One Direction

I think many times in life in one form or another we have gone out of our way to get out of God’s way. Meaning we would be so up to our noses with addictions, struggles problems and sin that we could never find our own way back. We would have to be rescued by the One who had the only ability to do so.

But for choosing the “all in or nothing” lifestyle we would hit rock bottom every single time when we were headed in one direction! Because that direction would lead down to death.

There is a way that seems right to a man,
But its end is the way of death.
Proverbs 14:12

I have heard so many times from others, “In life we will only have moments, so that’s what we live for!”

WRONG again!!!

That mindset becomes the ‘One Direction’ of behavior and that is extremely destructive. This is a place where we don’t know our limits. We roll that dice going all in or nothing and never count the costs or consequences of our actions. We think, “Oh well I already thought it, been there, done that and I got this far–so I might as well do it all!” It becomes wild and wasteful living. Irresponsible and unconcerned behavior rises as we continue to drown out the voice of God and our mentors.

The bible says not to call one “a fool” but darn it — I was the BIGGEST FOOL of all! Just stuck on stupid! Seriously! I am not even kidding. I could tell you in all honesty I never knew my limits.

But just like the apostle declared, so will I proclaim,
THANKS BE TO GOD!!!

What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death? Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!
Romans 7:24-25 New International Version

My pastor shared with us, “How long will you allow the devil to walk around in your mind with his dirty, stinky feet?!?”

We can stop him because just like that– he is after us in that one direction. He typically comes at us with the same old things, with the same temptations and with the same things thrown our way to try and trip us up.

He knew you would take that swig!
He knew you would take that hit!
He knew you would take that deal!
He knew you would take that steal!
He knew that you would just give in!
He knows your weak ways and points that make you stumble!!!

But I am declaring over my life and those of others that we HAVE entered an abundantly blessed season. This IS the season of blessing! This is where God is on the scene because we are saying YES! Because we are following HIM! Because we are doing what’s right!!! So keep doing what your doing and don’t allow that dirty, stinky and rotten devil any room to trip you up!!!

Arguments!
Addictions!
Anger!
Anguish!

We certainly have gone to extremes to head down to the worst pathway. Why did we go out of our way to do it?

REMEMBER ROCK BOTTOM!
And how you met the ROCK (Jesus) at that bottom!

His value in your life means more than any trick, trip or try! You got this!!! He is more than any man or woman on this earth. He is more than any job. More than any place! God truly is it! He is the Maker and Master of all things! This new year is another opportunity to do things RIGHT! Now it is time to go ALL in and out of our way FOR GOD. We will rise above our enemies.

The Lord will grant that the enemies who rise up against you will be defeated before you.
They will come at you from one direction with flee from you in seven.
Deuteronomy 28:7 New International Version

The enemy comes in ONE DIRECTION! ONE WAY! He is not THAT good! We give him way too much credit! God is stronger! You are stronger! You are wiser than your enemies!!!! Don’t allow the enemy to keep trampling his dirty little feet all over your territory. You belong to God and can walk in His ways!

And I will walk at liberty,
For I seek Your precepts.
I will speak of Your testimonies also before kings,
And will not be ashamed.
And I will delight myself in Your commandments,
Which I love.
My hands also I will lift up to Your commandments,
Which I love,
And I will meditate on Your statutes.
Remember the word to Your servant,
Upon which You have caused me to hope.
This is my comfort in my affliction,
For Your word has given me life.
The proud have me in great derision,
Yet I do not turn aside from Your law.
Psalm 119:45-51 New King James Version

Start heading in the one direction that leads to God. Open up that word! Say the prayer! Push aside that plate of food and fast! Say no to trouble, walk away, don’t entertain those thoughts or visit those places. Believe God–because He has a better way.

When the enemy tries to come in like a flood–one direction, God will send him seven ways away from you!

This is your year of triumph.

Brave New World
Amanda Cook
The Voyage