I know it when I see it… integrity. It’s that sincere honesty, and moral character that can make a profound impact. A person of integrity doesn’t need to be some super spiritual church leader, they just need to be sincere about their walk with Jesus. Integrity is imitating our Savior…walking as He walked…talking as He talked. It’s simply treating others as Jesus would.
Colossians 3:2 ” Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”
Where is your devotion directed towards? Who are you mindful of? If it’s fallen man and this sinful world, you’ll never be satisfied or happy – for the temporary fixes of this world will never fill that God-shaped hole in your being. For only our Lord can fill that gaping hole with His peace, love, and forgiveness. Set your mind and eyes…on Jesus.
Isaiah 35: 10 ” …and the ransomed of the Lord will return. They will enter Zion with singing; everlasting joy will crown their heads. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and signing will flee away.”
Everyday we should be overjoyed and full of thanksgiving for what the Lord has done for us. Jesus paid the ultimate price for our freedom…He delivered us from the sentence of certain death and liberated us from our sins. Jesus ransomed us from ourselves and our depraved nature. Thank You Jesus for Your love and mercy!
II Thessalonians 3:11 ” We hear that some among you are idle. They are not busy, they are busybodies.”
The Believers Paul was writing to felt that the Lord was coming back at any moment…so there was need to work. Their daily routine consisted of going from home to home gossiping and mooching off others. They had elevated the art of meddling and spreading rumors to new heights. Instead, Paul was instructing them to stop gossiping and work for their living.
Ecclesiastes 9:4 ” Anyone who is among the living has hope.”
Hope is encouragement to our very soul. It gives us confidence and assurance in the face of dread and despair. Hope bolsters our faith and trust when despondency and doubt want to tear it away. Our walk with the Lord is firmly rooted in hope, so when hopelessness shrouds your life…hide yourself in Him.
Luke 6: 27-28 ” But I tell you who hear Me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.”
How can we best reveal God’s love? To speak well of others…even if we feel otherwise. To wish others well… even when we feel quite the opposite. Finally, to show love and compassion…even if none has been shown to us. By demonstrating God’s love to the unlovable, we reveal His love for them.
Job 38:27 ” Who sends rain, to water the land, and make it spout with grass.”
I just got done doing a yearly rite of early Spring…I ordered my garden seed! For me, there’s so much hope tied up in that little task. Hope of warmer weather, hope of a great growing season ahead, hope of a plentiful harvest to share with others. Hope gives us, just that – hope! Without hope and looking forward, there is only despair, depression, and doubt. Thank You Lord, for Your everlasting, ever renewing hope!
Acts 20:24 “…so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from The Lord Jesus…”
There is no description for the happiness and satisfaction in fulfilling our purpose…our ministry in life. Each one of us has been given a specific calling…a niche in life that only we can fill within our circle of influence. And God entrusts to each one of us unique gifts, talents, and passions as we all labor for the Lord.
Jeremiah 6:16 ” Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.”
Interestingly enough, the Hebrew word for “ancient” can mean both future and past times. How many times have you stood at the crossroads…imploring the Lord on which way to go. Or maybe your actions and behaviors have brought you to one of “God’s Crossroads”, where He has made it painful evident that you need to make hard decisions. The Lord wants all to choose the right path…the one that leads to Him.
Romans 12:18 ” If possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”
When it comes to living in harmony with others – the only control we have, is over ourselves. The Lord wants us to make every effort to do what leads to peace. (Romans 14:19) I remember a song we sang in High School Choir…”Let there be peace on Earth, and let it begin with me.” Peace has to start with each of us determining that we will live a life of reconciliation with our fellow man.
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