Good Representation

Psalm 38

How well do you represent godly living in all areas of your life? Can your family, coworkers, neighbors and friends easily tell whether you are dedicated to living a life of holiness, or not? It’s easy to look the part of a believer in church, or amongst those gathered for religious purposes, but how well do you represent godliness outside of the church walls, and in the company of those who do not share your beliefs? Are you easily entertained by unhealthy conversations at work, or do family members know the right buttons to push, that will cause you to act out of character? Representing God in a fallen world isn’t always easy, but if one diligently commits to doing as the Lord commanded, He will always direct their steps, by His Spirit.

Just A Thought

Psalm 9

Why do some people work so hard, to tear down the good reputation of others? If those who plot evil against others would redirect all their efforts toward making themselves better, the world would be a more decent place to live. Wicked people fail to realize, their actions only work against themselves. With every trap set to hinder someone, the wicked will always ensnare themselves in the end.

Payback!

Psalm 116

“What shall I render unto the Lord for all his benefits toward me?” (vs. 12). Is it possible, for a man or woman to repay God for all the good things He has done in their lives? Is there an amount of money, prayers, or vows we can present to God, in exchange for His bountiful dealings? There’s nothing man can do to pay God back for anything He does for them. The Bible mentions in 1 John 4:19, “We love him, because he first loved us.” God created man, in order to bless them. Unfortunately, sin threw a wrench in the perfect plan of God, causing men to lose faith, and eventually turn away from Him. But, in His everlasting grace and mercy, the Lord, God almighty, extends His love and blessings to all who turn back to Him, and commit themselves to doing His will.

“It Is Written…”

2 Timothy 3

16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.

According to Dr Kent Hovind, the Bible can be defined as, Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth. A select few men, were chosen and inspired by the Spirit of God, to record specific events of history, so that man could learn the knowledge of God, and gain an understanding of His purposes. The purpose of reading scripture is to study, meditate on, understand, then apply biblical knowledge to our daily lives. The more we learn about God’s word, the better equipped we’ll be to handle the issues of life. Take time daily to read and study God’s word, and allow it to strengthen your faith in Him.

Keep Hope Alive!

Isaiah 6:1-5

The world has reached an unprecedented level of spiritual immorality. The Bible records instances when God judged entire nations of people harshly, for going against His commands, and entertaining profane and blasphemous behaviors. God hates sin, and gives no place for it, but men today seem to have literally lost their moral compass, and given in to all manner of evil and wickedness. Even some who claim to be children of God, have been tossed about, and soiled by false doctrines, causing them to walk not after the Spirit, but after the flesh. In the midst of living in a world where holiness has seemingly lost its relevance, the body of Christ must not lose sight of the thrice holy God. God is holy, meaning He is pure, morally perfect, and righteous, and He expects the same behavior to be represented by those who have been redeemed, and set free from sin. In those moments when we begin to lose sight of how immensely powerful and perfect God is, take a second to graze through the Bible, and build your faith and hope on the eternal, and all-knowing Father. The world can be a scary sight to behold at times, but knowing who holds the world in their hand, should restore the confidence many who trust in Him may have lost.

Walking In Liberty

Galatians 5

1) Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.

13) For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.

16) This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.

17) For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.

Christ died, so that we could be free from the penalty of sin, and live a better life after death. But, our freedom does not give us the right to live contrary to holiness. Just because our sin debt has been paid in full, we still must maintain a life of holy living, as children of God. There are many who abuse the privilege of being redeemed by the blood of Jesus, and find themselves fulfilling the lust of the flesh. While these individuals may still be a part of the body of Christ, they’ll indeed suffer the consequences of their ungodly behavior. As believers, we have a responsibility to love God, and keep His commandments, without hesitation. The world needs to see us living a righteous life, more than hearing us profess it.

Take A Break!

Ecclesiastes 3:22, 5:18-20

3:22 Wherefore I perceive that there is nothing better, than that a man should rejoice in his own works; for that is his portion: for who shall bring him to see what shall be after him?

5:18 Behold that which I have seen: it is good and comely for one to eat and to drink, and to enjoy the good of all his labour that he taketh under the sun all the days of his life, which God giveth him: for it is his portion.

19 Every man also to whom God hath given riches and wealth, and hath given him power to eat thereof, and to take his portion, and to rejoice in his labour; this is the gift of God.

20 For he shall not much remember the days of his life; because God answereth him in the joy of his heart.

You have worked hard for your money. You’ve endured the ups and downs of following the orders of unfit bosses and supervisors. You’ve kept your peace, when lazy coworkers talked more than they worked, causing you to pull more weight. You’ve endured, and kept your chin up, while grinding throughout each work day. Now, it’s time for you to take a break. That’s right! Take time to enjoy the fruit of your consistent hard labor. While your superiors may not give you the recognition you deserve for your hard work, give yourself a pat on the back, and use a portion of your earnings for yourself. You definitely deserve it!