Monday, July 25, 2016

Focus On Jesus And Stay In Your Lane Of LIfe

My Utmost For His Highest
 
Blessed are… —Matthew 5:3-11
 
“When we first read the statements of Jesus, they seem wonderfully simple and unstartling, and they sink unnoticed into our subconscious minds. […] Then we must decide whether or not we will accept the tremendous spiritual upheaval that will be produced in our circumstances if we obey His words. That is the way the Spirit of God works. […]  the interpretation by the Spirit of God as He applies our Lord’s statements to our circumstances is the strict and difficult work of a saint. The teachings of Jesus are all out of proportion when compared to our natural way of looking at things, and they come to us initially with astonishing discomfort. We gradually have to conform our walk and conversation to the precepts of Jesus Christ as the Holy Spirit applies them to our circumstances. The Sermon on the Mount is not a set of rules and regulations— it is a picture of the life we will live when the Holy Spirit is having His unhindered way with us.” CHAMBERS
 
This is the third time in two weeks that the Sermon on the Mount has been brought to my attention.  Twice from the pulpit at the church we attend and now in My Utmost For His Highest.  I was teaching yesterday in James 1.  “Count it all joy when you face trials” That is the same joy in Galatians 5, which is a fruit of the Spirit.   In the Beatitudes the word “Blessed” means happy or glad.  In both instances, there is a condition, joy or happiness, which exists that is contrary to the external circumstances you find yourself in. What is it that weighs upon your soul today?  You can find joy and happiness and peace in spite of whatever that maybe.  The trial may not go away.  The consequences may be severe, but you can be endure it through faith.  Look, what I am writing about is supernatural .. spiritual .. it’s not natural … but it is no less real.  But finding joy in the midst of a storm requires your heart be submitted to the Lord. It requires Faith.  As you exercise faith, you will find that your capacity to exercise faith increases.  Faith upon faith.
 
God wants you to see your life in its proper context.  In the context that He is sovereign over all.  That your life on this planet is not the sum total of your existence.  (Psalm 30:5) “ Weeping may last for the night, But  joy comes in the morning.”  That you have an eternal nature and in Jesus you have an eternal existence with the Father.  I don’t think that most Christians think in those terms.  Living the Christian life is a lot like driving a car.  If you focus on the hood of the car, you will zig and zag all over the road.  But if you look down the road, well ahead of the car, you have no problem staying in your lane.  As we face life and what it brings, we must focus on the Lord and not what is in front of our noses, the hood of our lives if you will.  And not only focus rightly, but place our faith in Him, no matter what comes our way.  Hear what Jesus says (Matthew 11:28-30) “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”  CHARLEY

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