There is something romantic about the idea of changing the evil man or woman through love. There are all the romance books about the good man saving the bad girl. Or the good girl saving the bad man.
The reality is that you should make sure you have saved them BEFORE you marry them. Because the usual action once you have committed your lives together is that the influence usually goes the other way. Evil spreads easier than good in a marriage.
Nehemiah shook out the folds of his garments. You probably go through all the pockets of your pants before putting them in the laundry. I suppose a better example would be to empty your wallet.
LORD, help me to shake out what I have for others. Shake me out and empty me to do your will.
And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting.
We are never alone for God is with us and within us. Though we may not have the words to speak to God, the Spirit will raise up our prayers for us. Though we may not have the strength, the Spirit will empower us for action. Though we may not have the knowledge, the Spirit will lead us to the truth.
When we build for the LORD we will always be opposed. Opposed by the powers of this earth and the powers of the prince of this earth.
We prepare in sports for the difficult games by pushing our bodies to their limits. By studying and pushing our minds to know what to do. Why not prepare our minds and bodies for the difficult battles of our daily lives?
Strengthen the will of your body by fasting and not giving into your desires. To put your mind over your flesh. Strengthen your mind by studying the word of God and looking for where He would have you work in the world.
One way to handle the task is to tell others about it.
Writing this blog hasn't been easy for me. It takes time and drains me mentally and physically at times. Just listening to the Bible and thinking nearly constantly on it take more out of me than I thought.
One thing out of many that keeps me going ... I told others I would do this. And like Ezra I would be ashamed before them if I didn't finish.
Want to hold yourself accountable? Tell someone else what you will do.
"Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”
Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.
For us to look back upon the cross and Christ for our salvation requires what John has given us: A Witness. The Bible is a witness to the LORD our God.
What a blessing it is today to have it always upon our hands. And available whenever we need it. So use it. Think on it and prepare your heart and mind for the day.
