Daily Devotional
Word of the Day
A Walk of Daily Death
Pastor Scott
Monday, May 31, 2004
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"And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force."
(Matthew 11:12)
We need to be watchful in the day we're in of the abundance and the spirit of hedonism to prepare ourselves for the coming of the Lord. The force of amusement in our society is robbing us of the ability to quietly wait on God. When was the last time you were still and quiet for prolonged periods of time to hear the voice of God? Have you been able to be refreshed by the sweet fragrance of the Rose of Sharon, the Lily of the Valley? Have you been able to hear that sweet song of praise coming from your spirit as you enjoy the Beloved's rest? Jesus gives us rest and peace, not as the world knows.
People have a form of godliness, lacking the power to walk in the doctrine that they know, living far below God's intention for believers. Are you at peace today? If not, you need to survey your heart and ask, "Why am I walking so far short of what God has provided for me?" He is no respecter of persons. Everything you need to live a life of godliness, holiness, and victory has already been given to you. What are you doing to appropriate that?
Many believers lack the awareness that this walk of Christianity is a walk of daily death. Most Christian churches today suppose that Christianity is a life of ease, comfort, gain, peace, and serenity. This life that we have been called to is one of a sword--no, not as the Muslims, not a physical sword, but just as real. For the kingdom of God suffers violence, and the violent take it by force (Matt. 11:12). Paul said, "I strive, I press on, I fully extend myself for the prize, the high calling of God in Christ Jesus" (Phil. 3:14). What kind of an effort are you putting into this life--this eternal life--that God has given you? There's an effort involved. It's not an effort to obtain redemption; that's free. It's by grace that we're saved through faith (Eph. 2:8). It's an effort to finish this course, to allow sanctification to work its process in us that we might experience glorification.
Many of you have been witnessing, telling people, "You just need to accept the Lord; and if you do, He's going to bring you peace..." He does.
"...And the Lord will bless you..." He does.
"...And God will heal your family." And He does. But there is also a sword that's brought. The Lord said, "I'm going to split households down the middle, three against two, and two against three. Your greatest enemies are going to be those of your own household" (Luke 12:52). Are you ready for that? He said, "The world is going to hate you because they first hated Me" (John 15:18). The religious people--professed Christians--are going to kill you and believe with all of their heart that they're doing God service, just Paul did as he breathed threats against the church of God. He was convinced he was representing God until the day on the road to Damascus. He was sure that he was God's vessel as he killed the children of light. We're going to experience that. What are you doing to prepare yourself for that hour? "All that live godly in Christ Jesus are going to suffer persecution" (2 Tim. 3:12). Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but God will deliver us out of them all (Ps. 34:19). What does your doctrine say? What do you believe? What are you sharing with others about Christianity and what it means to follow Jesus? What are you teaching your kids? All they've known is peace and safety. What are you doing to prepare yourself for this hour that's taking place?