Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen.
1 Peter 5:6-11 ESV
The more things change, the more they stay the same. There is nothing new under the sun. For all our technology and modern conveniences, we are unable to change the fundamental nature of humanity and our core problem: we are born into sin.
The solution is still the same. Repent and turn to God for salvation, healing and deliverance.
If there’s one thing our world needs now more than ever it’s humble servant leaders. Those folks who, like Jesus, aren’t afraid to wrap a towel around their waist and wash the feet of their fellow disciples.
Pride, greed and selfishness are the primary motivators of worldly minded people. Our society functions on these base instincts. We see the fruit of our ways played out on the streets of our nation. We’re becoming a third world country.
Don’t worry about the world. It is passing away. What we are witnessing now is the beginning of birth pains. All this must come to pass before the end of all things. But do not despair. There is hope. There is the promise of death. Death is not to be feared if you are in Christ. For the believer, death is the graduation into eternal life.
In light of all this, what shall we do? Redouble our efforts to live a life that is pleasing to God. We’re not here to live for our own selfish pleasure. We’re here to be poured out as a love offering. A sweet smelling aroma of life as we are crushed and slaughtered for the glory of God.
Does the wheat resist the harvester? Or does it know that only once it’s been gathered, sifted, ground up and pressed together with all the other heads of grain that it achieves its purpose? To be bread. To be life sustaining food.
Yesterday’s manna is worm eaten. Today is a new day. God is speaking a new message today. The Holy Spirit is being poured out on all flesh. The message of salvation by faith in Jesus, the Gospel, is for everyone. It’s meant to be shared freely.
Quit worshipping the past. Embrace the present moment. God is guiding us into the fullness of His glory. We can’t get there in our strength, with our own human wisdom. It’s a work of the Spirit, initiated and sustained by God. God invites, we respond.
Today is a new day. God is calling us all back home. “Walk with Me,” He says. “Walk with Me and I will teach you My ways.”
It’s very simple but it means dying to yourself and willingly serving God. Count the cost. Decide once and for all.
And never look back.
May God bless your soul and refresh your spirit this day. In the mighty Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.
Igniter Ministries 