BABY FOOD

1 Corinthian 3:2

I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready.

Our spiritual health should be treated just like our physical health when it comes to growth. Many Christians, however, are still sucking upon babies' milk and are not eating solid foods. Simple evidence of stunted spiritual growth is envying and quarreling among Christian brothers and sisters. As a parent, I've seen my children display these attitudes as younger children bickering and envious of one another if the other had a new toy. Now that they're older, I've found that they’ve grown as they exhibit happiness when they give something to each other. Eating solid spiritual food is just like applying the hard realities of the Word of God to how we live our lives. Are you eating solid spiritual food or are you still sucking upon babies' milk? If you're not sure, you ought to put some effort into finding out.

PEACE LOVER

Psalm 37:37

Look at those who are honest and good, for a wonderful future lies before those who love peace.

This world has not experienced real peace since man fell into sin because the world neglects to actually know peace. I once read about a hermit who renounced the world, losing all of his worldly possessions, yet he still found no peace. In his isolation he felt so lonely that it seemed the Lord was asking for something more from the hermit. The hermit yelled out loud, “I have given you everything!” The Lord replied, “All but one thing… your sins.” Be honest with yourself. If you are living in sin, you will never have peace. Choose peace, being honest and good. So, are you living in a sin?

FAMILY VALUES

Matthew 10:37

Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me

God demands a love beyond the love we have for our family. Matthew 10:37 is the verse where Jesus clearly presents who needs to be obeyed between your parents and God the Father. In Matthew 12:47-50, someone told Jesus that, "Your mother and your brothers are outside, and they want to speak to you." Jesus asked, "Who is my mother? Who are my brothers?" Then he pointed to his disciples and said, "These are my mother and brothers. Anyone who does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother!" Children should obey their parents because God has given that order. However, parents need to appreciate the privilege that God has given them in their children, but also realize that the very privilege should not be used to cause children to disobey Him.

A NEW YOU

Romans 6:3-4

Don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.

Right or wrong, baptism has become a religious symbol. There are many out there who feel that when you’re baptized, you become apart of a "religion." Some religions have taken to baptizing infants in a christening ceremony, even though the child has no sincere understanding of what’s even happening during the ceremony. This is the complete opposite of what the Bible teaches through Jesus’ example because Jesus was baptized as an adult. Baptism is a conscious act of declaration that you’ve received the Lord Jesus Christ as your Savior and you now desire to be identified with Him. This means that a baptism should only take place when a person has consciously accepted that they’re a sinner and they’ve received the crucifixion of Jesus as their means of salvation. Baptism is a public and symbolic gesture that your old life is crucified with Him and His resurrection is the beginning of your new life in Christ.

WALKING IN AGREEMENT

Amos 3:3

Do two walk together unless they have agreed to do so?

An contractual agreement binds two parties together, setting each party's accountability to each other to help all that are involved complete the purpose of the contractual relationship. The Bible teaches us about two men who walked in agreement with God: Enoch and Noah. Enoch never experienced death and was even brought up to heaven by God in Genesis 5:24 as a result of his pleasing walk with Him. Noah became the root of all generations after the Lord sent the great flood that doomed all people for not repenting from their sins. Enoch and Noah are proof that being in agreement with God can provide amazing results. Find out and carry through on what His will is for your life and you’ll find yourself in agreement with God, the results of which will likely be amazing.

THE SPIRITED SIDE OF YOU

2 Corinthians 11:23

They say they serve Christ? I know I sound like a madman, but I have served him far more! I have worked harder, been put in jail more often, been whipped times without number, and faced death again and again.

While on your Christian walk, when you look back in time before you knew Christ personally, you'll likely find that you were quite bold when it came to doing things that you now realize are unpleasing to God. It probably began with being disobedient to your parents many times over. You might have even tried vices that you knew were bad for you like alcohol, smoking, gambling and many others. You were likely taught to tell the truth, but you learned and chose to lie anyway. However, once Christ came into your life you probably began to make changes in your decision making. You probably began to make good decisions instead of poor decisions. Making the right choices, however, doesn't mean that you lose the fervent spirit of your individual self. In fact, you can still use that spirited side of your personality, but you should use it for Christ and His Kingdom. Use your spirited personality to serve with a powerful, willing and committed energy.

ONCE FOR ALL OF TIME

1 Peter 3:18

Christ also suffered when he died for our sins once for all time. He never sinned, but he died for sinners that he might bring us safely home to God. He suffered physical death, but he was raised to life in the Spirit.

That which is missing from man’s existence isn’t money, health or any worldly items that can be pursued with any level of effort. Even if you were able to achieve or amass all the things you desire, you’d still find yourself personally lacking and you would still crave for more. There would always be that feeling of being incomplete. That feeling of having something missing from your life. The thing that's missing is the personal cleansing from sin and the presence of God in your life to feel that cleanliness. Until you are cleansed from sin, there’ll be no satisfaction with your pursuits. The death of Jesus gives you the cleansing that you desire deep in your soul – the desire to travel safely home to God.

STRONG AND PURE FAITH

1 Peter 1:7

These trials are only to test your faith, to show that it is strong and pure. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold — and your faith is far more precious to God than mere gold. So if your faith remains strong after being tried by fiery trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.

Trials will test your faith, and they will strengthen and purify your faith, as well. We learn about how God views our faith with importance when Hebrews 11:6 teaches us, “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” Romans 14:23 says, “And everything that does not come from faith is sin.” Don’t let any trials or challenges leave you feeling defeated. Always remember that the trials are a test to make your faith stronger and they are not intended to crush you. Your faith is so precious to God and He just want to build upon it. How strong is your faith today?

MIND YOUR OWN BUSINESS

1 Thessalonians 4:11

This should be your ambition: to live a quiet life, minding your own business and working with your hands, just as we commanded you before.

The church at Thessalonica was a loving and ideal church. However, there were some who were idle gossipers that disturbed others with their uncontrolled tongues. These people, instead of working, would go from house to house, gossiping and becoming a burden to others. They would continually meddle in people’s lives under the guise of religion. James 3:8-9 says, “But no one can tame the tongue. It is an uncontrollable evil, full of deadly poison. Sometimes it praises our Lord and Father, and sometimes it breaks out into curses against those who have been made in the image of God.” Be ambitious and make every effort to tame your tongue. Mind your own business and you’ll find yourself living a quiet life. So, how tamed is your tongue?

AN INSIDE MAN

1 Chronicles 29:17

I know, my God, that you examine our hearts and rejoice when you find integrity there. You know I have done all this with good motives, and I have watched your people offer their gifts willingly and joyously.

Integrity is all about truthfulness and the best way for us have integrity is by integrating Jesus into our lives and letting Him into our hearts. I remember a quote that reads, "when sin is inside, it’s because the Son is on the outside." Jesus is God the Son. He is the Truth as we learn from John 14:6. When He is actively alive in our lives we are capable of doing all the right things with all the right motives. Without the Son on the inside of our lives, Isaiah 64:6 tells us that, “We are all infected and impure with sin. When we proudly display our righteous deeds, we find they are but filthy rags. Like autumn leaves, we wither and fall. And our sins, like the wind, sweep us away.” Get the Son on the inside and your life will be filled with truth and integrity.

OUR PRIMAL NATURE

Ephesians 2:3

All of us used to live that way, following the passions and desires of our evil nature. We were born with an evil nature, and we were under God's anger just like everyone else.

Ephesians 2:3 speaks about our actual human nature before God gave us a new life in Christ. Anybody who gives their life to Jesus, according to 2 Corinthians 5:17, “is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” The choice, however, to become this new creation or to remain the old creature is ours to make. The only way to escape from the lustful desires of our old evil nature is to choose the new nature offered to us by our Lord Jesus Christ. What kind life are you leading right now? Are you succumbing to your old self and your old lustful desires or have you chosen to become a new creature? You won't have to look far to find what will likely be some obvious evidence.

JUSTICE AND FORGIVENESS

2 Peter 2:4

For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but sent them to hell, putting them into gloomy dungeons to be held for judgment.

The Word of God tells us all about the punishment in store for us for our disobedience. This isn’t something that the Lord likes doing, but His justice demands that a penalty be paid. In stark contrast, His love implores us to be forgiving. This dichotomy helps us to understand the lesson of Romans 2:4, “Don't you realize how kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Or don't you care? Can't you see how kind he has been in giving you time to turn from your sin?” Jesus teaches us in Luke 5:32 that, “I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance." Ask for God’s forgiveness and let Him rule your life – before it’s too late. The punishment for never repenting is a gloomy eternity in hell.

PICK A SIDE

1 John 5:19

We know that we are children of God and that the world around us is under the power and control of the evil one.

While this verse unveils a tough reality, it still speaks the truth. It very simply explains why people sometimes behave the way they do since the people of the world are either under God’s power or the evil one’s power. The way for us to be under God's power is to be reconciled through our Lord Jesus Christ. Outside of Jesus, you will certainly fall under the power of the evil one. Romans 5:10 teaches us that, “For if, when we were God's enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life!” If you’re seeking victory, peace and eternity in heaven, make no mistakes about placing yourself under the power and control of God.

OBEDIENCE AND LOVE

John 15:10

When you obey me, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father and remain in his love.

John 15:10 is crystal clear about the fact that obedience is what keeps us in God’s love. It doesn't mean that when we're disobedient that the Lord doesn't love us, but rather it means that you're actively shutting His love out of your own life. For example, I'll always love my kids, but when they disobey me it simply means they’re not doing what I've asked them to do. Whatever plans I’ve made for them, however good they may be, are not going to happen because of their disobedience. Our God is an all-knowing God and He knows what's best and perfect for each of us. He wants us to experience His plan because He loves us. Obey the Lord and remain in God’s love. You’ll be happy that you did.

A FORGIVING SPIRIT

Luke 11:4

And forgive us our sins — just as we forgive those who have sinned against us. And don't let us yield to temptation.

Christians ought to remember that life's journey takes us toward the success that God has designed for us. When our walk is straight and obedient, we successfully reach the goals at the exact times that God designed. However, two things that could delay or hinder the journey are temptation and an unforgiving spirit. When we fall into temptation, blessings are slow to come and we find ourselves in need of God’s forgiveness. A forgiving spirit requires you to follow God’s command to forgive those who have sinned against you. Sometimes it can be as simple as telling a person that wronged you, “You’re forgiven,” and then never speaking of that trial again. Do you find yourself ever harboring any unforgiving feelings? Don't be tempted into a mindset of "getting even." What is your obstacle hindering you from having a forgiving spirit?

TOP OF THE FOOD CHAIN

Psalm 34:10

Even strong young lions sometimes go hungry, but those who trust in the LORD will never lack any good thing.

Lions have long been considered the “King of the Jungle” because they live at the top of the food chain. Few animals dare to challenge a lion, even during periods of extreme hunger. The Bible, however, says sometimes lions “go hungry but those who trust in the Lord will never lack any good thing.” This has been God’s design from the beginning. Genesis 2:16 says, “And the LORD God commanded the man, ‘You are free to eat from any tree in the garden.’” If you’re lacking in any area of your life, then you’re lacking trust in Him. What does that mean? It means you’ve not given your entire life over to God to manage so that he can provide all your needs. Trust Him and you’ll find yourself never lacking.

ABSURD THOUGHTS

Ecclesiastes 5:10

Those who love money will never have enough. How absurd to think that wealth brings true happiness!

The phrase, “Counting your chickens before they’re hatched,” comes from the story of Alnaschar, a character from the classic The Arabian Nights. Alnaschar dreamed of investing all of his money in a basket of glassware and he planned on using his sales profits to make even more money until he'd become wealthy enough to marry a high ranking official’s daughter. In his dream, however, he became angry and accidentally kicked his imaginary future wife causing his basket of glassware to fall, breaking all of his wares. The hard lesson for people is that money will never be enough to realize your dreams. If you pursue money in this way, you will just become a slave to the pursuit. Instead, love the Lord your God and use your money as your servant.

PLEASANT AND PROSPEROUS

Job 36:11

If they listen and obey God, then they will be blessed with prosperity throughout their lives. All their years will be pleasant.

Andrew Carnegie once said, “Millionaires who laugh are rare. My experience is that wealth is apt to take the smiles away.” Diametrically, the Word of God teaches us in Ecclesiastes 5:19 that, “It is a good thing to receive wealth from God and the good health to enjoy it. To enjoy your work and accept your lot in life – that is indeed a gift from God.” Knowing and enjoying one's place in the world is such a rarity for modern folks. Be sure to listen for and to obey God’s instruction because if you're sincerely content with where you are, He will bless your pursuits with the desires of your heart. If you really consider everything, it doesn't seem so appealing to be a person that pursued their own wealth only to live a life without joy and laughter. It'd be better to have all your years be pleasant and prosperous in the obedience of the Lord. Which path do you find yourself pursuing today - yours or God's?

A FAILSAFE PLAN

James 1:11

The hot sun rises and dries up the grass; the flower withers, and its beauty fades away. So also, wealthy people will fade away with all of their achievements.

Before you pray to become rich, or create a new startup to make your first million dollars, or purchase that elusive multi-family investment property, understand that when you pursue worldly riches you move closer to dying. Hopefully, the money you might accumulate might be left behind to people that you actually love. Otherwise, your efforts will have been an exercise in complete futility. Do yourself a big favor and be sure to seek God’s plan for your life and then move to execute His plan for you. Just imagine what it would be like if the Lord God Himself would be your capital or operating partner. It would give the term "guaranteed returns" a whole new meaning. Have you taken the time to find and then execute God's plan for your life? If not, why not?

WISE COUNSEL AND SUCCESS

Proverbs 11:14

Without wise leadership, a nation falls; with many counselors, there is safety.

When Moses was leading the Israelites out of Egypt, problems were as numerous as the number of people being led. Moses, however, tried to solve all of the problems alone without help. His father-in-law recognized this approach in Exodus 18:13-14 where we learn, "The next day, Moses sat as usual to hear the people's complaints against each other. They were lined up in front of him from morning till evening. When Moses' father-in-law saw all that Moses was doing for the people, he said, 'Why are you trying to do all this alone? The people have been standing here all day to get your help.’ And his father-in-law said 'find some capable, honest men who fear God and hate bribes. Appoint them as judges over groups of one thousand, one hundred, fifty, and ten.'" Choose capable, honest and Godly people to help you reach success. Without wise counsel, success can’t be guaranteed ever.

WHEN TO BE BOASTFUL

Galatians 6:3

If you think you are too important to help someone in need, you are only fooling yourself. You are really a nobody.

Galatians 6:3 addresses something that people seem to forget during the good times: do not brag about anything or convince yourselves into thinking you're important. Paul teaches us that we should not be self-absorbed when helping others, but rather that we should boast in the Lord. 1 Corinthians 1:31 tells us that, “The person who wishes to boast should boast only of what the Lord has done.” Our ability to help others is a privilege that is God-given. Don’t go fooling yourself into thinking that you can take credit for thing that are God's doing. In the grand scope of all things, when you really stop and thing about it, you're almost nothing.

AT THE TOP OF YOUR VOICE

Psalm 66:1

Shout joyful praises to God, all the earth!

I read a story about a little girl who had been attending her church's kindergarten class. Every day before the children were dismissed, they would sing the Doxology. The famed hymn reads:

Praise God, from Whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heav’nly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

This particular little girl, however, loved to sing her own shortened version which went like this:

Praise God, from Whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him all creatures, HERE WE GO!

As we all go about our daily lives doing whatever it is that we do, we should shout for joy and sing His praises. When was the last time you let out a shout for joy or sang His praises at the top of your lungs? If you don't know, you're missing a major piece of the puzzle to a happier and better life.

BE A LIVING EXAMPLE

1 Peter 2:12

Be careful how you live among your unbelieving neighbors. Even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honorable behavior, and they will believe and give honor to God when he comes to judge the world.

If Christians chose to live honorably, it's highly likely that more people would come to believe the good news about the Lord Jesus Christ. Patrick Morley wrote that the church's problem with integrity is in the misconception "that we can add Christ to our lives, but not subtract sin. It is a change in belief without a change in behavior." People must see the good behavioral change in our lives because our walk is greater than our talk. After all, what people see is what people will believe. Ask yourself this question: would people know that I was a Christian by the way I live my life? The answer to that question is going to unveil a lot about your integrity.

SERVICE WITH A SMILE

2 Corinthians 4:5

We don't go around preaching about ourselves; we preach Christ Jesus, the Lord. All we say about ourselves is that we are your servants because of what Jesus has done for us.

Being a servant of Jesus Christ is a great privilege. I remember serving in the past as a personal driver and bodyguard to my mentor during threats of violence. In those days, clergymen were being murdered and some were even beheaded. Ironically, I never considered my own personal safety because I was overjoyed just to be able to serve in some way. If that feeling of joy can be experienced in serving a mentor, what kind of joy do you think you'll experience serving the Lamb of God? In the meantime, joyfully serve alongside the people preaching the good news of Jesus’ salvation. You'll likely find that even the most challenging days are the most fruitful you'll ever have.

PAIN EQUALS GAIN

Romans 5:3

We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they are good for us — they help us learn to endure.

The Apostle Paul knew what he was talking about when it came to problems and trials because he had personally experienced suffering many times over. Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 11:23, “I have served him far more! I have worked harder, been put in jail more often, been whipped times without number, and faced death again and again.” With all these trials, Paul still wrote that problems are good because helps us develop endurance and wisdom. With the right attitude and a humble spirit, you’ll find that even while enduring your most difficult problems there is always something to rejoice over. Is your attitude right? Is your spirit humble?