February 17 ~

God has consigned all men to disobedience, that he may have mercy upon all ... He has mercy on whom He desires, and He hardens whom He desires ... in everything God works for good with those who love him, who are called according to his purpose ... "You are My friends, if you do what I command you" ...
Rom.11:32 (RSV); 9:18 (NAS); 8:28 (RSV); Jn.15:14 (NAS)

But how does knowing that I must obey
make clear that it is possible for me
to do so, I, who am so weak? Thy way
demands complete obedience to Thee!
I am by nature disobedient!
(Hast Thou not made me so?) Each moment thoughts
contrary to Thy will to me are sent.
I struggle, constant fall. Could I be lost? ...

Would I command of thee what can’t be done?
Thy rebel flesh of course can’t meet My goal!
But all is possible with God the Son.
I AM thy Hope! With Me, child, fill thy soul.
Rules thou can't keep upon thine own I give
and challenge thee to cleave to Me - and live!

... if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body you will live ... Now the Lord is that Spirit ... "Abide in Me, and I in you ... for apart from Me you can do nothing" ... "with God all things are possible" ... the one who keeps His commandments abides in Him, and He in him ... No one who abides in Him sins ... "This is everlasting life -- to know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom You sent" ... He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him ... I can do all things in him who strengthens me ... Seek the LORD and his strength, seek his presence continually ...
Rom.8:13 (RSV); 2Cor.3:17 (KJV); Jn.15:4,5 (NAS); Matt.19:26 (RSV); 1 Jn.3:24, 3:6 (NAS); Jn.17:3 (Beck); 1 Jn.2:4 (KJV); Phil.4:13 (RSV); Ps.105:4 (RSV).

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