Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Recipe for Success .. Pick up Your Cross Daily

My Utmost For His Highest
 
‘When we are born again, the Holy Spirit begins to work His new creation in us, and there will come a time when there is nothing remaining of the old life. Our old gloomy outlook disappears, as does our old attitude toward things, and “all things are of God” (2 Corinthians 5:18). How are we going to get a life that has no lust, no self-interest, and is not sensitive to the ridicule of others? How will we have the type of love that “is kind . . . is not provoked, [and] thinks no evil”? (1 Corinthians 13:4-5). The only way is by allowing nothing of the old life to remain, and by having only simple, perfect trust in God— such a trust that we no longer want God’s blessings, but only want God Himself.’ CHAMBERS
 
I preached at a church this past Sunday using this text .. 2 Corinthians 5.  The problem with letting the old things go is global .. it crosses cultures and generations .. it is the struggle of mankind .. not just mine.  I think we forget that at times.  That sin is a problem for everyone .. and salvation through Jesus is a solution for everyone … across time .. across continents …
 
At the same time … God has called us to a new life that is powered by His Spirit .. fueled by faith .. but still, we sometimes convince ourselves that we are the exception .. that some bias we hold on to .. some sin we have discounted as “OK” to hang on to … God understands!  When in fact .. it is quite the contrary ….. this life we have been called to is a holy calling … we should never be content with the influence of our old nature .. we should reject everything that sets itself up against the things of God .. and the work that He is doing in each of us.
 
We have to examine our hearts … don’t convince yourself that you are ‘good to go’ spiritually .. that there is nothing left in you of the old nature .. that thought in itself is proof that there is … Jesus said to pick our cross daily .. and follow Him.  Luke 9:23 ‘Then he [Jesus] said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.”
 
A recipe for success in our faith walk … Let your light shine ….
 
Bondye Beni Ou (God Bless You)

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