Michael writes that the Holy Scripture says, morning by morning new mercies I see. There is always more to learn. God opens the eyes of our spiritual understanding as we walk daily in the newness of life. As we walk in the light of the truth, we will know by the experience that God is love and in Him there is no darkness at all. We will understand His “terms of endearment” as we walk in His love, mercy, and grace.
In the Old Testament, Israel repeatedly turned their hearts from the truth of the Word of God to follow their own devices. According to Romans 1:18-32, Paul outlines the downfall of a culture and nations who descend into perversion and depravity, directly contrary to the truth of Scripture and the truth of the Word of God.
The devil’s ploy is to steal, kill and destroy. His tactic is to divide and conquer. He separates people into factions so they will fight and destroy each other. He pits husbands against wives, brothers against sisters, parents against children, liberals against conservatives, Republicans against Democrats, haves against have-nots, rich against poor, citizens against aliens, Angels against Dodgers, Trojans against Bruins …. and on and on ‘ad infinitum’. He stirs up strife and contention for where there is strife there is confusion and every evil work.
In order to stand against the schemes of the devil, watch, be alert , be aware, be on your guard. stand fast in the faith, be brave, and be strong in the Lord. To identify the counterfeit, we need to become familiar with the genuine … the truth of the Word of God. To identify the sin, train our eyes to see the glimmer of the reflection of sin in our own minds and in the world around us. Then as we approach the end of God’s assignment for our lives, as Paul said in 2 Timothy 4, I’ve fought the good fight, I have run my race, I have finished the course. Henceforth is laid up for me a crown of righteousness and to all who love his appearing and anticipate the joy of Christ’s return.
Jesus said, don’t hide the light of the truth of the Word of God under a bushel basket. When we walk in the light as He is in the light, the blood of Jesus Christ will cleanse us from all unrighteousness. As we walk together with other believers in the unity of the Spirit, in the bond of peace, we are God’s light bearers, His photo-multipliers in a perverted world of darkness, sin and unbelief. For we have this treasure (of God’s Holy Spirit) that the excellency of the power may be of God and not of us.
Walking in the love and the light of Christ, is according to God’s terms, not the world’s terms. The Word of God separates the sheep from the goats. Jesus said, my sheep hear my voice and they follow me and they know me and I give unto them eternal life. Neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. Following Jesus Christ according to God’s terms is not a popularity contest. Quality and not quantity is the requirement for walking in the light as He is in the light. The quality of life is tested in the crucible of tribulation. For tribulation worketh patience, and patience experience (proven and tested character) and experience hope, and hope makes not ashamed because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit which is given to us.
Let’s continue Michael’s message on living on God’s terms in the next Post.
In Christ, Brian
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