"Faith is not merely your holding on to God--it is God holding on to you. He will not let you go!" -E. Stanley Jones (Methodist Christian missionary and theologian).When learning to "walk" as a Christian, we put our faith into practice one step at a time. F. B. Meyer (English Baptist pastor and evangelist) put it this way: "We received Jesus into our hearts by faith. In the same manner we must live always and everywhere, receiving from Him, by faith, grace upon grace, and allowing what He works in to work out in all manner of godliness, tenderness, and Christ-likeness. This practice of looking to Jesus for grace in every circumstance of life tends to become more and more habitual."
Paul encouraged believers to live by faith so they would become firmly established in their walk with Christ (Colossians 2:6-7). We do that by focusing our thoughts on Him: what He has done, what He is doing now, and what He will do for us. We take a risk by depending completely on Him, obeying His commands, and putting His teaching into practice.
Walking with Christ may sometimes be frightening, but it's the only way to make progress in our spiritual development. Here are some ways that we can follow in His footsteps: Jesus wants us to apologize and seek forgiveness both from God and from those we have sinned against through His power (Matthew 5:23-24).
Withstand criticism, false accusations, and misunderstandings for His purposes with His support (Matthew 5:11-12). Jesus wants us to not give into the temptation to take revenge on those who hurt us because of His gracious forgiveness (Matthew 6:12-13). Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness even during times of anxiety, shortage of provision and hardship with His faith (Matthew 6:33-34).
Discipline ourselves for the purpose of godliness even when we feel discouraged, frustrated or emotionally spent with His Spirit’s promises (2 Timothy 1:7). Jesus wants us to serve others with a humble mind looking not just for our own interests, but for the concerns of others with His attitude (Philippians 2:1-5). He wants us to be courageous in the midst of attacks with His strength (John 16:33).
Persevere even when we are tired, suffering and emotionally burned out because He empowers us (Acts 1:8). Be humble in success and thankful in adversity because of His example of submission to God’s sovereignty (Romans 11:33-36)
And finally, let every thought be given to God’s control. By doing so, we can be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding. To walk in a way that pleases Him in all respects and bears fruit in every good work (Colossians 1:9-11).
Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:7; Proverbs 3:5-6; Deuteronomy 5:33; Psalm 119:133; Ephesians 2:10; James 4:7; Micah 6:8
Prayer: Dear Father, I thank you for this day. Please forgive me for what I have done wrong. Grant me the wisdom to understand what I have done wrong so that I may make it right. Amen
God bless you!
Joyce
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