From reading John 8:1-11, no one, including Jesus condemned the woman caught in adultery. Jesus gave guidance, but let the scribes and Pharisees be a part of a big decision. The Teacher let them take ownership in the decision and let them accept some of the responsibility for it being carried out. All Jesus had to do is encourage the scribes and Pharisees to do the right thing. They went away one by one and did not condemn the woman.
Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. – 1 Corinthians 9:24
A thought from “Back On Track” is the need to overcome the bad influences of society. To ask the Father to be our steady influence as we run the race to victory. To be dedicated to asking others to receive the Redeemer, and desire to be the Father’s feet and hands to carry out His purpose.
During the time of the prophet named Isaiah, Israel was rebelling against God. To get back on track and win the prize, they needed to overcome the bad influences of society with a desire to go a new way.
Let us be thankful that we do have a new way and celebrate today with the song Way Maker – Leeland. Worship today that Jesus is the Way maker, the miracle worker, promise keeper, and Light in darkness.
Unfortunately, the photo above is for many the attitude of society but imagine multitudes realizing there is much to do and having a desire to do something about it. They start by going to God in prayer and obeying His plan. As a result, cities are crime free, the countryside is thriving with lush grass for livestock, and crops are flourishing as the time of harvest nears. Small towns are bourgeoning into communities filled with young children being shaped into the leaders of tomorrow.
The matter of having so much to do but “no desire to do it” which is discussed in the first 17 verses is still open with God as we read Isaiah 1:18-31. There was corruption throughout the land, and they couldn’t stay on track. Society did not seem to be interested in a comeback. There continued to be corruption, injustice, and unrighteousness.
In many ways, society back then and today have familiar issues. To be redeemed and get back on track, society’s bad influences must be overcome. Let us instead, ask the Father to be our steady influence as we run the race to victory. Let us be dedicated to asking others to receive the Redeemer, and desire to be the Father’s feet and hands to carry out His purpose.
Then, other nations will look at our nation and know we are “One Nation Under God”. They will be ready to listen and follow God’s direction too so His plan would spread into their own nation and throughout the world.
When we desire to follow God’s plan, we will pray like Jesus did. This will give us the instructions needed for the tasks that need to be accomplished, the ability to keep going towards that purpose, determination to overcome the difficulties, and the encouragement we need to accomplish the victory.
Father God, sometimes we get off track, but we can get back on track by following Your Way. Help us to take on the tough issues and the challenges faced in our society. We put You in charge God and know You can make things better by building up a society full of people that want to be Your hands and feet to fulfill the purpose You have for us. We accept Your love and grace that knows no bounds, Your Truth that knows right from wrong. May we limit worldly desires and take in the unlimited goodness available to us due to Jesus Christ in whose name we pray. Amen.
Photo Source – “Bing.” Microsoft. N.p., n.d. Web. Images >.
Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. – 2 Corinthians 3:17-18
The nation of Israel had rebelled against God and gotten off track. Noted in “Getting Back on Track” is that we have the road map, the formula, and the game plan to an amazing future. God’s word leads one in the right direction and effective application of His word requires discipline which is a composite of good habits consistently carried out and resulting in good character.
The path of God has been laid. It takes discipline to follow but when we do, we become all that God wants us to be. Make a declaration today to follow that path. Start with the song Lead Me to the Cross by Hillsong.
Many people are constantly looking for the magic formula. The perfect system that will take care of all their problems. The thing is that the formula is right before our eyes for everyone to see. What holds us back is a lack of discipline. Today in Isaiah 1:1-17, we learn a lot about the results of a lack of discipline and what is needed to get it back.
The prophet named Isaiah is giving a message from God. Charging Israel of rebelling against Him. Their religious activities are nauseating to God because they do not understand that what God wants is not just going through the motion to make it seem like they worship Him but actually internalizing His word so they do what it says.
There was corruption throughout the land and they couldn’t stay on track. They offered their sacrifices to God but He does not like their religious activity because it is only lip service. He had rather they lived disciplined lives. Learn to do right and seek justice. Take up the cause of the fatherless and plead the case of the widow (v. 17)
It’s easy to get off track and like the photo, deep-seated instincts tell us to do the wrong things like letting our anger take over or to choose the easy way out of our problems. Fortunately, God’s word leads one in the right direction and keeps one on track towards effective living.
The formula for us in current times is right before our eyes.
One Cross + Two Nails = Forgiven
It’s the application of this formula that sets many back. Following the Way of Jesus requires discipline with a composite of habits consistently carried out. The result is good character built into the lives of the people who give all the glory to the Lord.
This day with You God, we know where we want to go and how to get there. We have the road map, the formula, and the game plan to an amazing future. Keep us on track as we follow the Way. Help us to fix our eyes on the eternal rather than the worldly desires that get us off track. We surrender our lives to Jesus to abstain from worldly desires and not remain in shame. You love us even more that we love ourselves. Your love precedes our obedience but Your love from above transforms our life, so we make choices that blesses our future day by day. We will never be the same because we are citizens of the kingdom in which Jesus forever reigns. In His name we pray. Amen.
Photo Source – “Bing.” Microsoft. N.p., n.d. Web. Images >.
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