What's Wrong with the Production Line?

I try so very hard, but why do my efforts not always produce the result I desire?

I try to be good.

I try to do the right thing.

I honestly try to be who the Lord desires me to be.

Why, then, do my efforts not always, or seldom, produce the results I desire?

I have asked myself that question a thousand times, I am certain, over the years.

BUT, I never quite had the answer.

Then, when I finally did have the answer, I still continued to fail.

I failed because I continued to live the same way.

Knowledge alone does not change things.

Only knowledge with action will produce change, and that change must come from a heart that is willing to actually DO things the Lord’s way.

It’s not always easy.

It’s often very difficult.

But, it is extremely rewarding.

I have begun to put biblical principles into practice in my everyday life.

Humility.

Forgiveness.

Prayer.

Scripture reading.

Love.

I pondered over these important words and could easily see where they all must be present for me to succeed at being a better servant of the Lord. Yet, is there one key area that outshines the others?

Is there?

I like to think they are all equally great….none greater than the other.

I see the key though; indeed there is one.

It is “everyday.”

If I don’t practice putting biblical principles in my life each and every day, I am not ready for battle. I am unprotected.

I am on my own.

Alone and vulnerable.

The reason for my success is because with daily practice…no exclusions…I am armed. I have prepared myself.

The Lord is with me and He is my power. Without Him I can do nothing.

Success comes with a price.

At all cost, my day must include time spent with the Lord. My heart and mind need to embrace humility and forgiveness.

It is no mistake that I placed love last.

Love needs to be first, yes.

I have learned that through prayer, scripture reading, the practice of humility and forgiveness….love comes.

There is a lot of effort placed into loving others. It is no mistake that the Lord tells us to love one another. The greatest commandment is to love the Lord and then to love others. He knew it would be the greatest challenge for us….impossible really.

Only with Him, are all things possible.

Pray for those who persecute you. Love your enemies.

The following Scripture is from Bible Gateway: NIV

But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,
Matthew 5:43-45

Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.Ephesians 6:10-12

Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.Ephesians 6:12-14

I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.
John 15:4-6

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
John 10:9-11

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.
John 13:33-35

  Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.
Romans 12:9-11

And finally,

Matthew 22:34-40  Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together.  One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question:  “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment.  And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

Do you want an awesome New Year’s Resolution?

My prayer is that 2013 will be a better year….and it can be…as long as we stand with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We CAN make a difference in this world.

Happy New Year everyone!!