by David Brenneman
“Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15.
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Stand firm therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints, and pray on my behalf, that utterance may be given to me in the opening of my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel,” Ephesians 6:10-19.
“Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
Hebrews 12:1-2.
“Then I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?” Then I said, “Here am I. Send me!”” Isaiah 6:8.
““Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, 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.””
Matthew 11:28-30.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the Lord and turn away from evil.”
Proverbs 3:5-7.
There's a partial pattern in all the Scriptures that we just read...a pattern that is to be the life of the Believer in Christ Jesus.
The Christian life.
Let us not neglect as well this part:
“First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” 1 Timothy 2:1-4.
The point of view we have about living in the world should be that of a transformed life. A life that, regardless of the situation, reflects Christ and shows the world to whom we belong.
We don't have time for side tracks when we're running the race set before us.
We don't have all the learning in the Lord that we need for each day because the days keep changing.
Thank God He stays the same.
As a Disciple of Christ we are to take up our own cross and follow Him. The point heavily implied that we aren't putting it down again.
We do have a day set before us...are we going to show ourselves and others the light of Jesus Christ or show them our version of life?
Are they going to see Jesus or our temper?
Are they going to hear Jesus or hear our outburst of anger over things that don't matter in God's economy?
Are they going to see Jesus or see us obviously not at our best since anything less than Jesus being seen isn't going to be good?
My Dear Reader...the opening passages reflect just part of the life of a fully devoted follower of Jesus Christ. A life that's changed. A life that's different.
What does your life really show the world in what you believe?
Jesus wasn't being mean to Peter when He said "What is that to you? You follow Me!".
Regardless of persons or circumstances that's our calling in Christ: You follow Me!
Many Christians don't have a vibrant study life in the Scriptures.
Ignorance will not be an excuse when we stand before Jesus to give an account of our lives before Him. We will see we had every opportunity to be in His Word.
Claiming to not have had the time will not be an excuse when He will show us just how much time He gave us that we wasted.
You, if you claim the Name of Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior...have a life in Christ set before you that will honor and glorify God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ if we live it His way.
Getting rid of every encumbrance and sin that weighs us down.
We get so used to these encumbrances that we don't realize we have them.
Just how seriously, how personal, is your walk with Jesus? Is He getting your first fruits of your time, energy and effort or the leftovers?
Are you honoring Him in words, thoughts and actions or?
Pray that He renew a steadfast spirit in you. Pray that He shows you what needs to go, what needs to change and then do it. Pray for those in authority over you. Pray without ceasing...that is bring everything to God in prayer that concerns you.
As a Believer in Jesus Christ, you DO have a race set before you.
Are you standing around or are you focused on it?
All NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission.
New American Standard Bible
(C) 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by the Lockman Foundation.
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