+DEV+ Will We Ever Obey?

Date: February 6, 2013 12:43 AM
Topic: +DEV+  Will We Ever Obey?

Will We Ever Obey?

 "Continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose." (Philippians 2:12b-13)
Scripture Focus: Psalm 51:10-13

Many times today you will be faced with a choice to obey God or sin-as sinful thoughts drift through your mind, as you live with difficult people, as you drive through traffic to get to work. Each time your heart will either turn toward God in worship and obedience, or it will flare with rebellion and turn away to worship something else. What will make the difference?

When Christ says that without Him we can do nothing, He really means it. The Holy Spirit is not like a tool kit which you receive at salvation and must learn to use properly. He is the Spirit of the living God, powerful and active, working purposefully in your mind and soul every minute of every day. He doesn't need your permission or even your cooperation to do His work. When you are tempted to sin, He will either give you supernatural grace to withstand the temptation and obey, or He will leave you to yourself to discover your weakness and grow in your humility. In each circumstance He is lovingly growing you up in grace. May you grow to be more like Him each day!

Insight: "God's honor is not compromised by sin in the hearts of those whom he teaches to wrestle and mourn on account of it." (John Newton)




Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.