Matt. 28:19

Our master, Jesus Christ, commands us to GO! We need permission to stay! Sometimes, we have that backwards. The gospel tells us the account of Jesus leaving His father’s right hand to go to Calvary. Jesus instructed those who wanted to be His disciples to leave their homes and their co9mforts and follow Him. Some insisted they could not leave yet because they had to care for their elderly parents (Luke 9:59-60). Others wanted to make sure everything was in order first (Luke 9:61-62). Still others expressed willingness to follow, but wanted to know the details of what they would be doing (Luke 9:57-58). Jesus never excused those who struggled to follow Him. He made it clear, that to follow Him meant He set the direction and they were to follow.

We can convince ourselves that Jesus does not really want us to adjust our lives, pointing to the success we are currently experiencing. Yet Jesus often told His disciples to go elsewhere in spite of the success they were experiencing. Peter had just pulled in the greatest catch of fish of his entire career when Jesus invited him to leave everything (Luke 5:1-11). Phillip was enjoying success as an evangelist when the Holy Spirit instructed him to go to the desert (Acts 8:25-40). Success can be our greatest hindrance to doing God’s will, instead of our own. If we become too comfortable with our current lifestyle, we may resist Christ’s invitation to go elsewhere. Don’t assume that God does not want us to go into service for Him. He may lead us across the street to share the gospel with our neighbors, or across the world to a foreign land. Wherever He leads, be prepared to go (II Tim. 3:16-17).

All scripture is profitable. Knowing this, we cheat ourselves when we do not access every book, every truth, every verse and every page of the Bible. This is where we find God’s promises and commands for us. We should not pick and choose which verse we will read and study, and claim verses we like, then ignore those that convict us. All scripture is inspired by God and gainful to us.

If we are to become mature disciples of Jesus, we must allow every scripture to speak to us. Scripture enables us to evaluate the soundness of doctrines. It should be the basis for any reproof or correction that is brought about.

If we are not grounded in God’s word we will be bombarded with an assortment of doctrines, lifestyles and behaviors. Therefore, we will have no means to evaluate whether or not we are of God. We cannot develop a righteous life, apart from God’s word. Righteousness must be cultivated. As we fill our mind with the words of God and obey His instructions, He will guide us in the ways of righteousness. Scripture will equip us for any good work God calls us to do. If we feel inadequate for a task, God has given us a scripture for wisdom and knowledge to carry out His assignment. Let the word of God permeate, guide and enrich your lives. Then go and win the lost for Jesus.

God Bless You,

Kenny

© 1999 Large Ministries, Inc.
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