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"Why do we believe that in justification God has done all the work, but in order to enjoy the benefits of our sanctification, we have to paddle our own canoe?" 

Good Morning!  Bro. Curington has blessed me with another opportunity to write today's blog.  Although I know you will miss hearing from him, I hope you will receive a blessing from these thoughts:

I Thessalonians 5:23-24  And the very(And the same, certain) God (deity) of peace (of safety from harm; quietness, rest) sanctify you (make you holy; pure)  wholly; (completely) and I pray God (and I ask God that) your whole (your complete) spirit (relationship with God) and soul (your mind , will, and emotions; or relationship with others) and body (your flesh and how it relates to the things of this world)  to  be preserved (kept) blameless (faultlessly) unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ (until He returns for us.)   Faithful (Trustworthy) is he that calleth you, (is the one who bids you,) who also will do it (who will make it happen.)

Verse 23 focuses on our three dimensions: our spirit, soul, and body.  This is, without a doubt, some great news for us this morning!  God is not just interested in my spirit (what communicates with Him) but is actively involved in everything, in me and around me, to accomplish His purpose for me.  Sanctification is an instantaneous and continuous work of grace (God doing the work.)  The moment you and I experience being justified by grace (God doing the work) through faith, (total trust and dependence), sanctification instantly became active in us. This sanctification came, again, by grace (God doing the work) through faith (total trust and dependence).  Sanctification requires, on my part, nothing more than complete trust in Him and His "point of view" in my life.  If I get distracted from His view, I feel loneliness and defeat in my life.  When I surrender completely to Him (and die to myself) I experience joy and contentment that cannot be denied!

When I was growing up, we had an amusement park, called Lakeside, located about an hour from our house.  It was an exciting time when our parents or friends took us to Lakeside! The first few years that we went, we had to buy "tickets" for rides.  Each ride cost a certain number of tickets.  I remember carefully choosing what I was going to do with those "precious tickets".  I refused to waste them on the merry-go-round style rides; however, I was not interested in the "Rebel Yell" either.  The "Rebel Yell" was the largest wooden rollercoaster in the US at that time.  I would carefully plan on what rides I would spend those invaluable tickets, as I only had a few.  I will never forget the year that we approached the ticket counter and was offered the opportunity to buy tickets as usual, or a brand new promotion.  This promotion was an "all you can ride, all day bracelet." With this bracelet, you could ride any and every ride - at anytime - all day - until the park closed!  We purchased the bracelet and enjoyed the freedom of the packaged deal!  This was great!  However, I still chose not to ride "Rebel Yell."  Oh, I had full access, but fear and uncertainty (doubt) kept me from enjoying what had been purchased for me.  This reminds me of justification and sanctification. When I got saved, I received the packaged deal.  The whole "enchilada"!  However, because of fears and uncertainties, I often failed to take advantage of what God wanted to do in my life.  

Eventually, I took full advantage of all that the park had to offer; but it wasn't until I was with my Uncle Bucky.  Instead of focusing on my doubt, I focused on someone I trusted - and I finally conquered the "Rebel Yell"!  When I focus on the very God of peace (the Holy Spirit), on Whom I can certainly trust, I experience the joy and contentment found in the "packaged deal!"

A Prayer for Today:  Lord, today fear will cause me to doubt your Holy Spirit's presence in my life.  Please help me to cast down any thoughts that cause me to think I am alone at any time, in any situation, throughout this day.  Amen

A Question for Today's Meditation:  What "ride" does He want you to ride today?  Are you willing to trust Him?