Fortify my faith

5-31-2012 by Boyd Bailey “For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life. Therefore, anyone who rejects this instruction does not reject a human being but God, the very God who gives you his Holy Spirit." 1 Thessalonians 4:7-8 There is a subtle and not so subtle sequence of rejection that takes place in a life that’s not surrendered to the Lord. Acknowledgement of obedience is not sufficient without the evidence of action that aligns with holiness. God calls all His children to purity and a productive life around His priorities. Accepting Almighty God’s instruction releases His Holy Spirit’s influence. A life, powered by the Spirit, sees the Lord work. Indeed, there are wise rejections. Reject self-righteousness and accept unpretentious piety. Reject pride and accept humility. Reject bitterness and accept forgiveness. Reject egotistical anger and accept just anger. Reject fear and accept faith. Reject sin and accept sinners. Reject being holier-than-thou and accept holiness. Reject hurt and accept healing. Reject unbelief and accept belief. Reject Satan and accept Jesus. Reject unwise actions. “And the LORD told him: “Listen to all that the people are saying to you; it is not you they have rejected, but they have rejected me as their king.” 1 Samuel 8:7 As we surrender to our Savior Jesus, we will feel the rejection of others. It could be a family member who sees Christ in our life and is convicted of his or her sin. They feel uncomfortable and even angry at being exposed by the light of our loving life. Wise are we not to lower our language to their level with defensiveness. Rather, we accept them as a needy person in need of forgiveness. We love them to the Lord with relentless kindness. Above all, accept first Jesus as your personal Savior and then begin a pattern of accepting His lot for your life. If you can trust Him with your eternal destination, you can trust Him with your earthly destination. Accept the reality of your trials with trust in God’s goodness to give you hope and help for the journey. Accepting God’s game plan—during the good and bad times—unleashes His strength and encouragement. Your acceptance of the Lord’s instruction invites His Holy Spirit’s comfort, conviction and control. “The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit.” 1 Corinthians 2:14 Prayer: Dear Lord, by faith I accept You and Your will for my life. Fortify my faith. Related Readings: Job 22:21-23; Zephaniah 3:2; John 13:20; 1 Peter 2:5 God Bless! Logan Stout