In a “me first world” I think it’s wise to remember what Apostle Paul taught us…
Hey, it’s in the Bible! … Romans 14:1-12 Read it for yourself!
Every person’s worst nightmare! I had a very important appointment… had it on my calendar (a 15 minute reminder on Outlook). It was the kind of appointment that needed some time for preparation. Days had been usual, “same-o’ – same-o’” – kind of boring. On the day of the “big deal” I got up, was puttering around the house … and suddenly “ding” went my Outlook reminder on my cell phone! I picked it up and looked in horror … 15 minutes before the “big deal”!!!
Ring a bell with anyone? Ever have a similar experience?
Reminded me of what I read in the Bible this morning during “coffee with the Lord”…
“You know the time! The hour has come for you to wake from sleep! Salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed! The night is far gone; the day is at hand. So then let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light. Let us walk properly as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and sensuality, not in quarreling and jealousy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.” (From Romans 13:11–14 ESV)
Big appointment for us on God’s calendar! He sent an invitation via the Heavenly Outlook… I accepted it. It’s really near – the signs are there (read the prophetic Scriptures that point to it). Don’t want to fall into “Spiritual same-o’ – same-o’!” Need to stay alert, awake, prepared and ready! Don’t want to let up on sustaining a godly lifestyle – don’t want to slip, slide, and fall into sin! Want to “put on the Lord Jesus Christ and make no provision for the flesh [the natural self, influenced and controlled by sinful desires] to gratify its desires!”
Hey, the “trumpet call of God” (1 Thessalonians 4: 16-17) could sound today! … Ready?
Willful children are a challenge and disappointment to loving, nurturing, caring parents. I don’t know how many discouraged and frustrated parents of children like that have sighed deeply in my presence and uttered these words, “I guess they’ll just have to learn the hard way!”
I think God often feels that way… In fact, I am sure of it based upon the Biblical record. In fact, I read a chapter this morning during my Bible reading in which God expresses those exact sentiments through His prophet Isaiah! Here are the Lord’s own words (from Isaiah 30)…
“Ah, stubborn children,” declares the Lord, “who carry out a plan, but not mine, and who make an alliance, but not of my Spirit, that they may add sin to sin; who set out…without asking for my direction… They are a rebellious people, lying children, children unwilling to hear the instruction of the Lord.” (vss. 1-2, 10)
And the fact is, their Heavenly Father stands ready to instruct, guide, help, and deliver those who will turn to Him! He tells them…
“For thus says the Lord God, the Holy On of Israel, ‘In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength.’ But you were unwilling! … Therefore the Lord waits to be gracious to you, and therefore He exalts himself to show mercy to you. For the Lord is a god of justice; blessed are all those who wait for Him!” (vss. 15, 18)
Oh, I don’t want to be a rebellious and self-willed, child of God, refusing my loving Heavenly Father’s direction, determined to go my own way! Instead, may I listen carefully to His direction, follow His leading, and experience His grace and blessing! May I avoid the pain of “learning the hard way!” If and when He must discipline me may I cling to His steadfast love and benevolent purposes for my life (see Hebrews 12:5-11)
