Prayer: Father God, Lord Jesus, hallowed is your holy name. As each day goes by, it is becoming increasingly apparent to those with an ear to hear that “we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and evil spirits in the heavenly places” (Eph. 6:12, NLT). Lord, help us dress ourselves in God's armor as we run this race. Order our steps as we bring the Good News of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. As we wade through the murky, polluted waters that flood this world, we come with a grateful heart. Thank you for forgiving our sins and encouraging us to forgive others. Thank you for comforting and healing the sick. Thank you for patiently waiting for all to know the truth. Thank you for your son, Jesus, who died for our sins and is our living hope for everlasting life. In Jesus' Name, I say Amen.
Message: Choose God and Eternal Life
There can be no doubt that God gives us free will, which makes us responsible for our decisions. Without free will, this world would be filled with automatons that, at best, would worship God with no passion and, in the worst-case scenario, not at all. With free will, the Creator left it up to each individual to choose to follow the Lord or reject His Way and Truth. We make the choice, and God gets the glory when we choose the Lord over Satan and good over evil.
God rescued His children from darkness and put them on the path to freedom. "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery" (Gal. 5:1). His sacrifice provides the opportunity for all who believe to break strongholds that are holding them captive. We must not allow fear to paralyze us. We must not allow pride to make us overconfident in our abilities. We must not allow anger to make us bitter. These are a few of the strongholds that humans often trap themselves into doing something that they would not ordinarily do. Embrace the Lord’s truth concerning freedom, as the Apostle Peter said: Live in freedom as servants of God (1 Pet. 2:16).
Look for the things that come from above and do not succumb to the things of the world. We know from reading the Word of God that “the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world” (1 Jn. 2:16, KJB). The flesh wants what it wants, and what it wants is usually contrary to what the Spirit wants.
Eve wanted the fruit because she thought it would give her wisdom. Jonah did not want to evangelize to Ninevah because he thought he had a right to question God. In this present culture, billionaires continually seek more money because they are never satisfied, and they have no compassion when their ambitions destroy others. Corruption in the world is often fueled by greed and selfish desires. However, with Christ, we can choose the Lord’s Way, claim eternal life, and stay on the path to glory.
Having been enlightened by the Holy Spirit, “We know also that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true. And we are in him who is true by being in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life" (1 Jn. 5:20, NIV). Choose Christ and not the world or anything in the world. Choose love over hate. Choose peace over vengeance. Choose charity over greed. When we choose the world and the things of this world, not only are we disobedient to God’s Word, but we make an enemy of God.
Strive to renew your mind and ask for a fresh anointing as often as possible. As frequently as we need it, we should ask in the name of Jesus. Greater is He that abides in us than he that roams around looking for someone to devour. Do not conform to this world; if you do, you will not be able to discern what is good. “The world is passing away, along with its desires; but whoever does the will of God remains forever” (1 Jn. 2:17). Be encouraged, the Holy Spirit provides a complete understanding of His Way and Truth.
So, let us fix our eyes on what is unseen (eternal life), not on the troubles of this world that are seen (this present life). Remember that what we see is temporary and will soon pass away. Set your mind on the unseen, which is eternal (2 Cor. 4:18). The wisdom and knowledge of the Gospel of Jesus Christ were once hidden but are now revealed to the saints. Use your free will to serve the Lord with all your heart, mind, and soul.
Benediction: May the Lord Jesus fill us with joy and peace, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit we may abound in hope (Rom. 15-13).
