King David was recognized and honored by the Lord as a man after His own heart. Practicing repentance on an ongoing basis. Allowing the Lord’s truth to guide and encourage him. Enabling David to do great feats for the Lord’s glory.
Obedience is not a human tendency. It must be learned. For the heart is more deceitful than anything else and desperately sick. Jeremiah 17:9
Relinquishing control. Surrendering to the Lord. Obedience is mandatory if you are to fulfill your Kingdom destiny.
Obedience initially is difficult. But the benefits far outweigh any inconvenience or temporary discomfort you may experience.
Obedience teaches you to live in the moment instead of the past or the future. Since interruptions are no longer perceived as negative. Stress becomes a fading memory. Judgmental conclusions and impulsive responses decrease.
With confidence you tackle the impossible. Knowing that with God all things are possible.
As you spend time in the Lord’s presence. You are transformed. Becoming more Christ-like.
Any darkness residing in you is illuminated. This disclosure is an opportunity to repent. To demolish arguments and every high-minded thing that is raised up against the knowledge of God. Taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:4-5
Arguments and every high-minded thing— idols are paradigms that must be destroyed. For they silence the voice of God. Idols are deceptive because they can be beneficial and desirable.
Who can argue that
- keeping a clean house, giving 110% on your job and paying your bills on time is a mark of excellence?
- exercise and a healthy diet will add years to your life?
- serving others and giving to the poor is a biblical mandate?
- happy children and caring friends suggest a loving heart?
- the pursuit of the American dream is the personification of adulthood?
So what is wrong with any of these? Nothing. Until it
- becomes the driving force in your life.
- forms the core of your identity.
- provides a sense of control and security.
- dictates how your time and resources are spent.
How can you know what is and is not an idol in your life? Ask the Lord. He alone is able to search your heart and examine your motives. Uncovering who or what
- holds the key to your heart.
- has supreme authority in your life.
- commands your allegiance.
- satisfies your desires and needs.
Demolishing strongholds— idols is a process. Requiring your patience and total reliance upon the Lord’s guidance and grace. Do not be deceived. It is difficult and at times a painful process.
Since idols are a visual representation to the world and to you of your identity and worth. Your flesh will not whisper but scream its objections at being deprived of them!
It will not be easy for you, or those you love. Everyone will have to learn to adapt to lifestyle changes. Ultimately it will lead to a simplified life because the Lord is now your Watchman.
Watchmen in biblical times were the first weapon of defense against enemy invasion. Stationed on the city walls, a watchtower or a hilltop. It was their responsibility to report suspicious persons and/or activity. Engage the enemy if necessary. Watchmen were continually alert, focused and genuinely concerned for the people they protected.
How comforting to know that God is your watchman. Shouting from heaven.
I am God, and there is no other. I am God, and there is no one like Me. Declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times. Things which have not been done. My purpose will be established, and I will accomplish all My good pleasure.
Truly I have spoken. Truly I will bring it to pass. I have planned it. Surely I will do it. Isaiah 46:9-11
Sounding the alarm when the enemy of your soul devises an attack against you.
But you will not hear the alarm if your heart is sick— if sin lives in your life.
No one enjoys talking about sin because it blaringly declares that you have
- been defeated by a conquered enemy.
- betrayed Jesus and minimized the torture He endured.
- turned your back on God.
- delayed fulfilling or throwing away your Kingdom destiny.
The Word of God continually exhorts us to avoid sin. Regrettably, many have a cavalier attitude about sin. Failing to understand. Sin may bring pleasure for a season, but one day the devil will demand his payment.
Like King David, we all have allowed our flesh to rule our lives at one time or another by believing a lie.
More about that lie next week.
Be a VOICE shouting into the wilderness.
“CHRIST is returning!”
letsloveothers 