And, like I said, I do mess up sometimes, but in my heart of hearts, my sincere desire is to please the Lord. I choose His will and His way; not His will, but my way. I choose Jesus. As a matter of fact, I ask Him to help me choose Him first every day, because it can be really easy not to. We have a way of going to God as a last resort instead of seeking Him first in everything. (How different would our lives be if we’d look to God first?)
He gave His life for me and His promises really are “yea and amen” (2 Corinthians 1:20). He has healed me and saved my life. He delivers me and renews me daily. Why would I choose anything else? Jesus offers life and that more abundantly (John 10:10). Why would anyone intentionally choose death? The Bible says clearly in Romans 6:23, “the wages of sin is death but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” A wage is the amount paid to you for the work you have done. In other words, you earn death when you lead a life of sin. But the gift of God, living for God, allows you to receive the gift of eternal life from God. He is “where it’s at.”
Actually, He gives lots of gifts. We receive brand new mercies every day (Lamentations 3:22-23). He provides for us daily (Psalm 23:1). He gives us peace beyond our understanding (Philippians 4:7). Jesus heals, sets free, and delivers us. He gives us the fullness of joy. There are so many benefits to living for God. Honestly, I don’t know why more people don’t (and why those of us who truly love God still lean on our own understanding from time to time).
Look back at what Joshua said. “But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” He took a stand. He said, “You can choose whatever you want, but for me and mine, we choose the Lord.” Have you made that stand in your home? Sometimes you even have to tell the enemy that. “I don’t belong to you, so you need to keep it moving.” We belong to the Most High God! Try God and decide for yourself. He will always come through. He knew how your whole life would play out before you were even born. He knew you, and He still chose you. He loves you more than you could ever possibly imagine, and He is always with you, always.
But the choice is yours…
The Manna Chef 