And what did I discover? God’s word is true. He is faithful, powerful, and sovereign.  He transforms and confirms us to the image of Christ.   My faith grew by leaps and bounds as I practiced what God has given us in His word. 

I’m not proposing that you put God to the test but instead take Him at His word and do what He has instructed you to do and see what happens.  

We have been given the great commission in Matthew 28:18-20. Pay careful attention to the third instruction.  “Teach them to OBSERVE all that I have commanded you”.  This assumes that you, yourself are doing the command.  We have all had teachers who teach not from a place of experience but only knowledge.  Don’t be that teacher!

Our Lord was clear, He wants us to Know, Live, and then Speak His word to those around us.  We cannot skip the Live step of this equation and think it’s going to go well.  Start living His word today!

Reflection

In what ways are acquiring Gods truth but not living it?

What’s one step you’re going to do to change that?

Prayer

Father, You have given us your word to be lived out that we may effectively conduct the ministry of reconciliation we now have in Christ.  May our hearts delight in Your word and be moved to action.  Lead us on in Jesus, Amen!

Sin, filthiness, and wickedness zealously work against our pursuit of holiness.  We must lay down our egos that tell us we can manage this darkness, leave behind any trace of corruption, and receive His word implanted, unhindered, and undistorted.

We cannot stop there. Knowing the Word is great but by itself is not fully effective.  We must be doers of the Word and not hearers only.  Yes, we must actually live the it!   In so doing, we prepare ourselves for our mission.  The third part of the great commission says that we are to “teach them to observe all that I have commanded you”.  How can you teach people to observe if you haven’t done it yourself?

Personal Reflection

It’s time to examine your life and see if you are really living what you say you believe.  This is not a time to beat yourself up. Instead it’s a quick assessment so you can get pointed in the right direction and then run.  Have you been harboring any sin?  Now is the time to dump it.  It’s promising comfort and delivering guilt and shame.  The time has come to pursue holiness with everything you have.  This world needs change and God has chosen you as His hands and feet in this world to ignite it.  Get in His Word for yourself today and then live it out. You will NOT regret it!

Prayer Focus

Gracious God, you give us wisdom when we ask, in fact, every good thing and perfect gift is from you.  Father we ask for the perfect gift of humility, that we may not trust in our ability to manage sin, but instead trust in you and your Word which tells us to lay it all aside.  Today, may we cast off the darkness we have held onto too long and run into your marvelous light.  Conform us to the image of your son, that we might bring glory and honor to your Name, in Jesus we pray, Amen!

#knowlivespeakthetruth #dumpsinpursueholiness #truthtalk4life

@brianfriedl