July 24, 2021
The name of the LORD is a strong tower; The righteous run to it and are safe. Proverbs 18:10
Safety is a scarce commodity in today’s world. For someone who senses danger and comes to Jesus, the truth of Proverbs 18:10 brings such a flood of joy and relief! Its pure simplicity sums up the essence of our greatest need met. Early in our new “first love” relationship with Jesus, He told us:
“I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. All things that the Father has are Mine. Therefore I said that He will take of Mine and declare it to you. John 16:12-13,15
In Christian growth there should be a steady increase in the understanding of His Word. If I am not growing, it is because I refuse to obey what is already clear to me. Obedience means taking a decisive step onto the next stone which is lit up on my path. This step of faith is rewarded with greater understanding, as the Holy Spirit guides me into all truth.
Through your precepts I get understanding; Therefore I hate every false way. Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Psalm 119:134-135
I must rest in the joy of that first love. Is my relationship with Jesus above all others? Nearly all professed followers of Him, if asked, would readily say, “Of course!” But, all along the path of sanctification, it is healthy to evaluate this question. The fruit of that supreme love for Jesus will be visible in how well I love others.
There is a confusing message in the world that takes the concept of loving others and changes it —slowly by degrees—to mean affirming whatever makes people happy. But true love for our fellow man will always point him toward Jesus. Beloved, apart from staying close to Jesus by prayer, the study of His Word, and the exercise of our free will to obey His precepts, we are guaranteed to wander into the danger zone. Cherishing long-held sins in our own behaviors and thoughts eventually leads us to seek approval from others for those very things......all the while damaging our witness and rendering it powerless. This is exactly what the enemy wants. But here is good news of the antidote: rays of light from the Word of God have a supernatural way of illuminating the very points at which we are misrepresenting Him. Run back to that “strong tower” and repent! Ask Him for the privilege of sharing Him with whomever will hear as you cheerfully let go of any and every attitude, habit, or behavior that does not bring glory to Him.
For you will light my lamp; The LORD my God will enlighten my darkness. For by You I can run through a troop, By my God I can leap over a wall. As for God, His way is perfect; The word of the LORD is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him. Psalm 18:28-30