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.
Tag: nothing is impossible with god
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.
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.
Isaiah 33:6 ” He will be the sure foundation for your times, a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge; the fear of the Lord is the key to this treasure.”
The Lord is that stability when life’s events and circumstances come crashing down on our heads. He’s that wall around us when the world is crowding in and threatening to overwhelm. The fear of Him is the beginning of knowledge. (Proverbs 1:7)
II Corinthians 12:15 ” …though the more abundantly I love you, the less I am loved.”
We as humans love, expecting something in return. But If we look at Jesus, He was a servant to everyone…always denying Himself, and teaching others that they should follow His example. To make an impact in the world today, we can’t just proclaim the Gospel, but we must be willing to become broken bread and poured out wine in the hands of our Savior for the sake of others.
Psalm 112: 5 ” Good will come to him who is generous and lends freely, who conducts his affairs with justice.”
Fairness and honesty are rooted in God’s character and ought to be emulated by His people everyday. Our dealings with others should be morally right and generous, especially to the poor and down-trodden among us.
Psalm 112:4 ” Even in darkness light dawns for the upright, for the gracious and compassionate and righteous man.”
Bad things come to the righteous…we are not immune from sickness, suffering, and lawless acts, for we live in a broken world. But we do need to always remember – that despite how dark and miserable things may be…the dawn will bring with it new wisdom and enlightenment for our weary souls.
Psalm 112: 1 ” Praise the Lord. Blessed is the man who fears the Lord, who finds great delight in His commands.”
To stand in awe of the Lord and all His glory is motivation enough to live a godly life before Him. To find that inexpressible joy and comfort within His Word is once more motivation to follow Him.
II Chronicles 7:14 ” If My people, who are called by My name, will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”
The Lord is calling us to a higher place… a deeper place with Him. He’s tired of us playing Church and acting so spiritual one day a week, only to behave badly the other six. He’s wanting Christians to take a stand around the world, and to boldly proclaim His Name. The Lord wants only the very best for us, but until we get rid of our arrogance and return to the God of our Fathers, our country… our world, will continue down this path of destruction.
Safetypinlove 