Daily Bread 11-5-16
James 4:14-17
14 Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.
15 For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that.
16 But now ye rejoice in your boastings: all such rejoicing is evil.
17 Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doth it not, to him it is sin.
ref. - Luke 12:47 - And that servant, which knew his lord's will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes.
We need to be seeking for the Lord's approval in everything. We need to become obedient to the directions and instructions that god has given us through Jesus Christ. We absolutely do not know what tomorrow, or even ten minutes from now, brings so we must strive to be in his will at all times. This is a life that is only a short bypass on our way to eternity and this is the only preparation place that we have so we'd better make it count. Instead of trying to find ways out or loopholes in the gospel that allow us to remain in sin or on the edge of sin, we need more to be attent to what God's will is. Today many will go out and work in jobs where they may not come home ever again. They will not have another chance to get themselves back on track or back in line. We all have that chance right now. Instead of laying out a plan on how and where and what we will do to serve God, we need to surrender to him and find out, through the scriptures, what his will is and determine to pray until we receive our direction. We sometimes become prideful and boastful in that we are saved, sanctified, and filled with the Holy Spirit, but we are no longer operating under the guidance of anything including the Holy Spirit. Just remember, what we are doing, why we are doing it, and how we are doing it, must be under the direct supervision and within the guidelines of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. People that have not yet attained, but are chasing after our high heavenly calling in Jesus Christ. This will take us to the finish line. Knowing to do good and doing it will receive our reward. But resisting the calling and refusing to be obedient to God's will will only end us up in eternal damnation. Choose today which God you will serve. The ones of the world, or the One who created the heavens and earth and everything therein. Good is our rock, he is our fortress, he is our high tower, let's stay in his will and make our decisions according to it. Have a great day!!!