OBEY THE INSTRUCTIONS

Romans 6:18
Now you are free from sin,
your old master, and you
have become slaves to your
new master, righteousness.




This world has only two masters, the Righteous One and the sinful master. Paul taught us in Romans 6:16, “Don't you realize that whatever you choose to obey becomes your master? You can choose sin, which leads to death, or you can choose to obey God and receive his approval.” The Righteous One is God, and the Bible is His written instruction manual. Obey those instructions regardless of your own thoughts and flesh, and you’ll live a righteous and blessed life under the Righteous One.

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YOUR BEST WEAPON

2 Corinthians 10:4
We use God's mighty weapons,
not mere worldly weapons,
to knock down the
Devil's strongholds.




There is a very real spiritual battle going on all around us at this very moment. This battle is the main reason that Jesus taught His disciples about the power of prayer. Paul told us in Ephesians 6:11 to, “Put on all of God's armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies and tricks of the Devil.” The armor that Paul is writing about is the defensive method that will protect you during the spiritual battles. Paul teaches about your attacking weapon in Ephesians 6:18 when he tells us, “Pray at all times and on every occasion in the power of the Holy Spirit. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all Christians everywhere.” James told us in James 5:16 that people need to, “Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and wonderful results.” The mighty weapon of God is prayer. Use this weapon and you'll score the victory over the spiritual enemies that are at hand.

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GIVE GENEROUSLY

2 Corinthians 9:11
Yes, you will be enriched so that
you can give even more generously.
And when we take your gifts to
those who need them, they will
break out in thanksgiving to God.




I’d about read about a preacher who was just about to baptize someone when the person said, “Wait! I forgot my wallet in the dressing room, I want you to baptize it with me!” Sound strange? A little odd? Well, this person understood the very serious financial responsibility of God’s work. God’s promise is that you’ll be enriched so that you can give more generously so that the beneficiaries of your generosity will break out in praise and thanksgiving to God. Are you giving generously to the point where you can see the blessings upon those around you?

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SAFE HAVEN

Hebrews 7:25
Therefore he is able,
once and forever, to
save everyone who comes
to God through him.
He lives forever to plead
with God on their behalf.




History tells us that in ancient Israel, six cities were founded as cities of refuge. Anyone that had taken the life of another without malice or premeditation could take refuge in one of these cities. Once that person was inside those city walls that person could not be touched for vengeance or judgment. Once a year, rabbis would have the roads leading to these cities repaired and cleared, so that men fleeing for their lives would have a clear path to their safe haven. It's in this very same way that we run to Jesus Christ for refuge and salvation. It is Christ that pleads to the Father on our behalf, clearing our way to His forgiveness. Always remember that even though you're covered in sin, Jesus Christ is your Bridge to the Father where you might find peace, rest and refuge. He is your Safe Haven.

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FOLLOWING THROUGH

Ecclesiastes 5:4
So when you make a promise to God,
don't delay in following through,
for God takes no pleasure in fools.
Keep all the promises you make to him.



Have you ever promised God anything? Was there ever a time when you prayed for something and tried to make a deal with God? Well, if you ever did and if you’ve forgotten about it, I assure you that God has not forgotten that moment. God created us in His image and likeness, and we should behave with integrity and keep our promises. Hebrews 6:18 teaches us, “So God has given us both his promise and his oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can take new courage, for we can hold on to his promise with confidence.” Put some effort into fulfilling all your promises and you’ll soon realize the value of His promises made to you.

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FINDING OUT YOUR PURPOSE

Acts 20:24
But my life is worth nothing
unless I use it for doing
the work assigned me by the
Lord Jesus – the work of
telling others the Good News
about God's wonderful
kindness and love.




The difference between living and existing is knowing your purpose as designed by God. An Indian Chief once said, “When you know who you are, when your mission is clear and you burn with the inner fire of unbreakable will, no cold can touch your heart, no deluge can dampen your purpose. You know that you are alive.” Many times we surrender to the challenges of life simply because we really don’t know why we’re here. That’s exactly why Acts 20:24 says, “life is worth nothing” unless you use your life for your Godly purpose. Are you interested in living and not just merely existing? Just know your purpose. So, have you spent time finding out what your life's purpose is?

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REAP A HARVEST OF BLESSINGS

Psalm 84:11
For the LORD God is our light
and protector. He gives us
grace and glory. No good thing
will the LORD withhold from
those who do what is right.




Psalm 84:11 holds a promise that people miss quite often. Just as everybody pursues glory in what they do, the Bible teaches us how to achieve glory from the Old Testament to the New Testament according to Paul in Galatians 6:9, “So don't get tired of doing what is good. Don't get discouraged and give up, for we will reap a harvest of blessing at the appropriate time.” Just do what is right. Don’t give up on doing what's right, and God will make good on His promise. God withholds nothing from us when we do what's right. So, are you doing what's right?

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PEOPLE GET READY

John 3:26-28
John's disciples came to him and said,
"Teacher, the man you met on the other
side of the Jordan River, the one you
said was the Messiah, is also baptizing
people. And everybody is going over
there instead of coming here to us."
John replied, "God in heaven appoints
each person's work. You yourselves know
how plainly I told you that I am not
the Messiah. I am here to prepare
the way for him — that is all.




John the Baptist is the final prophet recognized by the Jewish people. He was the preparer of the way for the Lord Jesus Christ. John baptized Jesus even though he felt unworthy to do so, but Jesus said, “Do it” because it was the will of the God the Father. John also proclaimed that Jesus was the Lamb of God that takes away the sins of the world. Jesus, the Messiah, the Lamb of God, was the final sacrificial offering made for the forgiveness of man’s sins. John’s actions have taught us that our role is to prepare people for the coming of the Messiah into their very hearts. Prepare the way! People get ready!

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NOTHING IS CERTAIN IN LIFE

Ecclesiastes 7:14
Enjoy prosperity while you can.
But when hard times strike,
realize that both come from God.
That way you will realize that
nothing is certain in this life.



You can be rich today and poor tomorrow; healthy today and sick tomorrow; happy today and depressed tomorrow. There is nothing certain in this life except for God and His promises. The Bible says to enjoy whatever you have today because it can all change by tomorrow. Don’t forget that things happen because God allows them to happen. Just remember that you’re on a journey where nothing is certain if you go it alone. Stay close to God and you’ll always be fine.

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DYING ON THE INSIDE

Acts 8:3
Saul was going everywhere to devastate the church.
He went from house to house, dragging out both
men and women to throw them into jail.




Christianity has been hindered and challenged by all forms of outside attack, but those that have tried to destroy the church have usually ended up serving Christ much like Saul, who became the Apostle Paul. Nothing can destroy the work of God, but if Christians will not live the way Jesus lived, the church may deteriorate from the inside. A college president once said, “I do not believe the greatest threat to our future is from bombs or guided missiles. I don’t think our civilization will end that way. I think it will die when we no longer care.” A British historian said that, “Nineteen of twenty-one civilizations have died from within and not by conquest from without. There were no bands playing and flags waving when these civilizations decayed. It happened slowly, in the quiet and in the dark when no one was aware.” Fan the flame of fire in your heart and do your part to bring more souls to Christ. You don't want to be part of an inside job that brings the church to its knees.

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THESE ARE THE FACTS

1 John 5:10
All who believe in the Son of God
know that this is true. Those who
don't believe this are actually calling
God a liar because they don't believe
what God has testified about his Son.




The biggest challenge facing people today when it comes to believing in God has to do with the arrival of God’s Son in physical form on earth. Generally speaking, people believe in God or in some kind of god, but believing in Jesus as the Son of God is whole other thing. For the most part, such a claim could explain why the leaders of Jesus' day moved to crucify Him. They didn’t believe that Jesus was God in human flesh. God the Father said in Hebrews 1:8, “But to his Son he says, ‘Your throne, O God, endures forever and ever. Your royal power is expressed in righteousness.’” Even if people don’t believe in Jesus as God, it doesn’t change that Jesus is God the Son. The Bible says you are actually calling God a liar if you don't believe what God has testified about his Son. Jesus our Lord is God. Accepting that fact is the challenge.

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ALL OF YOUR DAYS

Galatians 3:14
Through the work of
Christ Jesus, God has
blessed the Gentiles
with the same blessing
he promised to Abraham,
and we Christians
receive the promised
Holy Spirit through faith.




If you don’t know about the promise of God to Abraham, it comes up in Genesis 12:2-3, "I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you." All of the blessings and protection from God are handed to us through our Lord Jesus Christ. Receive Jesus as Lord and Savior with all your heart for Him to be able to move in your life and bless all of your days.

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SERVE ENTHUSIASTICALLY

Romans 12:11
Never be lazy in your work, but
serve the Lord enthusiastically.




Have you ever heard someone utter the words, “I’m bored”? This phrase is typically spoken by people that don't know their purpose at a particular moment. For me personally, it can even imply that the person saying the words is lazy. When it comes to laziness, Proverbs 10:4 teaches us that, “Lazy people are soon poor; hard workers get rich.” In Proverbs 10:26, we learn that, “Lazy people are a pain to their employer. They are like smoke in the eyes or vinegar that sets the teeth on edge.” Christians need to be examples of what good workers are because 1 Thessalonians 2:4 says, “Our purpose is to please God, not people. He is the one who examines the motives of our hearts.” An example of Christ’s feelings on laziness can be found in John 5:17 when Jesus says, “My Father never stops working, so why should I?” There’s never a moment where someone can say, “I don’t have anything to do.” There's always something to do. Always. Get up, shake off the excuses and get yourself moving!

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THE BEGINNING OF SUCCESS

Hosea 14:9
Let those who are wise
understand these things.
Let those who are
discerning listen carefully.
The paths of the LORD
are true and right,
and righteous people
live by walking in them.
But sinners stumble and
fall along the way.




George S. Forest, Canada's most prominent champion of French-language rights wrote:
If there are a hundred steps
In thy path to success
And ye have not reached it
In ninety-nine of them
Do not conclude
That the journey is a failure
Press on and up...
the prizes are generally at the end of an effort
not at its beginning...
And not to go on
Is to miss them
Be valiant...
Have faith in yourself
Success belongs to him
Who dares to win it
These are some truly beautiful and inspiring words. I believe, however, that we have to always remember that God has a plan and path for your, as well. The path the Lord has for you is true and right, and as children of God we are commanded to walk in that path. Success doesn't begin by having faith in yourself, it begins by having faith in the One that gives you the victory.

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ALWAYS BE JOYFUL

1 Thessalonians 5:16
Always be joyful.



I read a story about an attention grabbing wheelchair bound man rolling along a busy street singing joyfully and loudly. Someone asked him, “How can you be so happy when you’re stuck in that wheelchair?” He answered with a grateful smile, “Once I stopped thinking about what I lost and began concentrating on what I had left, I found that I had a lot to be happy about.” The math of this equation is easy: one man plus God equals a majority. We have everything we need if we have God because everything is His: past, present and future. Always be joyful in the knowledge that He is your great Redeemer and that when you add Him to your life you'll always have more than enough.

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EVEN THE WORST OF US

1 Timothy 1:15
This is a true saying, and
everyone should believe it:
Christ Jesus came into
the world to save sinners —
and I was the worst of them all.




Prior to becoming an Apostle, Saul was best known for leading a movement to kill the Christians of his day. Just imagine how the Apostle Paul felt each time he recalled the murders of the faithful? He actually thought he was wiping out Christians for God. That only changed when Saul met the Lord Jesus on the road to Damascus and became Paul. When you meet Jesus Christ personally and receive Him as Savior, you too become enlightened seeing clearly whether or not what you are doing in this life is right or wrong. Take the time to get to know Christ by using His Word. You'll find out something very interesting - even the worst of sinners can have eternal life if they accept the Lord's free gift of salvation. Even the very worst.

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DRIVE AWAY FOOLISHNESS

Proverbs 22:15
A youngster's heart is
filled with foolishness,
but discipline will
drive it away.




It seems like since the beginning of time that teenagers have had the “I know” attitude and response. For a teen, almost every decision and action is made with a predetermined feeling that they’re already right. Well, while teenagers might feel that way, God still gives us institutions to mold us through discipline. It all starts in your family, home, church, school and government. Each institution has a code of disciplines and these disciplines have been established to prevent foolish actions, guiding us to the right way to live. Always remember, if you spare the rod, you'll spoil the child. So don't be like a spoiled child. Take the time to appreciate and learn from the disciplines that you're being blessed with.

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BE A GOOD EXAMPLE

Titus 2:7
And you yourself must be
an example to them by doing
good deeds of every kind.
Let everything you do
reflect the integrity and
seriousness of your teaching.




I remember this story about a single dad who wanted to go to a nearby bar to have a drink during a snowy winter night, but his young son was still awake. Well, the young father tucked his son in to put the boy to sleep and quietly left their home heading straight for the bar. A few minutes later while into his first drink, he felt something tugging lightly at his pants. When he looked down he saw that it was his young son in his pajamas holding his teddy bear. He asked his son, “How did you get here?” The boy replied, “I woke up and you weren’t there. I went looking for you and I saw your footsteps in the snow, so I followed them.” You could be one of two persons in this story. If you were the little boy following after your father’s leading footsteps, where would you end up? If you were the father with your son following in your footsteps, where would you lead your family? Let your life be a good example and know that good or bad, everything you do will eventually be reflected back.

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INNER STRENGTH

Ephesians 3:16
I pray that from his glorious,
unlimited resources he will
give you mighty inner strength
through his Holy Spirit.




Theodore Roosevelt once said, “Far better is it to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even though checkered by failure... than to rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy much nor suffer much, because they live in a gray twilight that knows not victory nor defeat.” We have to take on the challenges of life no matter how impossible they appear to be. Take courage because we have our God through the Holy Spirit, who is willing to give us the mighty inner strength to succeed and be victorious. In the heat of battle, the truly faithful can expect His unlimited resources and wisdom on the battlefield when the challenges seem most impossible.

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ENDURANCE CHALLENGE

2 Timothy 3:10-12
But you know what I teach, Timothy,
and how I live, and what my purpose
in life is. You know my faith and
how long I have suffered. You know
my love and my patient endurance.
You know how much persecution and
suffering I have endured. You know
all about how I was persecuted in
Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra — but
the Lord delivered me from all of it.
Yes, and everyone who wants to
live a godly life in Christ Jesus
will suffer persecution.




In the life of Christians, trials are normal. Job was a faithful believer that suffered some of the greatest trials ever, yet he said in Job 2:10, “Should we accept only good things from the hands of God and never anything bad?" God never persecutes us. Persecution comes from God’s enemies. God allows these trials, however, to happen so that we can experience His power and so that His enemies can experience His might. The trials that are given to you, while difficult and challenging, are never above what He has gifted you to overcome and experience growth in Christ. Meet the challenges before you with faith, endurance and perseverance. It may be difficult at times, but the double portion of blessings are waiting for you at the finish line.

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ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE

Exodus 33:14
And the LORD replied, "I will
personally go with you, Moses.
I will give you rest —
everything will be fine for you."




Moses actually begged God to go with him because he wanted to guarantee that the world would know for sure that his mission came directly from God. It really should have been enough that God promised him that everything would be fine and that Moses would have rest and assurance. Harriet Beecher Stowe, upon seeing the suffering of American pre-Civil War slaves transcribed their stories into the famed book, Uncle Tom’s Cabin. In a matter of months after publishing, the book was translated into other languages, and it would take three giant printing presses running non-stop to keep up with demand. The famed book played a major role in the nearly impossible task of abolishing slavery in the United States. That impossible task became possible when God became part of the equation. Certainly there are things in your life that seem impossible. Always remember that with God, even the most impossible challenges become possible when God goes with you and carries you through the storm.

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FIND YOURSELF

Philippians 4:11
Not that I was ever in need,
for I have learned how to get
along happily whether
I have much or little.




Arthur Tonne once told a story about the Japanese legend, “Hasnu The Stonecutter.” While Hasnu was carving a huge stone, he began to feel miserable and tired, and in his weariness he began to wish for easier work and more money. Hasnu saw the king riding upon his royal horse and he wish that he could know what it was like to be king – and suddenly his wish was granted. But while riding upon his royal horse, Hasnu the King became miserable and tired from the sun beating down upon his head and neck. He realized that the sun was stronger than a king, so he wished to be the sun – and suddenly his wish was granted again. But as Hasnu the Sun shined down upon the earth, a cloud quickly formed and burst rain over the land and mountains, running down the creeks and rivers, moving everything in its path except for a huge stone. Yes, of course, that huge stone was mightier than the water, so he wished to be a stone – and again his wish was granted. As Hasnu the Stone sat along the river bed, a stonecutter arrived with a hammer and chisel, powerfully hacking the stone into shape. It was only then that Hasnu the Stonecutter found contentment in his situation. Life's journey will feature ups and downs, and you may feel envious of others along the way. Strive to be content and to enjoy your life, and know that God knows your beginning and your end, your strengths and your weaknesses. He will guide you along as you, much like Hasnu, find yourself.

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YOU CAN'T TAKE IT WITH YOU

Mark 10:21
Jesus felt genuine love for
this man as he looked at him.
"You lack only one thing,"
he told him. "Go and sell all
you have and give the money
to the poor, and you will
have treasure in heaven.
Then come, follow me."




It’s storied that very early on in his career, John D. Rockefeller was determined to earn a whole lot of money. At 33, he had already earned his first million dollars. At 43, he controlled the largest company in the world. At 53, he was the world’s sole billionaire. All this, but he would find himself suddenly overcome with the disease Alopecia. Rockefeller would become sickly to the point that the only things he could digest were milk and dry crackers. His doctors even told him that he only had 12 more months to live. Well, Rockefeller realized that money wasn’t everything and he began to give his enormous fortune away in helping churches, the poor and the needy. Incredibly, he went on to live an additional 45 years before dying at the ripe old age of 98, and he enjoyed a fruitful and giving life. The wealthiest man of his era learned that true treasures and wealth are stored only in Heaven. So what are you doing with your treasures, wealth and gifts? Have you already come to realize that you can't take it with you?

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TIME TO GET FIT

1 Timothy 4:8
Physical exercise has some value,
but spiritual exercise is much more
important, for it promises a reward
in both this life and the next.




There should be a balance between one's physical exercise and spiritual exercise, as well as the rewards that are involved. 1 Timothy 4:8 clearly states that physical exercise has some value. Sadly, some ministers and church leaders have a tendency to live an unbalanced lifestyle that focuses solely on spiritual exercise and zero physical exercise. This poor example of leadership trickles over to other church leaders, and right on down to church members and along to church attendees. It brings to mind the "Diet Prayer" by Jill Wolf:
“Dear Lord, help me to stick to this diet no matter how much I’m tempted to cheat. Grant me the strength to refuse second helpings, the patience to count calories, and the courage to step on the scales. May the refrigerator contain nothing fattening in the middle of the night when my will is weak and my hunger is strong. And lead me not into the temptation of chocolate. Bless me with good health and a healthy outlook to take this diet one day at a time. I ask your help in all these things so I can become the person I know you meant me to be. Amen.”
Face it. Your body is God’s temple. Take some time to take care of it and live healthy.

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IN EVERYTHING YOU DO

Proverbs 3:6
In everything you do,
put God first, and he will
direct you and crown
your efforts with success.




Success is a relative term. The evidence of success, as far as people are concerned, typically involves a great deal money and ownership of valuables. It brings to mind a story I'd once heard about two good friends: a young pastor and an older attorney who married into wealth. Between them, my attorney friend always felt that the young pastor would never amount to anything. On the other hand, the young pastor held the lawyer in high esteem and considered him a dear friend. As God would have it, the wealthy attorney's daughter fell in love with and married the young pastor. Needless to say, her father was deeply disappointed, failing to attend their wedding and ceasing communications with the young couple for several years - until he was diagnosed with terminal cancer. At that point, he realized that his riches were of absolutely no value. Knowing that his life would soon be over, my attorney friend began a vigorous search for God. For guidance, he sought out his son-in-law, who had developed into a seasoned and experienced pastor. It’s a sad, but true story. Put God first in your life, let Him take the wheel and drive you toward the blessings He has waiting for you. Remember that His ways are not your ways. Without a doubt, it’s better to be successful in God’s eyes than in your own.

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