Seeing the Whole Picture

Whoever comes to Me, and hears My sayings and does them, I will show you whom he is like: He is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently against that house, and could not shake it, for it was founded on the rock. Luke 6:47-48 (New King James Version)

As believers, it is imperative that we take in the whole picture of Scripture. Often are the times when people approach the Bible with a “smorgasbord” mentality whereby they see and hear only what they want to see and hear. Many principles go hand in hand and must be embraced in their totality. Today’s passage is one such case in point. At a quick glance one might assume that knowing Christ as Savior will keep them from falling apart when life takes a turn for the worst, when in actuality there is a condition to the promise.

Jesus prefaces His promise of one not being shaken with the personal responsibility of coming to Him, listening to Him, and obeying Him. If those factors are not in place the storms of life will shake us up even though our salvation is secure. It goes back to James’ admonition to be a doer and not just a hearer of the Word.

No matter what the issue or struggle is in our life, there is a verse or principle of truth that will require action on our part. If I am struggling with a dependency issue, God’s call to me is to fix my eyes on Him and trust Him to meet my needs. If I am fearful, He reminds me to allow His perfect love to cast out that fear. If I am focusing on the weaknesses of others, I must align myself with the truth that I am to live with an awareness of my own weaknesses and trust God to strengthen us both.

Last night, I spoke with a friend about an area in my life that is in need of the most change presently…..doing battle when I sense a shift in my mood, attitude, and spirit. In those times when I want to curl up with misperceptions and negative thinking, God has steps of obedience for me to take. Those steps entail taking my thoughts captive, thinking on what is actually true, and renouncing the lies that desire to take up residence in my mind. In order to not be shaken each time the spiraling begins, I must choose to listen to His voice and obey His words. It is a daily (moment by moment) decision that God promises to bless and honor. He will help me if I will but cooperate and accept His help.

Father, I have lost so many battles but You have not given up on me. Thank you for not abandoning me in the midst of failure but rather extending to me hope, help, and healing. I look to You for help to obey. Amen.

Bow the Knee - Paula Orr
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x9z6l1PXsFE&feature=related

I welcome your questions and comments to any devotional thoughts. I am honored and delighted to share my journey with you and privileged to hear of yours.