Category Archives: Living

Bible, Hosea, Living, Restoration, Romans, Salvation, Scripture, Witnessing

CHILDREN OF THE LIVING GOD

ROMANS 9:26

“‘AND IT SHALL BE THAT IN THE PLACE WHERE IT WAS SAID TO THEM, “YOU ARE NOT MY PEOPLE,” THERE THEY SHALL BE CALLED SONS OF THE LIVING GOD.’”

When my mom and dad were alive, my relationship with them was very different than it is now. My mom has been with Jesus for over 15 years now and my dad just over 10. Hard to believe. I am still their son, but they are my late parents. They are no longer alive in this world. Our view of being alive differs greatly from God’s view. Let’s see what Paul says today about this.

Paul quotes again from Hosea 1:10. You have to remember that Israel’s great sin was forfeiting their worship of the living God for dead idols. They forsook their birthright as His children and pursued other gods who did not exist and had no power. They had witnessed firsthand His mighty acts on behalf of their nation, but that did not matter. The term “the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence” fits them perfectly. Why did Paul quote from Hosea here?

APPLICATION

Because just as God restored a fallen Israel, He has restored a fallen mankind through His Son Jesus. We just have to turn to Him, believe in Him and follow. Then we too have that relationship as children of the Living God. John 1:12 tells us, “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name,…” It really is that simple. Why can’t we believe that?

When Paul and Barnabas said these words to the people in Lystra, they were urging them to turn to the living God. “‘Men, why are you doing these things? We also are men with the same nature as you, and preach to you that you should turn from these useless things to the living God, who made the heaven, the earth, the sea, and all things that are in them,’” (Acts 14:15) Aren’t we doing the same today? Aren’t we urging those chasing manmade idols like money, power and success to do the same? They need the living God!

Psalm 42:2 cries out with the same desire. “My soul thirsts for God, for the living God; When shall I come and appear before God?” Psalm 84:2 speaks the same. “My soul longed and even yearned for the courtyards of the LORD; My heart and my flesh sing for joy to the living God.” Is this your desire? Do you long to be in the presence of the living God? Well, you can. Every day! Just lean into Him. He is there, waiting for you. He was and is and will always be!

I am so thankful I serve a living God Who reigns eternally.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Flesh, Holy Spirit, Living, Romans, Scripture

IN ACCORD WITH

ROMANS 8:5

“For those who are in accord with the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who are in accord with the Spirit, the things of the Spirit.”

You may have heard the expression, “If you lie down with dogs, expect to get fleas.” Paul even hints at that in 1 Corinthians 15:33 when he writes, “Do not be deceived: ‘Bad company corrupts good morals.’” What you spend your time doing and thinking about is sure to affect how you live. You can choose to think about good things and hang out with good people, or you can choose the opposite which will surely bring your down. Your choice.

Paul speaks now in comparisons to further explain what he has just been talking about in 8:1-4. There are no hidden messages in today’s verse. It is self-explanatory. If you live according to the flesh, it is obvious your thoughts are on the flesh. If you live according to the Spirit, then you must be thinking spiritually. You are what you think. I heard a quote recently that said, “Thoughts Become Words, Words Become Actions, Actions Become Habits, Habits Become Character, Character Becomes Your Destiny.” I believe Paul would have agreed with that.

APPLICATION

There is probably no better explanation of this verse than Galatians 5:19-24 where Paul compares flesh and Spirit. “19 Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: sexual immorality, impurity, indecent behavior, 20 idolatry, witchcraft, hostilities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions, 21 envy, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.”

Anyone can read those verses and understand the difference between the two, right? Then why do so many Christians struggle with the flesh, me included? I may not be involved with a sexual sin, but I can sure let my anger loose. That’s not of the Spirit. Do you see anger listed as a fruit of the Spirit? Nope. But Carl, I can’t help getting angry. Untrue. If you are a follower of Christ, the Spirit in you can rid you of it.

I choose today to set my mind on things of the Spirit and not things of the flesh. I have to make that decision every day. If I don’t, that old angry man will rise up. Today name your sin of flesh and give it to the Lord. He will purify you and give you the strength to walk in the Spirit.

Father God, I will choose Spirit over flesh today. Help me guard my lips.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Conduct, Living, Scripture, Walking

WHERE YOU WALKED

COLOSSIANS 3:7

“and in them you also once walked, when you were living in them.”

Wow! When I think back to where I walked as a teenager, it’s a miracle I made it out. There is no need to go into detail here. Let’s just say I was walking in darkness and not light. Oh, I would step into the light when it promised something good for me. But I didn’t stay there long. Darkness seems to hide our sins much better, doesn’t it?

Paul uses the Greek word for “walked” to imply a manner of living, one’s conduct. But, for me, the key word in this verse is “once.” This little Greek word pote means in the past or formerly. This means this was past behavior. It’s not their current conduct. But it also reminds them of where they came from.

APPLICATION

Look back for a minute at your life before Christ. Do you remember those days? How was your conduct? It wasn’t too bad, Carl. Not too bad? It doesn’t have to have been real bad. If it wasn’t in line with Christ, then it was still bad. But the glory of our salvation changes everything. What was once true about us is not any longer.

Our past conduct does not determine our future position! Aren’t you glad? Ephesians 2:1-2a says this about this issue. “1 And you were dead in your offenses and sins, 2 in which you previously walked according to the course of this world,” WE WERE DEAD! What changed? God didn’t wait for you to clean yourself up before He changed your position. No! He sent His Son to die for us while were still sinners (Romans 5:8).

I am reminded of that old hymn, “Just As I Am.”

Just as I am, without one plea
But that Thy blood was shed for me
And that Thou bid’st me come to Thee
Oh, Lamb of God, I come, I come

Thank You, Lord, that I am not now what I once was.

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