Perspective Shift - Put on Abba’s House Shoes

“For this commandment which I command you today is not too mysterious for you, nor is it far off. It is not in heaven, that you should say, ‘Who will ascend into heaven for us and bring it to us, that we may hear it and do it?’ Nor is it beyond the sea, that you should say ‘Who will go over the sea for us and bring it to us, that we may hear it and do it?’ But the word is very near you in your mouth and in your heart, that you may do it. “See, I have set before you today life and good, death and evil, in that I command you today to love the Lord your God to walk in His ways, and to keep His commandments, His statutes, and His judgements, that you may live and multiply and the Lord your God will bless you in the land which you go to possess. But if your heart turns away so that you do not hear and are drawn away and worship other gods and serve them, I announce to you today that you shall surely perish; you shall not prolong your days in the land which you cross over the Jordan to go in and possess. I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live; that you may love the Lord your God, that you may obey His voice, and that you may cling to Him for He is your life and the length of your days; and that you may dwell in the land which the Lord swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to give them.” Deuteronomy 30:11-20 (NKJV)

We have a choice to make, in this moment. Every moment is a ‘this’ moment. Every choice is a ‘this’ moment. Here is the choice: What ‘feels good’ in the moment or what is right? This is, at times, a very difficult battle as we are all drawn to feed the flesh. We all face times where we need help to do what is right.

Think about this:

Have you ever had a moment as a child when you put on an adult’s shoes and clomped around the house feeling somehow bigger, more grown up? Think back to your childhood. Some may need to think and focus harder than others, because of difficult and complex childhood experiences.

The bigger shoes could have belonged to mom or dad, grandma or grandpa, auntie or uncle, big brother or sister, or someone unrelated to you, but was part of your childhood. Even if you did not actually wear the shoes, you may have looked up to that person and wanted to be like him or her in some way. Now if you can bring that to mind, you will have a platform for understanding how our faith relationship with our Father is to operate. In reflection to coming unto Him as a child, this should begin from an inner man view that progresses to real-life choices. All we have is this moment, this decision. No matter how long or how many times in the past we have failed to do what is right, we still only have this moment, this choice, this follow through. Not yesterday’s, not tomorrow’s, but this one. Take each one in this light. We do not know when we will be called.

If Jesus appeared to you, at this moment, what would He see? If at this very moment Jesus decided to come to bring you to Heaven, would your heart’s posture be submitted to Him? Would what you are doing and thinking in this moment honor Him? What are you doing? What are you thinking? What are you choosing? What are you allowing? Each moment is a ‘this’ moment. We are not promised or given the exact moment when Jesus will return to take us home. Make this moment, His moment. Choose Him over your body. Choose Him over that attitude, thought, or action. Choose Him over the opinions of others. Choose Him over what ‘feels’ good.

If it is difficult, if it feels like you are ‘giving’ something up to live by what He determines is right or wrong, you are on the right path. If you need courage to continue, ask Him for His house shoes. Step into His strength. However, it is not enough to ask, you must receive, you must put them on, and walk in them. Why would we need to put on His house shoes if all we ever needed was our own? Simply, because His strength is what gives our hope and faith the power to overcome difficult circumstances and personal struggles.

Looking for inner peace, freedom, or victory? How bad do you want it? Knowing is not enough. Walk in His ways. Put on His house shoes.

Happiness is temporal and circumstantial, but the Joy of the Lord is your strength, and your strength will increase as you continue living in a right relationship with God. Living life God's way is not the most popular way to live in this world. Some people will give you an ultimatum. Some may try to send you on a guilt trip or try to shut you up. Some will try to change your mind, or tempt you, but you must keep the faith.

Yes, you may lose people along the way because you are choosing to follow God. But be courageous and remember God’s promises. Look forward to experiencing a life that is fulfilling and more complete in a way no human can offer.

“And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” Joshua 24:15 (KJV)

For further study check these out:

Matthew 18:2-4; Matthew 19:13-15 John 6:37-40; 2 Corinthians 12:9-10; 1 Corinthians 6:18-20; Romans 12:1-8.

Be blessed and be a blessing