MAKING EVERYDAY COUNT: A RECIPE FOR VICTORIOUS LIVING

(Please know that I will continue my posts on prayer later on. I still have about 2 more studies to publish on this blog.)

It takes hardly any mental effort to realize that we live in a country filled with conveniences. We have microwaves, dishwashers, credit cards, keyless entry, power windows, bluetooth, facebook, and the list goes on. I have often heard seniors say, “I don't see how we made it without all these things!” Modern advancements can be a great help to society, but when it comes to the inner being of an individual, no technological achievement or material convenience will ever suffice to restore or strengthen the soul. The great gap of the soul can only be filled up with the one who “filleth all in all”, Jesus Christ (Ephesians 1:23b). Yet, the road of true Christian living is not some large, smoothly paved interstate lined up with fun filled attractions. No. It is a narrow dirt path lined with high mountains and deep rivers. By no means do I use this imagery to propose that Christianity is nothing more than laboring “to be better.” The “legalistic” way isn't a way at all but an endless wall. By your power, you can neither go through it, around it, nor climb it. It is a sheer impossibility. However, Jesus said of Himself, “I am the door (John 10:9a).” Immediately when we turn to Christ, we will find

1. That the way past the wall of the law is “by a new and living way (Hebrews 10:20a).” It is through Jesus, Who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.
2. That what is past the wall is not a road of fleshly independence, but it is a communion, a relationship that effects every aspect of our lives. It becomes clear as Paul wrote in Colossians, “As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him (2:6),” that the “path” is not manifested by principles but in the person of Jesus Christ.
   
3. That this walk of divine communion is marked by a life of surrender and separation. Simply, if I want to enjoy the full blessing of my wife's fellowship, I dare not degrade her love by acting as if I am still single and searching. This is the whole implication of Jesus' call in Matthew 16:24, “...If any man will come after me (Communion), let him deny himself , and take up his cross (Surrender), and follow me (Separation in that inevitably in following Him, you will have to forsake other things).”
   

As mentioned prior, a disciple of Christ is not characterized by convenient living, but by cross carrying. It is true that Paul said, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me (Philippians 4:13),” but interestingly enough, to put this statement in its context, you must read the previous two verses where he says “Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need (Vs. 11 -12).” Ah, now we have it. The “all things” that Paul is meaning is that, through Jesus Christ, he has been given the strength to learn that whether he faces suffering or experiences great comfort he is content. This speaks volumes but it is not the sound some professed believers want to hear.

Now, do not forget that the first statement I made was regarding conveniences of life. Never before has so much information been so easily accessible. It as one man foolishly quipped to his wife, “Is it too much to ask that when I need something, no matter what it is, that it be immediately accessible?” Such an attitude has spilled over into the Christian realm of literature. There have been countless “How to” books written regarding faith. Spiritual formulas, step by step curriculum, and promising “fix-it-all's” are constantly churned out and gobbled up by thousands of longing readers quicker than you can say doxology. I do not desire that this article be as such. The one thing that is certain about Christianity is that it cannot be simply a 1, 2, 3 routine.

Though I am not advocating impromptu and careless living, I certainly believe that far too many believers have focused solely on hard-and-fast practices which supposedly make them “more holy”, but they in turn smother heart passion. They seem to box up the idea of spiritual advancement to a list rules and regulations, which to some appears like this is “carrying their cross,” but in reality it is convenient living, a cheap imitation. Here's an example, think of a man who upon waking up grabs a small check list of things to do. 30 minutes go by and he checks off “coffee” and “shower”. Now, 45 minutes go by and he checks off “dress”, “shave,” and “breakfast.” As he walks out the door waving to his wife, he looks down at his list and with great surprise he runs back to his wife, quickly pecking her on the cheek. He then checks off “Kiss my wife.” I cannot say how some women would feel if their husbands had a check list like this. I do know that my wife would be deeply hurt, if I constantly acted in such a manner. Once the check-list is mastered 90 percent of one's time is often spent figuring out how to “do everything required” and yet have more time on hand. Sadly, there are many men who have simply put the companionship of their wife on some mental check list. Notice though that the same is true of many believers in regard to their walk in Christ. They check off “going to Church”, they check off “reading the Bible”, they check off “Listening to Southern gospel (I threw this one in for fun)” and never seem to grow past spiritual adolescence.

In light of all this, I do want the title of my article to lead you to the very thinking that I have just readily denounced. I suppose I have just given you a rather lengthy disclaimer, but soon you will read a word list of my own insights as to how you can make each day meaningful as a believer and what I do not want is for the words that will be listed to simply become a mental and legal “check-list.” As stated before, the Christian life is not just some written dogma, but it involves a deep, personal, and real relationship with Christ, and for this, no Christian writer can ever fully give you some marvelous list of "do's and don'ts" and somehow your set.  This list is to help you focus more on the weightier aspects of the daily Christian walk, but to take it as face value and think you are “all set” is wrong. It is not some magic potion. No, it is far greater for it is truths from God's Word that can be a helpful aid in “redeeming the time, because the days are evil (Ephesians 5:16).” Foremost, I long for each step to broaden the eyes of your heart to the reality of the Indwelling Life and Power of Jesus Christ within you!

1. REST –

At the very outset of every day, the most imperative part is to REST IN THE FINISHED WORK OF CHRIST. To lay hold upon the reality of His abundant, overflowing grace that He so lavishly bestows upon us each day. Rest in the truth that God does not say to you “DO THIS FOR ME”, but He lovingly says to you, “I WILL DO THIS THROUGH YOU.” You are not called to be strong in your own abilities and understandings, but to be “strong in the power of HIS MIGHT (Ephesians 6:10).”

Psalms 37:7 Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.

Ephesians 2:4-6 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:

Philippians 2:13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.

2. MEDITATE -

It is so important to know and learn the word of God. Some Christians lay studying it aside, because in reality His Living Word studied their hearts as well. Don't forsake time in His Word. I am not going to tell you a number of minutes or hours that you're supposed to invest in a day, but I implore you to take some time everyday to read, reflect, and rejoice in the His Word.

Psalms 119:48 My hands also will I lift up unto thy commandments, which I have loved; and I will meditate in thy statutes.

The word meditate is not just regarding the scriptures, but also it is uplifting the call of prayer. Daily prayer shifts our focus back on the power and presence of God. It is so much more than just a one time act, but prayer should be like breathing, a lingering attitude not just a quick moment. I have often said that “Everyone needs a PHD: Prayer Happens Daily.”

Philippians 4:6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

Psalms 19:14 Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.

3. REJOICE -

As you start the day off resting in the Spirit of Christ, meditating in God's Word, and praying to Him, do not forget to simply rejoice in all that He does, and more importantly in all that He IS. The devil desires to drag your heart down in depression and discouragement, because it feeds fear and unbelief. Rebuke the lies of satan and joyously claim the victory that is in Jesus Christ! May your hearts song everyday be, “Praise God, He lives in me to give me the victory!”

Psalms 97:12 Rejoice in the LORD, ye righteous; and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness.

Romans 8:37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.

4. FOCUS -

Whether you are working or enjoying a day off, there is one job that you must never “take time off” of. As a Christian, you are to always have a ready heart in sharing the gospel of Christ. We are to have an outward focus of those who are lost without Christ, without hope. Though we are surrounded with a covetous society and with worldly amusements that can deter our hearts devotion, we are called to stand firm in the Faith and FOCUS our attention, our ambitions on the furtherance of the God's Kingdom. Stay alert and daily anticipate opportunities and open doors to magnify the Love of Christ. It was once said, “The more we are surrendered to God, the more He uses us to be a witness of His love.”

Colossians 4:5 Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time. 6 Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.

Colossians 3:2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.

1 Peter 3:15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:

5. EXAMINE -

No one likes to be examined whether it is dealing with one's knowledge in school or with one's health in the hospital, but ultimately we are to EXAMINE ourselves in the spiritual sense. Paul urged the believers at Corinth to prove and examine themselves, making certain that they were “in the faith.” Throughout each day, as much as we are able, we should glance at the decisions we make, the actions we take, the things we will say ect., and truly examine the integrity of our motives. Am I saying this in anger just out of spite? Am I doing this just to please man? Am I tossing aside God's Word, just to cater to my own desires? An HONEST and HUMBLE heart will go a long way and grow the right way.

1 Corinthians 11:31 For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged.

1 Corinthians 10:31 Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.

Colossians 3:17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

Colossians 3:23 And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;

6. REST -

This is so imperative to our walk as believers! Don't put the truth of the Imparted Life of Christ through the Holy Spirit's Indwelling within the believer at the back-burner of your thoughts! You ARE a NEW creation in Christ! It is not that you have simply become a better person, no, no, your old man died on the cross with Christ. It is a historical fact, but you must exercise faith in that truth and God's purpose which is that you Exchange your life for His.

Philippians 1:21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

Romans 6:11 Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Galatians 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

God bless and may you fully realize the call to not just make every opportunity “count”, but to make every opportunity Christ-like.