Covenant Relationship #2
God loves us so much that He has tried to bridge the great divide between God and sinful man several times. As we already know Adam and Eve had a choice. Cain and Able had a choice. Cain chose his own way that led to destruction (Proverbs 14:12). Able did that which was pleasing to God even though he lost his life for it.
The children of Israel in the midst of leaving Egypt and not yet arriving to the promised land found themselves needing to make a choice. They were grumbling and complaining about the trip,the food and even the leadership. They thought maybe it would be better if they just go back to being slaves in “sin city” (Egypt). Now keep in mind their enemies died in the red sea killed by God. Their shoes and clothes never wore out. Their food literally fell from heaven every day but Sunday and that was a day of rest. Water flowed from a boulder that followed them around. What could possibly be the problem?! The problem was that they were driven by the voices in their heads. Our human nature always thinks we can do it better. So we mumble and complain about it. Complaining is contagious!
Moses stood up and says God sees what you are doing! He hears what you are saying! You are being rebellious to God himself! (Deuteronomy 30) “You have a choice!”. You can choose life (with God) or death (without God). It’s blessing or curse! Choosing life means loving God, obeying His voice (the word of God = The Bible) and clinging to Him.
God offered forgiveness in spite of the attitudes of the people! He loved them so much that He said choose life and I will gather you all from exile, restore your land and make you prosperous! Note: in spite of our foolishness and our turning away from Godly things (we all do it) the apostle Paul says I must die daily (in prayer) 1 Corinthians 15. Just as a seed that is planted and must be buried and dies in order to live so must we spiritually! Daily we must Submit ourselves to God, resist the devil and he will flee from you. James 4:7. Submit our human nature, not do what seems right to us but what does God want me to do today. And resist the thoughts that are contrary to those Godly plans.
The enemy likes to build a birds nest in your head and tell you lies upon lies until we act upon the lies. Then the ungodly deed is done and we turn to regret. You don’t have to entertain those thoughts! Philippians 4:8 “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” That is how you resist!
I choose this day to live for God! Mind you, it’s not easy! That’s why we have to daily meet with Jesus and submit our will to His and all day long resist the thoughts that don’t align with my Jesus. To take up your cross and follow Jesus is not for the faint of heart. But it will make you a spiritual warrior! When on your knees in prayer you are resisting the enemy. But when you raise your head to the realization that Jesus the “Lion of Judah” just answered your prayer! Wow. what a feeling!
Find a scripture today that blesses you and think on it all day. Memorize it.
Your prayer today is: Lord I submit myself to you today and everyday. Show me the truth in your word and give me courage to obey it and live it all day. Put a hunger in my spirit for the Holy things of God. Give me strength to resist the thoughts that do not come from you! Give me pure thoughts from you today. Let goodness and mercy follow me all day! Amen!
