1 Peter 4:18
And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear? (KJV)

Is Jesus “your” Lord or just the Lord?

Once you are saved, do you think, “all you have left to do is shout”? If you truly believe salvation belongs to you, then you are almost right. If you are not careful, you may believe you have done all you need to do. You might take your salvation as liberty to do whatever else you want to because “when you die, you’re going to heaven.”

1 Corinthians 10:23 You say, “Under grace there are no rules and we’re free to do anything we please.” Not exactly. Because not everything promotes growth in others. Your slogan, “We’re allowed to do anything we choose,” may be true—but not everything causes the spiritual advancement of others. (The Passion Translation TPT)

Because the promises, the plans, and the will of God are certain; you don’t have to worry. However, there are great difficulties and hard encounters along the way. You will go through trials, temptations, and tribulations.

2 Timothy 3:12 For all who choose to live godly as worshipers of Jesus, the Anointed One, will also experience persecution. (The Passion Translation TPT)

You will war on the outside as well as on the inside.

Romans 7:21-24 It happens so regularly that it’s predictable. The moment I decide to do good, sin is there to trip me up. I truly delight in God’s commands, but it’s pretty obvious that not all of me joins in that delight. Parts of me covertly rebel, and just when I least expect it, they take charge. 24 I’ve tried everything and nothing helps. I’m at the end of my rope. Is there no one who can do anything for me? Isn’t that the real question? (The Message MSG)

You will have fears, lusts and corruptions within that have to be worked out with fear and trembling.

Philippians 2:12 Therefore, my dear ones, as you have always obeyed [my suggestions], so now, not only [with the enthusiasm you would show] in my presence but much more because I am absent, work out (cultivate, carry out to the goal, and fully complete) your own salvation with reverence and awe and trembling (self-distrust, with serious caution, tenderness of conscience, watchfulness against temptation, timidly shrinking from whatever might offend God and discredit the name of Christ). (Amplified Bible, Classic Edition AMPC)

 If Jesus is just one lord in your life, you will not allow Him to rule over what you say and how you act completely. He must be “the Lord” if you want Him to sow the word deep in you to make you rooted and grounded. Then and only then will you go through and yes, make it in. God does not give the race to the swift (Ecclesiastes 9:11), only the winner receives the prize (1 Corinthians 9:24). The winner is still standing at the end.

Matthew 24:13 But the one who endures and bears up [under suffering] to the end will be saved. (Amplified Bible AMP)

It is very important for you to make sure you understand what happened in your encounter with the Lord.

• It was salvation, which caused a transformation in your heart that keeps you longing for more of Him.
• It was an emotional experience that made you feel good, maybe even cry. However, your heart was not changed, and the goose bumps wore off. Then you may or may not have continued to go through the motions, but you don’t have joy or a longing for the Lord.

Be sure and make your surrender complete.

Please agree with me as I pray:

Father, because I accepted your invitation to salvation at such a young age, I was not in control of my life. I did what my parents told me to do. I did not understand I would have to make my own choices one day. When I got older, the choices I made caused me to evaluate whether I was really saved. I must have gotten baptized at least four times, thinking that baptism would validate my salvation. I knew something was not right. I repent for not seeking You instead of getting baptized again and again. I just didn’t take the time to find out what was wrong. Thank You for continually calling me to You. I finally took the time to be in Your presence, to worship You privately, and study. You showed me I needed to understand the difference between You being Lord and You being my Lord. I learned I have to do the things You say do, whether it’s what I want to do, like to do, or feel like doing. I will do if I am submitted to You, and I will learn to love doing them. It’s Your way or no way at all. The lessons have been difficult. Though they are getting easier, I am still learning. I will not get off the path because I will live my life according to what You dictate at all times, no matter how long it takes. In those times I do not obey; thank You for seeing my heart. You give me strength to fight the enemy when he comes to say I don’t love You or I’m not saved. Though I stumble, I get up again. I want to live my life Your way…

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Ask the Lord what He wants to say to you about today’s devotional and journal His response as described here.