GOD GIVES THE DESIRE TO OBEY – 08-10-2021

GOD GIVES THE DESIRE TO OBEY
August 10, 2021

Prayer: Dear Lord, Thank You for working in us. We choose this day to yield to Your Holy Spirit’s leading. Amen.

Scripture: God is working in you, giving you the desire to obey Him. Philippians 2:13 NLT

The other day in conversation a brother in Christ shared with me that he was concerned to know if he had done “enough” good deeds. He had read in James that a believer shows his faith by his deeds. How sad it is when the enemy of our soul tricks us out of the joy of serving Jesus by getting us to start “bean counting.”  Let’s get one thing straight — NOTHING we do can earn us the precious gift that God has freely given to us who have faith in Christ Jesus. It is just that, a gift. And part of that gift is a new heart and mind toward God — a new nature. In our new nature, we have a growing desire to do things that will please God. We have so much fun doing them that we don’t stop to count. In fact, in Jesus’ parable about those who had done good in His name and those who had not (Matt. 15) the good-deed doers were surprised when the Lord commended them and asked “when did we do these things for you?”

The truth is, as God changes our hearts, the good deeds toward others, the kindnesses, and the self-sacrifices, just start pouring out. You won’t notice it, but others will. Because the Holy Spirit of God is taking up residence within you, those desires please God — which is what Christ did — and those desires are ever on the increase.

I pray you are completely released to God today so that His love shines upon others and blesses them because of the things you unconsciously do to serve them.

“Lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God. Be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other’s faults because of your love. Always keep yourselves united with the Holy Spirit and bind yourselves together with peace.” Ephesians 4:1-3 NLT

Copyright Dan Elliott.  Email [email protected]