YOU ARE THE WINNER IN A SPIRITUAL WRESTLING MATCH

“Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints.”—Jude 1:3

 

In 1 Samuel 17, we are given a picture of an individual who dealt with someone who was much larger physically and more experience in battle.  However David, a teenager, under took such a fight to contend against the giant who had defied the armies of the living God.  David's short battle with Goliath was more than a fight between Israel and the Philistines.  It was a defense of Jehovah's name against those who doubted His supremacy.  As David pointed out, the only way a boy with a sling could defeat a giant warrior like Goliath was by the Lord's hand.  And that's exactly what happened.

In confronting Goliath, David showed real courage and faith. But we see that what drove him to face the giant was righteous indignation: "For who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should taunt the armies of the living God?" (1 Sam. 17:26).  David believed that someone had to wipe away from Israel the reproach caused by Goliath's insults.  Since no one else would step forward, he volunteered to defend Yahweh's name.

 

Modern audiences often read this story merely as a battle scene wherein an inexperienced underdog toppled an ancient superhero.  We comfort ourselves that we will probably never have to deal with such a scenario.  But the real story is that David stood up for God.  Given how our culture scoffs at both the Father and Jesus Christ, believers will certainly spend some time in David's sandals.  The question is whether we will turn and run or stand and fight in God's name.

 

The book of Jude reminds us that when apostasy (the refusal to accept religious beliefs anymore), arises that we are to fight, to contend, to do battle.  We, like David, are to contend for the faith when false teachers emerge and when the truth of God is attacked.  The danger is as real today as it was in Jude’s day.  False teachers have crept into the church, turning God’s grace into unbounded license to do as they please.  Jude reminds people of God’s past dealing with unbelieving Israel, disobedient angels, and wicked Sodom and Gomorrah.  In the face of such danger Christians, should not be caught off guard. 

 

When Jude exhorted the believers to, “contend earnestly for the faith…,” the word “earnestly” is only used here in the whole of the New Testament.  Although there are similar words to it in the New Testament, but the exact word translated “earnestly” is only found in this verse (v. 3).  Jude is telling us that we must actively participate in a spiritual wrestling match.  This is something that we must stand up and take a stand for; just like David did.  It is the duty, the calling, the responsibility of those who are the called, the beloved, and kept for Jesus Christ.  Jude is writing to those people saying, “I’m writing YOU—you called, you beloved, you kept and I am telling you that you need to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all deliver to the saints (v. 1).    

 

You don't need a theology degree to combat those who would mock God.  I exhort you to purpose in your heart not to run from those who would mock God and call evil good and good evil.  Stand firm in your faith knowing that God is on your side and He has given you His Word.   Your "smooth stones" are the truths you have pulled from the Bible.  No enemy can win an argument against scripture.  Remember when someone may challenge God’s Word that: GOD’S WORD CAN WITHSTAND RIGHTEOUS JUDGMENT. 

 

Prayer—Father I thank You that You are standing with me as I purpose in my heart to stand and contend for my faith.  I ask for Your wisdom and determination to stand firm in my faith regardless of others beliefs and arguments.  Help me to express Your love and compassion in the face of trouble and conflict, in Jesus Name’.  Amen.

 

PEACE IS A PROMISE TO EVERY BELIEVER

“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”—Isaiah 41:10

 

Jesus told the early disciples that they would experience problems and that they could have peace in the midst of the turmoil, “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).  Many years ago, I heard an observation about Christian life that makes a lot of sense.  We all are either heading into, going through or coming out of a trial in our lives.  No one gets through life without a struggle because the refining of our hearts is done through fire.  True lasting peace can only come through Jesus Christ.  It does not come through some person, some thing, some possession, some job, some vacation, some event, or some arranged peace between political allies.  It can only come through a personal relationship through Jesus Christ.  All these other ways are only an illusion—a mirage, and will soon fade because they are not real. 

 

Have you ever been through a difficult time in your life and were able to have a peace that you could not explain?  I have experienced this.  My husband went in for minor surgery and was in the operating room being put to sleep when the doctor’s thought that he had a heart attack.  I was notified what had happened, and that they were trying to stabilize him.  I immediately had a sense of peace, it was like a bubble surrounded me, and no report could sway me that he was not alright.   Had I not been a Christian I would have been petrified of what I was being told.  Instead, God gave me a promise in His Word and I rested in that promise, “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me” (John 14:1).  I refused to be swayed and said, “My husband’s heart is not troubled it is at peace.”   Years later, my husband’s heart is still at peace with no trace or evidence of a heart attack.  “You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You” (Isaiah 26:3).

 

God’s peace is available to anyone who puts their faith and trust in Jesus Christ.  Peace is a promise to every believer and it is your Heavenly Father’s desire for you to have peace, not only through a difficult time, but in your every day life.  His peace is to be the constant state of being for the Christian and is not dedicated by circumstance—good or bad.   Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you.  Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (John 145:27).   This is what our Heavenly Father wants for His children—that they walk in peace even in the midst of the storm in their every day lives.

 

This does not mean that sometimes we might feel fear or anxiety; but, for the person of peace, the Holy Spirit’s presence quickly calms the fear and anxiety, and then that person begins to feel the power of the Holy Spirit speaking calm and assurance to their heart. 

 

A deep genuine God-given peace can be the norm for the believer.  It is what God desires for you and me.  God does not desire that your soul be in turmoil, but hat your heart be anchored in peace.

 

Prayer—Father I thank you that my heart is fixed, trusting in You.  I thank You for the Peace that passes all understanding to keep my mind stable and focused upon You.  Holy Spirit I ask You to strengthen and help me to keep my eyes upon Jesus and not the turmoil around me, in Jesus’  Name. Amen.

 

YOU HAVE THE RIGHT OF ENTRY TO SPIRITUAL BLESSINGS

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ.”—Ephesians 1:3

 

Do you think of yourself as rich?  No matter how much money you have, if you are a believer in Jesus, you are extremely wealthy because God has lavished the riches of His grace upon you.  At the moment of salvation, He deposited into your account “every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ” (Ephesians 1:3).  Why, then, do so many believers live in spiritual poverty?

 

1.      Ignorance.   Some Christians do not know about this unlimited spiritual “bank account,” and, therefore, they never draw upon it.

2.      Confusion.  Too many believers just do not know how to access the treasures of God’s grace.  As a result, they worry and complain about their needs and problems or in desperation come to the Lord begging and pleading for help, never realizing His abundant supply has already, been deposited into their account.

3.      Competing Interests.  Distraction by things of the world may be the most common reason.  Christians in this category focus on possessions, pressing responsibilities, and advancement but lack interest in God’s spiritual blessings.

 

The riches of God’s grace supersede any earthly wealth.  They give the peace and contentment that money can never buy, and their benefits reach all the way into eternity.

 

The only way to access God’s spiritual riches is by faith.  We do not have to beg or persuade the Lord to give what He has already made available to us.  Instead, we simply choose to believe that we are who He says we are and can do what He has called us to accomplish.

 

Prayer—Father I thank You that Christ has made me abundantly wealthy in spiritual blessings.  Holy Spirit I ask You to help me access all that Christ possessed for me, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

 

THE TASK THAT CHRIST HAS ASSIGNED IS TO BE COMPLETED

“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”—Matthew 28:19-20

 

A good student takes the task that a teacher gives seriously.  The student does what is required, going the best that they can and completes the task in the time allotted.

 

Before Jesus ascended into heaven, He gave His followers a commandment—a task—to share the good news of the gospel.  Are you taking the task seriously and are you using your best efforts in completing the task?  

 

Christ told His followers to share the good news about salvation and make disciples of all nations.  Are you praying and waiting for God to do what He told you to do?  The Scripture tells us that “the glorious gospel…has been committed to our trust” (1 Timothy 1:11). 

 

Jesus told us that we are to follow His example and when we do then our actions and words should touch people as His did, “For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you” (John 13:15).   Recipients of Christ’s love were forever changed.  As His followers, we have the Holy Spirit residing within us, which means we have access to the same power that raised Christ from the dead, “But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you” (Romans 8:11).  

 

God ordained that ordinary people like you and like me are to communicate the good news to every creature, to all the nations.  God depends upon us to communicate the good news to every creature in all the nations, and sadly, if we do not, people will not hear the message of Christ and His love will not be communicated.  However, Paul speaking by inspiration of the Holy Spirit wrote in 1Timothy 1:12, “And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who has enabled me, because He counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry.” 

 

Christ wants to visit the incarcerated, the sick, the lonely, the infirmed of our community, but He needs human beings to function through. He has enabled us to do what He did.  When we visit those in prison, He visits them.  When we visit the lonely, those in the hospitals, those sick at home He visits them.  We are impacting lives by allowing Jesus to touch through us, to love through us, to heal through us, to encourage through us, to bring assurance, deliverance and so much more—it is all done through Jesus loving and living through us. If we can not go personally to other nations, we can assist those who do go by financially and prayerfully supporting kingdom efforts on foreign soil.

 

Our Lord was serious about telling His followers to share the gospel.  Consider how you spend your time and your money.   Does this indicate obedience to the most important assignment you have ever received?  What changes must you make to give Jesus’ commandment top priority?

 

Prayer—Father I thank You for helping me to refocus my priorities.  Holy Spirit I ask You to show me any areas of my life that I need to make adjustments so that I can fully cooperate with Your plan in sharing the gospel to all the world.  Lord, I surrender a new to You today, to use me as an instrument of Your peace and love to ministry love in a hurting world, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

 

LISTENING TO WRONG VOICES IS PREVENTABLE

 “Cease listening to instruction, my son, and you will stray from the words of knowledge. “—Proverbs 19:27

 

Listening to God is not a onetime event.  We must continually keep His Word before us, or we'll begin to listen to the wrong voices.

 

 In what is commonly called the Christmas story in American culture, is the narrative of how Joseph was warned in a dream that it was God’s plan for him to marry his fiancée, Mary, “Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows:  After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit.  Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly. But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, ‘Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 1:18-20).  After the dream, Joseph awoke from sleep and immediately took Mary to him as his wife (vs. 24).  In Matthew chapter two, Joseph is warned again by God to leave Bethlehem and to flee Egypt.  He was warned to stay in Egypt until the angel brought word that it was safe for the young child, Jesus (vs. 13-14).  Again, Joseph immediately obeys.  We have a record that Joseph listened to God at least twice more concerning the protection of the child, Jesus.  When God speaks to us, it is good to immediately obey for it can thwart possible danger.

 

In Genesis 2:16-17, “And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, “Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat; but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.”  The Lord gave a command not to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.  But Eve began to listen to another voice and did not hold steadfastly to her Creator's words.  All that Satan had to do was plant a single doubt about God's integrity and offer Eve one appealing advantage of doing things her own way—and she fell for it.  He mentioned wisdom, but Eve used natural reasoning, and added two more benefits to the temptation: the fruit is good for food and a delight to the eyes.

 

The schemes of the Enemy have not changed.  He still whispers lies and twists truth to convince us that a) God cannot be trusted and b) His ways are not the best.  In every temptation, there is a deception about the character and motive of God, plus an attractive promise of a better way.

 

The world is filled with voices that vie for our attention and influence our thoughts and actions. Throughout the day, consider the messages that are sent your way through the media and people. Consciously begin to compare them to what scripture says about God and His ways.

 

Remembering and acting upon what God says in the Bible, is our safeguard against deception and temptation.  Daily devotions won't protect us if they're quickly forgotten during the day.   Follow Christ's example (found in Matthew 4:1-11) and, be ready with truth in your mind and on your tongue whenever temptation strikes.

 

Prayer—Father, I repent for the times that I have not listen to You and have reaped the rewards of a rebellious heart.  Today I purpose in my heart to listen to You and to put aside my own natural reasoning so that I can immediately obey You in all things, in Jesus’ Name.  Amen.

 

SEEK GOD'S SOLUTION TO AN ANGER PROBLEM

 “But now you yourselves are to put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth. Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him”—Colossians  3:8 -11

In our scripture reading for today, we find that Christians are called to put aside "anger, wrath, malice, slander, and abusive speech."   The command is clear, but the process of achieving and maintaining freedom from anger can seem confusing and overwhelming.

 

To deal with anger, the first step is to recognize anger in your heart.  For those who are readily able to express their feelings, this may seem unnecessary, but for those who have buried their anger deep within, an extended time of soul-searching before the Lord may be necessary.  Although hidden, the cancer of resentment will grow and slowly infest the heart.  This growth of anger has caused people to miss out on God’s plans and purpose for their life.  To remedy anger, allow the sharp sword of God's Word to do some surgery so that it can be cut off, “For the word of God powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12).

 

The next step is to confess unrighteous anger as sin and then begin to deal with it immediately. Because anger is often a response to hurt, care must be taken not to excuse or defend it in the name of justice.   According to Frank and Ida Mae Hammond, authors of Pigs in the Parlor, anger is linked to demon groupings of bitterness, resentment, hatred, unforgiveness, violence temper, retaliation and murder, and is associated with perfection, pride, vanity ego frustration, criticism, irritability, and intolerance; all which may need to be dealt with in deliverance.   Although someone may have sinned against you, holding onto anger in response is also a sin.   Scripture tells us to overcome evil with good, not to repay it, “Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men.  Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:17, 21).

 

Management of an irate lifestyle is not optional; anger must be put aside. We can not expect to live in the new nature Christ has created for us while retaining our "right" to be angry and hold grudges.

 

God's solution to an anger problem is a new Christ-like personality which He has created for us. Our responsibility is to put it on and seek deliverance when necessary.   He invites us to cooperate with Him in this process of transformation.  With each step of obedience, the peace of Christ will increase and anger will diminish.

 

Prayer—Father I ask You to help me deal with anger immediately when it comes, and please help me to walk in Your meekness, gentleness, and kindness.   Father I receive by faith all of Your capabilities in dealing with anger when it arises in m life, in Jesus’ Name.  Amen.

 

PEDESTALS CAN ALTER DESTINIES

 “You shall have no other gods before Me.”—Exodus 20:3

 

To put someone or something on a pedestal means to place on a raised stand so that it can be greatly admired and magnify its importance.   Have you ever seen an art object or a molded bust of someone put on something that raises it to about eye level, so that it can be easily admired?  Sometimes the expression is used of a husband or wife putting their spouse on a pedestal; meaning that the individual is greatly thought of or admired, either for something that they do or perhaps it is their physical appearance. 

 

In the Church, for example, a minister or ministry can be put on a pedestal for their ministry gifts or talents.  What happens in the spiritually realm when this is done is that the person or object is elevated to a position of importance that is higher than God.   And often times the person or object either falls off the pedestal, or we knock it off because of our emotional outbursts.  This same thing happened to Samson in Judges 14 -16.

 

An angel visited Samson’s mother and father and told them that they would have a child and that he would be a Nazirite to God from the womb until his death (Judges 13).    In Numbers we find what being a Nazirite means, “He shall separate himself from wine and similar drink; he shall drink neither vinegar made from wine nor vinegar made from similar drink; neither shall he drink any grape juice, nor eat fresh grapes or raisins. All the days of his separation he shall eat nothing that is produced by the grapevine, from seed to skin. All the days of the vow of his separation no razor shall come upon his head; until the days are fulfilled for which he separated himself to the Lord, he shall be holy. Then he shall let the locks of the hair of his head grow. All the days that he separates himself to the Lord he shall not go near a dead body. He shall not make himself unclean even for his father or his mother, for his brother or his sister, when they die, because his separation to God is on his head. All the days of his separation he shall be holy to the Lord” (Numbers 6:2-8). 

 

In verse 25 of Judges 13, we find that the Spirit of the Lord began to move upon Samson.  Judges 14 details how Samson saw a Philistine woman and lusted after her, and put her on a pedestal.  As a result, Samson, who had been set-apart by the Lord, dishonored God and His commandment and did not fulfill the assignment of the Lord.   

 

The prophetic word has been given that the Spirit of the Lord is moving.  Today, ask yourself the question: Have I put anything or anyone on a pedestal that will not allow me to fulfill the assignment that the Lord has given to me?  Have I allowed someone or something to come between me and God?  Allow the Spirit of God to move in your life by aligning your heart with His hopes and dreams for you.  Repent of any pedestals in your life and ask the Father to restore you into a right relationship with Him.

 

Prayer—Father You commanded me not to have any other gods before You.   I repent of any pedestals that I have placed in my life that replaces You or elevates above You and I ask You to forgive me.  Holy Spirit move in my life and bring me into my destiny, in Jesus’ Name.  Amen.  

 

YOUR ACTIONS WILL FLOW FROM A CLEANSED HEART

“And He aid, ‘what comes out of a man, that defiles a man. For from with, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lewdness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness. Al these evil things come from within and defile a man.”—Mark 7:20-23

 

The outward appearance of a person is not important.  It is the condition of a person’s heart that matters to God.  However, mankind has not always understood this.  The covenant of circumcision was give to Abram in Genesis 17:9-14.  God said that any man who did not carry this sign of the covenant in his flesh was to be killed.  This placed a great importance on the act of circumcision.  The Apostle Paul tells us that Abraham had already been justified by faith before he was circumcised, in Romans 4:3-13.  Abram’s faith in God and His promise saved him at least thirteen years before He commanded Abram to be circumcised.

 

Down through the centuries, the Jews turned their focus to the outward act of circumcision instead of the inward act of faith as the reason for salvation.  This, too, was a source of contention between Jesus and the religious leaders.  They emphasized all the outward acts the Lord had commanded and were totally disregarding the condition of their hearts.  Jesus said that if an individual would cleanse their heart, their actions would inevitably change too. 

 

The condition of a person’s flesh is not the important thing.  God is interested in a person’s heart, not if their flesh has been circumcised or not.  Today, the religious questions center around the doctrine of water baptism, church membership, and other outward acts that some preach are necessary for salvation. 

 

Your faith in the love of God, as expressed through Jesus on the Cross and in His resurrection is the only thing God demands for your justification.  Religious rites mean nothing when it comes to salvation.  Your heart is what matters to God.  You can rejoice today that your heart safely trust in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. 

 

Prayer—Father I thank You that my heart is right with You and because it is out of the abundance of my heart my mouth will utter things that are pleasing to You, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

RELEASE THE OXEN IN YOUR LIFE

“For the Scripture says, ‘You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain,’ and ‘The laborer is worthy of his wages.”—I Timothy 5:18

Oxen are a representation of the gospel ministers in our lives who help us understanding the meaning of God’s Word.  A leather muzzle or wire device can be placed over an animal’s snout which prevents it from biting or eating.  According to Unger’s Bible Dictionary, oxen were used in the Far East to thresh the grain by the oxen trampling upon it.   The command was not to muzzle the ox when threshing, “You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain” (Deuteronomy 25:4).  This was not intended to apply merely to the ox employed in threshing, but to be understood in the general sense in which the Apostle Paul used it  1 Timothy 5:18—that a laborer was not to be deprived of his wages. 

 

Scripture further address the issue of wages.  Under the law a Jewish laborer was to be paid his wages on the day that he earned it, and he was not to be cheated or robbed by withholding the wages until another day. “Each day you shall give him his wages, and not let the sun go down on it, for he is poor and has set his heart on it; lest he cry out against you to the Lord, and it be sin to you” (Deuteronomy 24:15).   “You shall not cheat your neighbor, nor rob him.  The wages of him who is hired shall not remain with you all night until morning” (Leviticus 19:13).   Jesus addressed the issue of wages for those of His disciples that He sent out.   He said, “And remain in the same house, eating and drinking such things as they give, for the laborer is worthy of his wages. Do not go from house to house” (Luke 10:7).

 

The Apostle Paul reminded the Corinthian believers that those who preach the gospel would get their substance from the gospel.  “Even so the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should live from the gospel” (1 Corinthians 9:14).  Furthermore, he made it clear that a minister of the gospel is to be provided for, “Who ever goes to war at his own expense?  Who plants a vineyard and does not eat of its fruit?  Or who tends a flock and does not drink of the milk of the flock?  Do I say these things as a mere man? Or does not the law say the same also? For it is written in the Law of Moses, ‘You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain,’ Is it oxen God is concerned about?” (1 Corinthians 9:7-9). 

 

We are given clear instructions on how to support the ministers in our lives.  We release the Oxen in our lives to help us understanding the meaning of God’s Word when we give financially and other ways into their ministries.   Together, as a body, we are expanding the Kingdom of God by releasing the Oxen to do the work of the ministry.  This is what the Apostle Paul meant when he said, “Now you Philippians know also that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church shared with me concerning giving and receiving but you only. For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities.  Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account. Indeed, I have all and abound, I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things sent from you, a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God.  And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.  Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen” (Philippians 4:15-20). 

 

Prayer—Father I repent for withholding my support from the ministers that are helping me to understand the meaning of Your Word.  Thank You for helping me to understand that my involvement in ministry is vital to expanding the Kingdom of God and reaching the lost, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

 

 

 

 

 

FAITH IS STRENGTHEN BY PULLING ON GOD’S POWER AND MIGHT

“That you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all might according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy.”—Colossians 1:10-11

 

As the Apostle Paul traveled from church to church, he always strengthened the brethren.  If a particular church had strayed from the principles of Christ, he would bring correction to them, but he would also bring encouragement to them, too. 

 

To our natural bodies, we need water, food, vitamins, minerals, etc. for strength; our spiritual bodies take nourishment from His Word and from the power of the Holy Spirit to keep us strong spiritually.

 

Proverbs 24:10 tells us that, “if you faint in the day of adversity, your strength is small.”  We certainly do not want to faint in the evil day (the day that the enemy has risen up against you), but we are to be like Abraham.  When we encounter difficulties, Romans 4:20 gives us a picture of how we can be victorious like Abraham was, “He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthen in faith, giving glory to God.”  Today, allow your faith to be strengthened as you trust God and His promises for you. As you pull on the power of His might, know that your victory is assured.  Great is the protection and resources God has provided to you to meet the enemy and every adversity. 

 

As God prepared Joshua for battle, three times He gave him words of strength and encouragement saying, “Be strong and of good courage” and again, “Be strong and very courageous,” and then,  “Do not be afraid, nor be dismayed for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:6-9).  God was telling Joshua to move forward and to take the territory that had been promised.  Today, you can apply the same principles that worked in Joshua life for your life. Move forward and possess your promises, by drawing on His power and His strength, and being strong and of good courage.

 

The Church is to be moving forward, not going backwards.  Scripture instructs us not to be intimidated and faint in this hour, to shine brightly in the world, for this is the Church’s finest hour, so let your light shine in the power of His might.

 

Father—I thank You for strengthen me by Your Spirit today.  I draw upon Your power and Your strength to move forward and to overcome every difficulty that I face, in Jesus’ Name.  Amen.

PATIENCE STRENGTHENS THE BELIEVER

“Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him; do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass.  Cease from anger, and forsake wrath; Do not fret—it only causes harm.”—Psalm 37:7-8

 

We live in a generation that expects instant results.  Waiting in line for anything, can cause us to feel frustrated.  People have a tendency to want things when they want them.

 

Everyone struggles with some degree of impatience.  We are born with this trait.  When a baby wants to be fed in the middle of the night, its’ first reaction, at the hint of discomfort, is to fuss or cry until its’ needs are met.  Patterns from our old “flesh” nature make this a continual battle for most people, but one that is worthwhile to fight.

 

The biblical definition of patience can either mean longsuffering and perseverance, or not giving up and yielding under pressure.  In either case, it reveals itself when we are willing to wait without frustration while suffering or experiencing some strong desire.  In other words, we accept difficult situations without giving God deadlines.  Furthermore, patience means accepting what the Lord gives, on His timetable—or what He chooses not to give.  This quality results in inner peace and lack of stress.  Meanwhile, we should pray, obey, and persist as we seek God’s direction.

 

Like our scripture for today instructs us, when we do not have patience with people it causes stress in our lives.  It is something that every Christian must learn—God loves people!  And our worrying and fretting does not change people or circumstances; it only inflicts harm on us, either physically or spiritually. 

 

Walking in patience and love reduces stress. “I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech  you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness, and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love’ (Ephesians 4:1-2).

 

Be happy when difficulties arise, for the pressure caused by the problem will produce patience and endurance.  “Moreover—let us also be full of joy now! Let us exult and triumph in our troubles and rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that pressure and affliction and hardship produce patient and unswerving endurance” (Romans 5:3—Amplified).

 

Many times the following scripture has encouraged me, when I have gone through difficult times.  It is like I have been able to gather myself together, and go on because Jesus was able to do it; therefore, I can complete my race.  “Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:1-2).

 

Like a farmer that sows his/her seed, have patience for you will reap when you do good.  “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart” (Galatians 5:9). 

 

Prayer—Father I ask for Your help in developing patience in my life.  I thank You for Your encouragement, love and longsuffering in my life and as I do not try to figure things out on my own, I know that I can rest in You and cease from strive and stress in my life, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

 

 

HOLD FAST TO THE PROMISE

 “But Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.’”—Matthew 19:14

 

I have known of couples who have given birth to children that the doctor’s have said was a medical impossibility.  But because the parents believed the promises of God, they were able to conceive and bear their child.  In Hebrews chapter 11, we read account after account of children who were children of promise.  Isaac was born to Abraham and Sarah when they were older.  Twins, Jacob and Esau, along with Joseph’s children were also called children of promise.  Moses, the promised deliverer, was a child of promise.   

 

As you read this today, I encourage you to think about the promise that God has given you concerning your child/children.   Perhaps you have a promise concerning a children’s ministry, or your children or grandchildren.  Whether your children are your own or spiritual children, God’s promises are still relevant for them today. 

 

We as adults are admonished by scripture to bring our children up in the fear and reverence of the Lord.  We are instructed to teach our children not to be feel intimidated when coming into the presence of the Lord; but on the other hand, He desires an intimate relationship with them, not a casual one. 

 

We must stand guard over our children with the Word of God and by the example of our lives.  Children are always watching and they mimic what they see.  Let your life be a reflection of hope and joy for the young lives around you today. 

 

Prayer—Father I thank you for the promises that You have made in Your Word concerning Your children.  May they enjoy the fruits of your righteousness as they follow the examples of goodness and joy, in Jesus’ Name.  Amen.

GOD’S GRACE RESTORES

“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God.”—Ephesians 2:8

 

The transforming power of God’s grace is the heart of our Christian faith and the heart of our relationship with God.  Grace is the means by which God brings himself to us and restores us.  Grace is best defined as: God giving me what I need, not what I deserve.  I deserve to be punished for my sins, but in grace, God offers me forgiveness.  Through forgiveness, I am able to experience blessings upon blessing.  Grace is a fit that we accept in faith, and that is totally undeserved.  We tend to offer people conditional love; I love you, if.  But Jesus Christ offers each of us unconditional love: I love you, period!  And, when we are the recipients of such an awesome gift, our hearts are transformed and the desire of our hearts becomes helping others understand this amazing grace.  Dr. T. L. Osborn related that his older brother was transformed by the power of grace at his conversion to Christ.  Before being transformed his brother was mean and treated people badly, afterward he spoke kindly to people and treated them nicely.  Dr. T. L. wanted to experience the new birth because it made such a radically change in his brother.  Grace transforms people.

 

The apostle Paul is another example of the Lord’s power to transform an unrighteous man into an image-bearer of Jesus.

 

God changed a sinner into Christian. Paul was deeply religious before his conversion, but he relied on good works and a pious nature to gain divine acceptance.  When he met the Lord on the road to Damascus, the future apostle learned that all of his religious zeal meant nothing.  The only way for people to be acceptable before God is to receive the saving grace of Christ—He replaces our sin nature with a righteous spirit.  And even though Christians will sometimes falter and make mistakes, our heavenly Father remains patient and loving toward His children.  He uses our failures to teach us more about Himself and His ways.

God changed a servant of sin into a servant of the Lord. Paul was welcomed into the kingdom in spite of his hostility toward the church.  He had promoted blasphemy, punished believers, and cast his vote against those being put to death (Acts 26:10-11).  The lesson here is that nothing can separate you from the love of God (Romans 8:38-39).

 

The Father shapes and chisels His children until they mirror His Son.  He turned one of the early church’s enemies into a wise and repentant leader. Commit to obey the Lord, and see what He will do in your life.  He is faithful to complete the good work He has begun in you, “Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Christ” (Philippians 1:6).

 

I have made many mistakes in my life, and in repentance I have seen that God’s grace is always willing to receive me back in love and mercy.  We all need God.  The Apostle Paul wrote that, “The most important thing is that I complete my mission, the work that the Lord Jesus gave me—to tell people the good news about God’s grace” (Acts 20:24 NCV).  Sharing the transforming grace of God with others is a sacred responsibility.  When we experience the transforming grace of God and His miraculous intervention, we should be filled with the desire to share that same wonderful reality with others.

 

Prayer—Father I thank You for Your miraculous transforming power of grace at work in my life.  I thank You that I will complete the work that You have given me to do, to share the good news of Your grace with others, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

ATTITUDES INFLUENCE THINKING

“For as he thinks in his heart, so is he…”—Proverbs 23:7

 

Our attitudes shape our mind-set—our focus.  How we view certain things affects every area of our life.  Jesus taught different attitudes than the religious leaders.  We are able to see the marked contrast of attitudes between the world’s thinking and our Lord’s viewpoint in Matthew 5 -7. 

 

The word "beatitude" comes from the Latin beatitudo, meaning "blessedness." The phrase "blessed are" in each of the beatitudes implies a current state of happiness or well-being—an attitude, as well as a promised future reward.  The expression held powerful meaning of "divine joy and perfect happiness" to the people of the day.  In other words, Jesus was saying "divinely happy and fortunate are" those who possess these inward qualities / attitudes.

 Today we will highlight the Be Attitudes in Matthew 5:3, 4, 5 and 10

 

(v. 3) “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

Poor in spirit / kingdom of heaven

 

The word “poor” is speaking of being inferior, inadequate, or lacking, such as when we speak of poor attendance or poor health.  Jesus was telling those who recognized their spiritual inadequacies to be happy because help had come. They could receive new spirits (2 Corinthians 5:17) by letting the kingdom of God come within them (Luke 17:21 and Romans 14:17).

 

(v. 4) “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.”

Mourn / comforted

 

Jesus could have been referring to those who mourn because of their problems.  Isaiah 61:1-3 definitely states that the Christ would comfort those who mourn (2 Corinthians 1:3-4).  He could have also been identifying the repentant person, as in 2 Corinthians 7:9-11 and James 4:9.  Or He could have been speaking to "all that mourn" (Isaiah 61:2), which would include both of these groups.

 

(v. 5) “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.”

Meek / inherit the earth

 

The ancient meaning of "meek," which was dominant during the time of the King James translation, was "kind or gentle." It was not a term of weakness, as we can see in Matthew 11:29 where Jesus said He was meek.  Jesus had all power, but He would not use that power to promote Himself.  So meekness includes humility, submission, kindness, and gentleness.  The Apostle Paul wrote about Jesus saying,  And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross”  (Philippians 2:8).

 (v. 10) “Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake.  Rejoice and be exceedingly glad for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”

Revile, persecute and all kinds of evil / great reward in heaven

 

Persecution is an inevitable part of the Christian life (John 15:18-20 and Philippians 1:29-30). The only Christians who don't suffer persecution are those who aren't living godly lives (2 Timothy 3:12). Persecution is from Satan and is designed to uproot God's Word in our lives (Mark 4:16-17) by taking our eyes off of Jesus (Hebrews 12:1-3) and, therefore, making us fall into strife or despondency (James 3:16).

 

There are many forms of persecution.   One, of the more deadly forms of persecution, is people speaking evil of us or separating us from their company, as Jesus mentioned in Matthew 5:11-12.  It is deadlier because it's more subtle.  Many who would never directly deny the Lord will fall into self-pity or strife because of someone's criticism. This will render us just as ineffective as would a negative reaction to our lives being threatened.

 

It helps to recognize that it is not us whom they are persecuting, but rather Christ in us (Acts 9:4). We are actually becoming partakers of His sufferings (Philippians 3:10) and will share His rewards (Romans 8:17-18, 2 Timothy 2:11-12, and Hebrews 11:26). With this in mind, we can actually shout and leap for joy in persecution (Luke 6:22-23 and Acts 5:41).

 

These “be attitudes” give us a clear picture of the true disciple of God.

 

Prayer—Father I repent for attitudes that do not reflect You, and I ask You to refocus and reshape any attitude that is not aligned with how You think, in Jesus’ Name.  Amen.

SEEK THE LORD AND SATISFY YOUR SOUL

“O God, you are my God: early will I seek You; My soul thirsts for You…”—Psalm 63:1

 

A personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ has the potential to be more intimately satisfying than any earthly connection.  King David recorded his experience in Psalm 63.  Our Heavenly Father wants to have a loving bond with us just as He did with David.

 

Making a firm commitment to know Him is the first step, which takes priority above all matters.  David described his passion to know God as an intense thirst; the Apostle Paul likened his dedication in pursuing the Lord to a race.  “Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witness, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:1-2).

 

When we pledge ourselves to the lordship of Christ and seek after Him with our hearts and minds, we will find our souls becoming satisfied.  Once we resolve to follow diligently after the Lord, our next step is to spend time in His Word.

 

The Bible is God’s revelation of Himself and His plan for the world.  Making time to read and meditate on Scripture is essential for every believer.  That’s how we learn who God is, how He works, and what He desires for us and for the body of Christ.  When we strive to know and understand a biblical passage, the Holy Spirit will make the meaning clear to us.  An illumination comes, and the Holy Spirit makes the passage come to life.  God is pleased by followers who make it their goal to deepen their relationship with Him.

 

Dedicating time to know and experiencing God is a critical step toward a satisfying walk with Him.  Begin today by making a pledge to pursue Him more diligently and taking time in your schedule for regular study and prayer.  “Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16).

 

Your heavenly Father is willing to meet with you.

 

 Prayer—Father I thank You for satisfying my every longing.  Today I purpose to thirst for You as I never have before.  I thank You that You have told me that when I seek I shall find, when I knock it shall be opened, and whatever I ask in Jesus’ Name shall be given to me.  I ask you to fill my cup with Your presence and revelation, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

LET LOVE CHANGE YOUR LIFE

“But God demonstrates His own love toward us in, that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”—Romans 5:8

There is an idiom that says, “You can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar.  This means that it is easier to persuade people if you are nice to them rather than being confrontational.   God does not force people to receive Him, but it is His goodness that draws people to Him.  “… that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?” (Romans 2:4). 

 

The first of four things to know how love will change your life is:

love sees the possibilities.    God sees beyond where you are now.  Love sees beyond the wreckage in your life. The Lord sees you where you should and could be.  Love believes the very best for you.  “The Lord did not set His love on you nor choose you because you were more in number than any other people, for you were the least of all peoples.  But because the Lord loves you, and because He would keep the oath which He swore to your fathers, the Lord has brought you out with a mighty hand, and redeemed you from the house of bondage, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt” (Deuteronomy 7:7-8) . 

 

Love never gives up.   The times in your life when things look hopeless and there seems to be no way out, ask your Heavenly Father for help He will abundantly show mercy and help.  “Call unto Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know” (Jeremiah 33:3).   Rely upon God’s love and mercy in your life instead of your own human understanding.  “But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loves us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved)” (Ephesians 2:4-5)

 

love always pays the price.  Christ’s love for you has paid the price for the change in your life.  “By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us…” (1 John 3:16).  “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s own life for his friends” (John 15:13).

 

love always wins.   When you comprehend that God is not working against you and that He is working for you, it will change your life.  “What then say we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies, also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written:  ‘For Your sake we are killed all day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.’ Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, not angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:31-39).

 

Prayer—Father I thank You that Your “love force” is working a change in my life, and drawing me closer to You, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

WHEN YOU ARE SIDE-SWIPED BY LIFE’S CIRCUMSTANCES, TURN TO GOD

“I cried to the Lord with my voice, and He heard me from His holy hill.”—Psalm 3:4

 

Less than an hour after my husband had left for work, I received a profound telephone call.  My husband’s small Toyota pick-up truck had been broad-sided by a train.  My heart seemed to turn over on the inside of me.  As my mind tried to comprehend what I had been told, I hardly recognized that it was my husband who was talking to me.  He was asking me to come and pick him up, but my mind and my mouth kept asking if he was physically alright.  It was a few minutes before my mind could comprehend that indeed he was alright and that I needed to get into the car and go get him.  During the forty minute drive, I began praising the Lord for preserving his life, and restoring all that the enemy meant for our harm.  When I reached my husband and saw what was left of his small pick-up truck, I was speechless.  By looking at the vehicle, it seemed impossible that anyone could walk away from that devastation.  However, God preserved his life.  When questioning my husband about what had happened, He said that he did not see or hear the train as he began to cross the tracks.  When he felt the impact and the train began pushing he truck down the track, he began to say, “I will not be afraid of sudden terror.”  Proverbs 3:25-26 says, “Do not be afraid of sudden terror, nor of trouble from the wicked when it comes; for the Lord will be your confidence, and will keep your foot from being caught.” 

 

At the very moment that my husband was side-swiped by life’s circumstances, he cried out to God for help.  The Lord heard his cry for help and delivered him from all his troubles.

 

In the Bible, crying out refers to speaking audibly with great emotion concerning an urgent need.  God invites us to use this form of prayer to communicate that we desperately need his mercy.

 

It takes both faith and humility to share our heart’s concern aloud.  Crying out is a way for God’s children to express trust in the Lord’s ability and willingness to help.  By calling upon Him, with such urgency, we also lay down our pride and any attitude of self-sufficiency.

 

The Word of God assures us that our Father hears our cries and responds.  When we call aloud for help in Jesus’ name, we invite His power into the situation.  Remember that there is just strength in speaking His name.  We can always count on His comfort and presence, which enable us to live with hope and peace.

 

Prayer—Father I thank You that You are an ever present Help in time of trouble, and that I can cry out to You and You will hear my cry and deliver me, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

WHAT YOU HEAR SHOULD DRAW YOU CLOSER TO JESUS

“But now you yourselves are to put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth. Do no lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him.”—Colossians 3:8-10

 

Have you ever noticed that for most people it is easier to gain weight than to lose it?  It is also easier to destroy things than to build them, and to ruin a relationship than to work to maintain one.  It seems that the things we desire are harder to come by than the things we wish to avoid.  It is the same way with what we hear.

 

Values and attitudes that take a long time to build can be easily destroyed by just a few words.  Certainly, everyone has had their enthusiasm quenched by the disapproving words of someone else.  Our words are important but so are the words of every person that we hear.  To succeed in the kingdom of God, we not only have to watch what we say, but also we must guard what we hear.

 

In our day and age, Christians are exposed to the negative words of this world as never before.  Most of us allow these words right into our homes, automobiles, offices, and wherever we are traveling.  In seconds, we are aware of all the terrible things going on around the world.  Some people even listen for entertainment to songs that wail about the miseries and sorrows of mankind.  A few years ago, the Holy Spirit spoke these words to me, “A wave of occult music is coming into America to take the children.  It is a Luciferian Music Club which is a Satanic Juilliard.”  Across our nation young children are listening to this music, and it is being merchandised as innocent, cute and charming. 

 

Negative words have power—evil power.  “Put away from you a deceitful mouth, and put perverse lips far from you” (Proverbs 4:24).  They have the ability to depress, and to cause fear.  We do not need that!  We are to be a people of faith and hope!  “Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice.  And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you” (Ephesians 4:29-32).

 

Think about the words you hear today.  Do you really need or want what you are seeing and hearing?  Choose life instead of death (Deuteronomy 30:19).  If a word spoken to you does not increase your faith and draw you to Jesus, rebuke it and reject it.  Then turn your thought to His Word and be glad. 

 

Prayer—Father today I purpose to guard what I hear and I choose life. Please forgive me for the times that I was lax and lazy in choosing to hear words of death.  I ask that by the power of Your Word and Your Blood that every negative word that was sown into my spirit to cause death and defeat in my life be uprooted in Jesus’ Name.  Amen.

THE CHRISTIAN’S DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTIC THE SPIRIT OF TRUTH

 “I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever, that is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it does not see Him or know Him, but you know Him because He abides with you and will be in You.”—John 14:16-17

 

In some countries of the world, when some one makes a sworn testimony they must vow that the testimony that they give is the truth.  In America, and in most courts, the person giving the testimony will say something like this, “I swear that the evidence that I shall give, shall be the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, so help me God.”  The born-again believer has received the Spirit of truth so that their “testimony” to the world stems from the Spirit of truth.

 

When Jesus spoke the words, in our daily scripture, He clearly said that the “world” could not receive the Spirit of truth.  The “world” indicates the non-believing ones.  Meaning those individuals who are not born of the Spirit of God—the unbeliever.  Matthew Henry writes in his commentary concerning this passage in John 14 that “the disciples of Christ are here distinguished from the world, for they are chosen and called out of the world that lies in wickedness; they are the children and heirs of another world, not of this.” 

 

Scripture tells us that Satan is the father of all lies and deceit that is why it is so important for the believer to have a clear understanding of the principles of the Spirit of truth.  These principles include:  For the believer, the Spirit of truth will be true to you, and to his undertaking for you.  He will teach you the truth, enlighten your mind with the knowledge of it, will strengthen and confirm your belief of it, and will increase your love for it.  The Spirit of truth shall not only lead you into all truth, but others by your ministry.  The same Spirit that enabled the early Christians to leave all and to follow Christ, preach the gospel and work miracles, lives in you!  The same Helper that helped Jesus during his time of temptation is in you, to help you.  The writer of the book of Hebrews said it like this, “So we may boldly say: The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?” (Hebrews 13:6). 

 

The Church should remember that the distinguishing characteristic between the “world” and the Christian is TRUTH.  Allow the Spirit of truth to guide and direct your paths and your testimony.  Remember, that the way to overcome the “world” and its’ system is by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of your testimony.  “And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to death” (Revelations 12:11).

 

Prayer—Father I thank you that you have given to me the Spirit of truth, my Helper, and with His help I will give testimony to Your wonderful works and glorify You in all that I say and do, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

LET YOUR ACTIONS BE CONSISTENT WITH YOUR CHARACTER

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”—Hebrews 13:8

 

Being consistent can be challenging, God wants us to be people of consistency, full of faith and truthfulness.  Consistent means to be reliable, to be steady to be dependable.  One of the greatest testimonies I have every heard was concerning a prayer group.  They never failed to come together to pray for the needs of their community and their church body.  Week after week this group of believers would lay aside the necessities of their own lives to pray for the needs of others.  This prayer group recognized the priority of Christ’s character—love lays down its life for another.  Our actions should be consistent with our character.

Society as a whole is sending the message that it is acceptable to say one thing and to then act a different way. This is contrary to God’s word.  John 3:16 is a good example that God does not act differently than His character.  God is love (1 John 4:8) now compare this with John 3:16:  “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal live.  Loved laid down its life for those who believe. 

You see God is consistent and He expects His children to be like Him.  We can pray or even expect others to treat us with a Christ-like attitude, but that does not exempt us from our individual responsibility of being Christ-like.  Does this require discipline?  Yes. Can we do it?  Yes.  Joyce Meyers gave an excellent example of being consistent. “Treat your family, partner or friends the same way that you would treat or speak to your pastor, or your teacher or anyone else that you have deep respect for. Be the same for everyone.”  It is simple, do something, do a little but just do.  And as you begin to make that adjustment in your life, you will be gratified to see the change in your own attitude towards yourself and towards others.  There is nothing better than having the peace, righteousness, joy and satisfaction of seeing yourself grow and mature as your actions consistently portray Christ in a hurting world.

 

Prayer—Heavenly Father I repent, and I ask You to forgive me for not representing You consistently with my actions, and for allowing the influence of the world’s system to be my standard of conduct.  Help me Lord to be consistent in my actions as I represent You to a hurting world, in Jesus’ name.  Amen.