Self -examination

 But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup.~1 Corinthians 11:28

 

A few weeks ago, a pastor spoke about three types of men.  The first man had to make a choice to first serve the Lord.  They had to recognize that they needed Jesus.  This man had to confess with their mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in their heart that God raised Him from the dead and be saved (Romans 10:9).  

The second man had to commit to stick with Jesus.  They has to make a choice of whom they were going to serve.  They had to stop trying to serve to masters because this is impossible to do.  They had to decide to follow Jesus now that they know who Jesus is.  They had to declare that only He is Lord and stop being double minded in their ways ( James 1:8)

The third man had chosen to serve the Lord, stuck with Him, and now needs to walk out their faith.  They know the word, but now need to live it out.  They need to do it( James 1:22) They need to be loving their enemies, letting go of bitterness, putting down idols and not drinking from empty cisterns(Jeremiah 2:13).  They need to be planted by living water, God's word, (Psalm 1:3)an eternal spring, so that they may flourish even in times of drought.  This man is not ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ(Romans 1:16).  They are guided by the Spirit and know that the word of God is their weapon to battle and defeat the enemy.  They live the word out loud.

I once was that girl who decided to follow Jesus.  I have been that woman that drifted from God and tried to have my foot in both worlds.  That doesn't work.  It leads to misery.  I am not that woman who tries to walk out her faith, to be a doer of God's word.  To live out my faith unapologetically.  Not that I get it all right, but I trust in the Lord as I continue to abide in Him(John 15:4) and let Him have His way.  Let's make the choice today to let our lights shine so that they may see our good deeds and glorify our Father in heaven(Matthew 5:16).  If you do not know Jesus take the first step today.  He is waiting with open arms.

Lord, I thank You for the truth of Your Word.  It is Your truth that sets us free.  May we examine ourselves and find out where we are and make a choice that draws us closer to You.  Forgive us for our sins and let us run to knowing that we will find love and forgiveness.  May we walkm out our faith daily.  In Jesus name. Amen