5 And Joshua said to the people, “Sanctify yourselves, for tomorrow The Lord will do wonders among you (Joshua 3).”
There’s a particular decorum that is expected when we are at certain places. When in the presence of one who is highly respected or at a formal event, we comport ourselves with dignity. Most professions demand etiquette or a code of conduct that reflects on character and experience. God’s people should regard their calling with honor. The one who has committed their life to Christ should be set apart to live for His Glory.
“Separate yourself from those who do not advance your growth in Christ. .”
10 So The Lord said to Joshua: “Get up! Why do you lie thus on your face? 11 Israel has sinned, and they have also transgressed My Covenant which I commanded them. For they have even taken some of the accursed things, and have both stolen and deceived; and they have also put it among their own stuff. 12 Therefore the children of Israel could not stand before their enemies, but turned their backs before their enemies, because they have become doomed to destruction. Neither will I be with you anymore, unless you destroy the accursed from among you. 13 Get up, sanctify the people, and say, ‘Sanctify yourselves for tomorrow, because thus says The Lord God of Israel: “There is an accursed thing in your midst, O Israel; you cannot stand before your enemies until you take away the accursed thing from among you(Joshua 7).”
Israel was commanded not to serve the gods of those who they fought, or take their gold and precious things which were used for worshipping idols. The Israelites had to rout the inhabitants of Canaan in order to inherit their land. God gave the Israelites this land, because its inhabitants were wicked. But some Israelites disobeyed God; they took the accursed things and kept them among their belongings. When Israel went to fight the people of Ai they were trounced. Joshua fell on his face before God to inquire why He had delivered the Israelites to defeat.
The children of Israel could not stand before their enemies because they had defiled themselves. God did not go to war with them. God does not associate with wickedness. All along God had fought for Israel because they were His people, and because He had promised to give them the land. What cursed thing is defiling you? It is an abomination to God and He will not compete with it. Sanctify yourself and throw off anything that corrupts you. Get rid of anything that keeps you from God’s best for you. You will not be able to stand against your enemies, or overcome adversity as long as you cling to the cursed things. The cursed things will be your downfall. Repent and be sanctified from every wicked thing. The Lord does not reward disobedience.
14 Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? 15 And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever? 16 And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of The Living God. As God has said: “I will dwell in them and walk among them. I will be their God, and they shall be My people.” 17 Therefore “Come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, and I will receive you.” 18 “I will be A Father to you, and you shall be My sons and daughters, says The Lord Almighty (2 Corinthians 6).”
Believers and born-again Christians can’t accomplish godly purposes by trying to fit in with those who disregard God. Our convictions determine our decisions and life choices. Being unequally yoked with unbelievers is having goals, motives and intentions that align with their principles. Never the twain shall meet. If one endeavors to be righteous, they will not succeed by assimilating to works of darkness. We are the habitation of The Spirit of God. We have been made one with Christ. Everywhere we go and everything we do is done while abiding in Him. A temple, church, or place of worship is sacred.
Separate yourself from those who do not advance your growth in Christ. Don’t engage in activities that lead you off track. Be separate, touch no unclean thing and God will make you His Own. He will be your Father and you will be His forever. Come out and be separated from others. God dwells and walks among those who walk with Him. He accepts and receives those who are not ashamed to acknowledge Him even in their associations.
“Repent and be sanctified from every wicked thing.”
17 This I say, therefore, and testify in The Lord, that you should no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles walk, in the futility of their mind, 18 having their understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart. 19 Who, in the past, have given themselves over to lewdness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. 20 But you have not so learned Christ, 21 if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus: 22 that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts. 23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind, 24 that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness (Ephesians 4).
Leave your past behind; put off the old man that was once corrupted by sin, uncleanness and ignorance. You are taught by Christ, being trained by His Word and are led by His Spirit. You are now a new creation in The Lord Jesus Christ. The truth about you is in Christ and is no longer in your past ways. You are God’s creation, made according to His design— in true righteousness and holiness. Don’t believe that you are who you used to be.
33 Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.” 34 Come back to your senses as you ought, and stop sinning; for there are some who are ignorant of God—I say this to your shame (1 Corinthians 15).
Your identity is now in Christ. Put on newness by renewing the spirit of your mind. See yourself in Christ and you will not regress to your former ways. You become the thoughts you feed. You succumb to your greatest desires. Renew your mind by putting on the mind of Christ. Don’t compromise by adopting the habits of others who live on a whim. Bad company can turn you back to your old ways. Choose your closest friends wisely. Your good character in Christ can be tarnished by bad influence.
“We consecrate ourselves to The Lord by willingly giving ourselves to His Work.”
3 Moreover, because I have set my affection on the house of my God, I have given to the house of my God, over and above all that I have prepared for the holy house, my own special treasure of gold and silver: 4 three thousand talents of gold, of the gold of Ophir, and seven thousand talents of refined silver, to overlay the walls of the houses; 5 the gold for things of gold and the silver for things of silver, and for all kinds of work to be done by the hands of craftsmen. Who then is willing to consecrate himself this day to The Lord?”
6 Then the leaders of the fathers’ houses, leaders of the tribes of Israel, the captains of thousands and of hundreds, with the officers over the king’s work, offered willingly. 7 They gave for the work of the house of God five thousand talents and ten thousand darics of gold, ten thousand talents of silver, eighteen thousand talents of bronze, and one hundred thousand talents of iron (1 Chronicles 29).
Are you willing to consecrate yourself today for The Lord? What are you willing to give God from your life to honor Him? David gave all he had in gold, silver and other items to build the house of God. He gave willingly because he set his affection on The Lord. He consecrated all that he gave for the work of God. We consecrate ourselves to The Lord by willingly offering Him all the areas of our lives. Our jobs would be done more diligently, if we consecrated them to The Lord. Our marriages would be blessed, if we consecrated them to The Lord, by being the best spouse we can be. Our parenting would be more effective, if we consecrated our children and our responsibilities to The Lord.
Until we set our affections on The Lord, we will not offer our lives willingly to Him. If we love God, we will give Him our time and resources. We will give God the best of ourselves— the best portion of our time, effort and attention. We consecrate ourselves to The Lord by willingly giving ourselves to His Work. The work of the house of God is done by the Body of Christ, The Church. Those who have consecrated their effort, time and resources for the house of God will not have given in vain.
2 As they ministered to The Lord and fasted, The Holy Spirit said, “Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” 3 Then, having fasted and prayed, and laid hands on them, they sent them away (Acts 13).
The Holy Spirit has work for each one of us to do. After we have spent some time in prayer and seeking God, we will be better prepared to serve Him. The work that The Holy Spirit has for us must be taken seriously. It is incumbent upon those who are called to ministry, or to do the work of God, to be consecrated first. After the apostles prayed, fasted and laid hands on Saul and Barnabas, they sent them out at the behest of The Holy Spirit. They had to be brought to complete submission and surrender to The Holy Spirit, before they began the work. Those who do the work of The Holy Spirit must be set apart to do only what The Spirit empowers them for. The work is only done in subservience to what He wants. Those who are sanctified by The Holy Spirit are chosen to do the work that glorifies Him—His Work, not their own intentions.
“We train ourselves to be godly by applying God’s Wisdom.”
7 Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. 8 For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. 9 This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance (1 Timothy 4).
Train yourself to be godly by doing whatever is necessary to live by God’s Truth. There are many ideas out there about how to live a long fulfilling life; but most of them will not give you sustainable hope, joy, peace and assurance of Eternal Life in Christ. Myths and old wives’ tales, or fads are just people’s suggestions on how to do life from their own experiences or those of others. God is the Source of Life, and being godly is the best way to live. Physical exercise is good for your heart, mind and physical strength; it only benefits the individual. And will not give you real contentment, peace, disciplined children, good relationships, righteousness, good work ethic, nor will it strengthen you in your trials and afflictions. Godliness has value in everything. Godliness is being able to discern spiritual truth and live by it. We train ourselves to be godly by applying God’s Wisdom. Godliness will lead to productive lives that bear enduring fruits for this life and the next.
“A pure heart loves others with the Love of God.”
22 Since you have purified your souls in obeying The Truth through The Spirit in sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart, 23 having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through The Word of God which lives and abides forever ( 1 Peter 1).
Our souls are purified by our obedience to The Holy Spirit, The Spirit of Truth. He is not The Spirit of fables, hearsay, gossip or myths. He teaches us to love with sincerity and to do so with a pure heart, devoid of malice or bitterness. A pure heart loves others with the Love of God. A pure heart has no ill intentions nor is it judgmental towards others. We have been born again by the seed of God, The Word of God—The Truth of God, which compels us to love others. This Word is incorruptible in the lives of those who obey, and it abides in them forever. It purifies by purging out lies, bitterness, hatred and everything that goes against God. Love stifles and suffocates negative perceptions of others. Fervent love for others makes our hearts pure.
“God dwells and walks among those who walk with Him.”
Be consecrated for The Lord, as you live for Him. He has called us out of our past lives that lusted after sin, into the life of His design, in holiness and righteousness. We are not meant to fit in with those around us. In fact we are called to stick out like a sore thumb by the godly lives we live.
The Holy Spirit, The Spirit of Truth leads and guides us in God’s Truth, not old wives’ tales or myths. He adjures us to obey, set our affections on God and to love others with God’s Love, with a pure heart. Consecrate your life, your resources, time and profession to God. Do the work that The Spirit has set you apart for.
We must touch no unclean thing that sullies us, or take cursed things as our possession. We are bound to live defeated lives, if we defile ourselves. God will not fight for us, but will deliver us up to our adversaries, if we disobey. We must come out and be separate. God has promised to accept us and make us His precious sons and daughters, if we do not touch the unclean things or partake in works of darkness. We are the temple of The Holy Spirit. The Lord dwells among us and we have been sanctified as His special treasure, above all the people upon the face of the Earth. Be consecrated; you have been purchased with a high price—The Precious Blood of The Lord Jesus Christ.
6 “For you are a holy people to The Lord your God; The Lord your God has chosen you to be a people for Himself, a special treasure above all the peoples on the face of the earth (Deuteronomy 7).”
There are some goals we set for ourselves that we determine to stick to, no matter what happens. We become prudent and unwavering when our decisions impact our lives. Once our mind is made up about what we want, we are able to hold firm to our convictions. Christians have daily choices to make that have a direct impact on their relationship with God and others. We have to shun any distractions that would steer us off course. No matter what, we must strive to live according to godly standards.
“Stay clear of any path that leads to sin.”
3 Take firm hold of instruction, do not let go; keep her, for she is your life. 14 Do not enter the path of the wicked, and do not walk in the way of evil. 15 Avoid it, do not travel on it; turn away from it and pass on (Proverbs 4).
Godly instruction from The Word of God keeps us grounded on doing what is right. If you want to lose weight, you have to follow a diet and exercise regimen. If we want to be effective and productive Christians, we have to know what is good and righteous. Esteem God’s Word as essential, for every area of your life. When we know what is good from what is evil, we will be able to make informed decisions. Stay clear of any path that leads to sin. Avoid all possible contact with works of darkness that would defile your character. Be steadfast and earnest to use God’s Word as your wisdom. Turn away from what is contrary to God’s Ways. Take firm hold of instruction and walk in it; apply it to your life.
“Strive to keep God at the forefront of your desires.”
22 For I have kept the Ways of The Lord, and have not wickedly departed from my God. 23 For all His judgments were before me; and as for His statutes, I did not depart from them. 24 I was also blameless before Him, and I kept myself from my iniquity (2 Samuel 22).
When we have God in our minds, we are conscious of His Presence. If we think about what God would have us do in the situations we face, we will reflect back on His instructions in Scripture. We can put aside how we feel, what we would prefer to do, and instead do what God commands us to. No one is perfect, but to be blameless before God is to do what honors Him. Keeping ourselves from sin shows that we have been trained by His Word, to implement what we know and understand. Ensure that you are not departing from God, by departing from His Ways. Strive to keep God at the forefront of your desires. Apply yourself to obedience, with diligence.
“Be persistent in prayer until God answers.”
8 “They have turned aside quickly out of the way which I commanded them. They have made themselves a molded calf, and worshiped it and sacrificed to it, and said, ‘This is your god, O Israel, that brought you out of the land of Egypt!’ ” 9 And The Lord said to Moses, “I have seen these people, and indeed they are stiff-necked people! 10 Now therefore, let Me alone, that My wrath may burn hot against them and I may consume them. And I will make you a great nation.”
11 Then Moses pleaded with The Lord his God, and said: “Lord, why does Your wrath burn hot against Your people whom You have brought out of the land of Egypt with Great Power and with a Mighty Hand? 12 Why should the Egyptians speak, and say, ‘He brought them out to harm them, to kill them in the mountains, and to consume them from the face of the Earth’? Turn from Your fierce wrath, and relent from this harm to Your people. 13 Remember Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, Your servants, to whom You swore by Your own self, and said to them, ‘I will multiply your descendants as the stars of Heaven; and all this land that I have spoken of I give to your descendants, and they shall inherit it forever.’ ” 14 So The Lord relented from the harm which He said He would do to His people (Exodus 32).
The Israelites had dishonored God by making images of their own gods and bowing to them. God was inflamed with wrath preparing to destroy them. God was even considering creating a new nation through Moses His servant, by eliminating Abraham’s descendants. Moses was determined to placate God by reminding Him of the Covenant He had made with Abraham. God is bound by His Covenant to His people. He relented from consuming the Israelites, when Moses prevailed upon His Faithfulness.
If God can do for Moses what He asked, He can do for us as well. We can approach God with His Own Promises and compel Him to change the course of events. He is Faithful to do as He has said. Importune God to do as He has spoken before. Prod Him by His Goodness, Faithfulness and Mercy. Be persistent in prayer until God answers. Remind Him of what He has done or said in the past, and pray with expectancy.
24 Then Jacob was left alone; and a Man wrestled with him until the breaking of day. 25 Now when He saw that He did not prevail against him, He touched the socket of his hip; and the socket of Jacob’s hip was out of joint as He wrestled with him. 26 And He said, “Let Me go, for the day breaks.” But he said, “I will not let You go unless You bless me!” 27 So He said to him, “What is your name?” He said, “Jacob.”
28 And He said, “Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel; for you have struggled with God and with men, and have prevailed.” 29 Then Jacob asked, saying, “Tell me Your name, I pray.” And He said, “Why is it that you ask about My name?” And He blessed him there (Genesis 32).
Jacob wrestled with a Man who represented God. Jacob would not let Him go until he was blessed by Him. Jacob was headstrong about what he wanted, and He received it. Like Jacob, cling to God until you receive His Blessing. Don’t give up on what God might be able to do for you. Bring your case before Him and be relentless. Jacob struggled with God and man, and succeeded. He would not take no for an answer. Wrestle in prayer, tears, fasting and worship. Keep knocking on the doors of Heaven, and plead like your life depends on it. God will not turn you away. He will not ignore the prayer of one who clings and refuses to let go.
“Don’t embark on an undertaking without God.”
12 Then Moses said to the Lord, “See, You say to me, ‘Bring up these people.’ But You have not let me know whom You will send with me. Yet You have said, ‘I know you by name, and you have also found grace in My sight.’ 13 Now therefore, I pray, if I have found grace in Your sight, show me now Your Way, that I may know You and that I may find grace in Your sight. And consider that this nation is Your people.”
14 And He said, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” 15 Then he said to Him, “If Your Presence does not go with us, do not bring us up from here. 16 For how then will it be known that Your people and I have found grace in Your sight, except You go with us? So we shall be separate, Your people and I, from all the people who are upon the face of the Earth.” 17 So The Lord said to Moses, “I will also do this thing that you have spoken; for you have found grace in My sight, and I know you by name (Exodus 33).”
Moses knew how to get God’s attention while asking for what He needed. Moses would not lead the people to the promised land in his own strength or wisdom. He implored God to go with them. Moses declined to go forward without God. He didn’t want God to send him with just anyone, He only wanted to go with God. God knew Moses by name; so intimately that He knew his frailties. Moses didn’t want the Israelites to be like everyone else around them. He wanted God to be known and recognized by others, as being in their midst. Moses used God’s Glory as leverage to convince God to go with them.
There may be some insurmountable challenges to overcome. Find grace in God’s sight by humbling yourself. Even with all the resources, talents, knowledge and experience, it’s prudent to depend on God. Ask God to show you the way and to take you through what you have to face. Don’t embark on an undertaking without God. Ensure that He gets the honor and recognition for every accomplishment.
“Do not usurp the glory that belongs to God.”
O God, my heart is steadfast; I will sing and give praise, even with my glory. 2 Awake, lute and harp! I will awaken at dawn. 3 I will praise You, O Lord, among the peoples, and I will sing praises to You among the nations. 4 For Your Mercy is great above the Heavens, and Your Truth reaches to the clouds. 5 Be exalted, O God, above the Heavens, and Your Glory be above all the Earth; 6 that Your beloved may be delivered. Save with Your right hand, and hear me (Psalm 108).
Let God alone receive the praise for all your talents, knowledge, accomplishments and every good thing. Praise God with music, words of adoration and with gladness. He is exalted above all the Heavens and the Earth. Do not usurp the glory that belongs to God. Praise Him in the midst of others, with all your heart. Even in your moments of glorying in your success, be resolved to honor God. He will also deliver and save you, when you depend on His Mercy and Truth. When you are determined to glorify God above everything else, He will hear when you call.
“It has to cost you something to give willingly to God.”
22 Now Araunah said to David, “Let my lord the king take and offer up whatever seems good to him. Look, here are oxen for burnt sacrifice, and threshing implements and the yokes of the oxen for wood. 23 All these, O king, Araunah has given to the king.” And Araunah said to the king, “May The Lord your God accept you.”
24 Then the king said to Araunah, “No, but I will surely buy it from you for a price; nor will I offer burnt offerings to The Lord my God with that which costs me nothing ( 2 Samuel 24).”
David was offered animals, tools and material at no cost, to make an offering to God. David had angered God, and caused Him to send a plague upon the Israelites, so he needed to appease Him. He would not offer God what was someone else’s sacrifice, in this case Araunah’s. David paid Araunah the full price, even though Araunah wanted to honor the king. David would not offer God what cost him nothing. After he made the sacrifice, God heard David’s prayer and stopped the plague.
The sacrifice we are willing to make to please God shows our reverence for Him. What are you willing to offer God for His forgiveness? Offer God a propitiation befitting His Majesty. It has to cost you something to give willingly to God. It also has to bring significant value to give God what costs you something. He will hear the prayers of those who approach Him in with their best offering.
12 And from the days of John the Baptist, until now, the Kingdom of Heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force (Matthew 12).
Are you hell-bent on attaining what Christ has for you? From the days of John the Baptist, Christ says, the violent take the Kingdom of Heaven by force. Those who yearn for Christ’s Kingdom suffer violence, persecution and trials. They have a firm hold on Eternal Life in Christ; they will not relinquish it at any cost. Those who want what Christ has secured for them are willing to suffer to gain it. They have received the gospel, believed, surrendered their lives in exchange for everything Christ offers, and are kept by The Power of The Holy Spirit. Endeavor to inherit the Kingdom of Christ with gusto, resilience and force. Contend for what is most valuable and don’t give it up.
Be resolved to keep your garments clean from the corruption of worldly darkness. Know God’s Word and live by His Ways. Keep God in mind and your desires will not lead you astray. Pray according to God’s Promises and persist until He comes through for you; cling to Him and don’t let go. Seek His Presence at every turn, while you embark on meeting all obligations. He will go with you and you will find grace in His sight. He knows your name and knows your weaknesses. As you make strides and achieve your goals, give Him the glory and honor He deserves. Praise Him and acknowledge Him before the presence of others. Worship Him with your best substance, and give to Him willingly. Don’t offer Him what costs you nothing; He is exalted above the Heavens and Earth. Seize Eternal Life and strive to attain your rewards in Heaven. Be willing to suffer and fight for what is already yours in Christ. Resolve everyday to live with purpose and for His Glory.
58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord (1 Corinthians 15).
Who is above reproach, unmatched in power, full of wisdom and perfection? The One Who created everything seen and unseen, Who possesses Heaven and Earth, The Most High God, The Lord God Almighty, The Holy One. He is Great in Power, Wisdom, Majesty, Glory, Riches and Honor. Who is like our God!
“God speaks of His Greatness in all that He has created.”
25 “To whom then will you liken Me, or to whom shall I be equal?” says The Holy One. 26 Lift up your eyes high, and see Who has created these things, Who brings out their host by number? He calls them all by name. By the Greatness of His Might and the Strength of His Power; not one is missing. 27 Why do you say, O Jacob, and speak, O Israel: “My way is hidden from The Lord, and my just claim is passed over by my God”? 28 Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Everlasting God, The Lord, The Creator of the ends of the Earth, neither faints nor is weary. His Understanding is unsearchable.
See all that is around you and marvel. Who has created all these? Who can be compared to The Most High God? He calls the stars by name; the galaxies are chock-full of His Wisdom, Creativity and Radiance. Everything in the universe is in its rightful place. The Creator of The ends of The Earth knows everything and everyone by name, and nothing is hidden from Him. By His Greatness and Power all things exist in order, working like clockwork. The Earth doesn’t depend on us to keep it on its axis. The Everlasting God doesn’t slumber; He is always working to ensure that all of His creation is operating according to His Will. Lift up your eyes and take in God’s masterpiece. Watch the clouds in their course above, the moon, stars, creatures great and small, and listen to the peals of thunder, and be mesmerized by God’s Work. God speaks of His Greatness in all that He has created. There’s no denying God’s Wisdom, Knowledge and Understanding is inimitable. Not even the scientific luminaries can fully grasp how nature is sustained or how God works.
“The acknowledgement of God’s Greatness invigorates the soul.”
“Give ear, O Heavens, and I will speak; and hear, O Earth, the words of my mouth. 2 Let my teaching drop as the rain, my speech distill as the dew, as raindrops on the tender herb, and as showers on the grass. 3 For I proclaim The Name of The Lord; Ascribe Greatness to our God. 4 He is the Rock, His Work is perfect; for all His Ways are justice, A God of Truth and without injustice. Righteous and upright is He (Deuteronomy 32).”
Moses was well acquainted with God. He spoke to Him often and heard from Him as much. He knew God as one would know a close friend. Moses was in awe of God, and was moved to sing this song. The acknowledgement of God’s Greatness invigorates the soul. Like rain drops on a tender herb, God’s attributes infuse life into the frail. God’s Character leaves a lasting impression on those who encounter Him. There’s no other way to proclaim Him, but by His Greatness.
We must learn how to refer to God by His Majesty. He is the Rock that is unshakeable, a foundation that is steady for those who depend entirely on Him. His Work is perfect, as He is meticulous about every detail. We are the work of His Hands and we perfectly answer the description to who we are in Him. The God of Truth never speaks a lie; when He says something, that settles it. He is reliable, honest, and keeps His promises. God never sanctions wickedness and injustice done by mankind; He is Righteous. Greatness belongs to God alone. Ascribe greatness to no one else; don’t misapply grandeur to the fallible and fickle, regardless of their wealth or stature.
“The Lord Jesus is the Image of God’s Greatness.”
13 He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of The Son of His love, 14 in Whom we have redemption through His Blood, the forgiveness of sins. 15 He is the Image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16 For by Him all things were created that are in Heaven and that are on Earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. 17 And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist. 18 And He is the Head of the body, the church, Who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence(Colossians 1).
The Lord Jesus has preeminence over all creation, in Heaven and Earth. He is greater than all power, authority and dominion. He created all things, and they were all created for Him. He existed before the creation of everything, seen and unseen. He rules the entire universe, because in Him all things exist. Christ Jesus is the express Image of God. He is the firstborn over all creation. He is the first to rise from the dead by His Own Power. The Lord Jesus is the Image of God’s Greatness. He is the Head of His church. He operates within the church which He redeemed with His Blood. No one else has higher authority over the church. He loves the church with an everlasting Love. He will see to it that the church is kept by His Power. No powers of darkness will ever overpower the church of Christ. The Lord has delivered his people from the kingdom of darkness, forgiven their sins, and made them his own cherished possession. No one has such excellence under their belt. Believe and bow in awe and reverence before The Son of God.
“His Mercy is immeasurable to those who fear Him.”
8 The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in mercy. 9 He will not always strive with us, nor will He keep His anger forever. 10 He has not dealt with us according to our sins, nor punished us according to our iniquities. 11 For as the Heavens are high above the Earth, so great is His Mercy toward those who fear Him. 12 As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us. 13 As a father pities his children, so the Lord pities those who fear Him. 14 For He knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust (Psalms 103).
The Lord has not recompensed us according to our rebellion. He has been gracious and merciful; He died for our sins, took our place of punishment and restored peace between Him and us. His Mercy is immeasurable to those who fear Him. By His Mercy to those who fear Him, He removes our sins far from us, as far as the east is to the west. The Lord’s great Mercy gives us many second chances. He remembers we are impressionable and prone to sin. He pities us when we are doleful with guilt; as a father pities his child. The Great God has a soft spot for those who fear Him. He continually forgives the sins of those who are humble and contrite. Though He disciplines us for our wayward inclinations, He relents His anger. He separates us from our sin, and swaddles us with His Robe of Righteousness. Those who fear The Lord find solace in God’s great Mercy.
“The fierceness of God’s anger is not to be sneezed at.”
6 Who can stand before His indignation? And who can endure the fierceness of His anger? His fury is poured out like fire, and the rocks are thrown down by Him. 7 The Lord is Good, A stronghold in the day of trouble; And He knows those who trust in Him. 8 But with an overflowing flood, He will make an utter end of its place, and darkness will pursue His enemies (Nahum 1).
Those who fear God trust in Him and are subservient to Him. They are spared from His indignation. God Almighty knows them intimately, and He will not let His anger consume His children. The enemies of the Lord have another think coming; if they don’t repent, but remain obstinate, they will certainly face the music. For those who love their Lord, He is a stronghold on the day of trouble—that fateful day of Judgement. He will descend with devouring fire, fury and vengeance; He will not relent to pursue His enemies. Their habitation will be utterly desolate. The fierceness of God’s anger is not to be sneezed at. He is Good and He is Just. He weighs everyone’s ways on a balance and repays each one accordingly. Those who strive to please Him are chastised according to His tender mercies; those who are petulant and arrogant will receive their just deserts.
37 “But even Moses showed in the burning bush passage that the dead are raised, when he called The Lord ‘The God of Abraham, The God of Isaac, and The God of Jacob.’ 38 For He is not The God of the dead but of the living, for all live to Him (Luke 20).”
The Lord Jesus was enlightening those who were questioning the resurrection of the dead, when He said, God is not The God of the dead. There are those who don’t understand that the Power of God is not confined to the laws of nature. He is The God Who encompasses all dimensions of the entire universe. He rules over all living things. He gives Eternal Life to those who have lived their entire lives for Him. They are His in this life and forever. All who live to God, live to glorify Him in their lives, responsibilities, roles and lifestyles. They do not live to die; but live forever for Him.
“Extol His great Works of Grace, Love and Faithfulness.”
Praise The Lord! I will praise The Lord with my whole heart, in the assembly of the upright and in the congregation. 2 The Works of the Lord are great, studied by all who have pleasure in them. 3 His Work is honorable and glorious, and His Righteousness endures forever. 4 He has made His wonderful Works to be remembered; The Lord is gracious and full of compassion. 5 He has given food to those who fear Him. He will ever be mindful of His Covenant (Psalm 111).
High praise is given by those who are unabashed about their affection for God. What praise do you give God publicly? In the congregation of His people, God should be highly lauded with excitement. Those who delight in Him have steeped themselves into His Work and found it pleasurable. His Great Works are honorable, glorious and will outlive many. So should our works be for Him—honoring and glorifying to Him. He is full of compassion and grace; so should we be. He keeps His Covenant with His people, and we should be faithful to Him. Praise God with your words and deeds. Extol His Great Works of Grace, Love and Faithfulness. Delight in knowing and praising God with all your heart. Praise the Lord with all that you do for others.
“We are who we are because of Who He is.”
35 “All the inhabitants of the Earth are reputed as nothing. He does according to His Will in the army of Heaven, and among the inhabitants of the Earth. No one can restrain His Hand Or say to Him, “What have You done”? (Daniel 4)
Nebuchadnezzar came to his senses, after he had vaunted his power, wealth and influence as exceptional. God brought him down a peg, by making his dwelling with the beasts, to eat grass and to live as their kind. Until he acknowledged God and gave Him glory, Nebuchadnezzar would remain in a despicable state. When he humbled himself before God, he spoke the words cited above.
No one should be full of their own importance; all are reputed as nothing before God. God will put the proud in their place. He will not be restrained by human power, wealth or wisdom. God does as He pleases in Heaven and on Earth; He accomplishes His Purpose for everyone’s life. He is not responsible to anyone for what He does. He is Supreme. It’s futile to question God or strive with Him. It’s dangerous to be haughty while living on the Earth belongs to God. We are who we are because of Who He is.
We should humble ourselves before God. God is Great in Power, Justice, Righteousness, Grace, Mercy, Love and Wisdom. There is no one like our God. Fear Him and delight to know His Ways. Extol Him with the highest praise. He has redeemed us by His Blood; and made us His own possession. He is not to be trifled with; repent and turn from your sinful ways, and receive Eternal Life in Him. Live for God, and you will not live to die. He is not the God of the dead. The dead have their place in hell with the devil and his fellow accomplices. The Lord Jesus has created everything for Himself and by Him they exist and have their being. You are not a mistake; you are who you are because of Who He is. Take in with amazement The Greatness of God around you, and in your life. Worship The Great God with your entire being.
32 “For who is God, except The Lord? And who is a rock, except our God? 33 God is my strength and power, and He makes my way perfect. 34 He makes my feet like the feet of deer, and sets me on my high places. 35 He teaches my hands to make war, so that my arms can bend a bow of bronze. 36 You have also given me the shield of Your Salvation; Your gentleness has made me great. 37 You enlarged my path under me; so my feet did not slip (2 Samuel 22).”
Opportunities are usually offered to those who meet certain criteria. Those who want to be given special consideration should be willing to accept the terms and do their bit to earn it. If everyone had easy access to great opportunities, hard work, discipline and sacrifice would be a rarity. In order to make the short list, we may have to go the extra mile or exceed expectations.
“Glorifying Christ is a prerequisite for God’s calling.”
11 Therefore, we also pray always for you that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfill all the good pleasure of His Goodness and the work of faith with Power, 12 that The Name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the Grace of our God and The Lord Jesus Christ (2 Thessalonians 1).
God chooses those He has called out of this world for His Purpose. God determines what He has ordained for each one. God’s Glory is the ultimate goal for each one who is called. Glorifying Christ is a prerequisite for God’s calling. We are glorified in Him when we overcome, by faith, the challenges that arise for being His followers. When we do what pleases Him, God gives us more Grace to sustain us. By God’s Grace, we remain in constant union with Him and are kept by His Power and Goodness.
“Those who delight in The Lord curry favor with Him.”
Praise The Lord! Blessed is the man who fears The Lord, who delights greatly in His Commandments. 2 His descendants will be mighty on Earth; the generation of the upright will be blessed. 3 Wealth and riches will be in his house, and his righteousness endures forever. 4 Unto the upright there arises light in the darkness. He is gracious and full of compassion, and righteous.
The righteous, who fear God, will flourish on the Earth. Since they have set their affections on keeping God’s Commandments, He will bless their lives with His Goodness. They nurture their children in the fear of God. The Lord will extend His blessings to the children of those who fear Him. Those who delight in The Lord curry favor with Him. The way to God is the path of obedience. Wealth and riches are bequeathed to those who aspire to live righteously, give generously and show mercy. God will fill their houses with an abundance of His Provision. The righteous acts of those who are upright will be passed on to generations, and so will their reward from God.
“God rewards those who are committed to complete their mission.”
3 You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. 4 No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier. 5 And also if anyone competes in athletics, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules (2 Timothy 2).
Awards are not just given to anyone. Those who get rewarded must demonstrate that they have earned their stripes. It takes grit, dogged determination and discipline to compete for a prize. Time is valuable to those who have goals; they know how to manage it to their benefit. Those who have committed themselves to serve The Lord will not fritter their lives on worthless endeavors. They will not engage in the things which will not advance their goals.
Endure hardship; just as an athlete limbers up their body to excel. A devoted follower of Christ should persevere through huddles, challenges and adversities, as they strive to please Him. We also should learn how to remain firmly footed on the course marked out for us, by doing what is required of us and playing by the rules. God’s Word is our handbook for Christian living. The Christian’s life is no walk in the park; it is riddled with temptations, desires, hardship and discouragement. It is warfare against works of darkness. Daily battles are fought and must be won. Keep a stiff upper lip and go from strength to strength. Christ, who dwells in us, gives us the power to defeat wickedness, and the strength to endure pain, sorrow and difficulty. If we remain one-track-minded, we will finish well and receive the crown of victory at the end of our race. God’s reward is for those who stick it out to the end.
“The gift of Salvation is given to those who are kept by The Power of God.”
3 Blessed be The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant Mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in Heaven for you, 5 who are kept by the Power of God through faith, for Salvation ready to be revealed in the last time (1 Peter 1).
We belong to God our Father, through the Life of The Lord Jesus Christ given to us. Our lives are now destined for purpose and glorious riches. Blessed are those who have been given all that is in Christ. Blessed are those who will live to inherit all that Christ has attained for them. The gift of Salvation is given to those who are kept by The Power of God. They have known God’s Power through thick and thin and have not strayed from God’s Will. Those who have kept the faith will receive an eternal and undefiled inheritance, that is reserved for them in Heaven. By God’s abundant Mercy, we have an eternal hope through Salvation and new life in Christ our Lord. Our inheritance, as sons and daughters of God, is imperishable and guaranteed for eternal life in Christ.
34 Then Peter opened his mouth and said: “In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality. 35 But in every nation, whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him. 36 The Word which God sent to the children of Israel, preaching peace through Jesus Christ—He is Lord of all— 37 that Word you know, which was proclaimed throughout all Judea, and began from Galilee after the baptism which John preached: 38 how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with The Holy Spirit and with Power, Who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him” (Acts 10).
God is no respecter of persons: those who fear Him and love Him, regardless of their background and nationality are accepted as His people. The Lord Jesus is Lord of all who come to Him in repentance, submission and surrender. He taught and healed everyone who was in need of physical and spiritual restoration. He did not discriminate on gender, stature, race or age. All those who desire to know God and be at peace with Him have access to Him. No one is excluded from God’s manifold Grace, Truth and Love; except those who are obstinate, proud, and rebellious.
12 Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity (1 Timothy 4).
Let no one despise you or look down on you as a believer because of your age, your recent conversion as a follower of Christ or for any reason at all. You have been redeemed out of this world by the death of Christ on The Cross. You belong to Him, and your identity is now found in Him. You have been set apart to be godly in your interactions; to conduct yourself as a representative of Christ, to love God and others; to live in obedience to The Holy Spirit; not giving in to fleshly lusts, but to live by faith in God, as you strive for purity.
“God has appointed each of His chosen ones for His Purpose.”
17 “Therefore, prepare yourself and arise and speak to them all that I command you. Do not be dismayed before their faces, lest I dismay you before them. 18 For behold, I have made you this day a fortified city and an iron pillar, and bronze walls against the whole land—against the kings of Judah, against its princes, against its priests, and against the people of the land. 19 They will fight against you, but they shall not prevail against you. For I am with you,” says The Lord, “to deliver you” (Jeremiah 1).
When God appoints His people for His Purpose, He will work in concert with them. He will also prepare them to be on the receiving end of criticism, opposition and attacks. He becomes their shield and defense. Those who have a mandate from God will execute His Plans. He warned Jeremiah that if he failed to speak what He commanded him, he would be mortified. There’s no getting away from God, when He has put the onus on you to serve Him.
“You are qualified to succeed because God is with you to deliver you.”
God has appointed each of His chosen ones for His Purpose. They will set their faces against all opposition to do what He has commanded them. No one will get in the way of God, and no one will stand in the way of those He has appointed. God will always defend and protect those who serve Him. He will make them as tough as nails and bold as brass to complete the task He has given them. He imparts His Strength and Power to defeat every foe who gets in the way. You are qualified to succeed because God is with you to deliver you.
6 Then the children of Judah came to Joshua in Gilgal. And Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite said to him: “You know the word which The Lord said to Moses, the man of God, concerning you and me in Kadesh Barnea. 7 I was forty years old when Moses the servant of The Lord sent me from Kadesh Barnea to spy out the land, and I brought back word to him as it was in my heart. 8 Nevertheless, my brethren who went up with me made the hearts of the people melt, but I wholly followed The Lord my God. 9 So Moses swore on that day, saying, ‘Surely the land where your foot has trodden shall be your inheritance and your children’s forever, because you have wholly followed The Lord my God.’
13 And Joshua blessed him, and gave Hebron to Caleb the son of Jephunneh as an inheritance. 14 Hebron therefore became the inheritance of Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite to this day, because he wholly followed The Lord God of Israel (Joshua 14).
What great rewards await those who wholly follow The Lord! Caleb was unfazed by the misgivings of those who saw Canaan as no-man’s-land because of the giant men who dwelt there. Caleb was determined to go and fight for the inheritance God had already given the children of Israel. He spoke glowingly of the fruitful land—a land flowing with milk and honey. Caleb spoke more highly of its potential than the obstacles they would have to overcome. He trusted in The Lord above his own ability to conquer the land. He believed God wholly.
Are you following God wholly? When you come to the realization that God goes ahead of you to give you what He has promised, you will focus your attention on His Greatness. Tune out the pessimism and perk up to all that God has for you. Following God wholly will require your undivided attention. Don’t be dismayed by listening to quitters or naysayers. Set your sights on attaining what God has apportioned for you. Seize your opportunity to inherit what He has commanded you to possess. God rewards those who are committed to complete their mission.
“God’s favor to others can be ours as well.”
4 Remember me, O Lord, with the favor You have toward Your people. Oh, visit me with Your Salvation, 5 that I may see the benefit of Your chosen ones, that I may rejoice in the gladness of Your nation, that I may glory with Your inheritance (Psalm 106).
Don’t be bashful to ask for a piece of the pie. God chose the children of Israel to receive the blessings He promised Abraham. No other nation has been the apple of God’s Eye as Israel. Yet Israel did not keep God’s Covenant, but sought other gods, forsaking The God of their fathers. Can God bless you as He blesses another? Pray for the blessings of others and that you too may be numbered among those who are God’s inheritance. God’s favor to others can be ours as well. When we want what’s best for others by praying for them, we can ask God to remember us too.
Don’t forfeit your calling. You have been chosen for God’s Purpose to be here today. Your qualifications are the ones that God has given you. God has approved and appointed you to glorify Christ, each day you draw breath. There are no coincidences when it comes to God. If you delight in The Lord, He will delight in you and appoint you for great service. He will reward you for your grit and commitment. Salvation is your priceless reward that is guaranteed, with many other blessings in Christ that will never fade away. Don’t squander your chance to attain all that God has for you. He will guide, instruct, defend and bless you, if you stay the course. Remember His people and be part of the household of the chosen ones.
9 But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him Who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; 10 who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy. 11 Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul, 12 having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation (1 Peter 2).
How do you bless someone you care deeply about? You give them the best of your substance, time and affirmation. When we want to bless someone, we give cheerfully and sometimes even extravagantly. We express our love and appreciation. So then, how do you bless God? Does He need us to bless Him? We bless God by how we love Him.
Bless The Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless His Holy Name! 2 Bless The Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits: 3 Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases, 4 Who redeems your life from destruction, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies, 5 Who satisfies your mouth with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s (Psalm 103).
With our soul, heart, mind and spirit—all that is within us, we can bless The Lord Our God. Why not? After all He does for us! We can give Him the highest praise and glory. Above all else, He is Holy. There is no one Holy upon the face of the entire Earth. Because He is Holy, we can trust Him to do what is just and right at all times for us. We can believe in Him, by being faithful to do as He tells us. He forgives us, even when we don’t deserve mercy; And He does so over and over again, when we repent. He heals our ailing bodies. He has forever delivered us from the powers of darkness and has kept our souls from destruction. What a loving God and Father we have in Heaven! He crowns our years with goodness, lovingkindness, our loved ones, grace and every good thing to enjoy. We bless The Lord with all our being because He blesses so abundantly. Bless The Lord with your offering of thanksgiving and praise. He will not disdain what we offer Him willingly and cheerfully.
“Bless God openly by professing His Power over your adversaries.”
47 “The Lord lives! Blessed be my Rock! Let God be exalted, The Rock of my Salvation! 48 It is God Who avenges me and subdues the peoples under me; 49 He delivers me from my enemies. You also lift me up above those who rise against me; You have delivered me from the violent man. 50 Therefore I will give thanks to You, O Lord, among the Gentiles, and sing praises to Your Name” (2 Samuel 22).
A rock is not easily shaken or moved. God is The Rock we depend on for our stability in the midst of adversity. He is the Strength needed to bear us up, when we are surrounded by shifting circumstances. Blessed is our Rock, Who is our Salvation and Deliverer in times of trouble. Our enemies will not trounce us, when we are being held up by God.
Exalt God above everything you think you know or don’t understand. Exalt Him above your fears, and troubles. He will even deliver from the vilest fiend. Give thanks for the victorious battles that God has fought for you. Praise His Name unabashedly, before others who may not know Him or His Power. Bless God openly by professing His Power over your adversaries.
“Bless The Lord with what belongs to Him.”
14 “But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to offer so willingly as this? For all things come from You, and of Your Own we have given You. 15 For we are aliens and pilgrims before You, as were all our fathers. Our days on Earth are as a shadow, and without hope. 16 O Lord our God, all this abundance that we have prepared to build You a house for Your Holy Name is from Your Hand and is all Your Own. 17 I know also, my God, that You test the heart and have pleasure in uprightness. As for me, in the uprightness of my heart I have willingly offered all these things; and now with joy I have seen Your people, who are present here to offer willingly to You” (1 Chronicles 29).
What have you offered God for His Name and Honor? Remember that you are offering what comes from Him; He owns everything: the air you breathe, natural resources and food; He created you and He gives you the ability to work and make a living. We are strangers on the Earth that belongs to God. We draw from the abundance of God’s Provision. When we give Him what He can use for His Purpose, we bless Him by offering it willingly. God is aware of our attitude toward giving, and our motives for doing so. Bless The Lord with what belongs to Him.
Give willingly to God and bless Him with an upright heart—cheerfully. He doesn’t need us to give to honor His Name or the work He does on the Earth. He gives us opportunities to give back, as a reminder that we have nothing apart from Him. Giving to God also enables us to be part of what He is doing around us. We also acknowledge our dependence on Him for everything we have by expressing gratitude.
“Enter His Presence with effusive adulation.”
3 Know that The Lord, He is God. It is He Who has made us, and not we ourselves; we are His people and the sheep of His pasture. 4 Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His Name. 5 For The Lord is Good; His Mercy is everlasting, and His Truth endures to all generations (Psalm 100).
If we know that The Lord is God and there is no other, we will not approach Him so casually. We would come before Him in awe, fear and reverence. When we come before His Presence, we come in decorum befitting His Glory. He created us and we belong to Him. We bless His Name with thanksgiving. We have to understand the full extent of Who God is. He is Holy, Good, full of Power, Merciful, Just, and He speaks Truth at all times. There’s no living being who compares to God. Praise Him for all He is. Enter His Presence with effusive adulation. He deserves the gratitude and praise that we would never give to anyone else. He is the God of all generations, to the advancing in age, and the young alike.
“We bless God with our commitment to obey Him.”
56 “Blessed be The Lord, who has given rest to His people Israel, according to all that He promised. There has not failed one word of all His good promise, which He promised through His servant Moses. 57 May The Lord our God be with us, as He was with our fathers. May He not leave us nor forsake us, 58 that He may incline our hearts to Himself, to walk in all His Ways, and to keep His Commandments and His statutes and His judgments, which He commanded our fathers” (1 Kings 8).
There is nothing The Lord promises or says that will not come to pass. He will always do as He says. We bless God for His promises that never fail. He will do what He revealed to previous generations. They may not live to see the promises fulfilled, but they will still come to fruition. We have an obligation to devote our lives to God, and He will do what He can only do. We should walk in all His Ways, by keeping His Commandments. We bless God with our commitment to obey Him. He is duty-bound to keep His Word; so, we should be faithful children. His Word is time-tested, and His Commandments are still for us today. He gives rest to those who depend on Him and trust in Him. May our God never forsake us as we cling to Him. We are bound to an unbroken fellowship by faith and obedience.
6 “Therefore you shall keep the commandments of the Lord your God, to walk in His Ways and to fear Him. 7 For The Lord your God is bringing you into a good land, a land of brooks of water, of fountains and springs, that flow out of valleys and hills; 8 a land of wheat and barley, of vines and fig trees and pomegranates, a land of olive oil and honey; 9 a land in which you will eat bread without scarcity, in which you will lack nothing; a land whose stones are iron and out of whose hills you can dig copper. 10 When you have eaten and are full, then you shall bless The Lord your God for the good land which He has given you. 11 Beware that you do not forget The Lord your God by not keeping His Commandments, His judgments, and His statutes which I command you today” (Deuteronomy 8).
“We bless God for His promises that never fail.”
Bless the Lord with all your being. He is not like our fellow mankind who are not dependable, reliable or truthful. God made us for His Glory; He manifests His Greatness in all aspects of our lives. We bless Him by our praise, our offerings which come from His Provision, our commitment to obey, and we do so willingly. He is our Savior, Deliverer, God our Creator, Provider and Healer. We have opportunities everyday to bless God with the best we can offer Him. He lavishes His Goodness on us, and forgives our sins, when we repent. He loves us so abundantly. We bless Him with thanksgiving and praise for Who He is. Bless the Lord, everyday, with your words and deeds.
2 Sing to The Lord, bless His Name. Proclaim the good news of His Salvation from day to day. 3 Declare His Glory among the nations, His wonders among all peoples. 4 For The Lord is Great and greatly to be praised; He is to be feared above all gods. 5 For all the gods of the peoples are idols, but The Lord made the Heavens. 6 Honor and Majesty are before Him; Strength and Beauty are in His Sanctuary. 7 Give to The Lord, O families of the peoples, give to The Lord Glory and Strength. 8 Give to The Lord the Glory due His Name. Bring an offering, and come into His courts. 9 Oh, worship The Lord in the beauty of Holiness! Tremble before Him, all the Earth (Psalm 96).
Sometimes we may not have everything we want in this life; but we also may not be devoid of what is good. When we are complete, we have what we need at the moment. We limit ourselves by focusing on our shortcomings—what we don’t have—when comparing ourselves to others. We are God’s children. As our Heavenly Father, He blesses us with everything we need, according to His Perfect Will.
“If God is your life, He defines and enriches every area of your life.”
7 How precious is Your Lovingkindness, O God! Therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of Your Wings. 8 They are abundantly satisfied with the fullness of Your House, and You give them drink from the river of Your pleasures. 9 For with You is the fountain of life. In Your light we see light. 10 Oh, continue Your Lovingkindness to those who know You, and Your Righteousness to the upright in heart (Psalm 36).
A fountain hardly runs dry. God is the fountain of life that brims with His Goodness. Those who put their trust under His Wings will not lack any good thing. His Lovingkindness is more precious than gold or riches. If God is your life, He defines and enriches every area of your life. You are complete, when you are abundantly satisfied with the fullness of God’s Provision. When you trust God to meet your needs, you will be grateful for all He provides.
The Righteousness of God will keep you in good stead; He only does what is Right. The upright in heart are never left out to dry. Be filled with the overflowing pleasures of God’s Lovingkindness. Instead of pondering over what you don’t have be satisfied with Who God is.
“It is Christ in you Who makes you whole.”
6 As you therefore have received Christ Jesus, The Lord, so walk in Him; 7 rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving. 8 Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ. 9 For in Him dwells all the Fullness of the Godhead bodily; 10 and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power (Colossians 2).
Abound in the faith that keeps you rooted in Christ Jesus, The Lord. Grow in Him by learning all you can about Him, so as to be more like Him. You don’t need man-made dictates and religious practices to make you feel spiritual. The Fullness of God dwells in Christ and you are complete in Him. You became one with Christ in His death and resurrection. It is Christ in you Who makes you whole. No rituals or good works will pay for the penalty of sin. Only the death of Christ and our union with Him make us a new creation in Him.
We must live by faith, being transformed daily to His Likeness. This faith makes us submit to Him in obedience. Our lives become rooted and built up in Him. We have been made new and complete. If nothing else, this is our thanksgiving: We have been justified in Christ, our Lord, and sin no longer defines who we are. He is the greatest authority over any religious laws that would disqualify us from being children of God. The Fullness of God dwells in us—Christ Jesus, The Son of God.
“Righteousness is an expression of spiritual well-being.”
17 The work of righteousness will be peace; and the effect of righteousness, quietness and assurance forever. 18 My people will dwell in a peaceful habitation, in secure dwellings, and in quiet resting places, 19 though hail comes down on the forest, and the city is brought low in humiliation (Isaiah 32).
Righteousness is God’s Standard for His people. The righteous strive to keep peace with God; they are not at variance with His Ways. Righteousness is doing what is right before God. They are clothed with the Righteousness of God, by abiding in Christ. The Holy Spirit of Christ dwells in them; sanctifying, teaching and guiding them to obey God’s Truth. Those who have peace with God have an unbroken communion and fellowship with Him. They have no fear of what life throws at them. Righteousness offers them God’s Protection, Strength, Love, Mercy, Grace and Faithfulness. They will dwell in peace and assurance forever. Righteousness is an expression of spiritual well-being. What peace we forfeit when we are in opposition to God!
“God’s abundant Mercy has lavished us with every spiritual blessing in perpetuity.”
2 Elect according to the foreknowledge of God, The Father, in sanctification of The Spirit, for obedience and sprinkling of the Blood of Jesus Christ. Grace to you and peace be multiplied. 3 Blessed be The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Who according to His abundant Mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead; 4 to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in Heaven for you, 5 who are kept by the Power of God through faith, for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time (1 Peter 1).
Grace and peace are multiplied to those who have been chosen according to God’s Plan. They are sanctified by The Spirit of Christ, and their sins have been purged by the Blood of Christ and His death on The Cross. They were chosen by the foreknowledge of God, before the foundations of the Earth. You are not a coincidence; you believed in God and gave your life to Christ, just as God would have it. You have abounding grace and peace to get you through this life. We have been sanctified for obedience. Don’t miss that. We must be in agreement with The One Who called us to salvation.
We have been born again with the hope of eternal salvation for our souls. We are kept each day by the Power of God. Nothing will stand in the way of God’s Plan for us. Our faith in God has given us victory over all our struggles, adversities and adversaries. We don’t have to live like paupers who don’t have a red cent to our names. We have an undefiled inheritance that will never be marred or fade away and is reserved for us in Heaven. God has given us all that we need for this life and the next. God’s abundant Mercy has lavished us with every spiritual blessing in perpetuity.
15 As for man, his days are like grass; as a flower of the field, so he flourishes. 16 For the wind passes over it, and it is gone, and its place remembers it no more. 17 But the Mercy of The Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear Him. His Righteousness to children’s children, 18 to such as keep His Covenant, and to those who remember His commandments to do them (Psalm 103).
No one gets to live forever on this side of life. Though we may flourish and do well for ourselves we will not live long enough to enjoy all the fruit of our labor or all of the pleasures of life. Our lives are like a grass that is here today and gone tomorrow. What will happen to our children and loved ones when we are gone? If we lived by God’s Ways, kept His Covenant by fear and obedience to Him, our children will emulate the same. God’s Righteousness will be extended to the next generation of those who teach their children to fear, trust and obey God. God’s Mercy is everlasting to everlasting, for us and those who come after us. Though they may not seem to have enough resources to cater for them they have God’s enduring Mercy. Those who fear God store up for their loved ones everlasting Mercy for the days ahead. Strive to flourish in God’s Goodness; don’t set your heart on fleeting riches.
“You have abounding grace and peace to get you through this life.”
22 “Now he who received seed among the thorns is he who hears the Word, and the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the Word, and he becomes unfruitful. 23 But he who received seed on the good ground is he who hears the Word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and produces: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty (Matthew 13).”
Those who hear the Word of God and fail to implement it in their lives are unfruitful Christians. They are more interested in the cares of this world: finances, the latest trends or keeping up with the standards of this world. They have heard God’s Word, but their lives are not rooted in obedience. Those who receive God’s Word, with an ardent desire to apply to their lives, will be fruitful in the knowledge and understanding of it. Christians who have a strong foundation in The Word of God, as integral to their very existence, will prosper in The Kingdom of God. Those who bear spiritual fruits through faith and obedience will continue to be productive in many areas of their life—relationships, work, responsibilities, and in their mental and emotional well-being.
“God has given us all that we need for this life and the next.”
5 O Lord, You are the portion of my inheritance and my cup; You maintain my lot. 6 The lines have fallen to me in pleasant places; Yes, I have a good inheritance (Psalm 16).
Are you worried about your possessions and whether you will always have enough? God is the portion of inheritance for those who spend their lives seeking Him. He is a full portion, a lot that is sure and everlasting. Those who live to honor and glorify God have an inheritance in pleasant places. They have more than the world can offer them. God, Our Heavenly Father, has allotted to us a good inheritance which no one can glom from us.
In Christ is the Fullness of God. When we are in Christ, we have access to all God has for us. He has called and justified us to an eternal inheritance that will never fade. We have all of God’s Mercy, Grace and Goodness to live in obedience, fellowship and righteousness, for His Glory. Everything that pertains to our lives flows from the fountain of God’s Lovingkindness. We have been renewed to be complete in hope, joy, peace and victory over all the challenges we face in life. Our righteousness is God’s Righteousness for us and our children; we don’t need to observe any religious protocols to be children of God. In this life and the next, we lack nothing to become all that God has created us to be.
16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 in everything give thanks; for this is the Will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 19 Do not quench the Spirit. 20 Do not despise prophecies. 21 Test all things; hold fast what is good. 22 Abstain from every form of evil. 23 Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 He Who calls you is Faithful, Who also will do it (1 Thessalonians 5).
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