Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today- July 23, 2013
Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus. Hebrews 12:1-2
Competing attachments distract disciples of Christ from growing in intimacy with Him. Yes, followers of Jesus can voluntarily let go of attachments or they can be forced to release them by their Heavenly Father. What is an attachment? It is anything that competes with our affection with Christ. It can be a material fondness like a car, house or hobby. And, attachments disguise themselves in emotional bondage like anger, unforgiveness or regret. Thus, live disentangled.
Moreover, too many commitments can compete with our commitment to Christ. Debt can be a snare that limits our choices. Unresolved conflict consumes our mind, so much that we have no mental margin for our Lord’s thoughts. Pride and anger dig in their heels and demand ongoing attention. Attachments keep us controlled by people, places and things, instead of God. Yes, what we nurture is who we become. So, lay aside all competing loyalties and focus on Christ alone. My biggest weakness is the latent desire to have my way; only true humility and grace free me up.
You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to human traditions. Mark 7:8
Are you entangled by earthly allurements or are you devoted to the Lord and His divine agenda? Does your obedience to Christ’s commands trump all other sirens that constantly call for your time, energy and money? Like a scuba diver’s weight belt takes him to the bottom, so any worldly trappings strapped around your waist will bring you down. But, as you persevere in prayer the Holy Spirit with help you unhook unhealthy habits and relationships from your faith.
Yes, make it a priority to obey God, especially when situations scream differently. Just because everyone else is doing it, or it has always been done that way, doesn’t require your response. In fact, blind allegiance attracts attachments. Examine your motives and make sure you are led by trust in the Lord and not fear of man. Detach yourself from any competing emotion, relationship or behavior that strives for your devotion to Christ. Run your spiritual race freed up by faith!
My eyes are ever on the Lord, for only he will release my feet from the snare. Psalm 25:15
Prayer: Heavenly Father, by Your Holy Spirit detach me from any competitors who vie for my devotion to You.
Related Readings: 1 Corinthians 9:24; Hebrews 10:36; Philippians 2:8; Revelation 2:3-5
Post/Tweet today: Detach yourself from any competing emotion or relationship that strives for your devotion to Christ. #freedup
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© 2013 by Boyd Bailey. All rights reserved.
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That’s when He has your whole heart, sold out for Christ. Die to the things of this world. Many of us are unaware that our flesh blinds us. Our continued willingness to sacrifice and die to our desires is something only the Holy Spirit reveals in a believers heart.
This is an awesome prayer for not only myself but for my whole family…to remove any attachment that keeps us from HIM! I loved this devotion. May God bless you and yours.