Good morning!

            One day, a young scribe approached Jesus telling him, “I will follow you. But where do you sleep at night?” To which Jesus said, “Follow me.”   After showing the scribe where he slept, said “Foxes have holes and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.” When people testify to what the Lord has done in their lives, it is extremely easy to say, “Man, I want what he/she has.” So, we pray just as Sibling Suzie had prayed thinking, what she had said, was the key to enjoying God’s providence. In the book of Proverbs, David speaking, “My son, do not forget the things I have told you! Write my commandments on your heart. In doing so, you will enjoy a long life. Never lose sight of mercy and kindness. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man. Trusting the Lord with all your heart and leaning not on your understanding. In all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:1-5). It is at this point where people walk away because it means changing our lives’ direction (John 6:52-65).

            Someone once said to me, “the kingdom of God is, 180° out of sync with the world.” The implication being, I will not be able to please the Lord and still walk in the ways of the world. The past three weeks I have grappled with Proverbs 3 because, it challenged me to change my outlook and to honor the Lord in all the areas of my life. Honoring God’s commands (Exodus 20:1-17) is easy to remember but difficult to follow because, it is a covenant with the Lord. To the weakness of heart and unfaithfulness, it is impossible. God’s commands, how different they may be, are a perfect source for restoring the soul (Psalms 19:8). My encouragement for you today is, commit your ways to the Lord and he will direct your path. Put on the full armor of God, that you may be able to resist the devil and the world’s ways. Make a covenant with your eyes not to look at the sinful ways of the world (Job 31:1-8), but to always keep your eyes on the Lord and let him be your fear and dread (Isaiah 8:11 – 15).

Father,

You have given your commandments that our lives may be full and prosperous. I have made a covenant with you that I will honor You in all that I do. When I fall short of your best desires, help me to get up and try again. Following You means turning my back on the world in everything I say and do. I understand that the Devil will do everything in His power to bring me down like he did to Moses (Numbers 20:8-13), Elijah (1 King 19), and David (2 Samuel 11:1-12:15). Thank you for the armor you provide us with which will steel us against every attack providing we do not neglect to put it on (Ephesians 6:10:17). This armor is not something we can see and nor will it be effective against humanity but when we walk according to Your design, we will be able to refuse the lies we have told ourselves, by faith we will refuse doubt, and will be obedient in all things (2 Chronicles:10:3-6).

In Jesus’ Name

I.H.S. MK