Ordinarily God does not move upon us and demand that we deny ourselves, take up our cross and follow the Lord. But God will bless us if we do so.

We say "ordinarily" because there often are times in our discipleship when the Lord prompts us or reminds us to do something. Also there are seasons when God "bears us on eagles' wings," helping us through a difficult period. The times when the Lord "bears us on eagles' wings," lifting us out of ourselves for a season, are extraordinary interventions, not the normal Christian experience. We do not grow during such times. We grow when we are using our spiritual "muscles."

We are to obey the commandments found in the New Testament writings. If we strive to obey them God will deliver us from sin and rebellion and we will enter eternal life.

But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness. (Romans 6:17,18)

"Obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you." The key is obedience.

Christian believers have been deceived by the current errors because they no longer are "people of the Book." God's people have turned away from reliance on the written Word and are following the various traditions and errors in the Christian churches of today. The worst of these errors is that we are saved unconditionally and shall go to Heaven no matter how we behave.

Some pastors have become psychologists in an attempt to relieve the pressures on people. There is a place for psychologists in the world as there is also for medical doctors. But it is the anointing of the Holy Spirit of God that finally breaks the chains of sin.

Let us turn away from the soft, people-centered, ear-tickling "gospel" we are hearing in our day. What does the Word say?

This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success. (Joshua 1:8)

His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed: Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury. (Matthew 25:26,27)

Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: (II Peter 1:10)

"If ye do these things."

If we set our mind and heart to "do these things" we will find that the Holy Spirit is standing by, ready to help us. Once we make up our mind to obey the Lord Jesus and His Apostles, the wisdom and strength will be given to us freely. We need only come to the Throne of Grace and obtain mercy and assistance in our hour of need.

If ye do these things!

Amen! (from Something To Think About; from The First and Second Resurrections)