Exercise Faith

 2 Peter 1:5

For this very reason, applying your diligence [to the divine promises, make every effort] in [exercising] your faith to, develop moral excellence, and in moral excellence, knowledge (insight, understanding)

The natural life cycle of living things is at some point it stops growing and it slowly begins to die. It is the process that God created for all living things. The exception to this process is our spiritual life, our soul. This soul never dies, it continues to grow in the knowledge of Christ for them that make every effort to exercise and develop it. The soul that ceases to grow will eventually die. “For whoever lacks these qualities of growing is blind—shortsighted [closing his spiritual eyes to the truth], having become oblivious to the fact that he was cleansed from his old sins''. Will find themselves reverting back to a life of sin. “For the wages of sin is death”. As Christian we are to continue to develop and mature in our Christian walk. Seek to live unselfishly and show brotherly love

The God Who Sees

 Gen 16:13 (AMP)

Then she called the name of the Lord who spoke to her, “You are God Who Sees”; for she said, “Have I not even here [in the wilderness] remained alive after seeing Him [who sees me with understanding and compassion]?”

The “God Who Sees”. The implications of this verse can be convicting and comforting. He who is Omnipresent sees all that we do. He sees us when we think no one is looking. Nothing escapes the eye of God. He sees how we treat others, the motives of our heart. He sees if our intentions are for good or evil. God sees and knows our heart. Others may see through a human perspective, and judge incorrectly, but God truly sees us for who we are. God sees when we are going through a storm, He sees our situation and circumstances. We may think that we are all alone facing unfortunate events in our life, but God sees us and will deliver us. Deliverance may not take on the form we hope, but He sees what is ahead of us and will do what is best. Like Haggar, we may understand all that is happening, but He sees us and is in control.

Book of the Law

  2 Kings 22:11

 Now when the king heard the words of the Book of the Law, he tore his clothes.

God’s word is like a mirror, (James 1:23) it reveals our sinful condition. People are quick to hold on to the comforting truths that God’s word provides when going through tough times. His word is an inspiration and brings hope and purpose in life. But His word is like a two edged sword, (Hebrews 4:12) it also reveals the darkness of our heart, how all have sinned and come short of God’s will. When King Josiah heard the word of God read, he was struck with conviction, the word had revealed the sin in Judah, and he was responsible to do something about it. Like Josiah, we can open our hearts to God’s truth, walk in the light He reveals to us. Repent and cast away every sin that so easily besets us, and serve Him with a humble heart. For humility brings us the grace of God, that give us hope to live today and all our tomorrows.

Two Edge Sword

 2 Kings 22:11

 Now when the king heard the words of the Book of the Law, he tore his clothes.

God’s word is like a mirror, (James 1:23) it reveals our sinful condition. People are quick to hold on to the comforting truths that God’s word provide when going through tough times. His word is an inspiration and brings hope and purpose in life. But, His word is like a two edged sword, (Hebrews 4:12) it also reveals the darkness of our heart, how all have sinned and come short of God’s will. When King Josiah heard the word of God read, he was struck with conviction, the word had revealed the sin in Judah, and he was responsible to do something about it. Like Josiah, we can open our hearts to God’s truth, walk in the light He reveals to us. Repent and cast away every sin that so easily beset us, and serve Him with a humble heart. For humility brings us the grace of God, that give us hope to live today and all our tomorrows. 

Sweeter Than Honey

Psalm 19:10
They are more desirable than gold, yes, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb.
His law, His statues, precepts, and commandments are not grievous, they refresh the soul, they are the source of what is right and good. His word brings joy to the heart and opens the eyes to truth and the way of righteousness. His word brings eternal life. Silver and gold, the riches of this world fade away in light of what is most important in life. We desire many things in this life, and God has provided us with such blessings, but our daily bread is the word of God. We seek first the things of God and all other desires in life will fall in place. Living in His word is more than reading a morning devotion, it is the source of our life that guides our every action and reaction. He is the living Word, and through Him we find our purpose in life. Jesus is more desirable than gold, finer than the things of this world, He grows sweeter every day, making life worth living.

Love Bears All Things

1 Corinth 13:7 (AMP)
Love bears all things [regardless of what comes], believes all things [looking for the best in each one], hopes all things [remaining steadfast during difficult times], endures all things [without weakening].
“All things” Hard to wrap our minds around the concept that in all things we are to love, believe, hope, and endure. The Amplified Bible adds commentary to “all things”. Life happens and both good things and bad things happen, regardless of the circumstances or situation, love is to bear it and believe that God has something good in store. We hold on believing that “all things will work together for good to them that love and trust God in faith. He desires to make us into His image. Things come into our lives to allow Christ to live through us, and this is "good". The temptation is to doubt God’s love and His power to work it out. The human tendency is to give up and withdraw into depression or even blame God for “all things”.  The love that God puts in our heart when Jesus comes into our lives is super natural, a stranger to human love. This love is the Holy Spirit that comes into our lives and gives us the power to manifest the fruits of God’s love in our circumstances. Love, without it, we will miss the mark.

Believe in The Lord

 Act 16:31

 And they answered, “Believe in the Lord Jesus [as your personal Savior and entrust yourself to Him] and you will be saved, you and your household [if they also believe].” 

It appears for this jail guard that seeing was believing. Sometimes God has to do something drastic to get our attention. We (humanity) are so busy making a living, entertaining ourselves with the things of this world that we fail to see God’s purpose for our lives. Even good people who love their family and want what is best for others, can be distracted from God’s purpose for their lives. It is the will (purpose) of God that all people will come to believe that Jesus can be a personal Savior and come to a place where we put our entire trust in Him. Jesus came to earth for more than just showing us how to love others and treat our neighbor with kindness, He came to take us out of the darkness of sin, forgive our sins, send the Holy Spirit to dwell in our hearts. This is what living is all about, serving Him brings fulfillment, knowing that He will guide our steps and walk this earthly journey with us. 

Culture Change

 Psalm 46:1.2

God is our refuge and strength [mighty and impenetrable], A very present and well-proved help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change And though the mountains be shaken and slip into the heart of the seas.

Change is not always good, especially if that change leads us away from God’s presence. We live in a changing world, especially in the attitudes about what is right and wrong, what is good and evil. Evil is called good, and good, evil. The changes can cause us to fear. We certainly are seeing the earth change, the foundations of our Biblical morals shaken, and the heart of our nation slip into seas of wickedness.  We have lost our scruples following the wisdom of the world instead of the wisdom of God. During these difficult times, God has promised to be our refuge and strength. We don’t know about tomorrow, but we can know that whatever changes we face, He will be there to help us!

Whatsoever You Do

1 Corinth 10:31
So then, whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of [our great] God.
The day to day things of life matter to God. The everyday things we do have purpose. Eating, drinking, working, entertainment, conversation, the places we go and whatever we do is all done to the glory of God. Our purpose is to glorify God. That is the motivation to live a life of holiness and blameless before God. The influences of the world outside of Bible principles press all around us to cause us to make choices that can deviate us from our purpose. Paul tells us to “Abstain from every form of evil [withdraw and keep away from it]”.  We are to be the light of Christ to the world, and guard against doing anything that will cause one to live outside the light of Christ or forsake the way.