11.14.7 "I Gotta do this for Me!"

"I Gotta do this for Me!"

Ezekiel 29:1-30:26
Hebrews 11:32-12:13
Psalm 112:1-10
Proverbs 27:17

Have you heard that phrase before? Have you said it? You'll even hear people "encourage" each other with this. "You know what, you've been working hard. It's about time you did something for yourself."

No one really understands that those are some of the most dangerous words spoken by man. These words lead to death. Do you know what the main foundational principle of the satanic bible is? It's wrapped up in this: You deserve it!

It's very sad to see the destruction this subtle killer has caused. Why do people do drugs? Why do marriages fall apart? Why do lusts have such power? "Because I gotta do this for me!"

Life has struggles. There are times of hardship. If our focus is out of adjustment, the circumstances of life can begin to wear on our body, soul and spirit. A difficult situation can cause hurt. The hurt can lead one to be defensive, guarded, soon isolated, then it turns into "I gotta do this for me."

Even extended seasons of well-doing can open the door to this enemy. So many times the enemy loves to attack after a long Sunday of ministry, or after weeks of working on a musical. "Go ahead, feed the flesh... you deserve it!"

Our flesh wants so much to hear those words, that rarely do we guard enough against it. It is so important that we heed the words of Hebrews chapter 12.

"Keep your eyes on Jesus, our leader and instructor. He was willing to die a shameful death on the cross because of the joy he knew would be his afterwards; and now he sits in the place of honor by the throne of God. If you want to keep from becoming fainthearted and weary, think about his patience as sinful men did such terrible things to him. After all, you have never yet struggled against sin and temptation until you sweat great drops of blood." Heb 12:2-4

We too easily dismiss his struggles as "well, he was God". We forget that he was man. He was focused on the big picture... the goal... the prize. We need to do the same! We must press on!

"So take a new grip with your tired hands, stand firm on your shaky legs, and mark out a straight, smooth path for you feet so that those who follow you, though weak and lame, will not fall and hurt themselves, but become strong." Heb. 2:12

We also forget, that no matter who we are, what our position is, marital status, or anything, we are paving the way for someone else. We have a great church. I've been a part of it for 12 years. We've seen great growth in those 12 years. It is the prayers and labors of individuals who've gone long before who made this possible. We must now ask the question "who am I paving the way for?"

If my lifestyle says, "I gotta do this for me", I'm not only leading myself down a dangerous trail, I'm also leading those who follow to dangerous places.

No matter the hurt, the struggle, the frustration, the loneliness, the unfair circumstances of life, it is worth it to stay on course.

"Praise the Lord! For all who fear God and trust in him are blessed beyond expression. Yes, happy is the man who delights in doing his commands. His children shall be honored everywhere, for good men's sons have a special heritage. He himself shall be wealthy, and his good deeds will never be forgotten. When darkness overtakes him, light will come bursting in. He is kind and merciful - and all goes well for the generous man who conducts his business fairly.

"Such a man will not be overthrown by evil circumstances. God's constant care of him will make a deep impression on all who see it. He does not fear bad news, nor live in dread of what may happen. For he is settled in his mind that Jehovah will take care of him. That is why he is not afraid, but can calmly face his foes. He gives generously to those in need. His deeds will never be forgotten. He shall have influence and honor." Ps 112:1-9

As we live lives of Obedience and Discipline, it "will make a deep impression on all who see it." When we live for ourself, it definitely makes the wrong impression!

Wouldn't it be great to live without fearing the worst? It's possible! by fixing our eyes on Jesus!

Keep your eyes on him. Stand against the fleshly thought of "living for me".


Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!

P Greg


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