Living Free - July 15, 2016
Dare to Be Different
Today's Scripture
"Can two people walk together without agreeing on the direction?" - (Amos 3:3)
Thoughts for Today
How can we walk with God if we are not agreeing on the direction?
During Enoch's life, the world was a mess. "The Lord observed the extent of human wickedness on the earth, and he saw that everything they thought or imagined was consistently and totally evil" (Genesis 6:5 NLT). But Enoch chose God's way. He agreed with God and was not afraid to follow him instead of the world. He refused to do anything wrong just because it was "politically correct." He probably made many people feel uncomfortable in an evil society because he was a godly example. He stood for righteousness and went against the ungodly lifestyles of his day.
And he pleased God.
Consider this …
Genesis 6:5 could describe our world today, and we seem to be on a downhill slide. Moving forward, we will likely face more and more choices. Are we willing to defend our faith? Are we willing to live God's way even when doing so brings the wrath of many people on us? To agree with his direction?
And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. (Romans 12:1-2 NLT)
So much evil surrounds us. Jesus is calling us to shine the light. Are you ready?
No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father. (Words of Jesus in Matthew 5:15-16 NLT)
Prayer
Lord, I do agree with your direction. Help me to be wise and bold in standing up for truth. Help me to know your will for me and to follow the path you lay before me no matter where it leads. In Jesus' name . . .
These thoughts were drawn from …
Godly Heroes: A Small Group Study of Hebrews 11by Jimmy Ray Lee, D.Min. This guide presents a step-by-step study of Hebrews 11. It also features the profile of the characteristics of Godly heroes, written in language that relates to today's living. In this guide you will find definitions, characteristics and examples of the heroes' faith life. Note: This curriculum was written especially for small groups, and we encourage people to use it that way. However, it can also be used effectively as a personal study for individuals or couples.
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