Immersed, I felt pure and clean — prepared
for Jesus’ coming — joyful in your forgiveness —
secure and safe — possessor of all I’d heard;
That Day, O Lord, make me a happy witness!
Train Yourself to be Godly
As Christians in the 21st Century, we have more leisure time than any other people living in any other time period in history. Technology and inventions have drastically cut down what we need to do just to survive. But, greater time doesn’t equal better choices. If we’re honest, we’ve become spiritual couch potatoes–especially if we compare ourselves to the pioneers who worked fifteen hours a day cutting trees and pulling stumps just to plow the ground to grow food to eat. It was only then by oil lamp that they would study God’s Word to know His will.
I. 1 Timothy 4:6-8. The process to get into spiritual shape is much like getting into physical shape. Just as we must choose to deny ourselves unhealthy foods and exercise regularly, so we must deny ourselves, take up our crosses, and follow Jesus (Mark 8:31-35). Neither happens from the couch!
II. 1 Peter 1:13-16. To get spiritually in shape we must be holy as God is holy–and this too is part of God’s spiritual training program. Even though it’s hard, we must choose to be trained by it (Hebrews 12:7-13). Sexual holiness is a big struggle for us today in this sin-soaked culture (1 Corinthians 6:12-20).
III. Romans 12:9-13. Someone who only works out at the gym serves only himself if he doesn’t use those muscles to help a friend move or carry in the groceries … so do those who only have a vertical relationship with God through prayer and study of His Word. God wants us to serve others (Galatians 5:13). What personal ministry does your spiritual training propel you to do?
We can either watch the spiritual Olympics from our spiritual couches with the spiritual remotes in our hands or we could participate in them. Are you in training?
Lessons behind Ezra’s decision
Ezra 7.10
- You cannot teach what you do not know and live. It must start with me. God can powerfully use one who is decided and committed. He looks for dedicated people for critical times. (All times are critical!)
- Lasting change comes from the word of God. The power to transform is in the Sacred Letters. After the exile, they turned to the written word. After Jesus, we turn to the New Testament.
- The Lord blesses those who commit themselves to his word, v. 9. (NLT on v. 10: “This was because …”) God makes it all happen. He opens the doors.
- Ezra’s studies and activities “reveal his commitment to purity of worship” (P.R. House, OTT) and to purity of the nation as God’s people (chap. 9). May our agenda include such purity!
Were it not for you, the journey would be too much
What a glorious day, our God and Savior, to be alive, to walk with you, to enjoy the hope of eternal life! Make us to be a blessing to others, as you have blessed us. Shine upon us! Shine upon your people! Shine upon those who groan in darkness!
Let us be as concerned to purify ourselves from immorality and the prevailing evil as were the Israelites to remove mold, stains, and uncleanness from among them. Continue reading “Were it not for you, the journey would be too much”