It finally hit me while I was considering the messages from the last few days. If you remember, I discussed receiving Zoe, the life and nature of Yahweh, as our New Birth came into being. I also commented on our responsibility of walking a life that was “Blameless” and “Holy.” But then I realized, they are connected!
In Proverbs, Solomon gave us some wise advice:
Do not forget my teachings,
and keep my commands in mind,
because they will bring you
long life, good years, and peace.
Do not let mercy and truth leave you.
Fasten them around your neck.
Write them on the tablet of your heart.
Then you will find favor and much success
in the sight of Elohim and humanity” (Proverbs 3:1-4)
I believe this is saying that if we set our sights to walk that is blameless before Him, we will walk in His favor and will give Him pleasure and delight!
Do you think I am exaggerating this too much? Well, maybe, but I don’t think so. Our Father’s favor means many things, including Power! Paul said, “The Good News we brought to you didn’t come only with words, but with power, with the Holy Spirit, and with great conviction . . .” (I Thessalonians 1:5). That’s right! His favor brings the power of the Holy Spirit to everything you speak and everything you do. Your words will not fall to the ground (as when I encouraged you to speak to the “mountains” in people’s lives). Why? Because they will have the power and authority of the Holy Spirit!
Paul said those Holy Spirit-empowered words produce great results: “And you set yourselves to become imitators of us and through the Lord Himself, for you welcomed our message in spite of much persecution, with joy inspired by the Holy Spirit” (I Thessalonians 1:6). Amen! That is what it is all about! You see, Paul’s words were so powerful, so effective because, as he wrote, “you became a pattern to all those who rely on Christ Jesus!” (I Thessalonians 1:7).
It wasn’t Paul’s preaching or his praying that won people to the Lord. No, it was his exemplary, blameless life! Our Lord had found in Paul a clean heart—one that He could favor with the power of the Holy Spirit! So maybe, just maybe, the reason many of us are experiencing a lack of power in our lives and ministries, is because we are not living exemplary and blameless lives! Don’t throw stones at me, I am just reading the Scriptures.
Our Father’s divine favor will also bring the high esteem respect from the people around us. Take, for instance, what is said about David:
The Philistine generals still went out to fight Israel. But whenever they went out to fight, David was more successful than the rest of Saul’s officers. So David gained a good reputation (I Samuel 18:30)
Now, you know I don’t quote King Jim too much, but this passage it may help us to see how KJV puts it:
“David behaved more wisely than all the servants of Saul, so that his name became highly esteemed” (I Samuel 18:30)
Aah! So, whoever protects the Name of Jesus by living a holy and blameless life before others will be the ones who are given a good name before them — by God Himself!
Oh, some Christians tell me, “Oh, I don’t care what people say about me or think of me. I just want to be an unknown, a nobody. Let the Lord have all the glory.” Well, that may sound pretty humble and self-effacing, but according to Scripture, “A good name and reputation is more important than having great riches” (Proverbs 22:1). Our Father values a good name so they can use it to glorify Him in much greater degree!
We need to live out what we say and teach. I am sure all of us understand that we are not perfect, but we can strive to live blameless lives. The Psalmist explained, “Consider the blameless, observe the upright; those, who seek peace, will have posterity” (Psalm 37:37). It is through the power of the Holy Spirit and prayer that we will receive the power to stand strong for our God, and to move forward in His purposes, and to live a blameless life!
Nickolas
(I send out messages like this each morning in emails, and if you are interested in receiving them, send me your email address and I will add you to the list. However, you can also find these messages at: Thought For The Day)
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