If our mind and will are rooted in the world’s way of thinking, we will be selfish, greedy, and full of violence. The self-centered, narcissistic spirit of the world refuses to love in the selfless, generous way Jesus taught. As it says in the book of James 4:4, ” Friendship with the world is hatred towards God.”
Tag: thanking god
James 1: 2-4 ” Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
What exactly is perseverance, and how do we develop it through exercising our faith? Perseverance is hope under pressure…its not allowing surrender or giving in to trials. Perseverance is the purpose in which we reach the goal of spiritual maturity.
Joshua 6:16 ” Shout! For the Lord has given you the city!”
Jericho was a formidable Canaanite city, filled with smug, godless people who weren’t afraid of this Israelite army or their God. And then we have Joshua and his troops, who were simply obeying the Lord by dutifully marching around Jericho for six days. But on that seventh day, God’s display of miraculous power had a two-fold purpose. First to the idol worshiping people of Jericho, the Lord’s judgment was pronounced in one explosive moment as the walls fell. Secondly, as the Jewish people shouted, they watched in awe as Jericho became a heap of rubble before them…demonstrating that God was in control, He was abiding by His covenant with them, and that nothing was impossible when they trusted in Him .
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.
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.
Safetypinlove 