Bible Pathways 11/22/2000

November 22

Romans 11 -- 13

We receive a new life when we become a Christian. As Christians, we have the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit, which enables us to let Christ be the Lord instead of our old master, Satan.
Therefore, it is only reasonable that we should live each day manifesting the resurrection life, free from Satan's control. The Apostle Paul wrote: I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God (Romans 12:1-2).
As we prayerfully read through the Bible, His Word becomes our spiritual food, our Source of strength to accomplish His will. Just as physical food is assimilated into our bodies to provide physical strength, so the indwelling Holy Spirit strengthens our spiritual lives through His Word. The Holy Spirit alone can guide you into all Truth (John 16:13). However, He will not guide us into all Truth if we refuse to read all Truth from Genesis through Revelation. The Word of God displaces our former way of thinking, and His attitudes become our attitudes, which, in turn, will strengthen us to change our outward actions.
We are in the midst of many voices calling for our attention, so we need to pray for the Holy Spirit to guide our decision making. It is imperative that day by day we meditate on the Word of God, so that the Holy Spirit can bring it to our remembrance when we face temptations, that we may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand (Ephesians 6:13). The Word of God, along with prayer, empowered by the Holy Spirit are the only weapons against Satan, the prince of the power of the air (2:2) and his demons: Take . . . the Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit (6:17-18). Thus, each day we will become more like Christ in all that we do and say. We are to be children of Light, removing from our lives all that would hinder us from being good stewards of our time, our talents, and our possessions. We can truly be grateful that God is merciful, that when we fail Him, as we often do, if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar (I John 1:9-10).
There will always be a temptation to satisfy our self-serving, fleshly desires. We need to be on guard against allowing "good things," or even "good people," to occupy our time which would keep us from the best God has for us. Life is far too short to allow material possessions and worldly accomplishments to dominate our lives. Our opportunities to serve the Lord and to be prepared to meet Him will soon end. See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil (Ephesians 5:15-16).
Cross References:
For Romans 11:3: See I Kings 19:10,14. Rom. 11:4: See I Kings 19:18. Rom. 11:8: See Isa. 29:10. Rom. 11:9-10: See Psa. 69:22-23. Rom. 11:26-27: See Isa. 59:20-21. Rom. 11:34: See Isa. 40:13. Rom. 11:35: See Job 41:11. Rom. 12:19: See Deut. 32:35. Rom. 12:20: See Prov. 25:21-22. Rom. 13:9: See Ex. 20:13-17.

Prayer:

Pray for Bridges for Peace, headquartered in Jerusalem · Pray for the Bible Pathway International Radio Broadcast sponsored by Fern V. Nelson · Country: Laos (4 million) in Southeast Asia · Major languages: Lao and French · Great suppression of all Christian activities · 58% Buddhist; 33% belief in spirits and ancestor worship; 2% Christian; 1% Muslim · Prayer Suggestion: Bow before the Lord in a godly reverence as you pray and worship (Exodus 34:8).

Memory Verse for the Week:
James 2:17