12/04/2018 - LIVING OR DYING, THE DECISION IS YOURS!

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For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. Romans 8: 13

Living according to the flesh is more serious than we think and dangerous as well. We cannot simply choose this, because it is harmful to us now and for all eternity. Whoever does not amend to live in the Spirit will see that he has acted wrongly and will turn away from God. You need to check how you are proceeding.

We need to be led by the Spirit of God, serving the Lord with our hearts; otherwise, we will find out too late that we are disconnected from the Most High. Why should we act as the natural man, if we can stand beside the Father, being guarded and guided by Him? What do you say? This is very clear in the verse we are studying. Make the right decision!

Moses acted by faith when he refused to be Pharaoh’s heir. One day he would occupy the throne of Egypt; however, he preferred to serve God and decided to suffer alongside his brothers. A thousand and five hundred years later, we see him talking to Jesus on the mountain of transfiguration (Matthew 17: 2,3). What a privilege he had by following the divine direction! Why trade the best for a few crumbs, isn’t it?

Saul of Tarsus thought that he loved God by oppressing Christians. But when the divine voice reached him on the way to Damascus, he surrendered to the Lord in such a way that he soon began to preach the Way (Acts 9: 1-15). Certainly, no one would hear about him, because he lived in the world of wickedness. But because he became a follower of Jesus, he was greatly used by the Most High. Today, in the Glory, he certainly enjoys the best of God.

Those who live in the natural think only of the things of this world. For this person, what matters is to earn a lot of money, seek the forbidden pleasures of the flesh and be famous. The wicked invests everything he has to be appreciated, well spoken of and considered a great person. However, even giving his very best, he will always stumble in life. When he is no longer here, because of his bad decision, he will be in eternal torment.

Accept the guidance of the Holy Spirit and mortify the works of the flesh. Do not be mean to anyone and love everyone respectfully. Be faithful to your spouse and never pay attention to the devil. Flee from the enemy’s works. If you have to be promoted or recognized by something, may it be done by the Most High.

Biblical examples are to be followed, imitated, and loved. Do not be carried away by the deceitful proposals of the devil. Fulfill your duty with all your heart and with faith. The Lord, who sees everything, will grant you what He has promised to those who love Him indeed. The important thing is to fulfill His holy will.

In Christ with love,

R. R. Soares