Forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.-Philippians 3:13-14
Reflecting on the post “Path to Liberty”, the better way is to be called by God rather than led by a worldly king. A worldly ruler has one purpose; to obtain and maintain power to benefit themselves. The principles taught by Christ generate enthusiasm, incentive, and liberty that benefits all.
Take inspiration from the song God You Reign by Lincoln Brewster and follow the ONE who can part the seas and move the mountains. Follow the path to liberty created by the ONE who reigns.
God’s provides a path to liberty for all because the principles taught by Christ along with the Holy Sprint lead to a future beyond our imagination. We don’t need to follow corrupted leaders but instead, we can follow the ONE true God who purifies the world one person at a time. The result is amazing individuals, affluent neighborhoods, thriving states, and prosperous nations.
Reading today in1 Samuel 7:15 through 8:22, we are told that Samuel’s sons did not walk in his ways for they turned to dishonest gain, accepted bribes, and perverted justice. The elders of Israel pointed out to Samuel that his sons did not follow his ways so since Samuel was up in years, they wanted him to appoint a king that could lead their people.
Samuel didn’t like what the elders had to say and went to the Lord in prayer. The Lord explained that the people had rejected Him to serve other gods. The Lord told Samuel to explain to the elders that a king would break up their families. A king would take ownership of everything and make the people serve the king so that they would become slaves to the king.
We see a pattern of God’s dealings with His people as they would flourish but then forget who gave them this prosperity. They would then begin to revert back to their old habits and turn away from the Lord’s Way until He provided another king who followed the Lord.
Thinking about current times, many allow those who do not know and honor God to be their leader. A worldly king has one purpose; to obtain and maintain power. This only benefits a few; whereas accepting the principles taught by Christ creates liberty that generates enthusiasm and incentive for all.
I have some good news for you my friend! We have a King of kings in Jesus Christ who has given us a clear path to liberty. It was cleared and leads straight to a place beyond our imagination. So today my friend, let us go to the Lord in prayer to inquire of the Lord rather than the world.
This day with You Lord we come to You not making excuses but the need for You to filter out the negatives of this world that hold many back. This pollution of the soul holds back individuals, neighborhoods, Cities, States, and whole nations. You are the King of kings who gives us enthusiasm and incentive to follow Your Way. Amen.
On your daily walk of faith, God has a purpose for you. Be willing to step ahead by overcoming obstacles, disregarding criticisms, and gaining momentum day by day.
In a loud voice they sang: Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise. –Revelation 5:12
As noted in the post “Excited Child of God”, the take away for me is to stay totally focused on God and worship the ONE who can deliver from our enemies just like Samuel was doing as leader of Israel when the Philistines engaged in battle with them. Why have interest in things that are temporary and constantly changing when we can be absorbed with an awesome God of miracles who delivers us from the enemy!
Let us celebrate in song today because Worthy Is The Lamb by Darlene Zschech of Hillsong Worship. Give thanks to the Lord for amazing grace as we receive forgiveness and His embrace. Let us crown Jesus with many crowns because He reigns victorious.
This day will be amazing because of the joy of the past; excitement for what’s to come, and the thankfulness for God accepting us as His child. Thinking back to our previous study, each time the Philistines moved the arc of the Lord, the city it was placed in was devastated as the people were afflicted with plagues.
The Philistines demanded that the arc of the Lord be put back in its original place. Reading today in 1 Samuel 6:18 through 7:14, the arc of the Lord was finally returned and some were curious so they looked inside. Seventy people were killed because they defiled it when they opened it up (v. 19).
The take away for me is to stay totally focused on God and worship the ONE who can deliver from our enemies just like Samuel was doing as leader of Israel when the Philistines engaged in battle with them. Why have interest in things that are temporary and constantly changing when we can be absorbed with an awesome God of miracles!
Let us pray all the time … not just because of fear but because the Lord can help put in motion attainment of tremendous victories. God was with Israel as recorded in today’s passage as they defeated the Philistines. In fact, the hand of the Lord was with Israel for the rest of Samuel’s lifetime as leader of Israel (v. 13).
When we worship the ONE true God, He will be with us each day building up our character and setting things up for a future beyond our imagination. Let us have a passion for helping others see their future in new ways. With God, we can get through anything and celebrate because of the victory.
This day with You Lord, we are excited because of what You will do for our future. With You Lord, we can get through anything and celebrate the victory we will always have. Worthy is the Lamb whose sacrifice makes available this victory and the miraculous power of the Holy Spirit at work within us. We fix our eyes on You Lord and dream about the possibilities of the future. Amen.
This Day With God - A Spiritual Journey 