Now the Spirit of God came upon Azariah the son of Oded. 2 And he went out to meet Asa, and said to him: “Hear me, Asa, and all Judah and Benjamin. The Lord is with you while you are with Him. If you seek Him, He will be found by you; but if you forsake Him, He will forsake you (2 Chronicles 15).
Though we are free to do what we want, we are bound by a set of beliefs and principles. There’s a creed that most people live by, passed down through generations. Our convictions keep us from compromising who we are. In the face of opposition or pressure, we can stand firm and act in good conscience. Each person, family or organization is defined by principles that they hold; faith, respect, human dignity, honesty, love, and the list goes on. They are willing to make sacrifices to ensure that their integrity is kept, for future generations.
“Our lives should be defined by a steadfast resolve to live by godly principles.”
28 Now the rest of the people—the priests, the Levites, the gatekeepers, the singers, the Nethinim, and all those who had separated themselves from the peoples of the lands to the Law of God; their wives, their sons, and their daughters, everyone who had knowledge and understanding— 29 these joined with their brethren, their nobles, and entered into a curse and an oath to walk in God’s Law, which was given by Moses the servant of God. And to observe and do all the commandments of The Lord our Lord, and His ordinances and His statutes (Nehemiah 10).
The children of Israel had to separate themselves from the other nations around them, to have their own identity. They were knit together by The Law of God; which they made an oath to keep and uphold. This was the framework for their marriages, their households, and their service to God and others. There’s no nation without laws.
Being set apart from others who don’t share the same values is the first step to being set apart for God. It requires submitting to God in obedience, and not trying to keep up with the world’s standards. We can’t live outside the world, but we can apply God’s Ways to how we live in it. God didn’t create a separate earth for His people; He settled them among others. The Lord Jesus didn’t come to take us out of this world; but to teach us how to live for The Father in it.
We enter into a covenant relationship with God to observe and do as He has instructed us, according to His Word. Our allegiance to Him, as His children, is an oath to walk in His Ways. Our lives should be defined by a steadfast resolve to live by godly principles. We have to pass down to our children the values that make up our identity in Christ. Every sphere of our influence should be governed by God’s Laws, that keep us unified with others, as The Body of Christ. Just as every state or nation operates by its separate laws, we have God’s Commandments that are our guiding principles .
34 When He slew them, then they sought Him; and they returned and sought earnestly for God. 35 Then they remembered that God was their Rock, and the Most High God their Redeemer. 36 Nevertheless they flattered Him with their mouth, and they lied to Him with their tongue; 37 For their heart was not steadfast with Him, nor were they faithful in His Covenant. 38 But He, being full of compassion, forgave their iniquity, and did not destroy them. Yes, many a time He turned His anger away, and did not stir up all His Wrath (Psalm 78).
As the children of Israel received God’s Goodness, they began to be obstinate and rebellious. When they broke their covenant with Him, He destroyed them. Before making a pledge to God, remember He is not man to toy with. He is not fooled by flattery, when everything is going hunky-dory. He does His Good Will for His People because of Who He is—Holy and Good. Let your heart be steadfast with Him by remembering Who He is. Never forget that God is the making of your success and downfall. He is The Most High God just as He is still The Redeemer. He forgives those who repent of their transgressions, because of His Compassion and Mercy. He relents on His Anger, when we earnestly seek Him.
“Every sphere of our influence should be governed by God’s Laws.”
16 Thus says The Lord: “Stand in the ways and see, and ask for the old paths, where the good way is, and walk in it; Then you will find rest for your souls. But they said, ‘We will not walk in it.’ 17 Also, I set watchmen over you, saying, ‘Listen to the sound of the trumpet!’ But they said, ‘We will not listen (Jeremiah 6).’
The latest fads are not as new as people think. Ideas come from past experiences that are improved to meet present needs. Unlike humans, who change their mind on a whim, God is unchanging. The Creator of the universe holds everything in order by His Wisdom. The old paths of God are not old at all; they are good ways that we can walk in today, for generations to come. We can trust in His time-tested Truth that can be applied to every area of our lives. Those who refuse to heed, are warned to return back to His Ways. The path to rest and peace is the way that always leads to God. Walk steadfastly in the path God has already curved out; that has been there since the beginning of creation.
“The Law of Love fulfills the righteousness in Christ.”
17 “Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. 18 For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one title will by no means pass from the Law till all is fulfilled. 19 Whoever therefore breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 5).
The Law of God has always been the guide for godly living. It has existed since the beginning of early generations, and will outlive the universe. It is the trademark for The Kingdom of God and all of Its citizens. The Son of God came to fulfill the Law by obeying it. How much more the children of God? Know it by heart and delight in it. Christ didn’t come to destroy God’s Law, He came to teach us, as He had taught Israel; to love God with all our being and love our neighbors as ourselves.
34 But when the Pharisees heard that He had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered together. 35 Then one of them, a lawyer, asked Him a question, testing Him, and saying, 36 “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law?” 37 Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets (Matthew 22).”
The Law of Love fulfills the righteousness in Christ. Made a new creation for The Kingdom, we must adorn ourselves with the image of Christ. We are warned to do and teach others to observe The Law of God. Just as the children of Israel had the Law given by Moses, we must abide by The Law that Christ fulfilled.
“The path to rest and peace is the way that always leads to God.”
We have to be clearheaded about the choices that shape our lives. God has given us His Instructions, Commandments and The Holy Spirit to guide and keep us from paths of destruction. We must first be set apart for Him and be wholly submitted to Him. The wisdom we gain from obedience protects us from temptation and enables us to enjoy an eternal relationship with our God. He furnishes us with every good gift that’s life-enhancing and lavishes us with His Grace, when we acknowledge our sin. He is Good and is The Most High God.
We are His children who have been endowed with principles and values that make up our identity in Christ. We have to be steadfast to love God with all our being, and love our neighbor as ourselves. Every area of our life will be impacted by our steadfast heart for godliness. We belong to The Kingdom of God; and here on earth we are bearing our identity as children of God.
13 Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. 14 But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. 15 Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.
16 Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. 17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. 18 Of His Own Will He brought us forth by the Word of Truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures (James 1).
It takes courage to save a life. It could mean one risking their life to save another; this is what heroes do. Saving life is a humane act that causes us to go above and beyond, against all odds, to help someone who can’t help themselves. In a split-second decision, differences are put aside for the sake of another. The Son of God came to save those who were alienated from God by their sin. It was no small feat for One to die for all, that they may have eternal life in Him. Christ laid down His Life to save us from eternity in hell. If hell is not real, then He didn’t need to die.
“The one who wants to be saved must reach out for the lifeline.”
16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. 17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. 18 “He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in The Name of the only begotten Son of God. 19 And this is the condemnation, that the Light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. 20 For everyone practicing evil hates the Light and does not come to the Light, lest his deeds should be exposed (John 3).
God didn’t send His Son to condemn the world and bring eternal Judgement on everyone; He sent His Son to save us through Him. There was no other work that could suffice to redeem us. The death of Christ was the death of everyone, in Him. Why death? Because a dead body has ceased from all works of the flesh—it can no longer sin. As a loving father has to deal with disobedience, so does our Heavenly Father. Discipline and judgement corrects a wayward child to protect them from destruction. So, it was necessary that The Son of God would take upon Himself the sin of the world; coming in the form of mankind, to take their place. Do you believe that you have been saved from hell? You must be made one with Christ, because you are only saved by Him. Believe in The Name of Jesus as the only means of your redemption. To begin the process of recovery, a patient has to believe in a doctor’s diagnosis and recommended treatment.
“Sanctification is God’s means of resuscitation.”
We can’t try to save someone who doesn’t want our help. We can only do our part but it’s up to them whether to co-operate or not. A doctor can prescribe life-saving medicine, it’s up to the patient to take it. The one who wants to be saved must reach out for the lifeline. Lifestyle changes and compliance to the doctor’s orders is the journey to health and wellness. There are those who prefer to live life on the edge, with no regard for danger; eternity is not on their thoughts. God did not discount them and neither should we; God loved the whole world and gave His Son for everyone. Those who reject God’s Salvation prefer their lives without it. They refuse to come to God, because they don’t want to be changed by Christ. Being one with The Lord is forsaking one’s own life for His. Those who come to Christ, want the Light of His Righteousness to reveal their sins. They acknowledge that they have lived in disobedience, yet God has offered His Grace, in exchange for His Judgement. Hell is a place for those who choose to walk away from God’s Saving Grace. It is a destination of choice.
13 But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters loved by The Lord, because God chose you as firstfruits to be saved through the sanctifying work of The Spirit and through belief in the truth. 14 He called you to this through our Gospel, that you might share in the Glory of our Lord Jesus Christ (2 Thessalonians 2).
The Gospel is the message that teaches about the redemptive work of Christ. Those who are receptive and believe in the Truth become the workmanship of The Holy Spirit. No human works will suffice to pay for sin, or appease God. The Holy Spirit is The Life and Character of Christ, imparted on those who are sanctified by Him. God has chosen those who believe, to be saved only through the sanctifying work of The Spirit of His Son; called and chosen to share in the Glory—the likeness of The Lord Jesus. We are saved by allowing Him to sanctify us by His Truth. Just as we take a shower willingly, no sanctification can be done until we accept the truth about our sin. The Spirit can only work on the one who is submissive. Sanctification is God’s means of resuscitation.
“Save others without sacrificing who you are.”
20 But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in The Holy Spirit, 21 keep yourselves in God’s Love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life. 22 Be merciful to those who doubt; 23 save others by snatching them from the fire; to others show mercy, mixed with fear—hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh (Jude).
Prayer keeps us in constant touch with God. Praying in The Holy Spirit is letting The Spirit speak what God desires for us; so that we are equipped to do His Will. We are kept safe in God’s Love and Mercy. We should show God’s Mercy to those who are teetering on the edge of destruction; save them by grace and mercy. But we must be chary of getting roped into the very thing we are trying to save others from, when trying to gain their trust. We should not partake in their sin to be considered credible and trustworthy. Save others without sacrificing who you are. The Holy Spirit will give us the strength and wisdom we need to offer God’s Mercy to others.
“Those who reject God’s Salvation prefer their lives without it.”
21 For since, in the wisdom of God, the world through wisdom did not know God, it pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe. 22 For Jews request a sign, and Greeks seek after wisdom; 23 but we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks foolishness, 24 but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the Power of God and the Wisdom of God. 25 Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men (1 Corinthians 1).
Education and worldly knowledge can be an impediment to accepting that there is a God, Who has a purpose for humanity. The learned want evidence that is measurable; they don’t see beyond the physical world and the miracle of its existence. As only God would have it, He chose those who are willing to believe the simple message of Christ and The Cross on which He bore our sin, to reveal His Greatness. The Wisdom of God being greater than all the knowledge man can acquire is rejected by those who are constrained to time and space. By God’s choice, those who believe in the Work of Christ are saved without working to earn His Grace. He made a way for everyone to be saved by Grace; and those who would simply exchange their life for that of Christ are endowed with God’s Power over sin forever. Those who are saved are those who answer when called. The voice of The Savior rises above the din of worldly accomplishments that have no eternal merit. God has a sense of humor; He convinces those who are not considered wise by the standards of the world, by giving them more wisdom than those who believe they are wise; Christ is the Power and Wisdom of God for mankind.
“We are saved by allowing Him to sanctify us by His Truth.”
39 But the Salvation of the righteous is from The Lord; He is their strength in the time of trouble. 40 And The Lord shall help them and deliver them; He shall deliver them from the wicked, and save them, because they trust in Him (Psalm 37).
The righteous don’t have to fight with powers of wickedness, their strength comes from God. He is their deliverer in times of trouble. When we live in The Spirit of The Lord we live by Him. He is our righteousness, because we submit to Him. He is everywhere we are, because we are one with Christ. No works of darkness will prevail against those who have entrusted themselves to The Lord. He will save and deliver the righteous from adversity. The benefits of Salvation encompass every aspect of our life and soul.
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 (1 Peter 2).
What are we saved from? When someone is saved from a burning building they are being saved from death. Most heroic acts save others from impending danger, to deliver them from death or harm. Life is always worth saving here on earth and beyond. Why then is it difficult to understand saving a soul for eternity? That is what God wanted for the whole world, as we saw earlier, that none would perish. People can get themselves or others in life-threatening situations, that will require someone to save them. When God called us out of darkness, He called us out to save us from sin which leads to death. He was pulling us out from a destructive and dissipated life that was bound to harm us. When one is in the dark, they can’t see harm that is lurking around. Make no mistake Satan is God’s Enemy and is baying for our lives. He is the very reason God calls us out of the darkness of sin. Sin is a trap that leads us to the Enemy.
Once we were separated from a relationship with God because of sin, but now we are His chosen people; a special people who have now been brought near by His Mercy. We have been given a new identity in The Light of His Knowledge. We think and act differently, as we declare His praise by our very own lives. We have been saved so that we are set apart for His Purpose and not our own self-will—made holy and righteous by Him.
8 Then Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord, I give half of my goods to the poor; and if I have taken anything from anyone by false accusation, I restore fourfold.” 9 And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because he also is a son of Abraham; 10 for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost. (Luke 19)”
Are you a descendant of Abraham? Salvation came to Zacchaeus because he too was a son of Abraham. Do you qualify for Salvation?
5 No longer shall your name be called Abram, but your name shall be Abraham; for I have made you a father of many nations. 6 I will make you exceedingly fruitful; and I will make nations of you, and kings shall come from you. 7 And I will establish My Covenant between Me and you and your descendants after you in their generations, for an everlasting Covenant, to be God to you and your descendants after you (Genesis 17).
29 And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise (Galatians 3).
The descendants of Abraham are those who are in an everlasting Covenant that establishes The God of Abraham as The only God; they are in the seed of Abraham, Christ Jesus. So, yes. You too are a son or daughter of Abraham and Salvation has come to your house. But you must be willing to turn away from your old ways as Zacchaeus did, in repentance. The Son of God came for you and me, to save that which was lost. He came to our house—every area of our life; to bring us back to the right way of living, because we were heading in the wrong direction. He is the Way, the Truth and the Life.
We then, as workers together with Him also plead with you not to receive the Grace of God in vain. 2 For He says: “In an acceptable time I have heard you, and on the day of Salvation I have helped you.” Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of Salvation (2 Corinthians 6).
Today is the day of Grace, don’t take it for granted; tomorrow is not a guarantee. God has stretched out His Hand and offered His Life for yours. He knows the hurt and pain of living on a whim and disregarding His Ways. Disobedience will only draw you further from Him and closer to the Enemy. Now, the time is ripe, when you must choose whether you will follow the Light that is shining out of darkness. Receive the offer to save your life, for Eternal Life in Christ. Take the new lease on life and live for God; He will sustain, deliver and keep you in His Love. Tell others who are doubtful, with boldness and with the help of The Holy Spirit. You are a chosen generation, set apart for His Glory, and not for fleeting achievements.
2 Surely God is my Salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The Lord, The Lord Himself, is my strength and my defense; He has become my Salvation.” 3 With joy you will draw water from the wells of Salvation. 4 On that day you will say: “Give praise to The Lord, proclaim His Name; make known among the nations what He has done, and proclaim that His Name is exalted (Isaiah 12).
4 You have commanded us to keep Your precepts diligently. 5 Oh, that my ways were directed to keep Your statutes! 6 Then I would not be ashamed, when I look into all Your Commandments (Psalm 119).
We know how important it is to teach our children about honesty at a tender age. We don’t want children to cover the truth, even if it would get them in trouble. Integrity requires accepting the risks that come with doing the right thing. It is a trait that other virtues are built on. Without integrity there can be no trust, loyalty, love, faithfulness; without which relationships, families and societies would suffer. Integrity makes us reliable and credible within our circles.
“Integrity compels us to accept honest criticism in order to make improvements.”
23 Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. 24 See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting (Psalm 139).
People tend to be on their best behavior when they are under a microscope—when a superior is watching or during a performance evaluation. We don’t usually invite others to examine us for flaws, because we know they will find a mine of information. But the one who aspires to live uprightly, should desire God’s inquest into their character and motives.
We are more susceptible when we are in distress. We are bound to look for an easy way out, even if it would mean compromising on our principles. In those moments of anxiety and uncertainty, ask God to search and test you; and see if you are willing to still obey and trust Him. Be keen on changing negative attributes that often show up when in the doldrums. Integrity compels us to accept honest criticism in order to make improvements. God has given us His Spirit to convict, correct and teach us His Ways. During hard times we are more vulnerable to letting down our guard and caving in to harmful desires. It is when we are at our lowest when we should be open to receiving God’s Instructions. Allow God to reveal the issues that stymie spiritual growth, by being amenable to The Spirit.
“Integrity causes us to walk with God and not with the world.”
9 This is the genealogy of Noah. Noah was a just man, perfect in his generations. Noah walked with God. 10 And Noah had three sons: Shem, Ham, and Japheth (Genesis 6).
Societies can have all sorts of fads and mores. There are those who are easily influenced by whatever seems fashionable or exciting; finding their identity within the shifting sands. Within each generation, there are those who have the courage to swim against the tide. Since the beginning of time, God preserves for Himself those who are willing to obey, serve and love Him within their current culture. Noah was one such a man—a just man, considered upright in his generation. God has never failed to have His chosen people within each generation, to be used for His Glory. Are you one of those in your generation? Integrity causes us to walk with God and not with the world. We have to be intentional about being set apart for God, by being in agreement with Him. Noah and his family were delivered from the Judgement that had destroyed everyone else. There’s no telling how far-reaching God’s Grace and Mercy could be granted to our children; if we would be the few in our generation who walk daily with God.
LORD, who may abide in Your tabernacle? Who may dwell in Your holy hill? 2 He who walks uprightly, and works righteousness, and speaks the truth in his heart: 3 He who does not backbite with his tongue, nor does evil to his neighbor, nor does he take up a reproach against his friend (Psalm 15)
Those who wish to abide in The Presence of The LORD are those who are determined to practice righteousness. They delight in spending their time there. Anyone who abides in God’s Presence can only become more like Him. They must walk uprightly in their speech and conduct; they don’t destroy others’ reputation by dragging their name through the mud; they don’t dish out dirt on others’ or engage in gossip. True worshippers only speak and accept truth that doesn’t harm others.
18 Now that which was prepared daily was one ox and six choice sheep. Also fowl were prepared for me, and once every ten days an abundance of all kinds of wine. Yet in spite of this I did not demand the governor’s provisions, because the bondage was heavy on these people. 19 Remember me, my God, for good, according to all that I have done for these people (Nehemiah 5).
Nehemiah turned away the governor’s extravagant meals because they were prepared by people who were oppressed in Judah; people who lacked basic necessities. Nehemiah was the governor at the time and he chose to not indulge in the perks that were afforded to him. He considered his own people who were in dire straits and restrained himself because of others’ suffering. Leadership and power comes with many benefits, but it should not be at a cost to others, who plod along to just make ends meet. Those who are at the helm should ensure that their prosperity isn’t attained at the expense of those under them. God sees how we use our privileges, how we attain our riches, and what good we do for those who serve under us.
“Integrity requires accepting the risks that come with doing the right thing.”
19 For this is commendable, if because of conscience toward God one endures grief, and suffering wrongfully. 20 For what credit is it if, when you are beaten for your faults, you take it patiently? But when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God. 21 For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example that you should follow His steps (1 Peter 2).
Integrity is not always appealing to everyone. When we hold firm to our convictions and object to pressure or the urge to compromise, we might be ostracized by others or be treated with animosity. Commitment to please God should trump getting approval from others. We are in good company; Christ also suffered in obedience to The Father.
We are called to live in submission to God alone, and not to succumb to others’ selfish demands. The goal is to be just as Christ Jesus was; being one with Him in suffering, in an unbroken fellowship. He was despised by many for doing what The Father told Him, and God was glorified in Him. We must endure suffering patiently. God is delighted by our resolve to be righteous, even under the strain of opposition. This is our calling—to be steadfast and determined to live for His Glory, at every cost.
Now Joseph was handsome in form and appearance. 7 And it came to pass after these things that his master’s wife cast longing eyes on Joseph, and she said, “Lie with me.” 8 But he refused and said to his master’s wife, “Look, my master does not know what is with me in the house, and he has committed all that he has to my hand. 9 There is no one greater in this house than I, nor has he kept back anything from me but you, because you are his wife. How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?” (Genesis 39)
Joseph was invested with overseeing his master Potiphar’s house. Potiphar gave him complete authority because he trusted Joseph, when he saw that The LORD was with him. He had such faith in Joseph that he didn’t keep score of what he had entrusted to him, because Joseph was a man of integrity. Potiphar’s wife desired Joseph and made improper advances. Joseph could have accepted her offer, after all his master was not keeping any tabs on him. He could have taken all that he desired and Potiphar would not have an inkling.
Joseph had no desire for what didn’t belong to him. Power can go to people’s heads, making them avaricious for what is not rightfully theirs. Joseph understood that it was God who had prospered him, and not Potiphar. We should be content with everything God blesses us with. If God wants to give us more, He will do so on His terms. We must restrain from sinning against God. Joseph knew what his master had only committed to him was not his to have, and his only Master was God. Joseph understood that sinning against God would manifest as failure to honor Him; it would have a direct effect on his performance and character as a high-ranking official in Potiphar’s house. Failure to please God will tarnish our character. God is our Master and should be honored before others. Lust and greed are contrary to integrity.
“Integrity makes us reliable and credible within our circles.”
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).
As Christians who know God and His Word, we are responsible to Him to live to please Him. In every place we set our feet, we are to apply His Wisdom, Knowledge and Understanding to the best of our abilities— in our choices and lives. He blesses those who honor Him. Integrity is a virtue we should continue to cultivate in our daily responsibilities; it will keep us from defiling ourselves, from compromising our standards and values in our work, strengthen our relationships with others, and most importantly we will not sin against God by lusting after what He has not given us. We must be willing to suffer for doing the right thing by not cowering to pressure. Just as Christ was, so we are to be—blameless in Him, before God and others. We have to be willing to apply godly principles diligently.
8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My Eye. 9 Do not be like the horse or like the mule; which have no understanding, which must be harnessed with bit and bridle, else they will not come near you. 10 Many sorrows shall be to the wicked; But he who trusts in The Lord, mercy shall surround him. 11 Be glad in The Lord and rejoice, you righteous; and shout for joy, all you upright in heart (Psalm 32)!
Change is good, when it benefits us. The initiative needed to make some changes will require discipline and commitment. We have to be amenable to different perspectives with an eagerness to learn. Change is a willingness to start over; by putting off old habits that are futile and seeking better alternatives. Renewing our thinking will steer us to a different path.
“Go forward and leave the past where it belongs.”
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable, and perfect Will of God (Romans 12).
It’s imperative to make changes for our betterment. We should live everyday with a meaningful purpose. Our purpose is what our Creator intended for our existence. Made in the image and likeness of God, we are called to present our bodies as living sacrifices, holy and acceptable to Him. Every inventor has a goal for his work. A manufacturer knows what his product should be used for; and so does our Creator. A living sacrifice is a life lived to please God, given as an offering to honor Him. When we honor God, we become His Masterpiece. Our purpose is to show forth His Greatness, as the excellent work of His Hands.
We are not created in the fashion of this world, to live up to worldly standards. We should not be conformed to the world; but to the Character of God. As we live in this world, as Children of God, we must strive to do His Will. Day by day, we should be transformed by renewing our mind; by changing our thinking to align with God’s Ways. Just as any product has to meet the manufacturer’s standards, we must adhere to God’s Standards to be effective. There are things we learn about ourselves each day; and each day we can only do better or get worse. We change behavior by a new perspective—by asking ourselves, “Is this the acceptable, perfect Will of God for me?”
“Renewing our thinking will steer us to a different path.”
9 Hide Your face from my sins, and blot out all my iniquities. 10 Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. 11 Do not cast me away from Your Presence, and do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. 12 Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and uphold me by Your generous Spirit (Psalm 51).
In order to have a fresh start, you will have to stop looking back. Go forward and leave the past where it belongs. Live in the time you have been allotted, by not dredging up the past. Repent and be transformed by God’s Grace today. If God can hide His face from your sins, by blotting them out entirely, so can you. Ask God to create in you a clean heart—a renewed heart devoid of past crud. Receive the heart transplant and allow the Spirit to give you new life. I believe the worst condition of a human soul is being cast out of God’s Presence. God desires to dwell with His Children as any earthly father does. The joy and peace of God’s Grace should motivate us to change our ways. Return to the Everlasting Father, and rest in His Love.
25 “I, even I, Am He Who blots out your transgressions for My own sake; and I will not remember your sins (Isaiah 43).”
God promises to forgive us not for our sake, but because it is what He longs to do. When He forgives, He forgets who were and sees who we will become. He is not like our loved ones or friends who never forget our failures. They may not believe that we can be transformed, because they may have been disappointed before. We don’t need to convince those who prefer to hold on to the past. It’s not important that others forget, if God has already forgotten our past. While some would have us languish in their resentment, God prefers to embrace us with His Love.
“Repent and be transformed by God’s Grace today.”
17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. 18 Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, 19 that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation. 20 Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God. 21 For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him (2 Corinthians 5).
As long as we are in Christ, we are a new creation. The old is gone and now everything that concerns us is all of God; our relationships, our purpose, our goals and our lives become God’s Plan for us. We should not continue to judge others by their past. God was in Christ reconciling sinners to Himself; so that they can begin to live again. Newness is only nurtured by Christ, The Son of God. We are no longer living as sinners separated from God, but have become one with Christ—have been made the Righteousness of God in Christ. We have also become ambassadors for Christ, who represent the new life in Him. We need to learn how to be sanguine about our transformation and that of others.
“Newness is only nurtured by Christ, The Son of God.”
Just as we like to try a new look every now and then, we can be renewed each day by God’s Glory—glory that never fades. As maturing Christians, we should not be stuck in a cycle of defeat, sin and hopelessness. New year’s resolutions are good, but what good are they when they don’t have a lasting impact. Make daily resolutions instead, to be the Righteousness of God in Christ. Take off the old self and put on Christ, and don’t look back. Be renewed by a new perspective that is trained by The Word of God and maintained by The Holy Spirit. Don’t be concerned by what people retain about your past, be content with God’s Grace.
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).
Home is the place where we feel a sense of peace and safety, away from the things of this world. It may not be perfect because of all the responsibilities or because it needs some home improvements, but it is still the place we long for after a long day. Home is the place we can have things placed just the way we would like. There’s no other place we can be ourselves like at home. It lures us back no matter how frazzling it can be; we are forever drawn in. There’s a place of serenity, hope and security that has always had it’s doors open for each of us—The Presence of God.
“Those who trust in God’s Goodness have a secure sanctum.”
19 Oh, how great is Your Goodness, which You have laid up for those who fear You, which You have prepared for those who trust in You in the presence of the sons of men! 20 You shall hide them in the secret place of Your Presence from the plots of man; You shall keep them secretly in a pavilion from the strife of tongues (Psalm 31).
The LORD has a secret place prepared for those who fear Him: a place of refuge from their enemies; a hiding place from any plots that are wrought against them. Those who trust in God’s Goodness have a secure sanctum. In His Presence, no one and no scheming works of wickedness can touch them. God’s Presence is a secret refuge from adversaries. He preserves those who fear Him. He will protect those who trust in Him and will do so openly. He honors them before others for putting their trust in Him. Oh how great is His Goodness that is a shelter from adversity!
Thus says the Lord: “Heaven is My throne, and earth is My footstool. Where is the house that you will build Me? And where is the place of My rest? 2 For all those things My hand has made, and all those things exist,” Says The LORD. “But on this one will I look: On him who is poor and of a contrite spirit, and who trembles at My Word (Isaiah 66).”
God doesn’t desire to reside in places built by hands. He is too Great for heaven and earth. As far as our eyes can see, He has created it all and He holds it all together. He is underwhelmed by sophisticated architectural structures as His dwelling place. His heart is set on the one who is humble, with a contrite spirit, and who trembles at His Word. God will dwell with them wherever they are found; regardless of what structure they live in. He will reside with those who seek the Word at His Mouth, and offer Him their time and attention.
The LORD will reside with the spirit of the one who surrenders to Him. This is their honor—God is pleased to dwell in them. Have you created the atmosphere that’s conducive for God’s Presence? The LORD chooses to dwell in the one who will submit to Him. It’s a place within us that yearns to hear Him and is obliged to fellowship with Him.
7 If you abide in Me, and My Words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. 8 By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples (John 15).
There’s a place where our desires can be heard and met—in one accord with Christ; a place where we are found in Him. If we abide in Him, He will also dwell in us. But we must be willing to let His Words remain in us by meditating on them and applying them to our lives. Living in obedience is implementing Christ’s Ways to become fruitful in life. Believers in Christ must bear fruit in the knowledge of Who He is. True disciples glorify the Father by being productive and useful, in keeping His Word. Where do you bear much fruit for God’s Glory? This is the place you have been called to live out your faith. It is every place where you can boldly please God, by being an effective disciple. The desires you have will be met as long as you remain in Christ.
14 “Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore I will deliver him; I will set him on high, because he has known My Name. 15 He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him and honor him. 16 With long life I will satisfy him, and show him My salvation (Psalms 91).”
God has an ordained place for those who love Him and are devoted to knowing Him personally. He establishes and settles them where He honors them and sets them on high; furnishing them from the abundance of His Greatness. They will call upon Him and He will answer them in their time of trouble. Adoration for God keeps God first in our lives. He honors those who honor Him and becomes their full portion. We will lack nothing good when we love God above everything else. In every place we rest our feet, we can call on Him, worship Him and be satisfied with His Goodness. We have an untrammeled supply of God’s resources, at every turn we call on Him.
“If we abide in Him, He will also dwell in us.”
12 No one has seen God at any time. If we love one another, God abides in us, and His love has been perfected in us. 13 By this we know that we abide in Him, and He in us, because He has given us of His Spirit (1 John 4).
Abiding in God is loving others as God would. We can’t see God but we see His Character by His Goodness, Grace, Mercy, Justice, Truth and Love. God is Love and those who know God and trust in His Name must love as He Loves. His Love is perfected in us by expressing His Love, and not just loving others on our terms. We remain in His Love by loving through His Spirit—His Presence manifesting in us.
“The LORD chooses to dwell in the one who will submit to Him.”
23 Jesus answered and said to him, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My Word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him. 24 He who does not love Me does not keep My Words; and the Word which you hear is not Mine but the Father’s Who sent Me (John 14).”
The LORD wants to dwell with us and make His abode with us. He promises that those who love Him by obeying Him, will have an admittance to His Everlasting Presence. He will come and make Himself available to us at all times. Love is tested by our willingness to obey. Those who don’t keep His Word shun the Presence of God in their daily lives; by disobedience they keep Him aloof and show their antipathy for His Ways. God will reside with those who are willing to accommodate Him in their life.
We spend the better part of our day in places that impact us positively or negatively. We are influenced by the atmosphere around us, to carry the day or to fall short of expectations. God’s Presence in us is the place we should find our hope, security, and victory. If we set our sights on our affection for God, we will love others around us as He would; Love is unlikely to fail us or others. We must be determined to obey His Voice and to cling to Him. He is Faithful to protect us and keep us in the riches of His abundant Goodness. He will make His abode in us and with us. He is our secret place of refuge hidden from the insurmountable cares of this world. As long as we keep His Ways we can be fruitful in many areas of our lives. Put down your roots where God is found.
6 There are many who say, “Who will show us any good?” LORD, lift up the light of Your countenance upon us. 7 You have put gladness in my heart, more than in the season that their grain and wine increased. 8 I will both lie down in peace, and sleep; For You alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety (Psalm 4).
13 And whatever you ask in My Name, that I will do, that The Father may be glorified in The Son. 14 If you ask anything in My Name, I will do it (John 14).
A child has the privilege of being able to ask a parent for something they desire, and expect to receive. Parents expect that their child should be able to ask for anything, including a pie in the sky request, because they are loved. Just as a child can ask with hope, we can approach our Heavenly Father with confidence, because we belong to Him.
Family is identified by name, which signifies kinship. The Name that connects us with God is The Name of Jesus, The Son of God. If we ask anything in His Name, we have a direct channel to The Father. By no other name are we qualified to receive from The Father. The Father must be glorified in The Son, Who became human just as we are. It is Christ Who gives us what we ask, as long as we believe He is able. So ask anything, right? Anything means just that. But does it? As long as we are bound by The Name of Jesus, we are confined to asking what He would desire for us. His Name must be honored as Holy. Our desire would have to align with His Will for us. So we should pray for what we believe would glorify the Father.
“Believe that no prayer goes unheard.”
7 Are You not our God, Who drove out the inhabitants of this land before Your people Israel, and gave it to the descendants of Abraham Your friend forever? 8 And they dwell in it, and have built You a sanctuary in it for Your Name, saying, 9 ‘If disaster comes upon us—sword, judgment, pestilence, or famine—we will stand before this temple and in Your presence (for Your Name is in this temple), and cry out to You in our affliction, and You will hear and save.’ 10 And now, here are the people of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir—whom You would not let Israel invade when they came out of the land of Egypt, but they turned from them and did not destroy them— 11 here they are, rewarding us by coming to throw us out of Your possession which You have given us to inherit (2 Chronicles 20).
King Jehosaphat was warned the Moabites and Ammonites were coming to attack him and the people of Israel. He gathered the people, proclaimed a fast and they sought God in prayer. Jehosaphat led the people to seek God for His protection and mercy. Jehosaphat’s approach is one we could adopt when in dire straits. He reminded God of Who He was and what He had done for His people in the past. God doesn’t need reminding, but He must be acknowledged in the context of His Greatness. As we verbalize our knowledge of God, we profess to Him that our confidence is built only on Who He is. We have to be specific about what we want God to do. He already knows everything about us; but trust involves wearing our hearts on our sleeves; expressing how we feel and why. We have to be candid with God to have an honest relationship with Him. Have a meeting place designated for God, a sanctuary, a safe haven, and a place of renewed strength.
14 Then The Spirit of the Lord came upon Jahaziel the son of Zechariah, the son of Benaiah, the son of Jeiel, the son of Mattaniah, a Levite of the sons of Asaph, in the midst of the assembly. 15 And he said, “Listen, all you of Judah and you inhabitants of Jerusalem, and you, King Jehoshaphat! Thus says The Lord to you: ‘Do not be afraid nor dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours, but God’s (2 Chronicles 20).“
The Lord sent a response through Jahaziel to king Jehosaphat: the battle was God’s and they were not to fear the multitude coming against them. Maybe you may not get a clear message as Jehosaphat did. Believe that no prayer goes unheard. God doesn’t need to speak directly, so that we can believe that He will respond. We can lay down our needs at the foot of His Throne and scamper away with the assurance of His Goodness. Do not be afraid after you have poured out your soul to the Most High God. He will not fail to answer according to His Power.
“Prayer is a bold expression of faith.”
Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart, 2 saying: “There was in a certain city a judge who did not fear God nor regard man. 3 Now there was a widow in that city; and she came to him, saying, ‘Get justice for me from my adversary.’ 4 And he would not for a while; but afterward he said within himself, ‘Though I do not fear God nor regard man, 5 yet because this widow troubles me I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.’ ”
6 Then the Lord said, “Hear what the unjust judge said. 7 And shall God not avenge His own elect who cry out day and night to Him, though He bears long with them? 8 I tell you that He will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth? (Luke 18) ”
Most people don’t like to sound repetitive. If they ask someone for something once or twice, they don’t want to feel like a pest. We worry what others would think of us if we had to keep asking for their help. The widow was importunate to get justice from the king. He became weary of her relentless pleas and gave her what she asked, so that she wouldn’t have to come back again.
The Lord is not unjust and does care for those who cry out to him day and night. We have to keep asking until we get the answer; just like a child who doesn’t stop asking a parent for what they desire. It is the parent’s delight to see the child receive, because of the child’s unflagging confidence in their love . Being repetitive with God shows we are convinced that He is always Good. He will reward us for our persistence and patience. Our confidence in God is revitalized each time we pray. We may wonder why we keep asking and see nothing change; but He will not fail to answer those who never give up on Him. When God acts, He will do so speedily—in the nick of time. When Christ comes will He find us living by faith? Prayer is a bold expression of faith. It takes faith to speak to One we can’t see and ask for great things. If the Son of God prayed often, how much more the ones chosen out of this world?
“We have to be specific about what we want God to do.”
7 “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. 9 Or what man is there among you who, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? 10 Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent? 11 If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!” (Matthew 7)
We often feel like we have to earn a kind act or favor by doing something impressive. We don’t think we can get without giving a little. We are transactional in our relationships, so we think God needs us to pay it forward in order for Him to bless us. All we have to do is ask, seek and knock to receive. God will not give us what will not benefit us; He gives good things to those who ask Him. It’s not complicated—boldly seek, get His attention, and ask for what God is willing to give you. What are you not receiving because you won’t ask? Everyone who asks will receive.
“Remembering others in prayer is loving them as ourselves.”
13 Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms. 14 Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in The Name of The Lord. 15 And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and The Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. 16 Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. 17 Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain; and it did not rain on the land for three years and six months. 18 And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth produced its fruit (James 5).
Pray in the Name of The Lord for yourself and others. Prayer is a declaration of our faith in God and a plea for His Mercy. It costs nothing to pray for the sick and the suffering. While the sick need medical attention, they need a spiritual intervention. The prayer of the righteous prevails on God to use the physical as well as the spiritual means to bring healing. We should not put all our confidence on human expertise because it is limited by time and space. Just as Elijah was able to ask God to hold off the rain, we can ask God to manipulate nature for His Will to be done. Elijah was a man, he wasn’t a supernatural being, but was able to pray bold prayers because He believed in God. Pray for the sick, the suffering, and for the forgiveness of sins. Pray for others as you would pray for yourself. Remembering others in prayer is loving them as ourselves.
20 But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in The Holy Spirit, 21 keep yourselves in the Love of God, looking for the Mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life (Jude).
We are sustained by our faith, by continuing in it. Praying keeps us from doubt and self-dependence. We must pray in The Holy Spirit by asking Him to give us what God would want for us. By praying in The Holy Spirit we are not just asking for our desires to be met, but asking for God’s best for us. We are kept in God’s Love when we seek Him first, and when we pray for the good of others.
Faith is built on trust that we can expect to receive. What better way to prove God than to ask for anything in prayer? Seek and find God in every situation you call upon Him. Don’t just put your faith on what you see or what others can do. God is Our Everlasting Father, He has no beginning or end. He is not limited to the laws of nature; He has all creation under His Command. Be candid about your fears and concerns, and detailed about your needs. As you pray, ask The Holy Spirit to intercede for you, so that God will equip you for what He has for you. Pray for those who are hurting and suffering as you express God’s Love for them. You are kept in God’s Love to sustain, strengthen and uphold you, when you pray in faith. Live a prayerful life that is always in constant touch with The Father.
“Our confidence in God is revitalized each time we pray.”
5 My soul, wait silently for God alone, for my expectation is from Him. 6 He only is my rock and my salvation; He is my defense; I shall not be moved. 7 In God is my salvation and my glory; The rock of my strength, and my refuge is in God. 8 Trust in Him at all times, you people; Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us (Psalm 62). Selah
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