Psalm 119:30-32
New International Version (NIV)
30 I have chosen the way of faithfulness;
I have set my heart on your laws. 31 I hold fast to your statutes, Lord; do not let me be put to shame. 32 I run in the path of your commands, for you have broadened my understanding. Almost each moment of every, day from the time we blink open our eyes, we are faced with decisions. Some take less thought and consideration than others. Some decisions, however, result in inner conflict. In this walk with Christ, choosing to remain faithful to our calling as a child of God is, many moments a walk in the park. Other moments it's a walk on a bed of fiery coals- it's so much easier to take the more comfortable road. Either way we must, each moment, choose life. We must purposely choose life. We must purposely choose his will, until our will is his. We must choose to walk in his character, allowing the production of the fruit of the Spirit in us, even at our most uncomfortable. Only then will we bear love, joy, peace, and self control, etc. Like natural fruit, it will be the natural product of a seed, cultivated with purposeful decision. As the old things are pruned away, it will get easier to choose righteousness over selfishness. Every moment of each day is an opportunity for fruit cultivation. Like Adam, we must do the job of tending to our spiritual garden. We all have a choice to nurture it or destroy it. The choice is yours to make: Choose righteousness. Warmest thoughts and prayers, Chantel Dillard |
What makes believers different from the world? Not the "do'"s and "don't do's". Not the "wear and "don't wear"- and certainly not status, money, or influence. So what distinguishes believers from the rest of the world? Holiness. Holiness is not a practice that allows me to come to God. If I may, I propose the opposite! Holiness is the result of us drawing near to God. He allows this because of the ransom of blood that was paid, and the veil that was torn, to grant us access to His throne. In order to draw near to Him, I must be first be covered by the blood of Jesus.This is achieved through repentance, and baptism in the name of my kinsmen redeemer- Jesus Christ. In short, I don't practice holiness to experience God. His grace brings me salvation which brings me near to God. My nearness to God makes me more like Him- Holy.
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