YOU CAN WILL TO LOVE
John 14:15-24
We have neither the disposition nor the power to obey our Lord until we love him first and most of all. His presence within gives power to overcome the opposition to his will. And love makes the heart more fit for his indwelling. When we know Jesus we love him. And love always delights in pleasing the one loved. If we have any trouble obeying, let’s get better acquainted with Jesus. He is always wooing us with loving-kindness.
FAILING GOD HINDERS HIS PLAN
Mat_4:17-22
How glad we are that Peter and Andrew obeyed Jesus when he spoke to them! There is somebody, yes, many, who will be grateful if we will but obey when Jesus speaks to us. Every failure to obey hurts God’s plan. It hurts his plan for us and through us. Sometimes he says, “Stay with the nets.” If so, be faithful. Sometimes he says, “Leave the nets,” and if so, let’s do it.
TAKE GOD AT HIS WORD
Isaiah 55:1-9
We don’t quite understand about the marvelous words of life. The mind seems stupid about spiritual things. But when we take God at his word, then such realities take place that the mind’s stupidity clears as a fog lifts before the sun’s shining. His ways are higher than our ways, but when we take him at his word, we are lifted up to the level of his ways. Then we know whom we have believed.
THE UNSEEN IS MIGHTIER
Acts 12:1-12
Faith does not reckon on things seen but on things unseen. Prison and chains and armed guards would be circumstances that would seem unalterable. Who does not know a hard-pressed situation when everything seems bound tight against us? But there need be no prison nor chain nor guard on one’s spirit. One may always pray. Peter’s body became as free as was his spirit, and he walked out from prison and chain and guard. So may we—if we will.
THE PRAYER HINGE
Matthew 7:7-14
We read about “ask,” “seek,” “knock,” and the definite results. It sounds beautiful, easy, thus far. But there are always conditions. We all want results. And he wants us to have the results. That is why he tells us so plainly how to live so that our prayers will get and find and open. The prayer hinges on the life. The life hinges on obedience. Obedience hinges on a set purpose and his grace.
