By THE SPIRIT, James wrote in chapter 4:
Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.
We either walk toward life or we walk toward death, it is our choice. Though men would like to sign you up to live according to their complex rituals, the Gospel is simple and straightforward so that all can come to FATHER through Jesus Christ. If we walk toward death, the adversary will gladly seek us out and devour us. Yet if we walk toward life, FATHER will draw near and restore us fully and completely. We must do this individually and not assume that someone in ministry will make our decision and be our covering thus allowing us to become slack in our walk.
Paul wrote by THE SPIRIT in Romans chapter 8:
12 Therefore, dear brothers and sisters, you have no obligation to do what your sinful nature urges you to do.
13 For if you live by its dictates, you will die. But if through the power of the Spirit you put to death the deeds of your sinful nature, you will live.
14 For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God.
15 So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, “Abba, Father.”
16 For his Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God’s children.
17 And since we are his children, we are his heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God’s glory. But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering. NLT
The path of life is challenged by our mental faculties and the cravings of the old man. Both the mental and physical aspects are temporary in nature. Men’s minds change and establish new traditions based on what the world leads them to believe. The world is continuously presenting new evidence of so-called miracle drugs to address sickness and disease. However, their drugs may address one symptom only to expose us to a myriad of other risks. Why not let Our Creator heal our sickness and disease without introducing complex chemicals into our body? We all have sought man’s temporary fixes including myself yet FATHER in HIS longsuffering and great grace permits us to be sustained while we repent and return to the path of Life.
FATHER is constantly urging us and prompting us to draw near unto HIM. The Holy Spirit lovingly nudges us to move toward the path of life. If I stumble, HE will pick me up and minister to me. Yes, there may be correction but only at the appropriate level so that I will learn from my missteps. As we look back at the fruit of our own logic and assumptions, we can see where we started down the wrong path which caused us to stumble. The enemy is subtle, especially in the area of pride. The mind wants to exalt you above others in some area of life. People want to be needed and looked at as having exceptional qualities. Jesus made Himself of no reputation but walked the path of life according to FATHER’S directives. He walked in the fullness of life and that is what drew the multitudes to Him. His wisdom was from Above and was contrary to the experts of the day and His fruit testified of His walk.
As we walk toward life, our fruit will testify of our path thus we need not attempt to convince people with man’s logic. Simply look at the fruit. If I get sick, FATHER swiftly heals me above and beyond man’s expectation. If I face an unexpected challenge, FATHER intervenes on my behalf and provides the solution. Yes, there will be challenges along the path toward life, but FATHER is drawing near and will face those challenges with us. Be encouraged and full of faith IN HIM with each step toward life. Each of us must decide to walk toward life.