Walk Worthily
“…whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.” James 4:17
“…walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called.” Ephesians 4:1
Dear friends,
I have a sorrowful confession to make. I have been walking in sin. For over a year now, my dear Father has been instructing me to memorize His holy Word - to treasure it in my heart that I might not sin against Him. But I have disobeyed. Oh sure, I have taken small steps toward that end. I have printed pages of verses and posted them visibly throughout my house. But I cannot recite one of them from memory. If God called me to share His Word with someone in need, my brain would prove unprepared.
The truth is I haven’t created the systems necessary to successfully memorize a new verse every week. That would require printing and posting and placing it throughout my world – in my Bible, in my pocketbook, above my teapot – so I see it and recite it many times during my days. And many means more than a handful. If this ol’ ball is go’n retain these truths ‘til the end o’ my days, I need to say it and say it and claim it ‘til it comes out all by its own self.
Is there something your Lord has been proddin’ you to do that you’ve been ignoring? Has He whispered “Dear daughter, your body is the temple of My Holy Spirit. It loves and needs exercise. Please stand up often and move in lively praise.” Or has He revealed the hazards of your food choices, reminding you of His bountiful, natural harvest, yet you continue to sabotage your health and energy with that which does not satisfy?
Brother James tells us “…whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.” `For Miss Grace, the right thing to do is embed His Word in my heart. Until I establish and follow memorization systems, including accountability, I am not walking in a manner worthy of His calling.
Are there systems you know you need to put in place in order to walk worthily? Have you purged your pantry of tempting, treacherous treats? Do you take time each week to cook so lunchbox meals and week night suppers are pre-prepared? What time have you committed to exercise each day? Do you have a walking buddy in insure you don’t bail out? Have you set an alarm to remind you to stand up regularly to stretch and sing joyously?
Maybe you would benefit from memorizing the Good Word too. Brother Paul tells the Roman church, “Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Romans 12:2) Surely all those divine nudgings will be easier to do with a renewed mind. Would you like to be my scripture memory partner?
I don’t know about you, church family, but my heart is very heavy at the thought of disappointing my Father. I know anything He asks of me is for my own good. So right here, right now, in front of the Almighty and all of you, with a contrite heart I confess my laziness. I also ask through the power of the Holy Spirit for renewal of my mind by memorizing one new scripture verse every week. There it is. One new verse each week. And I’m going to start with II Thessalonians 1:11-12 so I’m clear on Who’s doin’ the doin’: “We always pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of His calling and may fulfill every resolve for good and every work of faith by His power, so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.” Oh isn’t that comforting saints? To rest in knowing God makes us worthy, and God fulfills our resolves for good and God fulfills every work of faith. He does the doin’ when we do the renewin’!
For what do you need strength and to what systems do you need accountability? Let’s share our resolve and support with our family on Facebook right here: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100018004744084&ref=bookmarks
Oh saints, Satan loves it when we ignore God’s commands and calling. Praise be to God we have been crucified with Christ, that old things – old habits – old excuses have passed away. Rejoice! The new has come!
Live Well,
Miss Grace