Sunday, December 12, 2021

You'll have to Check your pleasure by the Door

‘Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep.' (John 10:1,2)

'Then said Jesus unto them again, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep. All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them. I am the door: BY ME if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture." '(John 10:7-9 KJV)

'An lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, "My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness." Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore, I TAKE PLEASURE in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.' (2 Corinthians 12:7-10 KJV)

'Where do wars and fights come from among you? Do they not come from your desires for pleasure that war in your members? You lust and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and war. Yet you do not have because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures. Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world MAKES himself an enemy of God. Or do you think that the Scripture says in vain, "The Spirit who dwells in us yearns jealously"? But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: "God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble." Therefore submit to God (in His grace that humbles). Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Lament and mourn and weep! Let YOUR LAUGHTER be turned to mourning and YOUR JOY to gloom. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.(James 4:1-10 NKJV)

By the Door, the Holy Spirit shows us how to leave our desires for pleasure and take pleasure in Christ Jesus. We leave behind what pleases us for what pleases Him. A pruned tree always produces more fruit. Your laughter and your joy turned might seem dark, but the Lord promises to lift you up! Take what pleases God as He reveals his will to you.

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