Newness of Life Under God's Direction.

  There are three kinds of people in life - those who make things happen, those who watch things happen, and those who take a look around and say, "What happened?"
  Lot seemed to fall into that last category.  As we read about him in Scripture (Genesis, chapters 12-19), we get the impression of a floater, just drifting through life, choosing the easy roads.  He never seemed to wrestle with some pertinent questions, such as:

  What are the long term consequences of this choice?

Or,

  I wonder what God wants me to do?

  He never seemed to anchor himself in the truth of God, and so he was swept away by a corrupt culture.  He seemed to allow the world to shape his life and determine his direction.
  Have you ever found yourself drifting?  Have you and are you making sure to anchor yourself in His truth?  Do you have defined goals in life, whatever station you are currently in?  If we don't take precise and diligent steps to place ourselves under God's direction, we are in danger of ending up like Lot.  People who drift without God's direction will usually end up in places they do not want to be.

  "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.  And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may approve what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God."- Romans 12:1-2

"As followers of Christ, we are called to be supermodels- not glamorous stars walking the runways of fashion, but flesh and blood men and women walking the streets of daily despair with the good news of God's love."- Jim Daly

  "You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore."- Psalm 16:11

  There in the Psalms, God is not just letting us know that He will give us direction on the way to go, but He is speaking of walking in newness of life- indicating the eternal life given by the resurrected Savior (Jesus) to all who trust in Him.

  In spending time treasuring and reading and studying God's Word, our minds can be renewed, our heart can be refreshed, and our hands and feet spurred on to action and service to Him.
  And if you have drifted a little or a lot?
  Come home. Remember His goodness, return to His everlasting arms, refine the life you have by:

  Refusing to be conformed to what the world is touting and spouting.
  Getting involved and staying involved in seeking first His kingdom and righteousness.
  Being encouraged in spending time with others who are active and interested in growing in the grace and knowledge of Jesus.
  And giving extravagantly whenever possible.  This includes not just financial, but of our time and talent and wisdom as we walk closer to the heart of God.
 

A prayer:

  Heavenly Father,  would you give me a greater hunger for reading Your Word and sharing the gospel with others?  Be glorified in this life I live.  In Jesus' name, Amen.