CCOB Devotional

January, 2008

wrestlers WRESTLING WITH CHOICES
wrestlers

In high school, I learned at least one important lesson. I was a very successful wrestler at the time, largely due to my coach's influence. One day in particular, he gave me some prudent advice. I was trying to get down to a lower weight class and had been complaining about how hard it was to qualify in that class. Wisely, my coach never argued with me (it is hard to lose weight). He simply said to me,

"You know, Lloyd, it comes down to this: Whatever you want the most, that is what you're going to do. If you really want to wrestle at that weight class, then you won't eat too much, and you'll qualify. But if you really want to eat, then that's what you'll do, and you won't be able to wrestle at that weight class. You simply have to make up your mind, and do what you want the most."


What I learned from his instruction was that whether I wrestle or not was really my own choice. And he was absolutely right. I would do whatever I valued the most. I could fight and complain, or I could cheat and sneak food, but in the end I would simply be choosing not to qualify. Instead, I chose to cut the weight because what I wanted most was to wrestle at the lower weight class.

It was a great lesson for me, and it is a principle that we can apply spiritually as well. Every choice that we make reveals what is most important to us. These are the days that God has ordained for us to live for Him. Now is our chance to qualify in His weight class! All He asks is that we would be willing. So, what do you want the most? Is it to live for Jesus? Or does something else have a hold of your heart? The answers can only be found by honestly evaluating the way you are living your life. Ask yourself:

  • Am I abiding in the Lord, through His Word and prayer?
  • Am I developing a deeper desire for the things of God?
  • Am I filled, and being filled, with the Spirit?
  • Am I experiencing victory over sin and temptation?
  • Am I willingly yielding my life to His every day?
It's really simple: God allows each of us the freedom to choose whether or not we will yield to His Spirit. It is our choice every day and in every circumstance. The question is: Are we willing to allow Him to have His way in our lives?

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
–Romans 12:1-2

In Him,

Lloyd Pulley
Senior Pastor

The above is an excerpt from Lloyd Pulley's book, Under His Influence: Yielding to the Work of the Holy Spirit.
We would love to hear the story of what God has done in your life. If you would like to share your testimony of God's faithfulness with us, please CLICK HERE.

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Under His Influence, by Pastor Lloyd Pulley

With clarity, wisdom, and humor, Lloyd Pulley succeeds at making the doctrine of the Holy Spirit accessible to all who want to experience the fullness of life in the Spirit. He outlines key principles about the Holy Spirit, and develops these precepts with personal testimonies and powerful insight from great men and women of faith. Under His Influence will give hope to the frustrated and help to all who want to reach their world boldly for Christ.


Click here to purchase this book.


   
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