No Excuses not to be- In the Word

No Excuses- In the Word 1-6-17
As a child I was accused of having excuses for everything. I think that it was because I heard my mother say that I should always have a reason for everything I do and I took it literally. I see sometimes that it carried on into adult hood as I see myself excusing myself from doing things I just do not want to. I find myself thinking of a reason that I do not have to do it instead of just being honest with myself and doing that thing I would rather not do because I know it is the right thing to do. Or I could decide not to do a thing that I do not feel good about doing and be okay with it knowing I made the right choice; there is no guilt or condemnation if I do the right thing.
Therefore, [there is] now no condemnation (no adjudging guilty of wrong) for those who are in Christ Jesus, who live [and] walk not after the dictates of the flesh, but after the dictates of the Spirit. Romans 8:1

God has given us the instruction on how to live our lives in righteous living but we need to read it to find the truth. If you recall the truth will set us free!

My child, never forget the things I have taught you. Store my commands in your heart. If you do this, you will live many years, and your life will be satisfying. Proverbs 3:1-2

He sent his own Son in a body like the bodies we sinners have. And in that body God declared an end to sin’s control over us by giving his Son as a sacrifice for our sins.  He did this so that the just requirement of the law would be fully satisfied for us, who no longer follow our sinful nature but instead follow the Spirit. Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit.  So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace.  For the sinful nature is always hostile to God. It never did obey God’s laws, and it never will.  That’s why those who are still under the control of their sinful nature can never please God. Romans 8: 3-22

If we are full of the truth then we will be full of the Spirit and then according to Romans 8:9 we will not be controlled by our sinful nature but by the Spirit of God within us. Remember that when Jesus died on the cross and came back to talk to people and give them wisdom to pass on to us? He told them then that He would leave them the Comforter, or the Holy Spirit, to guide us and He keeps us focused and helps us with understanding.
Then in Proverbs 3:5-8 it tells us to not lean on our own understanding; so we have direction in Romans of how that is possible via the Holy Spirit guiding our path through the Word of God as He will in our lives. To understand the Word of God, not in your own understanding but I God’s meaning of things, in truth, we can do the following;
-         Pray and ask God to give you direction for your reading each day. Do not just read it by rote as it will be like snacking on chips and dip and not having a real meal. You will enjoy the fact you ate something but it will not benefit your body, or life.
-         Read the Word with meaning and purpose. Search out a word to see what the Bible says about it, or find a certain idea you want to know about and truly study to show yourself aproved by God. Do not just study ‘because they said to’. Step one was asking God for guidance and direction in reading, remember? Ask for direction in studies to gain more meat of the Word
-         Take time out for a ‘Selah Moment’. Stop and think about what you just read and how it applies to your life.
-         Then apply it to your life! Make the reading of the Word of God nourishment for your soul. Walk the walk you just read!
Just remember this; there is no excuse for not reading the Word or taking time to pray. If you find yourselves intimidated by the size of a study start small; my own books have been written for a beginning daily read or study on certain subjects to encourage you to find the time, or make the time to get focused on Him. I know there are others out there with the same idea. Just get started it is not too late! No excuses you have the direction… In His Word!
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for giving us direction in Your Word and prayer. Help us to follow the paths you have laid out for us today, in Your Word, in Jesus name, amen. 
Read some more: Proverbs 3:1-35, Romans 8: 1-30, Romans 9:1-33. 




Trust in the Lord with all your heart;
    do not depend on your own understanding.
Seek his will in all you do,
    and he will show you which path to take.

Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom.
    Instead, fear the Lord and turn away from evil.
Then you will have healing for your body
    and strength for your bones. Proverbs 3:3-8