Even when the world around us is chaotic, we can still be content and at peace within. But it’s when jealousy creeps in that suddenly we’re unhappy and discontented with everything and everyone. Envy can decay away the most stable of relationships, it can cause irreparable damage to people’s reputations and lives. Rotted bones can no longer support body weight…they are brittle, break easily, and can become a life threatening condition for the person…Envy not only affects others, but ourselves.
Tag: religion
I Peter 4:10 ” Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.”
If you’re unsure what your gifts are, ask yourself these questions – What am I talented at, and what things am I passionate about? God gives us gifts that run in conjunction with our personalities and bents. He works with talents and passions we already have within. He won’t give us gifts that are contrary to who we are. Whatever your giftings, you are to care for the needs of others by showing the same loving kindness that Jesus has shown you. Each one of us have different gifts…but we all are to use them to benefit others.
Isaiah 1:18 “…Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow…”
Snow. We get lots of it here in Idaho, and there’s nothing as beautiful as the sun shining on a new snowfall. Everything is covered with a pristine, white blanket..the dull, drab landscape is transformed into a glorious magnificence. Isaiah wrote that ‘though our sins were like scarlet, they will be white as snow.’ Our sinful life can be transformed by God’s love and mercy. His love can cover our grubby, dirty past with a perfect blanket of white. When snow falls it covers everything…it doesn’t pick and choose where it lands…the same with our Lord…His love and mercy is for everyone, forever changing our lives with a beautiful white blanket of forgiveness.
James 1:5 ” If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.”
When answers are elusive…ask Him. When insight and understanding seem far away…ask Him. The Lord wants to help you through those perplexing times. He’s waiting to help give you clarity and discernment in the mist of confusion. Ask and it will be given to you without reprimand or rebuke…just ask.
Acts 20:24 ” However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me – the task of testifying to the gospel of God’s grace.”
If I said “Ministry”, you’d probably think of many well-known Christians with TV shows and Conferences you could attend. But God has a Ministry for you also…it’s to have compassion towards the needy, and to tell others the Good News of God’s loving kindness. Your Ministry is to touch the people around you with the love of Jesus…so go and fulfill YOUR Ministry.
Psalm 5:12 ” For surely, O Lord, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield.”
God goes before you today as a protector, safeguarding your every step. He encircles you with His grace and kindness, and gives you peace on all sides. So today, move out boldly into the world…you’re well protected…God has your back!
Galatians 6:6 ” Anyone who receives instruction in the word must share all good things with his instructor.”
Has someone influenced your walk with the Lord by being a mentor? Has someone come along side during a rough period and spoke truth and light into those dark times? Has your Pastor ever given a sermon you know was written especially for you? Has a Bible teacher ever made that confusing passage suddenly very clear? I dare say you could probably answer “Yes” to most of these questions…so I ask you then…have you ever thanked them? Don’t take for granted the bounty of wisdom and knowledge you’ve received over the years from others. Today, make a phone call, send a text, or tell them personally…Thank you for showing me Jesus, and speaking the Word into my life.
Ezekiel 13:10-11 ” Because they lead my people astray, saying ‘Peace,’ when there is no peace, and because, when a flimsy wall is built, they cover it with whitewash, therefore tell those who cover it with whitewash that it is going to fall.”
Whitewash is a paint that contains powdered chalk. When applied to a building, it looks really nice…for a short time, until the weather strips it away. Then you’re left with the same old, nasty looking building. We do the same thing in our lives…we justify and gloss over mistakes and faults in others and ourselves all the time. If we keep making excuses for someone, we are in a way enabling them and not helping them in the long run. If we are always down playing our own problems, pretty soon we’re believing the lies we tell ourselves. Trying to whitewash the elephant in the room is very messy, and never works. Whitewash doesn’t last…Truth does.
Psalm 71:18 “Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, O God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your might to all who are to come.”
Don’t think for a moment that just because you’re “old and gray” that God can’t use you anymore – that you don’t have purpose. You have a very important endeavor and mission for God…it’s to make known to the next generations His mighty works. From your wealth of wisdom and knowledge, future generations will come to know the awesomeness of your Lord. Finally, don’t fear growing old…God will never abandon you, for He cares deeply for the elderly…you are His spokesperson for those to come.
Ephesians 6:13 ” Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.”
When you think of standing, you think of a stationary condition. But if your standing, you’re not retreating…you may not be forging ahead, but you’re not going backwards either. There are times in our lives when standing will be the only thing we can do at the time…but be encouraged, the Lord says to hold your ground and stand firm against the enemy, and you will be the victor.
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