How surprised the world is when we who love God do “the next right thing.?” Someone asked Dallis Willard once how a believer lives a victorious life.? Dallas in all his wisdom said, “Just do the next right thing.
Saturday, I was in a local grocery store and picked up a gardening magazine, purchased my groceries and checked out. When I got home, the magazine was not in any of my bags. I could not find my receipt to show that I had indeed purchased the magazine, as I generally throw them away coming out of the store. I was sure I had purchased it because I was looking at it while waiting my turn to check out. I called the manager and told him my magazine was not in any of my bags and could I come and get it. He stated they probably put it back, but just come and pick it up. So I went to the store and when I went to the register where I had checked out, I saw the magazine at the end of the grocery belt, so I picked it up, explained what had happened and was told to take the magazine. A while later, I found the receipt in one of the crumpled bags and sure enough, I had NOT purchased the magazine as I had thought. I probably placed it at the end of the belt to keep it from getting damaged in the grocery bags and never ran it through the check out line. Today, I took the magazine back to the store and told one of the clerks what had happened and that I was there to pay for the magazine. I wish I had a camera shot of her face. She was amazed and kept saying, “no one ever does this and who would know?” I explained it was the right thing to do and that I answered to a higher source that was more important than getting a free magazine. I asked her to please let the manager I had spoken to know and that I appreciated him letting me get the magazine when I thought I had paid for it. The look on her face was priceless as she appeared spellbound that anyone would do such a thing and she assured me she would tell the manager. She continued to stare in disbelief as I paid for the magazine and left the store.
Why is it so unbelievable that a person would do the right thing? We live in a world where dishonesty is expected rather than what is righteous and holy. We live in a world that anticipates others taking advantage of a situation rather than doing what is right. Do we forget that God searches the hearts of each of us? So, how many would sell their soul for the price of a magazine?
As we spend time in the Presence of God on Day 2, let’s ask Holy Spirit to examine our hearts so we can remain a pure vessel for God to work through. Do we ever try to “do” the work for the Lord before we “become” the person the Lord can use? As we allow the Lord to reveal our hearts to us, we must remember that He will only reveal to heal and restore us to that place of holiness before Him.
We are told to “reckon ourselves dead to sin.” (Romans 6:11) That means when sin presents an opportunity, we consider ourselves dead to the temptation. Resurrection power has made us victorious over the sin nature of the uncrucified man. We are victorious! Grace does not mean God overlooks sin. Grace means God forgives and responds to repented sin He promises to not only forgive, but to cleanse us of all unrighteousness. (1 Jn. 1:9)
Look for opportunities to “just do the next right thing.” It may be the way we speak to a waiter. It may be returning the extra change that was given in error. It may be refusing to join in with the criticism of others. It may be making time for God each day and putting aside distractions.
One step at a time, we move toward the goal. The goal is accomplished by putting one foot in front of the other as we continue to keep doing “the next right thing.”
Specific Impact Church Prayer Points:
1. Impact Church will be a place where the Presence of God dwells and people are drawn to His Presence and where we steward and host His Presence with dignity and honor.
2. Impact Church is known for its Holy Reverence for God our Father, Our Lord and Savior- Jesus Christ, The Holy Spirit, and God’s Word.
3. The “Wells of Revival and Renewal” will be open at Impact Church.
4. Signs, wonders and healing miracles will be commonplace at Impact Church and used by God to reveal His love for all people.
5. April 19-20 Conference with Greg Hood Ministries will be a time of regional breakthrough and Spiritual renewal for our city.
Blessings
Pastor Donna
