Read again the truths of scripture.
Eph 1:3-6 Blessed [be] the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly [places] in Christ, 4 just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before Him. In love 5 He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will, 6 to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved.
Consider. You were chosen even before the earth was in place. That means God knew you and a plan for your life. Why? According to the kind intention of His will which He chose to bless you with.
Eph 4:21-24 if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught in Him, just as truth is in Jesus, 22 that, in reference to your former manner of life, you lay aside the old self, which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit, 23 and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind, 24 and put on the new self, which in [the likeness of] God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth.
Consider. Somehow, you have been able to throw out all things in your life that formerly were so important and enticing. Somehow, you now desire the things that are pleasing to God! How is this possible? How much success have you had in your own strength and conviction in following through with a New Year’s resolution? To completely eradicate destructive behavior is a key all Psychologists would love to possess! Yet, God does it all the time in His children and there is no financial cost
Eph 2:10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
Consider. We all want to be special, to have someone take an interest in us. God, the Creator and Sustainer of the universe has taken a special notice of you! You are His work, His product, His fabric, His making. He is weaving together the circumstances of your life so that you may complete the good plans He has ordained specifically for you! It’s like being given the tools for success and then having someone walk with you as you learn to navigate how to use them! Who does that?! God.
Ps 51:10 Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Let’s visit our heart situation again. The idea that we need a clean heart implies that we have an unclean heart. You wouldn’t ask for something you already have, right? Even the miraculous heart surgery God performs is not without its pain although there are no visible scars on the skin. The word ‘create’ has the meaning of cutting down. Ouch! But, in order to make something new, don’t we have to begin with something old? A ‘clean’ heart is a pure heart. Being free of anything unnecessary. Being free of contaminants. Consider. God causes His children to develop a faithfulness that comes from the center of their very being, towards Him. I don’t even know where the center of my very being is located, do you?! Is the Spirit in my heart, my mind, my breath, throughout me? Perhaps theologically there is an answer for this. However, I am not learned enough to address this. But, would you go to a physician and ask him to create a clean heart and steadfast spirit in you?
Ps 100:3 Know that the LORD Himself is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; [We are] His people and the sheep of His pasture.
Consider. Did you really just happen into existence? The Truths of God’s word says not. The Lord God in all His Supremacy has made you. And you weren’t just made and set aside like a child who builds something then leaves it out of boredom. God tenderly cares for you and watches over you. A shepherd watches carefully over his flock because he knows his sheep are at risk for danger and injury. God wants to give you His guidance and His protection. Do you want it? Do you ask? Do you seek?
Ps 105:4 Seek the LORD and His strength; seek His face continually.
Ps 119:2 How blessed are those who observe His testimonies, who seek Him with all [their] heart.
Joh 3:3 Jesus answered and said to him, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."
Consider. Many know of God. People all over the world attest to God having something to do with creation, putting things into place. To think that there is a God is acceptable in a “Christian” nation especially. But, to see God, to understand God, you must be renewed, born again, have experienced that miraculous heart and mind and soul transplant that creates a desire to follow God. Crazy, right?! If this is you, run after the One who has chosen you. Run, don’t walk. Why? Read the following scripture.
1Co 3:9 For we are God's fellow workers; you are God's field, God's building.
Labor. Uh oh. Not a great word. Labor carries the connotation of difficult work. But read carefully, we are co-workers with God. Remember when you were in school and without a doubt the teacher would assign a group project. If you were the student who liked to slack off, this was great. If you were the student who tried their best to excel, this meant double the work and the other person got the credit of your hard labor also. Well, no worries here. Consider. Being a co-worker with God is fantastic. Just do what He says! Go where He points! He’s given you a detailed, written plan. You are His to cultivate, you are His to build. You are a product of His making. And you will turn out according to His blueprint. Find joy in laboring with God as He changes you according to His will. Be transformed!
