“You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.” James 4:4
A few days ago, I shared a snippet of wisdom that I heard from Pastor Michael Ecklekamp on Sunday, a few thoughts from a devotion that hit my IPhone and then there was yesterday, when Michelle Stevenson had read my morning devotion and texted me about a book she is reading; ‘Cure for the Common Life’ by Max Lucado and how it seemed to have a lot in common. Had I read it? No. So, I purchased the book on Amazon, downloaded it onto my Kindle Reader and opened chapter one and the first thing I read is “Each person is given something to do that shows who God is.” 1 Corinthians 12:7 MSG. Was this just a coincidence? Nah, this is how the Spirit has been working in my life recently.
I am sure that you know as well as me, that it is very difficult to serve our Triune God while you are following the delights that this fallen world has to offer; you know that and satan delights in those times when your most precious time is spent giving to the world instead of Christ. In everything that you do each day, give God the credit.
If you follow Christ, all the ‘friendly dogs’ of this world will be nipping at your heels. If you are living in worldly ways and have decided that you will turn to Christ just before you take your last breath; you are taking quite a chance. If you spend most of your time in His word, read inspirational materials and walk in His ways, the eyes and tongues of this world will not speak well of you; you will be under attack daily.
Do what is right, finish well, and don’t be afraid of what the tongues of this world will say about you or what stone they may hurl at you. Be strong, be courageous; finish well. Remain in His word and pray without ceasing. I close today’s devotion with the words from verse 7 of the hymn ‘If Thou but suffer God to guide Thee’ which was written by Georg Nuemark in 1640.
“Sing, pray, and keep His ways unswerving, perform thy duties faithfully, and trust His Word, though undeserving, thou yet shalt find it true for thee. God never yet forsook in need the soul that trusted Him indeed.”
Heavenly Father, you have called your servants to ventures of which we cannot see the ending, by paths as yet untrodden, through perils unknown. Give us faith to go out with good courage, not knowing where we go but only that your hand is leading us and your love supporting us through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Amen.
May God be with you…Jay