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Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from The Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers inc. Wheaton, Illinois 60189, all rights reserved.
A CALL TO HOLY LIVING
[1 Peter 1:13-16]So think clearly and exercise self-control. Look forward to the special blessings that will come to you at the return of Jesus Christ. Obey God because you are His children. Don’t slip back into your old ways of doing evil; you didn’t know any better then. But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God--- who chose you to be His children, is holy. For He Himself has said, “You must be holy because I am holy.”
No matter how difficult, or painful the circumstances may be, fixing our hope on Jesus Christ and Him alone, will give our life purpose and meaning. The Savior has promised always to be with us and to keep watch as a shepherd cares for his sheep [Matt. 28:20; John 10:14]. Through the Holy Spirit’s transforming power, troubled times can become opportunities to learn more about God’s faithfulness, draw on His strength, and experience spiritual growth. Notice the text says we are to resist our former lifestyle [i.e.
Don’t slip back into your old ways of doing evil…]. Satan will encourage us to pursue any path that leads away from the Lord. We need to remember we are new creations whose lifestyles are to match our position as children of God. That old behavior does not fit who we are in Christ. The text also says we are to make holiness our gold [i.e. but now you must be holy in everything you do…]. Being holy or set apart, begins with giving up control over our life to the Holy Spirit. As we submit to Him, He will begin to express the life of Christ through us. By learning what pleases God and acting accordingly, we cooperate with the Holy Spirit’s efforts to conform us to the Son’s image. May I say; while struggles are part of everyday life, we do not have to be overcome by them. Struggles are tools that God uses to transform our lives into the likeness of Christ. So rejoice in your circumstances, knowing that your Heavenly Father who will never leave you are forsake you, is working in your life for your good and His glory.
GOD HELPS FAITH GROW
[Romans 8:9]But you are not controlled by your sinful nature. You are controlled by the Spirit if you have the Spirit of God living in you. (And remember that those who do not have the Spirit of Christ living in them are not Christians at all.)
Have you ever wondered about whether or not you are really saved? A Christian is anyone who has the Spirit of God living in him. If you have sincerely trusted Christ and His merit alone for your salvation, acknowledged Him as Lord, then the Holy Spirit has come into your life, indwelt and sealed you, and you are a Christian. You won’t know that the Holy Spirit has come if you are waiting for a certain feeling; you will know He has come because Jesus promised He would. When the Holy Spirit is working within you, you will believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and that eternal life comes through Him alone. Scripture says, “that God’s Spirit will witness with your spirit.” May I say, you will know the Holy Spirit is witnessing and working within you, as you begin to act as Christ directs (Romans 8:5; Galatians 5:22-23); find help in your daily problems and in your praying (Romans 8:26-27); you will be empowered to serve God and do His will (Acts 1:8; Rom. 12:6); and you will become part of God’s plan to build up His church (Ephesians 4:12-13). Do you know, that you know; that you belong to Him? If you have placed your faith in Christ, God will help your faith grow, that’s a promise from God’s Word the Bible. Just ask Him for help.
ENCOURAGING ONE ANOTHER [1 THESSALONIANS 5:11]
So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.
Believers gain and maintain spiritual strength from the encouraging actions and words of other Christians. None of us can progress in our faith or stay true to our Lord without the help and encouragement of fellow believers. In fact we need this kind of healthy interaction every day, not one day out of seven. Notice what Paul says in Romans 1:11-12, “For I long to visit you so I can share a spiritual blessing with you that will help you grow strong in the Lord. I’m eager to encourage you in your faith, but I also want to be encouraged by yours. In this way, each of us will be a blessing to the other.” We are encouraged by encouraging others. Paul prayed for the chance to visit these Christians so that he could encourage them with his gift of faith and be encouraged by theirs. When believers come together, every one should give and receive. Our mutual faith gives us a common language and a common purpose for encouraging one another. Look around you. Be sensitive to other believers who might need a word of encouragement. Be supportive with your words and actions. This is what our Lord has called us to do. May God richly bless you
UNFORGIVENESS [EPHESIANS 4:31-32]
Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of malicious behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.
Unforgiveness is one of the most destructive behaviors possible. Impacting our prayers, relationships, even the thoughts we have. You can allow an unforgiving spirit to utterly ruin your life. Scripture is clear that we are to willingly and openly forgive anyone who causes us harm. The reason is that we ourselves have been forgiven. The grace that God pours out on each of us should be our motivation and example. If we have received His forgiveness, then we simply must do the same for others, even when it seems difficult or unfair.
What is forgiveness? simply put, it is the act of giving up resentment toward someone, along with the desire to retaliate. In other words, we surrender three things, (1) The general feeling of resentment, (2) the specific feelings towards a particular individual, and (3) all claims to retribution. Forgiveness is far more than a simply "I forgive you" statement. It involves a total change of action and attitude. One must say, "though you wronged me, I love and forgive you. I wish you the best and will help you however I can." Can you make this statement after being hurt? Pray for those who have wronged you, and release your resentment. May God bless you.
MAKING AN IMPACT [Matthew 5:13-16]
You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it useful again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless.
You are the light of the world---like a city on a mountain, glowing in the night for all to see. Don’t hide your light under a basket! Instead put it on a stand and let it shine for all. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.
SOWING SEED [Matthew 13:3-8]
A farmer went out to plant some seed. As he scattered it across his field, some fell on a footpath, and the birds came and ate them. Other seed fell on shallow soil with underlying rock. The plants sprang up quickly, but they soon wilted beneath the hot sun and died because the roots had no nourishment in the shallow soil. Other seeds fell among thorns that shot up and choked out the tender blades. But some seeds fell on fertile soil and produced a crop that was thirty, sixty, and even a hundred times as much as had been planted.
In verses 18-23 of this chapter in Matthew, Jesus explains this parable for us. The seed that fell on the footpath represents those who hear the Word but don’t take it in. It just remains on the surface, so the Evil One comes along and plucks it right out of that person’s heart. The seed that fell on shallow soil, represents those who hear and instantly responds with enthusiasm. But when the emotions wear off and some difficulty arrives, they are long gone. The seed that fell among thorns, represents those who hear the Word, but because of worry and worldly illusions, the Word is choked out. The seed that fell on good soil represent the person who hears and takes in the Word, and then bears a harvest beyond that persons wildest dreams.
May I say the gospel message cannot be reduced to a simple formula. Note…. the farmer sowed good seed, (i.e. the Word of God) but not all the seed sprouted, and even the plants that grew had varying yields. Child of God don’t be discourage if you do not always see results as you faithfully follow Him, witnessing by word and deed to His saving grace. Belief cannot be forced to follow a mathematical formula. Rather, it is a miracle of God’s Holy Spirit as He uses your life and words to lead others to Jesus. The four types of soil represent different responses to God’s message, don’t miss that. People respond differently because they are in different states of readiness. Some are hardened, others are shallow, others are contaminated by distracting worries, and some are receptive. God called us only to be faithful in our relationship with Him, to abide in Him. He gives the increase. Jesus said you can do nothing without me. You think about that.
GOOD NEWS [Romans 1:2-3]
This Good News was promised long ago by God through his prophets in the holy Scriptures. It is the Good News about His Son, Jesus, who came as a man, born into King David’s royal family line.
The Good News is a message about Jesus Christ. In these two verses, Paul summarizes the Good News about Jesus, who came as a human by natural descent, was part of the Jewish royal line through David, died and was raised from the dead, and open the door for God’s kingdom to be poured out on us. The book of Romans is an expansion of these themes.
The Good News is a message that can be passed on. Christians have both privilege and responsibility. Note…Paul and the apostles received forgiveness of their sins (grace)… as well as the responsibility to share the message of God’s forgiveness with others. God also graciously forgives our sins. When we receive through faith the Lord Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, we become new creatures in Christ. Along with this new life comes a God-given responsibility to witness of God’s Good News to the world as a missionary. Now God may not call you to be an overseas missionary, but He does call you (and all believers) to witness and be an example of the changed life that Jesus Christ has begun in you. You think about that.
BY FAITH ALONE [Romans 1:17]
This Good News tells us how God makes us right in His sight. This is accomplished from start to finish by faith. As the Scriptures say, “It is through faith that a righteous person has life.”
The Good News shows us both how righteous God is in His plan for us to be saved and also how we may be made fit for eternal life. By trusting Christ, our relationship with God is made right. “
From start to finish.” God declares us to be right with Him because of faith and faith alone. Paul quotes from Habakkuk 2:4 showing that the righteous will live by faith. As we trust in the Lord Jesus Christ, we are saved. We have life both now and forever. Scripture is clear; we are saved by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone, based on Scripture alone. Dear friend, if you have never received Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, placed your faith in Him alone, and in His finished work on Calvary’s cross, acknowledged your sins to Him, and ask Him to save you; It is my earnest prayer that you will do so now. The Bible says, for “today is the day of salvation,” we have no promise of a tomorrow. You think about that friend.
NOT ASHAMED [Romans 1:16]
For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes--the Jew first and also the Gentile.
Paul was not ashamed to preach the Gospel, because his message was the Good News about Jesus Christ. It was a message of salvation. It had life changing power, and it was for everyone. When you are tempted to be ashamed, remember what the Good News is all about. If you focus on Christ and on what God is doing in the world rather than on your own inadequacy, you won’t be ashamed or embarrassed. When we fully understand what Christ has done for us and what He offers to others, we will be motivated to share the Gospel. Ask the Lord to rekindle that first love for Him, to give you the desire to obey Him, and to tell others the Good News. God bless.
CRUCIFIED WITH CHRIST [Galatians 2:20].
My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.
How have we been crucified with Christ? Legally, God looks at us as if we had died with Christ. Because our sins died with Him (past, present, and future) we are no longer under condemnation. (Colossians 2:13-15)-(Romans 8:1). Relationally, we have been placed in Christ and became one with Him. His experiences are ours. Our Christian life began when, in unity with Him, we died to our old life (Romans 6:5-11). May I say, that in our daily walk we must regularly put off, (that is die to) our fallen nature, by putting to death our sinful desires that keeps us from following Christ. Yet child of God the focus of Christianity is not on dying, but on living. Because we have been crucified with Christ, we have also been raised with Him (Romans 6:5) to walk in newness of life. Legally, we have been reconciled with God (2 Corinthians 5:19) and are free to grow into Christ likeness (Romans 8:29). Note! In our daily life we have Christ’s resurrection power as we continue to struggle with remaining sin (Ephesians 1:19-20). This means we are no longer alone. For Christ lives in us, He is our power for living and our hope for the future (Colossians 1:27). You thank about that.
TURNING AWAY ANGER [Proverbs 15:1]
A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare.
Have you ever tried to argue in a whisper? It is equally hard to argue with someone, if not impossible, who insists on answering gently. On the other hand, a rising voice and harsh words almost always trigger an angry response. To turn away wrath and seek peace, choose gentle words. The Bible says in Romans 15: 2-3; “Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. For even Christ did not please Himself but, as it is written: The insults of those who insult you have fallen on Me.” May I say out of control anger; anger that is not righteous anger, does not fit who you are in Christ Jesus. James 1: 19-20 says; “My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.”
TRUST IN THE LORD [Proverbs 3: 5-6]
Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do, and He will show you which path to take.
We must not be wise in our own eyes, but be willing to listen to and be corrected by God’s Word. Bring your decisions to God in prayer, use the Bible as your guide; and then follow the Holy Spirit’s leading. He will direct your paths by both guiding and protecting you. He promises in His Word, to never leave nor forsake you. He wants the best for you and He loves you unconditionally, without limit, and will always lead you down the right pathway.
WISDOM… GOD’S GIFT [Proverbs 2:6-7]
For the Lord grants wisdom! From His mouth come knowledge and understanding. He grants a treasure of common sense to the honest. He is a shield to those who walk with integrity.
Wisdom’s starting point is God and His revealed Word. The source of knowledge and understanding. God gives wisdom and victory to the godly, but not to those who drift through life or act irresponsibly with His gifts. If we are faithful to Him and keep our focus on Jesus Christ, if we abide in Him, and allow the Holy Spirit to work in and through us, the Lord will grant wisdom and keep us from pride and greed.
TRUE KNOWLEDGE [Proverbs 1:7]
Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.
In this age of information and technology, knowledge is plentiful, but wisdom is scarce. Wisdom means far more than simply knowing a lot. It is a basic attitude that affects every aspect of life. The foundation of knowledge is to fear the Lord---to honor Him, to respect Him, to live in awe of His power, and to obey His Word. Faith in the resurrected Christ should be the controlling principle for your understanding of the world, your attitudes, and your actions. Trust in God, He will make you truly wise.
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