Commit

“And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”

Colossians 3:17 NKJV

   Commit everything you say and do to the Lord. Sometimes the practical application of this verse may seem tough. We tend to compartmentalize God in our lives for certain situations or settings. The world has definitely drawn the line between God and everything else. The same talking heads we see in the media try to convince us that God has His place in the world but it isn’t in school, sports, politics, corporate America, law making, biology and a host of other places.

“And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men,”

Colossians 3:23 NKJV

   Everything you say and do matters to God. There is no separation between work, home, church, school or whatever. As a child of God we are called to represent Jesus in all aspects of our life. We do not work for men we work for God.

Jesus said:

“For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and is himself destroyed or lost? For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words, of him the Son of Man will be ashamed when He comes in His own glory, and in His Father’s, and of the holy angels. But I tell you truly, there are some standing here who shall not taste death till they see the kingdom of God.””

Luke 9:25-27 NKJV

   Let your words and actions in all situations reflect the One you belong to.

“because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy.””

I Peter 1:16 NKJV

   Holy means to be set apart, to be devoted to God and the things of God. Like I covered a couple of days ago, we are just visiting here our home is with our Father.

“In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.”

John 14:2 NKJV

   In the meantime God expects you to:

“Therefore submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake, whether to the king as supreme, or to governors, as to those who are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and for the praise of those who do good. For this is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men— as free, yet not using liberty as a cloak for vice, but as bondservants of God. Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king.”

I Peter 2:13-17 NKJV

   Obedience to God is paramount. God wants us to obey Him above any other sacrifice we can make.

“So Samuel said: “Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, As in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, And to heed than the fat of rams.”

I Samuel 15:22 NKJV

   Obedience means to be Holy against the pressure and influence of the world. Being obedient to God will separate you from the world, now more than ever.

   Jesus said it this way:

“Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.”

Matthew 16:24 NKJV

   Jesus went to the cross for our Salvation and sacrificed Himself to atone for our sins. He also wanted to be obedient to His Father.

“And He said, “Abba, Father, all things are possible for You. Take this cup away from Me; nevertheless, not what I will, but what You will.””

Mark 14:36 NKJV

   Jesus crucified His flesh in the wilderness when the devil tempted Him and sacrificed Himself publicly on the cross for us.

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.”

Galatians 5:22-26 NKJV

   Put God first in all you say and do:

“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”

Matthew 6:33 NKJV

And:

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.”

Proverbs 3:5-6 NKJV

   God, give us the strength to crucify the flesh today. To be obedient to You. Lord help us to reflect Your Son Jesus in all that we say and do. Grant us the wisdom to put You first before we speak and to acknowledge You in our words and deeds. Lord, as we used to sing in church “Let me be a sacrifice holy and acceptable.” In Jesus Name - Amen

   May the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious unto you. May the Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace.

In Jesus Name - Amen

• Pastor Doug