TUESDAY January 8, 2019
Going Forward
Now when the Philistines heard that the children of Israel had gathered together at Mizpah, the lords of the Philistines went up against Israel. And when the children of Israel heard of it, they were afraid of the Philistines. So the children of Israel said to Samuel, “Do not cease to cry out to the Lord our God for us, that He may save us from the hand of the Philistines.”
1 Samuel 7:7-8
Israel realized their need for God and repented. Then the people asked Samuel to intercede for them and to not stop praying for them! They needed God’s help to be saved from their enemies. Even though they had repented and consecrated their lives before the Lord, they were still greatly afraid of the Philistines.
Think about your personal life. Are there any areas of hidden sin that are hindering your fellowship with God? It could be sin has caused spiritual defeat in your life. Have you sunk into a deep depression because of the consequences of your sin? Seriously, sin affects your life.
Like Israel, do you now realize your need for God? Then call out to Him in repentance. God wants consecration––the sanctification of your life. God can take care of your sin if you repent. He wants to act on your behalf––to move you forward. C. H. Spurgeon preached a sermon entitled, “Forward.” He challenged the people in the congregation:
“Forward is your only way; you are shut up to it. You have no armor for your backs; and whatever dangers lie in front, there are ten thousand times as many behind. It is onward or nothing; nay, onward or dishonor; onward or death.”
Be honest about your life. Are you going forward in your walk with God or backwards?
You must go forward in personal attainments, growing in gifts and in grace, in fitness for the work of God, and conformity to the image of Jesus.
~C. H. Spurgeon~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit Somebodylovesyouradio.org!