Read It, Learn It, Live It, Share It
“But He {Jesus} answered {devil} and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.’”” – Matthew 4:4
What if we actually lived by the instructions and words that came from Jesus while He was here on earth. For the next several days we will look specifically at His instructions as they pertain to our modern day society. Perhaps, if we were more attuned to His word, we could actually make a change for the better in the world in which we live.
We all make choices each and every day on a number of different topics from clothing to wear, what to eat, spending money, our daily plan at work or school and who we talk to throughout the day. You and I make a choice as to how much time we are spending with God and His word, learning, educating and growing in our faith and relationship with Him. It’s no different than any other choice you make, but the results are dramatically different in the end. You might choose a different route to the office each day and save 5 minutes in the commute. You might choose a more healthy lunch or you might choose to spend 30 minutes longer at the gym and shave off a few pounds. You prioritize your spending, your calendar and your time throughout the day – where does God fit?
Jesus first recorded words after He was baptized are captured above in Matthew 4:4. In responding to the temptation that Satan has placed before him, He is teaching you and I how we should respond in the face of temptation, but He is also telling us to strengthen our walk each day by spending time with the Lord. It’s not about what the world can give you (bread) but rather what God wants from you and will give you in return.
This is counter-intuitive to what the world is telling you. “Make more money” “Buy bigger and faster” “Each man for himself” “Keep your religious beliefs to yourself”, our lives should not be focused on what we are getting from the world. Our lives should be focused on what we are giving back to the Lord, God Almighty, each and every day. I believe in my heart you are agreeing with me and that you are looking for that deeper relationship, that intimacy with God in your life. Are you waking up each morning asking God what you can do for Him today, or are you praying over your struggles, calendar and concerns each day? Perhaps it is time for a change in how we are communicating to God.
The scripture tells us to concentrate and “focus on every word that comes from the mouth of God.” This requires you to know what God is saying. Perhaps it’s not verbal voice, but the written word. The Holy Bible is known as the Word of God, and when studied will bring you closer to an understanding of who God is and what does He say. I’m saying study the Bible, not just read a passage or two, and consider your duty done for the day.
If you are reading this, you have likely made a choice at some point and time to believe in Jesus Christ for eternal salvation. That is the single most important decision you will make in this life. But, it is also the single most dangerous decision you will make. You see, choosing to believe in Jesus Christ is a requirement for your eternal destiny, but if you have not chosen to follow Him, and make Him the Lord of your life, you are simply convincing yourself that you are a Christian and walking in that lie. God needs to be at the center of your life, period.
It’s not a matter of saying the words, but a matter of changing your life and committing yourself to His purpose and His desire in your life. It is not a light hearted raising of your hand on Sunday morning and then back to your “worldly life” on Monday morning. Get into the word of God every day. Study it. Learn from it and Share it with others. Take part in the greatest opportunity you have ever had in your life and trust that in doing so, you are becoming less like the world and more like the Christ that you have proclaimed as your King.
We all make choices each and every day on a number of different topics from clothing to wear, what to eat, spending money, our daily plan at work or school and who we talk to throughout the day. You and I make a choice as to how much time we are spending with God and His word, learning, educating and growing in our faith and relationship with Him. It’s no different than any other choice you make, but the results are dramatically different in the end. You might choose a different route to the office each day and save 5 minutes in the commute. You might choose a more healthy lunch or you might choose to spend 30 minutes longer at the gym and shave off a few pounds. You prioritize your spending, your calendar and your time throughout the day – where does God fit?
Jesus first recorded words after He was baptized are captured above in Matthew 4:4. In responding to the temptation that Satan has placed before him, He is teaching you and I how we should respond in the face of temptation, but He is also telling us to strengthen our walk each day by spending time with the Lord. It’s not about what the world can give you (bread) but rather what God wants from you and will give you in return.
This is counter-intuitive to what the world is telling you. “Make more money” “Buy bigger and faster” “Each man for himself” “Keep your religious beliefs to yourself”, our lives should not be focused on what we are getting from the world. Our lives should be focused on what we are giving back to the Lord, God Almighty, each and every day. I believe in my heart you are agreeing with me and that you are looking for that deeper relationship, that intimacy with God in your life. Are you waking up each morning asking God what you can do for Him today, or are you praying over your struggles, calendar and concerns each day? Perhaps it is time for a change in how we are communicating to God.
The scripture tells us to concentrate and “focus on every word that comes from the mouth of God.” This requires you to know what God is saying. Perhaps it’s not verbal voice, but the written word. The Holy Bible is known as the Word of God, and when studied will bring you closer to an understanding of who God is and what does He say. I’m saying study the Bible, not just read a passage or two, and consider your duty done for the day.
If you are reading this, you have likely made a choice at some point and time to believe in Jesus Christ for eternal salvation. That is the single most important decision you will make in this life. But, it is also the single most dangerous decision you will make. You see, choosing to believe in Jesus Christ is a requirement for your eternal destiny, but if you have not chosen to follow Him, and make Him the Lord of your life, you are simply convincing yourself that you are a Christian and walking in that lie. God needs to be at the center of your life, period.
It’s not a matter of saying the words, but a matter of changing your life and committing yourself to His purpose and His desire in your life. It is not a light hearted raising of your hand on Sunday morning and then back to your “worldly life” on Monday morning. Get into the word of God every day. Study it. Learn from it and Share it with others. Take part in the greatest opportunity you have ever had in your life and trust that in doing so, you are becoming less like the world and more like the Christ that you have proclaimed as your King.
© Sondove Enterprises, 2013
For more Daily Thoughts go to: http://sondove.blogspot.com
If you would like to be added to the email distribution please click here: Daily Thoughts
For more Daily Thoughts go to: http://sondove.blogspot.com
If you would like to be added to the email distribution please click here: Daily Thoughts
No comments:
Post a Comment