GOD Has CHOSEN!

But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; 1 Corinthians 1:27 KJV

Who really can figure out our Father, God? What I love about God is, He is strategic in the way He does things. When you think He will do something one way, He has a whole other plan that at times does not make sense to the human mind.

Let’s look at two accounts in the bible.

1. The children of Israel were to take the city of Jericho. God’s instructions to Joshua were, all the men of war were to go around the city, once for six days. Then on the seventh day, they were to go around the city seven times. Not just go around the city, but on the seventh day the priests had to blow the trumpets, and the people had to shout. Now, we know the end results. Jericho walls fell.

2. David had to fight Goliath. They tried to dress David in Saul’s armor. The armor was too big for David. So, David went down to the brook with his shepherd’s staff and took five smooth stones and put them in his shepherd’s bag. Along with his sling in his hand, he set out to fight Goliath. Can you really picture that? I can understand why Goliath asked, “Am I a dog, that you come to me with [shepherd’s] staffs?”

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:8-9 KJV

Who can fathom God? His thoughts and ways are indeed higher than ours. God’s ways are always right and perfect. You see when we face a battle, we are to inquire of the Lord, what to do? Sometimes, His instructions just do not make sense to our human mind. But you see, He is the all-knowing God, all powerful God, and He is Sovereign, the only wise God. What’s important is, we just need to obey His instructions. One thing is for sure with Him, we will be victorious.

As you meditate on this devotion today, be encourage. I do not know what you are facing but there is one thing I can say to you. Like Mary the mother of Jesus told the disciples, whatever He says to do, do it. It may not seem to make sense to our human mind, but God’s plan always works!

Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men. For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: 1 Corinthians 1:25-28 KJV

Follow Me Wholeheartedly

When Yeshua heard his answer, He said, “There is still one thing you haven’t done. Sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow Me.” - Luke 18:22 NLT

In Luke 18 verses 18-29, we read the story of the rich young religious leader who asked Yeshua, ‘what should I do to inherit eternal life?’ The young rich leader seemed very interested in what Yeshua had to say.

Scripture tells us, this young leader was rich, for he had great possessions. To answer his question, Yeshua told him to inherit eternal life, one must keep the commandments. The young rich ruler was quick to answer with delight and pride; he told Yeshua, that he had obeyed the commandments since he was young. He was so confident that he was doing all the right things. Then Yeshua said, there is still one thing you haven’t done.

We see this today; many people are of the opinion that doing religious acts or doing good works or by attending church or bible school is sufficient to inherit eternal life. Though this young man obeyed the commandments, there was still something that he was not willing to give up to inherit eternal life. Man looks at the outward appearance, but God looks at the heart. He was not committed to God wholeheartedly.

Yeshua told him ‘Sell all his possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come follow me’. Scripture says, when he heard this, he became very sad. This young ruler was not willing to give up his possessions to follow Yeshua. He found his worth and identity in the things he owned. He wanted to inherit eternal life, yet he was not willing to give up all he had for his relationship with God.

For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also – Matthew 6:21 KJV. Though salvation does not come by doing things, for it is a gift from God, many are unwilling to give up what they have, their career, their riches, some relationships and yet want to inherit eternal life. We must be willing to give up all to follow Yeshua. God wants our heart more than doing good works. Nothing and no one must have first place in our lives as followers of God.

Remain Aligned with His Direction

“And I will put My Spirit in you and move you to follow My decrees and be careful to keep My laws” - Ezekiel 36:27 NIV

God promised to restore Israel not only physically but also spiritually. To accomplish this, He would give them a new heart for following Him and put His Spirit within them to transform and empower them to do HIs will. No matter how messed up your life feels right now, God offers you a fresh start. By accepting His promises and acting upon them, you can have your sins washed away, receive a new heart for God, and have His Spirit within you.

David was sorry for his adultery and murder. He knew his actions hurt many people. But because David repented of those sins, God mercifully forgave him. No sin is too big for God to forgive!

Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones you have crushed rejoice. Hide your face from my sins and blot out all my iniquity. Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.

The Holy Spirit will give us dependable guidance. Listen to Him and ask for His power to help you experience the joy and freedom that come from letting Him rule in your heart. The holy Spirit is the Source of your new life and provides the energy and direction for it so keep in step with His leading.

“Let the Holy Spirit guide your lives” (Galatians 5:16) and since we are living by the Spirit, let us  follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives (Galatians 5:25). invited to dine with Yeshua. Will you accept His invitation?