Daily Devotional

Word of the Day

A Life Under Control

"Therefore let us not sleep, as do others...." It takes effort to stay in the light and to be on guard. If you went to sleep while on watch in the military and people's lives were in harm's way, it used to be that your life could be in jeopardy. Things have changed. We don't even execute traitors anymore. Deserters used to be shot; now they are successful in Canada. Things have changed, but they haven't in the kingdom. If you are a traitor to the kingdom, you are branded an enemy. To be a friend of the world is to be the enemy of God (James 4:4).

Don't sleep, but watch and be sober (have your life under control). We're to extend ourselves beyond our ability. Paul says, "I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus" (Phil. 3:14). When he says not to sleep, he's talking about preparing for war--extending yourself, making yourself strong, being alert and aware of the hour you're in and the condition of your own heart. Many of us are motivated by selfishness and have habits we can't break. Finally some medical doctor says, "If you keep doing that, you're going to die." So you stop because of selfishness. The fact that it was right, good, true and for the glory of God couldn't change it. It wasn't that you couldn't change; it's that you chose self over the Word of God, over the glory of God, and the purpose of God. Those things that you say you can't change, like your moodiness or your lateness, things that you blow off by saying, "That's just who I am," I wonder what would happen if they said, "If you don't change that tomorrow, you're going to die." The late guy would be on time, and the moody guy will show up cheerfully saying, "Hi, how's everybody doing? Can I help?" You're just selfish and undisciplined; you lack sobriety and you worship your flesh. God expects you to change, discipline yourself, be watchful, and stop believing all these lies. Prepare yourself as a chaste virgin, for the Bridegroom is coming back for a bride that's without spot or wrinkle or any such thing.

Are you a child of light, living free by living in the truth? That day will have no effect on you, but those that are living in the shadows are constantly being deceived and destroyed, for Satan prefers darkness. If you prefer darkness, it's because your deeds are evil and you want to keep the avenues open to partake of sin, the world, and the flesh. You prefer to keep this dark little stash hidden that you don't want anybody to know about. You're already a child of death and darkness--the enemy of God. So why not go get more, and eat, drink, and be merry? Or make the decision to be free, and at peace, and experience the inheritance of the Beloved. Why remain lukewarm, receiving the best of no kingdom, and still be spewed out of the Master's mouth? Today is your day of salvation; choose who you are going to serve.

Jesus is coming back. Are you ready? Are you watching? Like the wise virgins, is your lamp filled? You may know where to get the oil, but is your lamp full? The watchful ones are the ones that are momentarily prepared. The five foolish knew how and knew where, but missed the when--today is the "when." Why not choose to be free and happy today? It's a choice; you choose to be free. Why not choose life?

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