Good morning! Over the weekend I had an opportunity to take a walk up a steep trail. It was a nice walk/hike. There were several trails that I could take or I could stay on the main road. Although I was by myself I wasn’t concerned about deviating from the trail because the area looked safe. However, just as I was preparing to deviate from the trail I saw a sign that read: watch for rattlesnakes. Of course, I heard the Holy Spirit say to me stay on the main path. Have you ever been worried about a path you were on. Don’t you wish there were more visible signs like that one in our personal lives. Well, I believe there are…

Join me today as we begin in 1 Peter chapter 4.

“So then, since Christ suffered physical pain, you must arm yourselves with the same attitude he had, and be ready to suffer, too. For if you have suffered physically for Christ, you have finished with sin. ² You won’t spend the rest of your lives chasing your own desires, but you will be anxious to do the will of God. ³ You have had enough in the past of the evil things that godless people enjoy—their immorality and lust, their feasting and drunkenness and wild parties, and their terrible worship of idols.

⁴ Of course, your former friends are surprised when you no longer plunge into the flood of wild and destructive things they do. So they slander you. ⁵ But remember that they will have to face God, who stands ready to judge everyone, both the living and the dead. ⁶ That is why the Good News was preached to those who are now dead—so although they were destined to die like all people, they now live forever with God in the Spirit.” – 1 Peter 4:1-6 NLT

There is a weight that is lifted when we give our lives to Christ. The former things that held us prisoner are no longer the things that separate us from Christ because we are no longer searching for the things that kept us bond to sin. We are now searching for Christ in all things and reminding ourselves to stay focused on Him.

As we continue to walk in Christ in this world, there will be trials, there will be temptations and there will be those who will mock Christians but we must stand firm in what we believe. Continue to do good. Continue to embrace godly wisdom, character and discernment so that when people mock us for doing what God has called us to do, we will not be misdirected by emotions or slander, but we will have the power that only God provides to keep doing what God has called us to do. We must align our actions and purpose with the word of God. Allow God to be the judge between us and those who slander and deceive. God is our great defender. Sisters and brothers, press on we have kingdom work to do.

• What desires are you still chasing? ________
• What is keeping you bound to sin or doing your own thing? ________
• Who or what is redirecting you from what God has called you to do? ________
• Are you ready to live for Christ? _______
• Ask God, to reveal to you His purpose for your life and then do His will? _________

Father God, in the name of Jesus we come to you in prayer asking for deliverance from the things that have us bond. Lord, you have been our rock and anchor in the midst of storms and we thank you for that. Lord, you know what we struggle with. Lord, help us not to seek approval from others or be lead by what others say against us, but Lord help us to seek you first in all things. Lord, we ask for forgiveness for our sins and for the power to turn away from the things that try to draw us away from you. Lord, remove bitterness from our hearts. Lord, help us to turn away from unhealthy situations and toxic people. Lord, help us to recognize the enemy’s plans against us and be lead by you to pray and not be entrapped by the enemy’s schemes. Lord, give us the peace of mind that we need as we seek to serve you with our whole heart. Lord, be with our families and heal any areas that are broken. Lord, minister to those who are lost, confused about life, do not believe in you and/or living for their own desires. Lord, get their attention and bring them back to you. Open their eyes so that they will see your greater plan for their lives. Lord, strengthen our faith and transform us into who you have called us to be. Make us bold and humble in spirit. Let our light shine in the darkest space. In Jesus name, amen.

Keep praying! Keep trusting! Keep pursuing the Lord!

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