I heard the Lord say, “Only those willing to lay their crown at my feet will be exalted!” For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted (Matthew 23:12).
If you try to hang onto your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it (Matthew 16:25). Many have been in the testing ground of their faith. A many a brave warrior has been knocked to the ground, and had to struggle to regain composure. God is worried very little for your image, but he does care greatly for your character.
God has created a delicate dance between yourself and Him. He wants you to understand his nature, delight in his laws, and put in practice his commandments. The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can know it? (Jeremiah 17:9). I want to do what is good, but I don’t. I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway (Romans 7:19). Surely if even Paul writes of struggle, we cannot hope to walk around unopposed.
But we have something to help, guide and encourage us. For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart (Hebrews 4:12). How can we discern what is good and acceptable in the LORD’s sight? Read the word, seek him out, do more listening than talking.
God is as close as your next breath, but you have to invite him in. God won’t come kick in your front door or sneak in the window. He stands gracious and patient with arms extended wide. Waiting for you to run to his embrace. The name of the Lord is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe (Proverbs 18:10). And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him (Luke 15:20).
Are you wrapped up in the father‘s love today, have you accepted his mercy and forgiveness? Repent then, turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing might come from the Lord (Acts 3:19). Turn from the world, and turn to God. It will be the best decision you ever make. I hear Jesus calling, “Follow me, consecrated Saints!”....
Tammy Lang Jensen
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