Life is tough, but it gets easier to understand when we allow God to lead. Let His Word be a light that guides your path.
1 Thessalonians 4:11-12
“And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you. That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing.” (vs. 11-12)
“Focus on your own business, and leave mine alone. Only then will you begin to understand where you belong.” -Ell
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.
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.
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.
(Excerpts from TC3 Church)
Those who marry will have troubles. That’s what Paul told the Corinthian church (1 Corinthians 7:28). Even the best couples can struggle to protect their marriage vows. But what happens when marriage troubles become unbearable? Is there a point at which couples should end a bad marriage? Or is there hope for something better? Walk through the following steps as you prayerfully evaluate your situation.
Unfortunately, many marriages end today over troubles that could have been overcome. University of Texas researcher Norval Glenn has found that divorces today are often blamed on problems such as “lack of commitment,” “too much conflict and arguing,” “unrealistic expectations” and “lack of preparation.” These are problems that both husband and wife can and should work to overcome. Despite what friends, family or popular culture might say, these issues are no reason to end a marriage – especially in light of the serious long-term impact of divorce on your children.
Major trouble occurs when someone either abuses or abandons their role in a marriage – when they break faith with their spouse and violate their vows. While God hates divorce (Malachi 2:16), He permits it for marital unfaithfulness (Matthew 19:1-8). In God’s grace, He allows, but does not command, men and women whose spouses have been unfaithful to start over. However, God is in the business of helping couples redeem what many would see as a hopeless situation. “Even marriages that have faced one or more of the big ‘A’s – abuse, affairs or addictions – can be saved.” If your relationship is marked by physical or severe emotional abuse, you may find yourself confused, frightened and unsure about what to do. The most important thing you can do right now is take steps to protect yourself and your children from harm.
Even if you want to save your marriage, you should not risk the safety of your children or yourself. A period of structured and therapeutic separation may be needed and can make it possible for you to get the help your marriage needs while making your family less vulnerable.
Whatever situation you’re in, don’t struggle through a difficult marriage alone. You need the Lord like never before. He is eager to hear your prayers and walk this journey with you. Whether you are praying together or praying for your marriage alone, the power of prayer can make all the difference. You also need the church body like never before – for perspective and advice, counseling and encouragement, and hope for God’s redemption.
https://real-life.tc3.church/felt-needs/difficult-marriage/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI8-f2vYyQ9wIVV-TICh3yWAN5EAAYBCAAEgKxhPD_BwE
Ephesians 5:1-20
Money can be refunded, property can be restored, even health can be renewed, but there’s one thing that can never be replaced once it’s been used, and that’s time. Life on earth is indeed short, and many today won’t live beyond the years their ancestors were blessed to see. This is mostly due to the change in the quality of foods and resources, but mostly, lack of faith in the God who created all things. Knowing the average lifetime for humans is roughly threescore and ten, every person on the planet who’s capable of learning, and has a desire to please God should make redeeming the time top priority in their lives. The days are evil, and the love of God amongst men is fleeting, but to those who boldly live according to godly standards, fulfilling God’s will is a must. Lost time can never be recovered, but with the time we have left, let’s make a conscious effort to value it, by doing things that will have a positive, and eternal effect.
Various Scriptures
Oftentimes, we pray to God, seek His face, and hope for change in our lives, but we hardly see immediate results. Most of the time, all we have to do is, be who God called us to be, so that He can do what He promised to do for His people.
Love the Lord… and he will preserve you.
-Psalm 31:23
Be of good courage, and he will strengthen your heart…
-Psalm 31:24
Delight in the LORD, and will give you the desires of your heart.
-Psalm 37:4
Wait on the LORD, and keep his way, and he will exalt you to inherit the land.
-Psalm 37:34
Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.
-Psalm 1:1-3
Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
-Matthew 5:3-11
In your daily living, be who you were called to be, so that God can do what He promised He would do.
Luke 5:12-13
“Lord, if thou wilt…
… make me clean
… remove my burden
… heal my blood issue
… revive my daughter
… heal my leprosy
… make me whole
… restore my soul
… avenge me of my adversary
… blot out my transgressions
… purge me with hyssop
… help my unbelief
… keep me safe
… guard my heart
… bless my soul
… grant me favor in thy sight
… give me a sign
… prove your love
… be my strong rock
… hear my prayer
… lift up my head
… fight for me
… shield me from mine enemies
… give me wisdom
… preserve my future
… lead me
… guide me
… direct my path
… teach me your ways
… bless my children
… guide the works of my hand
… humble me
… keep me as the apple of your eye
… hide me under the shadow of your wings
“…I will.”
Jeremiah 27:5
“I have made the earth, the man and the beast that are upon the ground, by my great power and by my outstretched arm…”
Sitting by the water, trying to understand some verses of scripture I read, I looked into the sky, then saw a bird, and an airplane flying directly over my head simultaneously. Immediately, I considered God’s beautiful, and natural creation, in contrast to man’s inventions. God made all things very good, and has sustained His creation for thousands of years. Man, through God’s wisdom, has developed countless technological advancements that can only mimic what God originally set in motion. Man cannot fly like the birds of the air, so they made airplanes to soar through the skies, in order to travel from place to place without restriction. Fish can swim at various depths of the sea, but man can’t withstand the pressures at lower levels. For this reason, the submarine was invented, so that men could traverse the deep waters of God’s great oceans. Man can only imitate, what God spoke into existence, so all should honor and appreciate the mighty God of all creation, and His magnificent handiwork.
1 John 5:3
As I was driving down a road in Miami one sunny afternoon, I looked to the right of the street, and noticed a cemetery. Most times when I pass a graveyard, my mind immediately goes into a state of appreciation for life, then I give thanks to God for giving me life, health, and a sound mind. I’m usually left with a heart of sadness for those who’s bodies lay in the grave, but those experiences keep me humbled, and focused on living a life for the Lord; knowing that someday I’ll also have a place to lay next to them.
As I passed the cemetery, I looked to the left of the street and saw men at a basketball court. My mind wondered whether or not those who were grinding hard on the court, were also aware of the fact that they would someday share a space across the street at the cemetery also. While there is no harm in enjoying a time of leisure at the park, it’s more important to remember what our focus in life should be. Those who are the children of God are to love Him, keep His commandments, and love others according to His love.
As we go throughout each day doing things we deem as important, we should never allow any activity to take precedence over our God-appointed assignment; to win the lost, and proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Ell's Daily Inspirations 