The Get-Along Gang

1 Peter 3:8-13

Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous:

Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.

10 For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile:

11 Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it.

12 For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.

13 And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good?

Troubled Treasure

Proverbs 15:16, 16:8

We in the United States, live in a society where greed is prominent. The more men gain, the more they want. Humility has become an afterthought in the great ole’ “Land of the Free”. Rather than be grateful for simply having enough (food, money, property, etc.), men desire more of things, than what they really need. Oftentimes, those who desire more than enough, typically find themselves struggling with the troubles that are inevitably associated with “too much”. Rare and few are those who desire much, in order to care for the needs of others. Conversely, those with selfish motives can be found in abundance.

God commanded His people to fear Him, and keep His commandments. Obeying these simple commands requires one to always walk in humility, while appreciating the daily benefits provided by the hand of God.

Those who profess to be born-again believers, should never be guilty of greed, nor the desire to want more than what they need. “Give us this day our daily bread” should be the mindest of all who love the Lord, and strive to be His representatives in the earth. Make an honest effort to empty yourselves of pride and selfishness, then ask God to fill your hearts with His love, wisdom, and understanding.

A Song Of Grief

Amos 5

v.1 “Hear ye this word which I take up against you, even a lamentation….

v.2 The virgin of Israel has fallen… there is none to raise her up…

v.3 For thus saith the Lord God…

v.4 …Seek ye me, and ye shall live…

v.5 But seek not Beth-el… and Beth-el shall come to nought…

v.6 Seek the Lord, and ye shall live…

v.7 Ye who turn judgment into wormwood, and leave off righteousness in the earth…

v.8 Seek him that maketh the seven stars and Orion, and turneth the shadow of death into the morning…

v.12 For I know your manifold transgressions and your mighty sins…

v.14 Seek good, and not evil, that ye may live: and so the LORD, the God of hosts, shall be with you…

v.15 Hate the evil, and love the good…”

Sweet Sleep

Proverbs 3:24

When was the last time you had a good night’s rest? Can you recall a moment when you laid in bed, forgot about all your worries, and cast all your cares upon the Lord? In the book of Proverbs, king Solomon taught his sons the importance of finding wisdom, and getting understanding, because doing so would ensure life to the soul, grace to the neck, safe pathways, and a solid foundation from which to grow stronger in the Lord. Life is hard, and times get tough, but when we give our troubles to the Lord, He’ll give us wisdom to navigate through them. So, don’t worry about the things you can’t change, nor the situations beyond your control. Instead, rest in the Lord, wait patiently for Him, and sleep in peace. “When thy liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet.”

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.