10/11/2017 - STRIVE TO BE APPROVED

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But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified. I Corinthians 9:27

The saved should meditate on this position Paul took, so that one does not fall into the hands of the devil and be cast away from eternal salvation.  Human nature is such that it is attracted to things forbidden by the Word. However, if we fall for them and commit them we will be disqualified.  James says we must reject all filth and accumulation of malice and receive gently and fully the Word that was grafted in us because our salvation is dependent on it.  Follow the advice!

Men’s targets might not be the same as God’s.  Jesus asked of what good would it be for man to gain the entire world but lose his soul. (Mark 8:36)  Sometimes, some people err when they accept being thought of as a great servant of God, without recognizing in Him the due glory for what was done in and through them by Him.  Others are used by the demon of adultery (even if only mentally), of theft and of other evil spirits and then blame the Most High for remaining distant from them.

Why not consecrate our lives to the Lord and be used to save the lost, or work in the healing ministry or intercede for other in their problem solving?  You do not have to be a member of the Church’s ministry to be effective in the faith that you embraced. The saved are anointed and enable to be ministers of the New Testament.  The Bible cites numerous cases where many were not of the group of disciples, but were powerfully used as instruments in the hands of the Almighty.

The believers in the Lord, abandon all sins, filthy desires and works of the flesh because even if they are offered an opportunity, they prefer to do like Joseph did in Egypt when he fled away from the evil snare.  It is wonderful and beautiful to observe when a Christian suffered strong temptations but resisted bravely all the arguments of the devil and the attractions of the flesh.  Jesus taught us what to do with the enemy: rebuke him and reject all his suggestions.

Those that were saved by Christ obtained the largest blessings.  Why trade happiness for sadness?  Have you ever prayed asking God to help you to walk like Jesus, who went everywhere working good and healing those that were oppressed by the devil?  After all, Jesus said He set the example so that we should do as He did.  Don’t copy the weak by falling into temptation, but do follow the example of the Lord. You were called to be a blessing.

It is far better to live modestly than with ill gained abundance.  To have clean hands is a virtue to always keep and practice, besides having pure eyes and a mind constantly focused and renewed in the Word of God. Whoever lets their mind be taken by temptations will never understand the Father’s good, perfect and pleasing will.  Flee from whatever comes from the enemy because he is more evil than anyone can imagine or say.

The Almighty counsels you to submit your flesh and body to serve Him so as not to be eternally lost. From now on, you know what to do, right?  The Holy Scriptures say that those who are saved through Christ must walk just like He did (1 John 2:6).  Don’t let the enemy’s deception fool you, but follow to fulfill the Lord’s purpose for you.

In Christ with Love,

R. R. Soares