"...the accumulation of a thousand little choices steers our direction. Our free will gives us the power to decide what kind of life we want to live." Kathy Spampinato

Today, I am thinking about the gift of free will, and how we engage with both free will, and the will of God. God has given us the gift of choice. He will always respect our choices in life, but His desire is that we will choose to walk in relationship with Him. We are free to choose any direction we want, but God's plan is that we would always choose His ways. The Bible tells us that He has provided everything we need for life and godliness. God's will is that we will choose Him, and His provision for us.

Galatians 5: 13-14 ESV "For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself."

In 1 Corinthians 6:12, Paul tells us that "All things are lawful for me," but not all things are helpful. "All things are lawful for me," but I will not be dominated by anything.

Our life includes a desire for things that make us feel full, and soothed, but could put us into bondage. We have a self-centered vision of life and a strong desire to indulge ourselves and be comfortable. God warns us that we should get our eyes off of the things that draw us into self. We should get our eyes on heavenly things and choose to serve. When our attention is on the needs of others, we are more balanced in our ability to choose.

1 John 2 "For all that is in the world - the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life - is not from the Father but is from the world."

Deuteronomy 30:19-20a "I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curse. Therefore choose life, that you and your offspring may live, loving the Lord your god, obeying his voice and holding fast to him, for he is your life and length of days."

We do not always recognize that the little decisions we make each day, are contributing to the direction of our life, and the health of our family. We think we can choose ourselves just this once and it is not a big deal. That may be true, but the accumulation of a thousand little choices steers our direction. Our free will gives us the power to decide what kind of life we want to live.

Today will you choose life and blessing? Will you choose a closer relationship with God and communication with Him? The free will to pick up your Bible or not, to pray, connecting to God or not, are choices that determine the direction of your life, and the blessings that you walk in. God has made provision for all you need. Will you reach out and make Him your source of life and provision, or will you decide to be in control yourself? Father God is all powerful, but He gave us the awesome power of free will. Jesus was given all authority on heaven and on earth, but he has given us the authority to make spiritual decisions in our own lives. You are the one who has spiritual authority in your life! What will you decide to do with it?

Matthew 28:18 "And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me."

Luke 10:19 "Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you."

John 14:12 "Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father."

What will you do with the authority you have in the spirit? Will you choose to walk in the Spirit and not fulfill the lusts of the flesh? (Gal 5:16) Will you use your authority to draw near to God, resist the enemy, and see him flee from you? (James 4:7) What are the works of God that He has prepared ahead of time, for you to walk in and fulfill? (Eph 2:10)

You can choose to be a messenger of the gospel, and an agent of the Kingdom of Heaven.