After much training, learning and completing a course or study, we aspire to put all we have learned to practice. What good is knowledge, if it can’t be applied appropriately? With knowledge and the skills needed to perform a task, we become useful and productive members of society. Christians who are well versed in The Word of God and what God requires of them, should be effective and productive in the knowledge of God.
“Become useful and fruitful by striving for what is good.”
7 For the Earth which drinks in the rain that often comes upon it, and bears herbs useful for those by whom it is cultivated, receives blessing from God; 8 but if it bears thorns and briers, it is rejected and near to being cursed, whose end is to be burned (Hebrews 6).
The one who receives the Wisdom of God, by steeping themselves in The Word of God, should be able to produce, nurture and develop the attributes that honor God. The one whose life has been transformed by God’s Truth, will impact the lives of others in a positive way. Become useful and fruitful by striving for what is good. When we take in God’s Instructions, with an attitude of compliance, we begin to do what is acceptable to Him. He will bless those who learn to be like Him, by living out the concepts of His Word.
The one who is enlightened by God’s Word and uses that knowledge to be abrasive towards others produces thorns and briers. Instead of doing good, by showing mercy, kindness, love, grace and pursuing peace, some use God’s Truth to hurt others. We should give what we have abundantly received from God—Love, Grace and Goodness. Knowing God is understanding Who He is, by what He has done for us. We have no authority to judge others because we too will face God’s Judgement. God’s Word encourages us to live for His honor, without alienating those He also loves. When we fail to express His likeness to others, we fail to duly represent Him. We are encouraged to bear herbs that benefit others, and not to bring forth thorns that harm others. It takes time to learn how to cultivate the right attitude with grace and love. We all need the Holy Spirit to help us become those who will receive blessings from God for doing His Will.
“Use your words to bring out the best in you—Christ Jesus.”
4 I always thank my God for you because of His Grace given you in Christ Jesus. 5 For in Him you have been enriched in every way—with all kinds of speech and with all knowledge— 6 God thus confirming our testimony about Christ among you. 7 Therefore, you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed. 8 He will also keep you firm to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 God is Faithful, Who has called you into fellowship with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord (1 Corinthians 1).
We, who have been lavished upon with the Grace of God, have been enriched in every way to speak the same Grace, with the knowledge of Who God has been to us. We must use our words to build others up. Use your words to bring out the best in you—Christ Jesus. In The Lord Jesus, we have every spiritual gift to continue to live as He did, while we await His return. He will help us in the areas we are falling short of His expectations. We are the work of His Hands and we are making progress each day. He is gentle and patient with us, and so should we be with others. He will also enable us to be steadfast in becoming who He has called us to be. We must always be in fellowship with Christ, Our Lord. Only when we are in The Lord, can we be found blameless. In fellowship with Christ, God is Faithful, so that we stay the course.
“Love compels us to be fruitful, through obedience, by loving God and others.”
16 You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask The Father in My Name He may give you. 17 These things I command you, that you love one another (John 15).
We choose people to assist us in accomplishing certain goals because they are reliable and efficient. They can be trusted to get the job done. Can The Lord Jesus count on you to be effective? He has chosen you to be fruitful in what He has revealed to you. When we are doing God’s Will, He will keep us in His Provision. God is Faithful to furnish us with everything we need for His Purpose. When we are working in tandem with The Lord Jesus, we can ask anything of The Father in His Name. The Lord chose and appointed us to be fruitful in what He commanded us to do. He gave us specific instructions: To be fruitful in loving others. When we are driven by love, we will seldom fail to do good, and to do it with gusto. Love compels us to be fruitful, through obedience, by loving God and others.
“We become experienced by applying knowledge and acquiring wisdom.”
12 For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food. 13 For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the Word of righteousness, for he is a babe. 14 But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil (Hebrews 5).
The more we can put to practice the knowledge we have the more skilled we will become. The less we use a set of skills the rustier we get. We become adept at performing tasks we have done multiple times. Mature Christians have an in-depth knowledge of God’s Word. They have learned to rightly apply the Word of God to their lives. The more they practice what they know the more proficient they become as Christians. We don’t want to be constantly reminded of who we are supposed to be, or need to be spoon-fed. As mature Christians, we should be growing in the deeper knowledge of God, even being able to teach others. Solid food is not for babies; just as those who have not put to practice the basic tenets of Christianity can’t move on to grasp the deeper things of God. When we live out what we learned, we begin to implement what God requires of us. We become experienced by applying knowledge and acquiring wisdom. We have to keep working towards becoming mature Christians, who can discern what acceptable to God.
“He has chosen you to be fruitful in what He has revealed to you.”
19 Nevertheless the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: “The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “Let everyone who names The Name of Christ depart from iniquity.” 20 But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, some for honor and some for dishonor. 21 Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work (2 Timothy 2).
Those who know God are also known as His Own. The solid foundation is knowing with surety that we belong to The Lord. This foundation is sealed with His Precious Blood, by Which He has purchased us. We are now His, and are called by His Name. As vessels of His Honor, as servants who are called to do The Master’s Will, we must forsake sin. In God’s Household, there are servants who are endowed with strength and splendor like His Angels, and there are also those who have little power, like us. Every household uses different vessels to serve a specific purpose. We would usually take out the fine ceramics or china for special occasions, and the rest we use frequently. All vessels are essential, but some are for special occasions. As we continue to be sanctified by God’s Spirit, we become obedient servants. As vessels of God’s honor, we are being sanctified to be used for God’s Work. We honor Him by being prepared to do every good work, regardless of our imperfections and weaknesses. He will equip us, as His Own, to be useful to Him as often as He desires.
25 I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging for bread. 26 They are always generous and lend freely; their children will be a blessing. 27 Turn from evil and do good; then you will dwell in the land forever (Psalm 37).
The righteous are never forsaken by God because they are God’s conduit, if you will, for good upon the Earth. As they generously give others of God’s Goodness, lavished on them, they will never lack. The righteous are generous and they teach their children kindness. Their children are also destined to be a blessing. They are not close-fisted with what belongs to God.
Everyone of us has a purpose and is useful as much as we are willing to offer our skills, time and effort for others. Christians are God’s servants, vessels of His honor on Earth, to reveal the nature of God to others. They are trained and equipped by God’s Word to be effective and productive in the knowledge they have gained, with the help of The Holy Spirit. We must be fruitful and generous in what we have received. We will not lack what is necessary, if we continue to strive for what is good, by not becoming like thorns and briers that harm others with God’s Truth. Those who use their knowledge to destroy, hurt and alienate others are not representing God in a good light. Use your words and actions to not bring judgement on yourself, but to stand blameless before The Most High Judge.
8 “Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. And do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. 9 The axe is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire (Luke 3).”
We bubble with joy and excitement, when we accomplish big goals. We are delighted and proud of achievements because they are well-deserved. Great milestones and accomplishments should be celebrated, and those who have made great strides should bask in the honor. Sacrifices are made along the way and challenges are par for the course in order to succeed. Eventually, trophies and awards begin to collect dust, as we carry on with other responsibilities. As time marches on, the glory of success begins to fade away.
“Glory in God and you won’t need to glory in yourself.”
23 Thus says The Lord: “Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, let not the mighty man glory in his might, nor let the rich man glory in his riches. 24 But let him who glories glory in this, that he understands and knows Me; That I Am The Lord, exercising lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the Earth. For in these I delight,” says The Lord (Jeremiah 9).
The Lord delights in those who have known Him and understood what pleases Him. Worldly accomplishments are of little value to Him. Those who consider themselves wise should not be arrogant. Those with a strong stature should not be vain because of their physical appearance. Those who have wealth should not put their confidence in their riches, or be full of their own importance. All these are considered exceptional by worldly standards. But God is nonplussed by the vanities of this life. God is impressed with those who are proud of their knowledge of Him. God delights in those who use their achievements for His Glory: for righteousness, justice and expressing love and kindness to others. We should glory in those things that please God, by using our abilities to honor Him. Wisdom, strength, power, beauty, and riches can cause one to be puffed up with pride, and be detestable to God.
17 But “he who glories, let him glory in The Lord.” 18 For not he who commends himself is approved, but whom The Lord commends (2 Corinthians 10).
God’s approval far exceeds what others tell us or what we tell ourselves about our accomplishments or performance. Having a high regard for oneself doesn’t mean God is equally impressed. Whatever is pleasing to God should be the yardstick to measure our performance. Even if we do what is acceptable to God, we should not glory in ourselves. It is God who motivates us to strive for high standards. He should get the glory for any decisions or achievements we make. His Ways are our inspiration and impetus to get it right. Glory in God and you won’t need to glory in yourself. Exalt the Name of God and suppress the urge to magnify yourself.
“We boast of Gods Goodness with praise.”
1 I will extol The Lord at all times; His praise will always be on my lips. 2 I will glory in The Lord; let the afflicted hear and rejoice. 3 Glorify The Lord with me; let us exalt His Name together (Psalm 34).
When we are in the doldrums, there’s little to be joyful about. But praising God should not hinge on our circumstances. We boast of God’s Goodness with praise. When we extol God, we are elated with Who He is. Praise should be at all times—in afflictions and prosperity. As the afflicted hear of God’s exaltation and rejoice in Him, they will be encompassed with an aura of God’s Goodness. He is worthy of all praise and glory, at all times. Let His praise be on your lips; then you will find solace in exalting Him above all your hardship and trials.
“Glory in every suffering that transforms you to the likeness of The Lord.”
7 But what things were gain to me, these I have counted as a loss for Christ. 8 Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord; for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith; 10 that I may know Him and the Power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, 11 if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead (Philippians 3).
All that we have gained in this world: accomplishments, awards or honor can’t be compared to having Christ Jesus in our lives. He is the Righteousness, Knowledge, Image and Power of God. Excellence is the knowledge of Christ Jesus as Lord and Savior; and having a deep understanding from fellowship with Him. We should count everything else futile in order to have Christ enrich every area of our lives.
To be found in Christ is to be one with Him in suffering, death and His resurrection. Eternal life is the life that has enduring rewards. When we have Christ, we have His Righteousness. The Righteousness of God is not of the law. It is in Christ, The Holy One, in whom we have our being. If we suffer, we do so because He also suffered. Righteousness is not without suffering. It takes grit to succeed and be rewarded. When in fellowship with Christ, we will face hardship and be brought to a place of surrender. Be open to knowing Him, even being one with Him in His death and suffering. Glory in every suffering that transforms you to the likeness of The Lord. He became obedient in suffering and death. In suffering we are strengthened by the resurrection Power of Christ in us, emboldening us to face another day. We can’t be crushed by our troubles; we rise above them and overcome just as He did. We have the resurrection Power of God to meet the demands of this life.
“Suffering reveals the glory that is imparted on the children of God.”
18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. 19 For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God (Romans 8).
There are traits that are nurtured or put to the test during hard times. We might learn patience, resilience, endurance, and how to surrender the need to always be in control. We build our faith and hope as we wait patiently for a breakthrough. We are changed by our struggles. There’s glory that is revealed in us that we didn’t know about until we crossed over to the other side. Sons and daughters of God are not exempt from suffering. Suffering reveals the glory that is imparted on the children of God. The Power of God and Love of God stands us in good stead. After we have been through the wringer, we come out smelling like roses—tested, tried and empowered. The glory that is revealed in us is worth the experience. The creation awaits the revelation of the children of God, who will come forth from the struggles of this life with flying colors.
“The Spirit of The Lord God is upon Me, because The Lord has anointed Me, to preach good tidings to the poor…3 To console those who mourn in Zion; to give them beauty for ashes; the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they may be called trees of righteousness—the planting of The Lord, that He may be glorified”(Isaiah 61).
These are the words The Lord Jesus preached before a congregation, as one of His first sermons (see Luke 4:15-21). He assured the audience that the prophecy of Isaiah was fulfilled before their very eyes. The Lord has come to take away the heaviness, sorrow and pain of suffering. For those who know their Lord Jesus, they are never without solace. In their suffering they are made whole; they become the righteousness of God because they have trusted Him. They are the planting of God—the trees of righteousness, to declare His Glory—His Power, Love and Goodness. See, there are not many who are willing to glorify God in their suffering and pain. But those who are planted by The Lord have received the garments of praise from the Spirit of God, The Lord Jesus. And will glorify Him in the midst of their storms. God has orchestrated every detail of their lives for His Glory.
Each moment in our life is not a coincidence. We have been created for God’s Glory alone. When we take the shine off ourselves, we give God the honor that He alone deserves. As Christ suffered, we became one with Him in our suffering. He gives us the comfort we need and exchanges our sorrow for joy. The struggles we endure work in us greater glory; we become complete—one with The Lord. Our talents and achievements are tools to exercise justice, love, kindness, and the righteousness of God. We look to please God at all times, by doing what merits His commendation. We are being changed everyday to be more like The Son of God, as children of God. Our suffering is earning us a more glorious character, as the planting of The Lord, that He is glorified.
17 Now The Lord is The Spirit; and where The Spirit of The Lord is, there is liberty. 18 But we all, with unveiled faces, beholding as in a mirror the Glory of The Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by The Spirit of The Lord (2 Corinthians 3).
There are notices and signs that we are to adhere to on the roads, outside businesses and at the places we frequent. Those who put up these signs or warnings have the authority to tell others what is required of them. Failure to comply can have consequences. We have to follow rules even though they may not seem sensible. As part of a society or community, we submit to the local authority, and hope that others do their part. God is the Highest Authority, and as Christians, we have to submit to His Commandments and Will. We must strive to live in obedience even as His Son, The Lord Jesus, did.
“By submission and obedience our lives become an acceptable offering to God.”
8 Previously saying, “Sacrifice and offering, burnt offerings, and offerings for sin You did not desire, nor had pleasure in them” (which are offered according to the law), 9 then He said, “Behold, I have come to do Your Will, O God.” He takes away the first that He may establish the second. 10 By that Will we have been sanctified through the offering of the Body of Jesus Christ once for all (Hebrews 10).
God had no pleasure in sacrificial offerings for sin that did not make those offering them submissive. The Israelites sacrificed animals as a substitute for the punishment for their own sins. They also worshipped the idols gods of the nations around them. God was not appeased by extravagant offerings that did little to conform their desires and will to His. The Lord Jesus came to do God’s Will. He came to do what we were always required to do—obey. This is what pleases God—submission to His Will. By doing God’s Will, Christ satisfied God’s recourse for dealing with sin. We have been sanctified by Christ’s offering of Himself. The Lord Jesus was obedient even till His death, as the propitiation of our sins. We must die to our own will, to do God’s Will. As children of God, created to be in the likeness of His Son, we are here to do God’s Will. Obedience is the offering that is most acceptable to God; the offering we give willingly. By submission and obedience our lives become an acceptable offering to God.
“Submission is humbly accepting the punitive consequences for wrong doing.”
2 Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. 3 For I acknowledge my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. 4 Against You, You only, have I sinned, and done this evil in Your sight—that You may be found just when You speak, and blameless when You judge (Psalm 51).
Acknowledge your sin by repenting. God is able to forgive even the worst offence, if we are willing to fess up to it. Submission is humbly accepting the punitive consequences for wrong doing. God is always right and we are often wrong to cross Him, by being rebellious. He will cleanse us of our sin, when we are willing to discard it. Sin is like a plaque to the soul that needs to be thoroughly purged. We only sin against God, even though we may have harmed others, we have not sinned against them. Sin is wickedness, and we must acknowledge it as such. God is justified to deal with sin as He deems fit. If we are to truly submit, we must be willing to be chastised and restored. We must desire to be reconciled with God, if we want His forgiveness.
“Be diligent to do as The Lord requires”
7 “So you, son of man: I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel; therefore you shall hear a Word from My Mouth and warn them for Me. 8 When I say to the wicked, ‘O wicked man, you shall surely die!’ and you do not speak to warn the wicked from his way, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood I will require at your hand. 9 Nevertheless if you warn the wicked to turn from his way, and he does not turn from his way, he shall die in his iniquity; but you have delivered your soul (Ezekiel 33).
Ezekiel was commanded to be a messenger of God, to speak exactly what God told him. The message he was to deliver would offend others or was a bitter pill to swallow. Ezekiel was not to sugarcoat what He was told, nor was he to withhold it. He had to speak the precise Word of God. Ezekiel was equally culpable, with those he was sent to, if he failed to deliver the precise message of God.
God may want us to do or say something that may not sit well with those on the receiving end. It is our duty to do what He tells us, fearless of the response we receive from others. We must uphold His Word and perform it. Failure to give others God’s warning, may bring us under God’s Judgement. Any preacher of The Word of God must be careful not to mellow the message, or make it palatable to the hearers. When God gives a mandate, we must boldly act on it.
32 “Therefore you shall be careful to do as The Lord your God has commanded you; you shall not turn aside to the right hand or to the left. 33 You shall walk in all the ways which the Lord your God has commanded you, that you may live and that it may be well with you, and that you may prolong your days in the land which you shall possess (Deuteronomy 5).”
Be diligent to do as The Lord requires. We are called to complete submission by obedience. It will be to our benefit to keep God’s Ways as the guiding principles of our lives. When we live in obedience, we resolve not to divert from His Instructions to us. God wants what is best for us: to be spiritually well-grounded, our days prolonged in peace and wellness, and receiving blessing and rewards that He has for us. Be careful to fully submit to God because your whole life depends on it.
12 Blessed is the one you discipline, Lord, the one you teach from Your Law; You grant them relief from days of trouble, till a pit is dug for the wicked. 14 For The Lord will not reject his people; He will never forsake his inheritance. 15 Judgment will again be founded on righteousness, and all the upright in heart will follow it (Psalm 94).
God’s discipline is for our own good. He disciplines so that we learn to live righteously, and to protect us from His Judgement. There’s a day coming when all will stand before the Judge of the Earth. He will spare those who have not rejected His discipline while they lived on Earth. He will put the obstinate and rebellious in the pit of hell. The Lord will not reject those who humbly submit to His chastisement. After they are called on the carpet and disciplined, they set their hearts on righteousness. Those who belong to God are His inheritance. He will not forsake them.
“We must die to our own will, to do God’s Will.”
Submission to God, will make us more cognizant of what He requires of us. We will be earnest to do as He commands, even though others may be bristled by it. When we submit to God’s chastisement, we learn righteousness. We acknowledge our sin and repent, so that God restores us. As we have been made one with The Lord Jesus, our lives become an acceptable offering, when we do God’s Will. God will bless those who submit to Him and will protect them throughout their lives.
12 See to it, brothers and sisters, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from The Living God. 13 But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. 14 We have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original conviction firmly to the very end. 15 As has just been said, “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your heart as you did in the rebellion (Hebrews 3).”
13 For when God made a promise to Abraham, because He could swear by no one greater, He swore by Himself, 14 saying, “Surely blessing I will bless you, and multiplying I will multiply you.” 15 And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise (Hebrews 6).
We wait for people, services, deliveries, reports or results throughout our lives. We wait because we are expecting what we hope for. Waiting requires patience and perseverance. We don’t like delays, so we often give up and lose our patience. Patience suppresses anger and frustration to accommodate others. We try to be patient with those who get under our skin. When we are patient, we believe that others are capable of doing better, or that they are trying their best. Anticipation for a desired outcome will keep us from losing steam.
“Don’t give up waiting for The Lord’s return.”
35 So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. 36 You need to persevere so that when you have done the Will of God, you will receive what He has promised. 37 For, “In just a little while, He Who is coming will come and will not delay.” 38 And, “But my righteous one will live by faith. And I take no pleasure in the one who shrinks back.” 39 But we do not belong to those who shrink back and are destroyed, but to those who have faith and are saved (Hebrews 10).
Be patient by being useful and productive in what you can control. As a Christian, who believes that The Lord Jesus is coming back, hold fast your confidence in the promise of His return. Persevere in hardship by continuing to do God’s Will. You will not fail as long as you are doing what honors Him. Don’t give up waiting for The Lord’s return. As each day passes, the closer the day approaches. Those who lose their patience will begin to see no benefit in living for God. They may begin to doubt that Christ will come back. They may see their Christian life as a figment of their own imagination; with time they start falling away. We should not be those who shrink back, but persevere each day, with confidence that will be richly rewarded. We will wait for as long as it takes, while we do the Will of God. Our confidence is firmly placed in The One Who said He is coming back. Our faith will not fail us; it will keep us steadfast.
“Wait patiently for God’s Justice.”
7 Rest in The Lord, and wait patiently for Him. Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass. 8 Cease from anger, and forsake wrath. Do not fret—it only causes harm. 9 For evildoers shall be cut off; but those who wait on The Lord, they shall inherit the earth. 10 For yet a little while and the wicked shall be no more. Indeed, you will look carefully for his place, but it shall be no more (Psalm 37).
What does it mean to rest in The Lord? It means to rely solely on God’s Provision and Who He is. Confidence in God will keep us from trusting our own understanding. Sometimes we get stimulated and combustible because of the wickedness around us, that is against God’s Ways. Sometimes Christians wonder why wickedness continues to go untrammeled around us. We don’t understand why our prayers against violence, murders, injustices and evil are not being answered. We have limited power to stop any of the evil around us. We are to wait for God to mete out the justice that only He can bring. We have to patiently wait for God to right the wrongs. When things don’t seem to see change, we can become angry with God and hate others. Anger will cause us to take matters into our own hands. When we act on our anger or displeasure, we make poor choices. By trusting in our ability to repay wrongs done, we thrust God aside as The Righteous Judge. In due time, God will recompense the wicked, even though they seem to have accomplished their goals. Wait patiently for God’s Justice. God knows everything we don’t know or see. He is the reliable Witness and Judge. Patience will give us peace, because of our confidence in God. He will not turn a blind eye to those who prosper in their wickedness.
“Be patient by being useful and productive in what you can control.”
10 For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His Name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister. 11 And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end, 12 that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises (Hebrews 6).
If you love what you do, you will have the patience to complete it. Love compels us to grin and bear it. When we labor for the needs of others, we make great sacrifices. Sometimes it can seem like we are doing too much for others and we start to burn out. As one serving God, your labor of love will not be forgotten. Helping others teaches us how to express God’s love and compassion. Those who serve with perseverance will be furnished from God’s Goodness, so that they always have what they need.
I waited patiently for the Lord; and He inclined to me, and heard my cry. 2 He also brought me up out of a horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my steps (Psalm 40).
There are situations that we find ourselves in, where there’s no way of escape; sometimes because of poor choices. With prayer and faith, we are well-situated to get God’s attention. Bare your heart to God about all the trouble you are in. Keep in constant touch with Him and plead for deliverance and resolution. Because you wait for Him, with bated breath, He will not fail to send help. He will pull you out of the pit, and set your feet on stable ground. He will lead you out and establish you according to His Will. Wait patiently for the Lord, even when it seems like He is silent.
“Persevere in hardship by continuing to do God’s Will.”
12 Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution (2 Timothy 3).
Since it takes all sorts to make the world, there are those who disagree with Christian values and doctrine. Not everyone will welcome Christianity and some will be offended and angered by it. Those who desire to live for Christ must be prepared to suffer for what they believe in and who they are. Just as The Master suffered, the servants will too. Christ was crucified by those who hated Him because He claimed to be the Son of God, doing the work of The Father. If we are united with Him in His death, we will suffer persecution as well. Whether we live or die, we abide in Him. Our desire to live as He did will steel us to suffer as He did.
“Patience is expressed by humility and gentleness towards others.”
As a prisoner for The Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. 2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace (Ephesians 4).
There are times when we lose our patience with others because they seem to foul up often. Since no one is perfect, we have to try to be patient with others. Patience is expressed by humility and gentleness towards others. We are to make every effort to love others and pursue peace. Within the Body of Christ (fellow believers), we can still have disagreements. We are still individuals with different quirks, personalities and sometimes still struggling to overcome sin. We are united as one Body in Christ, by His Spirit. We will be able to live up to our calling when we are willing to show concern for others, by bearing with them just as God puts up with us.
Patience is a skill that develops with time. When we have confidence in God, we will not be hasty to act on our own understanding. We can learn to accommodate others’ weaknesses because God is always patient with us. When evil seems to run amok, we should not fret with anger, but wait for God’s Justice, in prayer. Our faith will be tested by those who oppose us. Just as Christ suffered, we become more like Him in our own suffering. God will reward our labor of love for others, if we don’t throw in the towel. Our confidence is not in our own strength; but who we have become in Christ. He lives in us by His Spirit and we have everything we need to be victorious. We patiently wait for His return. Our love for God and others will motivate us to stay the course.
“Love compels us to grin and bear it.”
10 Therefore I endure all things for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the Salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. 11 This is a faithful saying: For if we died with Him, we shall also live with Him. 12 If we endure, we shall also reign with Him. If we deny Him, He also will deny us (2 Timothy 2).
Life is an unsteady stream of events. We have to adapt to the situations we face or change our approach to meet challenges. We may have to learn new strategies or accept what we can’t change. We will need to be calm, humble, open-minded, practical and receptive, when faced with unfamiliar situations. Being adaptable will keep us from being overwhelmed.
“Be willing to learn and adapt to God’s Perspective”
4 Show me Your Ways, O Lord, teach me Your paths. 5 Lead me in Your Truth and teach me, for You are The God of my Salvation. On You I wait all day (Psalm 25).
As we face the vagaries of each day, we can incline our ears to God’s Wisdom. His Ways are higher than ours, and they are always for our good. Be willing to learn and adapt to God’s Perspective. Seek God in prayer and meditate on His Word. Wait to hear what He reveals to you. Pray in every daunting circumstance, and trust God to give you direction. He will not mislead you; He will reveal the truth about you and your situation. We have to be malleable to reproof, and be willing to change the traits that will only serve to make things worse. Learn from The God Who delivers from troubles. Let Him take the lead, as you put your confidence in His Ways.
9 “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My Ways higher than your ways, and My Thoughts more than your thoughts. 10 For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven, and do not return there, but water the earth, and make it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower and bread to the eater. 11 So shall My Word be that goes forth from My Mouth; It shall not return to Me void; but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.” (Isaiah 55)
God doesn’t do anything helter-skelter. When He speaks, He does so with significance and purpose. None of His Words are futile to those who receive and act on them. His Ways are for those who are willing to apply them. His Thoughts and Ways are higher than all the wisdom we can attain from other sources. So effective are His Words, that when He speaks them, they do what pleases Him. His Words enhance life and they never fail to accomplish His desire. They are like snow or rain that falls on the ground, watering all it comes in contact with, and making it fruitful. His Words supply our needs and the needs of those who are impacted by our obedience to Him. Those who are receptive and teachable receive God’s Instructions. God speaks what will prosper according to His Will. In uncertainty, God’s Words have order, significance and benefit.
“Let every trouble compel you to remember God’s Goodness.”
18 While he was still speaking, another also came and said, “Your sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother’s house, 19 and suddenly a great wind came from across the wilderness and struck the four corners of the house, and it fell on the young people, and they are dead; and I alone have escaped to tell you!” 20 Then Job arose, tore his robe, and shaved his head; and he fell to the ground and worshiped. 21 And he said: “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return there. The Lord gave, and The Lord has taken away; Blessed be The Name of The Lord.” 22 In all this Job did not sin nor charge God with wrong (Job 1).
How does one accept the loss of a loved one? There are so many unanswered questions surrounding death. Life is not a bed of roses nor is it always sweetness and light. As there are babies being born, there are people breathing their last. Loss, death, life, joy, sorrow, health and sickness are all part of life. How can we adapt to the painful stages of life? God Who gives generously also takes away. Nothing created is ours to hold on to because we don’t have the power to preserve it. We truly have no control over our lives, let alone our organs which works without our help. So in all things good and bad, God is in complete control. He doesn’t owe us our loved ones, the air we breathe, or the sun in the sky. He gave us those we love, the things we enjoy, because He loves us. He expresses His Love through all that we cherish. We have to learn to thank Him for giving in the first place. Let every trouble compel you to remember God’s Goodness.
Job lost all his children in one day. He didn’t curse God upon receiving the news of their death. He grieved vehemently, fell on his knees and worshiped. Job acknowledged in his grief that he didn’t come to this world with anything to his name. He accepted that he was destitute from his birth; but for God’s Love and Goodness he owned nothing. He blessed His God as One Who gives and has a right to take back what belongs to Him. Job also understood that his life was fleeting just as his own children’s. He knew that He would return just as He came, without anything. In all this, Job accepted his lot, and still blessed God. What purpose would it serve Him to be bitter with God? Job knew nothing he did would bring his children back. Take a page from Job. It is very hard to deal with the loss of a loved one, especially a child. We are stewards of our children; they belong to their Creator before they are ours. As we had no hand in forming them in the womb, God has His Purpose well-established for them. In grief and sorrow, we can see God’s desire to give us our loved ones for a time. Since nothing on this side of life is eternal, we, who believe in The Risen Lord Jesus Christ, have hope that we will be reunited for eternity, and never to be separated in the Kingdom of God.
“We adapt to the new life in Christ by submission.”
12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; 13 for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure (Philippians 2).
As a believer and committed follower of The Lord Jesus Christ, live as one who is redeemed. Your Salvation cost The Lord His Life; and you must now live through Him. Make it your purpose to live diligently and cautiously, so as not to lose your reward. Work out your Salvation with fear and trembling—wholeheartedly, in reverent obedience to God. It is God in us, by the Spirit of The Lord Jesus Christ, who works in us to be willingly obedient to do what pleases Him. We adapt to the new life in Christ by submission. Just as He came to do the Will of The Father, it should be our purpose to do the same.
“Every pain or sacrifice has eternal value.”
8 First he said, “Sacrifices and offerings, burnt offerings and sin offerings you did not desire, nor were you pleased with them”—though they were offered in accordance with the law. 9 Then he said, “Here I Am, I have come to do Your Will.” He sets aside the first to establish the second. 10 And by that Will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of The Body of Jesus Christ once for all (Hebrews 10).
Christ’s death on the Cross, for the sins of the world, was the Will of The Father. By His death, we were made holy once and for all. Those who have exchanged their lives for His, nailed their sinful body to that Cross, by becoming one with Him in death. They are now one in His Risen Body; they have new life in Him. They are now acceptable to The Father. Doing God’s Will has eternal consequences for us and others. If God’s Will is death, it will not be in vain. Like we saw earlier, whatever God sends will not return void. Christ didn’t return empty, but gave life to many. When we are reconciled to God in Christ, by dying to ourselves, we will prosper in what God desires for us.
You are here each day to do His Will, whether it cost you your life, or you lose what is most valuable to you. The offering of our lives, and everything we cherish, to do God’s Will is more pleasing to Him than any burnt offerings. Every event in the life of God’s children is His Will for them. No child of God goes through trials that are worthless. Every pain or sacrifice has eternal value.
20 Now may The God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the Blood of the Everlasting Covenant, 21 make you complete in every good work to do His will, working in you what is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to Whom be glory forever and ever. Amen (Hebrew 13).
God is working in the lives of those who are obedient and are one with Christ. God sways us to do what is good; and by doing, we are being made complete and pleasing before Him. His Will is that He works in us, in all circumstances, what is well pleasing before Him. So that no matter what we are going through we are kept in good works, and are always complete, wanting for nothing. We can ask God to work in us what is pleasing before Him, by giving us goals that have an enduring impact. Be complete in every good work that is according to God’s Will. While you are doing His Will, let Him make you pleasing in Christ Jesus.
“Accept discipline by taking responsibility for missing the mark.”
31 “For has anyone said to God, I have borne chastening; I will offend no more. 32 Teach me what I do not see; If I have done iniquity, I will do no more?” (Job 34)
God disciplines His children because He loves them and wants to protect them from willful sin. Every parent lays down the law with consequences for disobedience. When we fess up to error, we accept correction and discipline. Bear under The Almighty’s discipline and learn righteousness. Let God teach us about the sins we are not aware of, so that we don’t repeat them. If we sin against God unknowingly, we have an opportunity to learn more about what is abominable to Him. When we are disciplined for being rebellious, we should accept His chastening and commit to steer clear of repeating the offence. Accept discipline by taking responsibility for missing the mark. Make a commitment to walk upright before God and understand His Ways.
8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in The Lord. Walk as children of light 9 (for the fruit of The Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth), 10 finding out what is acceptable to The Lord (Ephesians 5).
Now that we have been brought from darkness to light, by the knowledge we have received and the sanctification of The Lord, we must live as children of light. We put off the old and begin to walk in the newness of Christ. Our desires, values, and character should align with His. By His Spirit in us, we nurture goodness, righteousness, and uphold truth. We are no longer deceived by our own passions, but have acknowledged that as sinners we are in need of Grace. As children who are enlightened by His Wisdom, Word and Counsel, we must apply what we know is acceptable to Him, in every area of our lives.
God is in control of every stage of our lives. He is well-acquainted with our grief and sorrow. We learn of His Goodness even in tragic circumstances. He keeps us in good works that nurture in us what is well pleasing before Him. In Christ, we have everything we need to live as children of light. By accepting discipline, we commit to stay the course as those redeemed for His Glory. We have God’s Provision to live according to His Purpose for us. In every situation, He will guide and lead us by His Word, and it will accomplish what He sends it to do for us. We are adaptable to all that this life throws at us, as long as we continue on the path laid out for us.
31 For Who is God, except The Lord? And Who is a Rock, except our God? 32 It is God who arms me with strength, and makes my way perfect. 33 He makes my feet like the feet of deer, and sets me on my high places. 34 He teaches my hands to make war, so that my arms can bend a bow of bronze. 35 You have also given me the shield of Your Salvation. Your right hand has held me up, Your gentleness has made me great. 36 You enlarged my path under me, so my feet did not slip (Psalm 18).
Confidence is an expression of courage, resolve and determination, in the ability to accomplish a goal. When we are confident, we thrust aside our shortcomings by focusing on our strengths. Confidence can be shaken by intimidation. Fear can stifle optimism and deter our ambitions. People can sometimes make us question our character or abilities. Confidence is a positive outlook regardless of what others think. Our identity is a foundation on which we build our confidence. If we accept and appreciate who we are, we can be unabashed about our beliefs and values. As children of God, who belong to Him, our identity is in Christ alone. He is our solid foundation so that we are not put to shame.
“Our confidence is bolstered by God’s approval.”
4 Coming to Him as to a living stone, rejected indeed by men, but chosen by God and Precious, 5 you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 6 Therefore it is also contained in the Scripture: “Behold, I lay in Zion a chief cornerstone, elect, precious, and he who believes in Him will by no means be put to shame.”(1 Peter 2)
We have a higher calling to live as Christ did. Though He was rejected by men, He was chosen by God. We should not be dismayed by others’ opinion of us. If we have been chosen by God, we are in the best league. God has a purpose for us to be useful in serving Him. When we believe in The Lord Jesus and depend on Him as our chief cornerstone, He upholds us and guides our thinking. Every purpose of God for us is in Christ. As we build on Him, we become acceptable in Him. We are a habitation for Christ’s Presence.
By our obedience and daily sanctification, we cannot be put to shame. He honors those who honor Him. Spiritual sacrifices are works of our inner being that we offer God to use for His Glory: love, righteousness, truth, justice, faith, obedience, mercy, joy, peace, gentleness, kindness and much more. We, who are in Christ, are being made acceptable to God. Our confidence is bolstered by God’s approval. We are a chosen spiritual house, holy priesthood to do what is pleasing to Him.
“The confidence we have is based on who we have become in Christ.”
14 For we have become partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast to the end (Hebrews 3).
No one is as perfect as The Lord Jesus Christ. When we believe and obey, we become as He was to The Father—obedient and submissive to God’s Will. As partakers of Christ, we live as He did. He is the mentor we imitate. When we keep His Ways, we remain firmly grounded in Him. As we partake the nature of Christ, our confidence shifts from who we are to Who He is in us. Expressing His Character should motivate us to face each day. The confidence we have is based on who we have become in Christ. We must be eager to live out our faith as partakers of Christ.
13 Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? 14 But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.” 15 But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 16 keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. 17 For it is better, if it is God’s Will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil (1 Peter 3).
Be eager to do good, and be confident that you are well able in Christ to do what is right. If you suffer for doing God’s Will, you are still within God’s Will. As we sanctify and honor Christ in our hearts, we will have no room to stumble. When asked to give an account of our hope and faith, we can respond with confidence. As hard as it is to not become irritated by those who question our faith, we have to respond with humility. It is Christ Who continues to make us who we are meant to be. We are not more valuable to Him than those who get under our skin. He died for everyone’s sins. But for our submission to Christ, we are no different from those who have rejected His Authority. We don’t need to fear those who slander us. We can maintain a good conscience by continuing to do good.
“If you lack the confidence to live for Christ, you lack the courage to preserve your soul.”
26 Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. 27 But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. 28 God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, 29 so that no one may boast before Him. 30 It is because of Him that you are in Christ Jesus, Who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. 31 Therefore, as it is written: “Let the one who boasts boast in The Lord.” (1 Corinthians 1)
Did you ever think that knowing how imperfect you are was something to be confident about? God didn’t choose to use those who are perfect by worldly standards—wealthy, highly educated or are well-known. God chose those who are looked down upon, disregarded or considered as lower orders to reveal Himself. He chooses the weak or pariah because they don’t question His existence. When one realizes that they have nothing of physical value to offer God from their lives, yet are still chosen, redeemed and set apart, they will appreciate their existence.
We should be excited about who we have become in Christ. When we gave our lives to Christ, we were not polished or refined before God. If we were to tell others about who we really were, many would be appalled. Yet, God chose us for His Glory. Not only does God choose those who fall short of the world’s expectations, but also those He is underwhelmed with because they are sinners. However we slice it, we are not remarkable. But for Christ, we have nothing to be proud of. Be confident as Christ’s chosen, in spite of your frailties. God has set His seal of approval on you, regardless of who you are. He is no respecter of persons. God uses those who are considered garden-variety to confound the haughty. He will use those who are willing to know Him and learn from Him. We should only boast of the work of Christ in us. And we should never look down on others regardless of their station in life. He is our wisdom, not measured by academic achievements; but by righteousness, sanctification and redemption.
35 “For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the Gospel’s will save it. 36 For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? 37 Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? 38 For whoever is ashamed of Me and My Words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him The Son of Man also will be ashamed when He comes in the Glory of His Father with the holy angels.”(Mark 8)
Most of us want to feel like we belong within groups of people that we spend time with. Unfortunately, we will not be accepted by everyone. We don’t have to try to fit in where we may not be welcome. There are people who don’t share our values and are uncomfortable to be around. Though we may try to get along with everyone, we don’t have to try to impress everyone. We have to be content with who we are, by not trying to become what others would like us to be. Don’t lose your soul for another’s approval, by forfeiting your principles, for their accolades. Don’t be ashamed of your identity in Christ or His Ways. Be willing to lose this life to gain His Life in you.
We deny Christ by living as though we don’t know Him. There’s a distinction between Christ’s followers and those who are not. Those who are ashamed of Him will deny His Presence in their lives. They will do so by conforming to the world’s expectations, letting their guard down and participating in what is against Christ’s Teachings. In this adulterous and sinful generation, as Christ put it, is no place to sacrifice your soul. It is not worth forfeiting your soul for those who don’t have any regard for theirs. If you lack the confidence to live for Christ, you lack the courage to preserve your soul. Don’t succumb under the pressure to impress others, at the expense of eternity. If you are not ashamed of The Lord Jesus, He will honor you before His Father. The Lord Jesus will be ashamed of all those who play into the hands of those who have rejected Him.
“Put your hope in Almighty God.”
Through You we will push down our enemies; Through Your Name we will trample those who rise up against us. 6 For I will not trust in my bow, nor shall my sword save me. 7 But You have saved us from our enemies, and have put to shame those who hated us. 8 In God we boast all day long, and praise Your Name forever (Psalm 44).
Don’t put your hope sorely on your strength, experience or human means. Put your hope in Almighty God. He is our shield, strong defense and victory. By His Mighty Name, He will save us from those who rise against us. If you put your confidence in God, you will not be overcome by your enemies. God will rescue and fight for those who hope in Him alone. Those who trust in God’s Provision will not be put to shame. In Him alone we can boast of victory and do so all day long.
15 For thus says The Lord God, The Holy One of Israel: “In returning and resting you shall be saved; In quietness and confidence shall be your strength.” But you would not, 16 and you said, “No, for we will flee on horses”— Therefore you shall flee! And, “We will ride on swift horses”— Therefore those who pursue you shall be swift!” (Isaiah 30)
By repentance and returning to The Shepherd of our soul, we are reconciled to God. First things first—we repent, before we inquire or seek Him for our needs. We shall find rest in His forgiveness, and our souls will be saved from the consequences of sin. Spiritual matters precede the physical ones. We can be quiet in His Presence, by not worrying and fretting about the issues that are weighing us down. Our confidence in God Power will be our strength. But if we choose to face our trials without Him, we will not succeed. If we don’t seek His counsel, before we go on to face adversity, we will encounter difficulties.
13 For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb. 14 I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well (Psalm 139).
How often do you look at yourself in the mirror and think that you are the marvelous work of God’s Hands? Don’t linger before the mirror, staring at the things you don’t like about your looks. You are the very design God intended when He formed you. Praise God that you are wonderfully made. You are not just amazing, but fearfully made; be awestruck by who you are. Let your soul know full well that you are marvelous, wonderful, and a masterpiece of praise to your Maker.
If we think of all the times we have fallen short of expectations, we would have a dim view of ourselves. If we are in Christ, we are God’s chosen, warts-and-all, so that He does a marvelous work in us. He will use us to show forth His Power, if we are willing to put aside our abilities for His. Regardless of what others may think of us, we can live our faith boldly by not denying our identity in Christ. Our confidence is in the One Who dwells in us. We are a wonderful and fearful work of God’s marvelous design. If we are accepted in The Son of God, we have been approved and qualified for God’s Purpose. We belong to the household of God, and we will not be put to shame. He will see to it that He equips us with the right character and resources to do His Will. Therefore, boast in Christ alone.
14 Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His Will, He hears us. 15 And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him (1 John 5).
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