But Jesus said ....

My Utmost For His Highest

 

‘There is no heaven that has a little corner of hell in it. God is determined to make you pure, holy, and right, and He will not allow you to escape from the scrutiny of the Holy Spirit for even one moment. […] When seen from God’s perspective, it is a glorious ministry of love. God is going to bring you out pure, spotless, and undefiled, but He wants you to recognize the nature you were exhibiting— the nature of demanding your right to yourself. The moment you are willing for God to change your nature, His recreating forces will begin to work. And the moment you realize that God’s purpose is to get you into the right relationship with Himself and then with others, He will reach to the very limits of the universe to help you take the right road. Decide to do it right now…’ CHAMBERS

 

We have been called to a new life and given the power to live it by the Holy Spirit and the vision to see where we are to go and how we are to live with the Word of God … it is a lamp and light for us.  God said we are to be holy because He is holy.  I wish that were true of me all of the time … I would like to say it is .. but I cannot.  This life I live is a battle .. a battle between the flesh and the Spirit.  In Matthew chapter 5, Jesus painted a verbal picture of that battle.

 

[The flesh says] 21 “You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ [But Jesus said] 22 But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment.

 

[The flesh says] 27 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ [But Jesus said] 28 But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.

 

[The flesh says] 31 “It has been said, ‘Anyone who divorces his wife must give her a certificate of divorce.’ [But Jesus said] 32 But I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, makes her the victim of adultery, and anyone who marries a divorced woman commits adultery.

 

[The flesh says] 33 “Again, you have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘Do not break your oath, but fulfill to the Lord the vows you have made.’ [But Jesus said] 34 But I tell you, do not swear an oath at all: either by heaven, for it is God’s throne; 35 or by the earth, for it is his footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the Great King. 36 And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make even one hair white or black. 37 All you need to say is simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.

 

[The flesh says] 38 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ [But Jesus said] 39 But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. 40 And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. 41 If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. 42 Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.

 

[The flesh says] 43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ [But Jesus said] 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be children of your Father in heaven.

 

[And Jesus said] 14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

 

The New Testament reveals a “new”  way of thinking and living.  Jesus revealed the Spirit of the Law, not just the letter of the law.  You want to know how to let your light shine?  Read Matthew chapter 5 again.  You cannot do those things apart from the Spirit of God in you.  You need to fuel the Holy Fire with obedience.  Let the world see Jesus in you …. Fulfill your purpose and give glory to God.

 

Bondye Beni Ou (God Bless You)