Less Than Never

Luke 22;41-44 (KJV)

And he was withdrawn from them about a stone's cast, and kneeled down, and prayed.
Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.
And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him.
And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.

Philippians 2;5-8 (KJV)

Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:
But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:
And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.


Before I get into today's encouragement, I repeat, again, the word's of Christ Jesus according to the Gospel of Luke: "Nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done."


Nevertheless: a big word that is actually not inside today's usage of english words: to be spoken. It is more than likely a word forgotten, not because it is forgotten but, because it doesn't align itself with most ways of thought in today's time. This word, when spoken, immediately calls up humility. Another utterance that is struggling to be retained within the human articulation of words. What exactly am I placing in front of you, and myself, on this day? It is that when we place our feet on the path entitled, 'God's will for our lives', there will come a "Nevertheless".

As a matter of fact, there will be more than 100,000 of them, by my guestamation. For we, who are born into sin and are shaped in iniquity, do not come pre-programmed with "knowledge" of any relationship to God. We have to reach that knowledge; to operate in it, through a word called FAITH. For that reason alone, nevertheless is oftimes stripped off the back of our tongues: with our own fingers. See, to humble ourselves before God: who we have FAITH in, but have never seen (physically), is without a doubt difficult. Yet, when we experience God: to know He IS, and thereby increasing our FAITH, we can make those additional steps along that path.

Which brings us to the center of today's encouragement. Again, "Nevertheless".
Honestly, to yourself, when was the last time you uttered this word; to solely set aside yourself: all of yourself, and perform nothing less than the full, complete, will of God? Yes, I ask because we have to see that when setting ourselves (it is voluntary) upon the path to follow Christ Jesus, Luke 9;23, we will have the nevertheless moments. And, if we do not resolve ourselves to perform God's will, it shall be a slow, agonizing, and possibly incomplete walk that will be disheartening. For both God and ourselves. It has never been God's desire to make your life no more difficult than you can bear, but we, as wise and intelligent as we are, enjoy making it so much more difficult than it has to be. When the answer is really, "Do what you were suppose to do." Christ dropped blood because he understood, as most of us do as well, he could not NOT perform the will of God for his life and live out the rest of his days in peace, joy, and comfort. Yes, you know this about your life as well.

What you know is what you mask, to others, as you go about your daily life. Especially when you didn't say, "Nevertheless". Trust, I know about this too, not because I have gotten to where Christ made it. No!, I haven't sweated blood while in prayer concerning God's will for my life. But then again, I haven't had full awareness that I have completed all of what God desires I should have completed. Does it make sense? Christ Jesus knew his mission, and knew that it HAD TO BE COMPLETED. Knew it so well that while in prayer: in active conversation with God, Christ began to sweat blood. He was so fighting his humanity that his humanity tried to rebel even when his will to complete God's will wouldn't.

That is our encouragement for today. Amidst all of this celebration of 'Freedom', we should take the time to study upon how we, the children of God, gain that TRUE freedom. How it is bestowed upon us even as we know we do not deserve it. Take the time to reflect how this TRUE freedom rests within the hearts of those, in other parts of this world, who still live in bondage. All because of that word, "Nevertheless".

Let's begin to incorporate that word back into the verbage of our speech. Let's begin to have that word spoken about us, as we commit all our actions to God again. Be encouraged today: to step into the freedom of the word "Nevertheless". See how you have opportunity to gain strength, peace, joy, comfort, and assurance because of that word, "Nevertheless". So, how can we stay on that path; to continue to make step after step; to complete the will of God for our lives? By raising up our legs and saying, "Nevertheless", and then taking that step.


Lord, I pray that on this day YOU settle this encouragement down inside of the hearts of my Brothers and Sister. I pray that we all receive exactly what it is that you have for us, in the name of Jesus. I ask, Lord, that you show us what "Nevertheless" looks like: when time to perform it. Yes Lord!, please give us strength to perform we see that it has to be performed. Thank you Lord Jesus. Continue to guide us, and impart your wise counsel unto us, in the name of Jesus. And, we will be ever so mindful to give your name all the praise, all the honor, and all the glory. In precious name of Jesus Christ we pray. Amen.


Holla,
Yer Brova Catalyst