Staying Connected

My Utmost For His Highest

‘Your god may be your little Christian habit— the habit of prayer or Bible reading at certain times of your day. Watch how your Father will upset your schedule if you begin to worship your habit instead of what the habit symbolizes. We say, “I can’t do that right now; this is my time alone with God.” No, this is your time alone with your habit. There is a quality that is still lacking in you. Identify your shortcoming and then look for opportunities to work into your life that missing quality.’ CHAMBERS

Do you find it frustrating that even when you try to do the right thing, it can become the wrong thing?  Godly habits are good … but then .. somehow … the flesh finds a foot hold in those habits and what was good becomes bad.  What it reminds me of is that there is a struggle that rages within me.  The flesh is always waiting for the opportunity to recapture the throne of my heart.  Paul talked about that in Romans 7 … In Proverbs we are encouraged to guard our heart ..

Proverbs 4:23 (NIV)  ‘ Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.’

We used to have that verse sitting on our television as a reminder that the flesh is waiting for the opportunity to satisfy itself.  But we have crucified the flesh …Galatians 5:24 (NIV) ‘Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.’

That does not mean that the struggle is over .. if it did, then Paul could have saved some ink and not written the letters to the churches.  So what do we do?

Romans 7:24-25  ‘What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death? 25 Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!’

We must stay connected to the Vine!  It is through our relationship with Jesus that we can live a life pleasing to God.

Philippians 4:7  (NIV) ‘And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.’

Bondye Beni Ou (God Bless You)