February 26, 2014
It’s not so much about where you’ve been, but where you are now. Yesterday’s accomplishments and victories are to be savored so as to provide motivation for today’s activities and efforts.
“So Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, ‘If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.’ ” (John 8.31-32)
A key word to note in these verses is the word “HAD” (past tense). Apparently Jesus was in the company of those who had previously reached a verdict as to His identity. Commendable as that was, the imperative for today was for them to continue in His word, and thus prove to be His disciples. That ongoing obedience would be instrumental in knowing the truth, and being liberated by it. Unfortunately, if we continue reading the following verses (verses 33-59), we discover that their belief was in the past, and the present reality is contempt and hatred toward Jesus. Past belief was no guarantee of daily obedience.
There is an important principle here for each of us. Our commitment to Christ is only as good as where we stand with it today. Yesterday may have been a spiritual “high” — with heartfelt prayer, life-changing Bible study, and genuine service. But, if that white-hot flame of commitment is today reduced to dying embers, then yesterday’s triumph is a mere fading memory that provides little value today.
I’ve shared in conversations that sounded like a spiritual museum tour. The focus was on precious spiritual encounters and breakthroughs in the past that were displayed to be relished. Sadly, such conversations were about the past, rather than the present.
Where we have been in our spiritual journey is interesting and important. But, what is happening in the moment is the great priority. What has God’s word said to you today? What conversation have you had with the Lord Jesus today? What service avenue are you pursuing today? How are you seeking first the kingdom now? These are the key questions and issues before us today, in the moment. May this moment and day be infused with true spiritual vitality.
Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2014
Be sure to also visit http://thetruthrevolution.wordpress.com/
Amazon ebook & print devotional -http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FQ1Q9GW
paperback print copy of book — https://www.createspace.com/4500045
“So Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, ‘If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.’ ” (John 8.31-32)
A key word to note in these verses is the word “HAD” (past tense). Apparently Jesus was in the company of those who had previously reached a verdict as to His identity. Commendable as that was, the imperative for today was for them to continue in His word, and thus prove to be His disciples. That ongoing obedience would be instrumental in knowing the truth, and being liberated by it. Unfortunately, if we continue reading the following verses (verses 33-59), we discover that their belief was in the past, and the present reality is contempt and hatred toward Jesus. Past belief was no guarantee of daily obedience.
There is an important principle here for each of us. Our commitment to Christ is only as good as where we stand with it today. Yesterday may have been a spiritual “high” — with heartfelt prayer, life-changing Bible study, and genuine service. But, if that white-hot flame of commitment is today reduced to dying embers, then yesterday’s triumph is a mere fading memory that provides little value today.
I’ve shared in conversations that sounded like a spiritual museum tour. The focus was on precious spiritual encounters and breakthroughs in the past that were displayed to be relished. Sadly, such conversations were about the past, rather than the present.
Where we have been in our spiritual journey is interesting and important. But, what is happening in the moment is the great priority. What has God’s word said to you today? What conversation have you had with the Lord Jesus today? What service avenue are you pursuing today? How are you seeking first the kingdom now? These are the key questions and issues before us today, in the moment. May this moment and day be infused with true spiritual vitality.
Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2014
Be sure to also visit http://thetruthrevolution.wordpress.com/
Amazon ebook & print devotional -http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FQ1Q9GW
paperback print copy of book — https://www.createspace.com/4500045
posted by steve @ 8:26 AM
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