it by trying harder not to do it. We need to “attack” it with the “sword of the Spirit” which is the word of God! For example, let’s say you have a problem with lust. A great Scripture to hide in your heart (that is to memorize and to internalize) is Galatians 5:13 13For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love. Gal 5:13 NLT As you learn the verse, and recite it, and recognize that God’s freedom is to be used to SERVE one another in love, that becomes the ACTION to replace lust. In today’s focus Scripture Jesus reminds us that sometimes even our actions that seem good come from the wrong motive. Most of us would think it incredible if we could prophecy, cast out demons or perform miracles in Jesus’ name. Yet, Jesus says some such folks will be cast out of heaven. Why? Because the BREAK GOD’S LAWS. It isn’t enough to appear good, or to do good things, if our hearts are not focused on Jesus, on loving Him with all our hearts, souls, minds and strength, and on loving our neighbors as ourselves. More on this tomorrow, but for today, remember—we need to be “arming” ourselves with God’s word, so we can address the problem areas in our lives, and ultimately DO the will of our Father in Heaven.
Questions and Comments for Reflection and Action:
After this additional explanation, do you understand how important it is to address the problem areas in your life when it comes to DOING the will of Jesus?
Take some time right now to arm yourself with additional Scriptures in any area that is keeping you from being and doing all Jesus has planned. If you need help in finding Scriptures for specific problems, don’t hesitate to call or e-mail me (Study Phone: 724-352-4196, e-mail: chris@newlifexn.org. You’ll find that God honors your commitment to DO His will!