OVERWHELMING PROOF

2 Corinthians 10:4

The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.

The things of our physical world are constantly affected by the activities of the spiritual realm. The existence of a Spiritual Being as taught by the Word of God is undeniable and science cannot explain it, but the proof of a Higher Power manifested in people’s changed lives is overwhelming. Paul wrote in Ephesians 6:12 that, “we are not fighting against people made of flesh and blood, but against the evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against those mighty powers of darkness who rule this world, and against wicked spirits in the heavenly realms.” This is one of the main reasons that Jesus offered to come into your life. When Jesus departed, He gave us the Holy Spirit - the divine power that can clean our lives and protect us from the evil influences of the spiritual realm. Always remember that the Holy Spirit is with you and be careful to listen to and obey His guidance.

A CONVERSATION WITH GOD

Matthew 16:16-17

Simon Peter answered, "You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God." Jesus replied, "You are blessed, Simon son of John, because my Father in heaven has revealed this to you. You did not learn this from any human being.”

Is it possible to learn from God when you can’t physically see Him? The Word of God says in John 4:24, “For God is Spirit, so those who worship him must worship in spirit and in truth.” As a Spirit, He cannot be seen and in order to communicate with Him we must obey His command to pray. It’s through prayer that we can converse with God, and it's through His Word that He communicates with us using the Holy Spirit. John 16:13 teaches that, “When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not be presenting his own ideas; he will be telling you what he has heard. He will tell you about the future.” Just as was done with Peter in Matthew 16:16-17, God will reveal Himself to us and we will learn things that couldn’t be learn from any human being. Are you ready for His supernatural lessons for you?

THE ROOT OF ALL KINDS OF EVIL

1 Timothy 6:10

For the love of money is at the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.

It’s so easy to violate God’s process for experiencing a blessed life. Many people choose to pursue wealth before committing one's life to God when the proper approach would be to commit one's life to God before pursuing wealth. Matthew 6:33 even pointedly tells us, “And he will give you all you need from day to day if you live for him and make the Kingdom of God your primary concern.” Our primary concern should be to love God, and God’s concern is to love us and provide our needs. Don’t even bother trying to change or improve upon the process. Just obey His instructions and you’ll not wander towards a faith that leads to sorrow.

WIN THE ETERNAL PRIZE

1 Corinthians 9:25-27

All athletes practice strict self-control. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. So I run straight to the goal with purpose in every step. I am not like a boxer who misses his punches. I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified.

Vincent Van Gogh once said, “If you hear a voice within you say ‘you cannot paint’, then by all means paint, and that voice will be silenced.” There are those that will discourage you from trying to successfully convert your dreams to reality, but remember that you’re already a success if you’ve received Jesus as your Savior. The only thing that you have to do thereafter is to discipline yourself to reach the potential that God designed for you. Remember that you cannot be a disciple of Jesus without self-discipline. Self-discipline will help you to achieve excellence in everything. Are you pursuing Christ with discipline and excellence in mind?

A BITTER PILL TO SWALLOW

Acts 8:23

For I can see that you are full of bitterness and held captive by sin.

A preacher once told a story about an emotionally broken woman who had suffered a great tragedy. She was complaining bitterly about her life, “I wish to God that I had never even been made!” One of her friends very wisely asked, “Why would you wish that? You’re not even made yet, you’re still in the process of being made, but you’re arguing with God during the process.” Bitterness is a prison that holds you captive in the same way as sin. Learn to let go of your bitterness following Paul’s example from 2 Timothy 1:12, “I know the one in whom I trust, and I am sure that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until the day of his return.” There’s just no point in being full of bitterness when you’ve already come to trust God. Are you bitter about anything today? Is there any reason that you can't let go?

RESOUNDING LOUDLY

Proverbs 2:13-15

These people turn from right ways to walk down dark and evil paths. They rejoice in doing wrong, and they enjoy evil as it turns things upside down. What they do is crooked, and their ways are wrong.

When the early American leader Aaron Burr was a student at Princeton, a spiritual revival swept through the college. Burr’s response to the revival was, "I follow only reason." But as the revival continued Burr sought advice from the college president, Dr. John Witherspoon, who would discourage Burr from getting too caught up in the emotion of the revival. Burr went back to his dormitory room, threw open the window, and shouted out across the campus, "Goodbye, God!" Burr had allowed the worldly influence of his school president to win out over the eternal influence of the Word of God. This decision would resound loudly later in Burr's life, even as he rose to the office of Vice President of the United States as he would be best remembered for killing Alexander Hamilton in a pistol duel which would effectively end his political career. His life ended in a self-imposed exile. It is truly amazing how bad company can have a lifelong effect. What do you do to make sure that you find yourself in good company?

ACCOUNTABLE TO GOD

Hebrews 13:17

Obey your spiritual leaders and do what they say. Their work is to watch over your souls, and they know they are accountable to God. Give them reason to do this joyfully and not with sorrow. That would certainly not be for your benefit.

All of us are called by God to lead in some way, shape or form. Before Dwight D. Eisenhower became an American president, he would demonstrate the art of leadership with a simple piece of string. He’d put it on a table and say, “Pull it and it will follow whatever you wish. Push it and it will go nowhere at all. It’s the same exact way when it comes to leading people. People need to follow someone that is leading by example.” As leaders we're all accountable to God for our actions. The best way to lead others is to follow Jesus Christ as your own example, so that when people follow you, they’ll actually have been led by Him. Is your personal example to others one that is rooted in the footsteps of Christ?

SEEK HIS KINGDOM FIRST

Ephesians 3:8

Just think! Though I did nothing to deserve it, and though I am the least deserving Christian there is, I was chosen for this special joy of telling the Gentiles about the endless treasures available to them in Christ.

As a younger man, one of the tasks assigned to me was to assist on four different sea explorations in search of the Yamashita Treasure. The faces of the treasure hunters were always filled with excitement, anticipation, and hope; they would willingly pour out their time, resources and lives to find the targeted treasure. There are times that I can plainly remember the feeling of utter danger aboard the search ships. Of course, there's a bigger treasure that will last well beyond our earthly lives: the treasure of the Lord Jesus Christ. If you seek His kingdom first, the Bible teaches us that earthly treasures like the Yamashita Treasure will be added unto you. Get with the program, are you seeking Jesus' kingdom first or not?

NO FAVORITISM

Proverbs 24:23

Here are some further sayings of the wise: It is wrong to show favoritism when passing judgment.

In the eyes of God, we’re all equal because everyone was created in His image and likeness. Furthermore, we are still unique even among each other. This concept brings to mind a story about a political socialist that once visited the wealthy Andrew Carnegie to rail upon him about the injustice of Carnegie’s excessive wealth. From the socialist’s point of view, wealth was meant to be divided equally among all people. Wisely, Carnegie called his secretary for a quick assessment of everything he owned and divided it by the world’s population. He then ordered his secretary to, “Give this gentleman l6 cents. That's his share of my wealth.” David sang in Psalm 119:57, “You are my portion, O Lord; I have promised to obey your words.” God doesn’t play favorites among his people and He certainly has enough blessings for all of us. Just be obedient to Him and those blessings are yours. Are you worthy of His blessings today?

DON'T BE DRUNK

Romans 13:14

But let the Lord Jesus Christ take control of you, and don't think of ways to indulge your evil desires.

Our evil desires and action are what brings trouble upon our lives. Peter L. Ream of Home Life once wrote that, “If alcoholism is a disease, it is a disease that we approved; a disease that is licensed to propagate; a disease that is sold and promotes crime; it is habit-forming; a disease that is spread by advertising approved by the government; and a disease that is given as a Christmas present.” Paul said in Ephesians 5:18, “Don't be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, let the Holy Spirit fill and control you.” The reality is quite stark that the ways of the world can truly ruin you and all the blessings that are meant for you. Trust and obey the Holy Word and let Jesus take control of your life.

THE WORDS THAT YOU USE

James 3:10

And so blessing and cursing come pouring out of the same mouth. Surely, my brothers and sisters, this is not right!

Before you were a Christian, I’m sure that there were words that would emerge from your mouth without any regard as to whether or not those words were blessings or curses. I recall sharing the Gospel with a salty-tongued boy that received the Lord Jesus as Savior. An adult that knew this boy told me that every sentence this boy spoke contained a curse word. This boy would later grow into a man of encouragement who would carefully use his words only for blessings. Jesus taught us in Matthew 12:34, “You brood of snakes! How could evil men like you speak what is good and right? For whatever is in your heart determines what you say.” If Jesus is in your heart, you’ll find your mouth speaking good things that are a blessing to others. Have you used your mouth to utter blessings or cursing today?

YOU MIGHT BE AN OBSTACLE

1 Corinthians 8:12

And thus, by sinning against the brethren and wounding their conscience when it is weak, you sin against Christ.

There are habits and practices that you had before you became a Christian that need to be unlearned. New believers that are still in early development are watching you and witnessing what you say and do, so you should be careful with your tongue and your actions. You don't want to be someone's stumbling block, or worse yet, the cause of someone backsliding. Paul said in 1 Corinthians 8:9, “But take care lest this liberty of yours somehow become a stumbling block to the weak.” Be ready to unlearn those practices that can cause a weaker brother or sister in Christ to stumble. Besides, it wouldn't kill you to lose a few bad habits. What bad habits do you have that you know could cause someone else to stumble?

THE GOLD STANDARD

Psalm 119:115

Get out of my life, you evil-minded people, for I intend to obey the commands of my God.

In life, there simply have to be standards that people live by obediently. If we didn't have these standards, there's no telling how a free-flowing world might influence a person. John Wanamaker, the department store mogul once wrote, “I made my biggest purchase when I was eleven years old. In a little mission Sunday school, I bought from my teacher a small, red, leather Bible. The Bible cost me $2.75 – which I paid in installments. That was my greatest purchase, for that Bible made me what I am today.” The New York Herald Tribune captioned its story on Wanamaker’s billion dollar wealth with, “Later deals in millions called small compared with buying Holy Writ at 11.” If you obey God’s commands and make His Word your standard, surely your life will be blessed. What are you using today to set your life's standards?

SETTLE ANY DOUBTS

Ephesians 2:13

But now you belong to Christ Jesus. Though you once were far away from God, now you have been brought near to him because of the blood of Christ.

One of the most awesome experiences that I'm looking forward to having involve being in God's presence. I remember having overwhelming feelings of expectation the first time I came face to face to meet a national political figure. While that feeling was great and memorable, I'm positive that it’ll be nothing compared to the moment I come face to face with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Of course, the biggest question surrounding this topic is will you meet Jesus Christ face to face when your time is up? If you don’t know or are unsure of the answer to that question, you need to receive Christ as your personal Savior and settle any and all doubts.

EXCLUSIVE VIP PASS

Job 19:25

But as for me, I know that my Redeemer lives, and that he will stand upon the earth at last.

We can very easily see that the human founders of different religions died and never lived again. The Lord Jesus Christ, however, stands unique as a church builder because, “The gates of Hell will not prevail against Him.” He even conquered death when He rose from the dead after 3 days entombed. This is the reason why the road to salvation from hell is an exclusive path attainable only though Jesus. Jesus told us very plainly in John 11:25, "I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die like everyone else, will live again." Our Savior defeated the grave and just like Him, we shall live everlasting beyond our physical death.

THE PROMISE OF HEAVEN

John 11:25

Jesus told her, "I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die like everyone else, will live again.”

In a single week, I attended two funerals. Two mothers had passed away leaving their children as orphans. I was amazed at the two different perspectives that the families received their sad news. One set of children were unsaved and crying at their mother’s death bed without the hope of heaven, feeling that they would never see their mom again. On the other hand were children that were saved by grace who received their mother’s passing with loneliness, but with hope because of the promise of heaven. The second set of kids reminded me of an African Christian tribe that joyfully refers to their dead as having "arrived". Have you made sure that your most precious loved ones are heading to heaven if they should pass? Better yet, have you made sure that you yourself are heading to heaven?

THE LIGHT OF TRUE FELLOWSHIP

1 John 1:6

So we are lying if we say we have fellowship with God but go on living in spiritual darkness. We are not living in the truth.

In the Bible, darkness is typically symbolic of nothingness. Light, however, is usually symbolic of opportunity or a better place. There’s a story I'd heard about a businessman who wanted to determine which of his two sons were the worthier of inheriting his company. He gave a small amount of money to each and said, “With this money you are to buy something that will fill this house.” The elder son bought the cheapest and bulkiest thing he could buy so he bought straw enough to cover the floor. The youngest son, who knew the wisdom of his father, bought candles which he took home and lit one in each room, so that their light would fill the house. The Father said, “To you, I give over my business. You have shown true wisdom.” Stay out of the spiritual darkness and know the true fellowship with God in His light.

MY GOD, MY GOD

Matthew 27:46

At about three o'clock, Jesus called out with a loud voice, "Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?" which means, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"

You may have asked at some point why Jesus was forsaken by God on the cross. Simply put, the reason Jesus hung upon the cruel cross was because He had to fulfill a purpose that was ordained for Him by God the Father. Paul taught us in Romans 3:25, “For God sent Jesus to take the punishment for our sins and to satisfy God's anger against us. We are made right with God when we believe that Jesus shed his blood, sacrificing his life for us. God was being entirely fair and just when he did not punish those who sinned in former times.” At the very moment of His crucifixion, God the Father who is holy was separated from God the Son who was carrying the burden of the sins of the world. Jesus was forsaken so that each and every single person could be forgiven. Jesus was forsaken for wretches just like us.

HAPPINESS IS A GIFT

Ecclesiastes 5:19

Moreover, when God gives any man wealth and possessions, and enables him to enjoy them, to accept his lot and be happy in his work - this is a gift of God.

Have you truly considered the reality that Ecclesiastes 5:19 is teaching us? There is nothing in your possession that was actually created by you. Although you may have worked for your home, car, money or possessions, you have these things because you have a God-given life to do so. It’s fair to argue that if you’re benefiting from something without working for that thing, it’s because somebody already did the hard work for you. On the other hand if you don’t believe that God created you, but rather that you have randomly evolved throughout the years, this would be a very difficult concept to understand. King Solomon taught us in Proverbs 26:11, “As a dog returns to its vomit, so a fool repeats his folly.” The Bible tells us that we were created by God and that He has given you everything to enjoy your life. Believing something else would just be a fool repeating his folly.

IGNORANCE AND UNBELIEF

1 Timothy 1:13

Even though I used to scoff at the name of Christ. I hunted down his people, harming them in every way I could. But God had mercy on me because I did it in ignorance and unbelief.

The New York Times once covered the Humanist Manifesto II signed by one hundred and twenty religious leaders, philosophers, scientists, writers, and social scientists. This document was highly critical of religious dogmatism and stressed that humanity alone must solve the problems that threaten mankind's existence on earth. The Manifesto also went on to say that, “No deity will save us; we must save ourselves.” There are many things that we do out of ignorance and unbelief, and we must acknowledge that the Manifesto's position isn’t new. In fact, we can trace ignorance and unbelief back to the very first man, Adam. Be leery to not make the same mistake. Jesus gave us the embodiment of truth in the form of His life, so get your facts straight and read the Word of God to know and understand Jesus.

TALKING ONLY GOES SO FAR

1 Peter 2:15

It is God's will that your good lives should silence those who make foolish accusations against you.

Your best arguments in life are going to be things you've achieved and accomplished. Ultimately, the evidence of your walk will always prove more worthy than your talk. Many times I've been asked, “What’s the difference between what you believe and my religion?” My answer has always been that once you're in Christ, you become a new creation - and that is quite an accomplishment. The Polio poster-child, Larry McKenzie, became an inspiration to millions as he shared his Christian testimony during his travels. He said, “I've met many famous people on my tour such as the President of the United States, the chief of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and others, but I think often about the time I'll meet the Lord Jesus, and until then I really want to serve Him any way I can.” Larry's physical deeds despite his disability showed evidence of a good walk in Christ. Talking only goes so far, so let your walk be a demonstration of a good life in Christ. Is your walk today one that's obviously in Christ? Is there any outward evidence that you're even a Christian?

THE SIN IN YOUR HEART

Psalm 24:4-5

Only those whose hands and hearts are pure, who do not worship idols and never tell lies. They will receive the LORD'S blessing and have right standing with God their savior.

There is a praise and worship song that goes:

A pure heart that’s what I long for
A heart that follows hard after thee
A heart that hides Your Word
So that sin will not come in
A heart that's undivided
But one You rule and reign
A heart that beats compassion,
That pleases You, My Lord
A sweet aroma of worship
That rises to Your throne.

Ironically, Jeremiah 17:9 teaches us that, "The human heart is most deceitful and desperately wicked. Who really knows how bad it is?” Paul tells us in Romans 3:10 that, "No one is good, not even one. This is the reason why we need to let Jesus come into our hearts in order for our heart to be cleansed.” Don't let deceitful sin reign in your heart. To achieve true praise and worship, God must reign in your life. Is God reigning in your heart today?

NOTHING CAN BE HIDDEN

Psalm 32:5

Finally, I confessed all my sins to you and stopped trying to hide them. I said to myself, "I will confess my rebellion to the LORD." And you forgave me! All my guilt is gone.

If you try to hide your sins, your sins will eventually come back to haunt you. Hiding sins is exactly what Satan wants because the only way for us to hide our sins is to lie. John 8:44 says liars are Satan’s children, but you can stay out of Satan's family for good by asking Jesus to save your soul. A mentor once told me about a slingshot he had when he was a boy. He was practicing shooting when he accidentally struck and killed a passing duck. The following day he was asked about the missing duck and he lied about what had happened. Later, as he was no longer able to handle the guilt of lying, he told his parents about the accident only to find that his parents had known all along. In fact, his family had already eaten that duck the night of the slingshot incident because his parents had been watching him the whole time. In very much the same way, our all-knowing God always knows the truth and nothing can be hidden from Him. Have you taken the guilt of your lying tongue to the Lord?

YOU CAN'T KNOW IT ALL

1 Corinthians 8:2-3

Anyone who claims to know all the answers doesn't really know very much. But the person who loves God is the one God knows and cares for.

If you think you've got all the answers, think again. The truth of the matter is that it's impossible for you to have all the answers because man is plainly limited. Only God is all-knowing and for this reason the Apostle Paul teaches us that, “a person who loves God is the one that God cares for.” It’s rumored that Augustus Caesar once gave a gift so generous that the overwhelmed recipient replied, “This is too great a gift for me to receive.” With a quick reply, Caesar said “But it is not too great a gift for me to give.” Don’t ever be satisfied with what you have and what you can do because God can do even more with you and He can certainly give more blessings to you.

LEARN FROM THE PAST

1 Corinthians 10:11

All these events happened to them as examples for us. They were written down to warn us, who live at the time when this age is drawing to a close.

In 1 Corinthians 10:11, Paul reminds us about the mistakes people have made in the past and the purpose of those mistakes. I recently read about a famed criminal lawyer and self-proclaimed atheist dying upon his deathbed who called for clergymen from three different types religious institutions. He said to them, “Gentlemen, I have written and spoken many things against God and churches during my lifetime. Now, I wished that I hadn’t! Now I realize it is entirely possible that I may have been wrong. So I should like to ask a final favor that each one of you intercede for me with the Almighty.” This was his final appeal and a last ditch effort to learn from his past. Everyone needs to learn from the past before it’s too late. Have you learned anything from the mistakes of your past?

A GOD OF BEAUTY

Hebrews 11:16

But they were looking for a better place, a heavenly homeland. That is why God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a heavenly city for them.

What kind of place is Heaven? Dr. Billy Graham once wrote that, “Heaven is a home which is beautiful beyond every imagination. Heaven could not help but be so, because God is a God of beauty. It is a place of happiness because there will be nothing to make it sad. In Heaven families and friends will be reunited. God’s house will be a happy home because Christ will be there. He will be the center of Heaven. To Him all hearts will turn, and upon Him all eyes will rest.” Make God your God because He prepared a place in heaven for you, and heaven is your true home.

OPEN THE BOOK

1 Corinthians 2:9

That is what the Scriptures mean when they say, "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him."

I heard a story about an elderly man who many years earlier was the recipient of his aunt’s will which read, “To my beloved Steven Marsh, I bequeath my family Bible and all it contains, along with the residue of my estate after my funeral expenses and just and lawful debts are paid.” Once all the funeral expenses had been settled, Marsh was only left with his aunt’s meager pension and Bible. 30 years later, he was preparing to live out his years living with his son so he began cleaning out his attic. He found the Bible inherited from his aunt and as he opened it, he was amazed to find hundreds of bills of cash scattered throughout the pages worth thousands upon thousands of dollars. Ironically, had he bothered to even opened the book just to peruse it's pages, he would have realized the monetary blessings 30 years earlier. In Marsh's case, the blessings were truly meant only for someone who would bother to get to know God.

GONE IN A SPLIT SECOND

Philippians 3:8-10

Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the priceless gain of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I may have Christ and become one with him. I no longer count on my own goodness or my ability to obey God's law, but I trust Christ to save me. For God's way of making us right with himself depends on faith. As a result, I can really know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead. I can learn what it means to suffer with him, sharing in his death.

I’ve wondered to myself about the world's wealthiest people and what they may have had to give up to amass such enormous wealth. Is it really a gain having such large sums of money when all would be lost in a quick moment upon losing your life? The Word of God teaches us about the priceless gain beyond money that believers can obtain by knowing Jesus as Lord. If you know Jesus as your Savior, when your physical life comes to an end you don’t lose your treasures – you actually obtain your treasures fully and completely. Are you fully realizing your treasures today?

LET OUR TESTIMONIES SHINE

Philippians 2:15

So that no one can speak a word of blame against you. You are to live clean, innocent lives as children of God in a dark world full of crooked and perverse people. Let your lives shine brightly before them.

Robert Ingersoll was an agnostic that lectured against God and the Bible. Ingersoll had an old friend from a broken family who struggled with alcoholism. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, his old friend’s life was changed and he was even reunited with his family. This friend wrote to Ingersoll saying, “Old friend, would you speak against the Savior who stooped and lifted me, rebuilt my home and brought joy to my wife and children?” Mr. Ingersoll read the letter that night before a large audience and then said, “I have nothing to say against a religion that will do this for a man. I am here to talk about a religion that is being preached, but not practiced by so many. You can find fault with the church, but there stands One supreme! No man can point his finger at Christ and find any fault with Him!” When we let our testimonies shine, even the staunchest of critics will bend their knee and see the truth. Is your testimony shining through to nonbelievers today?

NO TIME OFF FOR GOOD BEHAVIOR

2 Corinthians 5:18

All this newness of life is from God, who brought us back to himself through what Christ did. And God has given us the task of reconciling people to him.

The Church of the Penitents in Bogota, Columbia, was built over 300 years ago. The edifice was built by penitents that carried up two bricks for every sin they committed. Sadly, penitent behavior does not reduce or remove your sins. In fact, the only way to experience eternal life is to allow Christ Jesus to cover your disobedient sins against God. Under no circumstance can we even take credit for our being cleansed, which is why personal penitence is meaningless. Ephesians 2:8 teaches us, “God saved you by his special favor when you believed. And you can't take credit for this; it is a gift from God.” For one to have a new life in God, a person must understand that there aren’t enough works for us to do that would be worthy to cover our sinful nature. Only God is powerful enough to reach down and reconcile man to Himself.

IN THE SUFFERING

Job 23:3

If only I knew where to find God, I would go to his throne and talk with him there.

When Job was facing the most daunting problems he had ever faced, he had nowhere to go and nobody to lean on. His body was covered with boils, and the only way to rest or sleep was to lay in ashes. Regardless of Job's woes, he still desired to go to God and fellowship with Him. The President of The Navigators once wrote, “If you are suffering without succeeding, then someone will succeed after you. If you are succeeding without suffering, then someone suffered before you.” Job showed us how to survive despite suffering deeply. Job learned how to be blessed beyond his own imagination by going to God's throne despite the pains that he was forced to deal with. Follow Job’s lead and go to God when you’re suffering. Are you suffering today in any way? Have you taken those pains to God?

YOU ALREADY WON

James 4:7

So humble yourselves before God. Resist the Devil, and he will flee from you.

The devil is like a roaring lion seeking whomever he may devour. While the thought of that may be frightening, we ought to remember the lesson John taught us in 1 John 4:4: “But you belong to God, my dear children. You have already won your fight with these false prophets, because the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world.” We may feel weak when dealing with the temptations of the devil, but Paul tells us in 2 Corinthians 12:10, “Since I know it is all for Christ's good, I am quite content with my weaknesses and with insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” Remember, if you've accepted the gift of Christ, the victory is already yours. All that's left to do is to resist the Devil.

WALK CLOSELY TO HEAR EVERYTHING

Psalm 25:12

Who are those who fear the Lord? He will show them the path they should choose.

I was asked by a graduating senior how to choose the right things in life and how to know for sure if you're choosing correctly. My answer was to ask The One who knows everything, God. King David understood that those who feared the Lord would be shown the right paths to take. Later, Solomon would teach us in Proverbs 9:10, “Fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom. Knowledge of the Holy One results in understanding.” If you want to know what to do you've got to walk closely with God because He already knows your destiny. Ask Him for the wisdom to understand the choices before you. Do you feel that you're walking closely enough with God for you to hear His voice and instruction? Do you live daily with a fear and reverence of the Almighty One?

REACHING FOR US

John 19:30

When Jesus had tasted it, he said, "It is finished!" Then he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.

I heard this story about two men discussing how to get into Heaven. One was a Christian and the other didn't know Christ. The Christian asked, “Would you like to know the big difference between your religion and my faith?” The other man replied, “Sure, what is it?” The saved man said, “Yours has two letters in it, while mine has four. Yours says ‘Do’ while mine says ‘Done.’” Religion is man’s futile way of reaching up to connect with God, while Christianity is about knowing that God’s reaching down to our sinful world to those with whom He has a relationship. Men were saved from the perils of hell when Jesus completed God's work with His death upon the cross. Paul taught us in Ephesians 2:8-9 that, “God saved you by his special favor when you believed. And you can't take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.” You have to receive the gift of Jesus in your life as Savior and the basic work for your life will have been completed. Is God's finished work in your life apparent to those around you? Can people tell whether or not you're saved by grace?

IT'S NOT ABOUT US

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.

I am passionate about seeing Christians reach out to share the Gospel. Paul taught us in Romans 1:16, “I am not ashamed of the Gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.” I once read a story about a building contractor that had accepted Christ as his Savior. The builder said to all of his carpenters, plumbers, and painters, “Boys, we are having a meeting down at the church. Nobody will work on my job here from 10 to 11am.” One worker said, “I don't care to go to church. I’ll stay here and work.” The contractor replied, “Nobody is going to work on my job while the preacher is down at my church trying to have a revival. We are all going down there.” Now there’s an example of a man that passionately wanted people to hear the Gospel. What have you personally been doing to make sure the Gospel is shared with the unsaved?

KNOW THE BIBLE INTIMATELY

1 Timothy 6:20-21

Timothy, guard what God has entrusted to you. Avoid godless, foolish discussions with those who oppose you with their so-called knowledge. Some people have wandered from the faith by following such foolishness. May God's grace be with you all.

God has entrusted us the with Holy Word, the Bible, which unfortunately is sometimes used also by those that would like to destroy the body of Christ. If you recall the temptation of Jesus Christ, Satan actually quoted scriptures to tempt Jesus. He told Jesus that according to the Bible, if Jesus would request it, angels would come and rescue Him as it was written in Psalm 91:12. Jesus recognized the temptation and rebuked Satan. We have to get to know the Word of God intimately in order to recognize incorrect usages of scripture. I’ve seen people that have entertained false applications of the Bible and were made to believe that they were even teaching truths. Many of those have distanced themselves from the church or have ceased to truly study the Word. When the time comes, will you be able to spot a counterfeit?

GOD'S SECRET PLAN

Colossians 2:2

My goal is that they will be encouraged and knit together by strong ties of love. I want them to have full confidence because they have complete understanding of God's secret plan, which is Christ himself.

God's secret plan was revealed over 2,000 years ago, but people today are still blinded by the greedy and deceitful Satan. I read a story about man who was commenting on the construction of a cathedral. He was heard saying, “Just look at that cathedral being built! What’s it going to cost? Maybe millions? It would be a better credit to the folks who are building it if they’d improve the lot of the people who live in the slums down here.” There is no wrong in building a huge edifice for God, but we ought never forget that what’s most important is that Jesus came to seek and save the lost because he loves his brothers and sisters. Our main purpose is to tell the world about God’s secret plan, Christ himself. Who was the last person you shared God's secret plan with?

WHEN GOD'S POWER WORKS BEST

2 Corinthians 12:9

Each time he said, "My gracious favor is all you need. My power works best in your weakness." So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may work through me.

The quicker that we humble ourselves after recognizing that we need God, the faster we can avail of His gracious favor. Paul is joyful about his weaknesses because he understood that the power of God’s gracious favor takes effect when we reach for Him in times of weakness. A surgeon once asked a young assisting doctor, “Who do you consider the most important person in this room?” The intern was caught by surprise and replied, “You are, Sir.” The doctor shook his head in disagreement and the intern changed his response to, “Well, I suspect it would be the nurses who assist you, sir.” The surgeon said, “No, the most important individual in this operating room is the patient.” Similarly, when we give our life over to God recognizing that we are weak, we immediately gain His attention and favor. Do you have God's favor in your life right now?

TRUTH ALWAYS BRINGS LIFE

Proverbs 6:12

Here is a description of worthless and wicked people: They are constant liars.

We can use words in two ways: 1. words that speak truth or, 2. words that speak lies. Our words represent who we are in the balance between the truth and lies, good and evil, and even life and death. King Solomon described people who constantly lie as worthless and wicked because a person that lies has the potential to bring destruction to whatever he is involved with. Lies cause the death of relationships, endeavors and even investments, but the truth will always bring life. When Satan injected lies into the hearts of man, man fell into sin. We learn from Romans 6:23, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Jesus teaches us in John 14:6, “I am the Way – yes, and the Truth and the Life. No one can get to the Father except by means of me.” So which do you find yourself speaking more often: the truth or lies?

DON'T BE A LAZY BUM

Proverbs 20:4

If you are too lazy to plow in the right season, you will have no food at the harvest.

More often than not, people find themselves hungry because of their own laziness. Proverbs 20:4 is an exciting challenge for everyone to work. The simple solution to providing food for oneself is to simply go and work. According to a "rapid-decision making" research project conducted at the University of Southern California, people can process information up to 20 percent faster when they are standing up and actively moving around. When sitting or idling, however, the statistics drop dramatically. There is no virtue in laziness or indolence. Are you lazy about what you ought to be doing? Why haven't you completed the task?

WHO'S YOUR DADDY

Ephesians 2:2

You used to live just like the rest of the world, full of sin, obeying Satan, the mighty prince of the power of the air. He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God.

A life without Christ is cursed. The Bible is clear that without Jesus, you're living like the rest of the world in obedience to Satan. You may not personally agree with this premise, but the Bible is very clear. Be sure to remember what 2 Corinthians 11:14 warns each of us about, “But I am not surprised! Even Satan can disguise himself as an angel of light.” The only way to have a blessed life is to have Jesus Christ in your heart and life. Are you allowing Jesus Christ to rule in every aspect of your life?

CLEVER LIES

2 Peter 2:3

In their greed they will make up clever lies to get hold of your money. But God condemned them long ago, and their destruction is on the way.

I am sure that no one has ever wishfully dreamt of self-destruction. The Bible is very clear that greed and deceit are a surefire way to achieve self-destruction. Tolstoy’s How Much Land Does a Man Need is about a peasant farmer who was offered all the land he desired for a low cost, but on the one condition that he was required to walk about his land all day returning to his starting point by sundown. Early the next morning, the peasant began walking out further and further away from his starting point so that he’d be able to cover all of his new land. As the sun began to set, he began to sprint back to his starting point as fast as he could. With his heart pounding hard and exhausted from the walking, he suddenly collapsed and died. By the next day, the peasant farmer was buried in a grave that was six feet long, three feet wide and six feet deep – all the land that a man would need at death. Don’t let greed into your life because greed marks the beginning of your ending.

COME BACK HOME

Psalm 51:17

The sacrifice you want is a broken spirit. A broken and repentant heart, O God, you will not despise.

J. Wilbur Chapman, an American evangelist and revivalist minister, once told a story about a young girl who ran away from home and lived a life of sin. Her mother sought the help of her daughter’s friend to search for her. This friend took a number of photographs of the searching mother and placed the words, “COME BACK,” beneath her grieving face. Together, they posted these photos all over the nearby red light district. When the daughter saw the sad face of her mother and the words, “COME BACK,” tears began to run down her face. She returned home weeping and broken. When she put her hand on the knob, she found that the door was left unlocked. Her mother wrapped her arms around her and said, “My dear child, the door has never been locked since you went away.” Remember that God is always ready to welcome you home, no matter what you've done. All you have to do is actually come back.

IT SEEMS UNFAIR

Luke 10:40

But Martha was worrying over the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, "Lord, doesn't it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me."

Martha’s appeal is a legitimate and logical request. It appears unfair that she would do all the work while her sister, Mary, sat at Jesus' feet and listened. But it only appears that way. I recall first hearing the song, “I Miss My Time With You,” by Laarnelle Harris. The song is written as a love song from from God to man. One of the verses says:

I miss my time with you, those moments together.
I need to be with you each day, but it hurts me when you say
you’re too busy, busy trying to serve me.
But how can you serve me, when your spirit is empty?

Jesus replied to Martha in Luke 10:42 with, “There is really only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it – and I won't take it away from her.” Are you giving quality time to the best things or are you too busy watching what others are doing?

VIOLENCE AND DEPRAVITY

Genesis 6:11-12

Now the earth had become corrupt in God's sight, and it was filled with violence. God observed all this corruption in the world, and he saw violence and depravity everywhere.

Genesis 6:11-12 holds true from the days of Noah to this very present day. When man decides to operate outside of God's laws, expect violence and depravity to be part of the outcome. Violence is truly the embodiment of man’s shadowy depravity. Consider the following horrid decisions by past emperors: Crasus, crucified 10,000 slaves at one time; Augustus, executed 30,000 for political offense; and, Trajan held 10,000 death fights in the amphitheater for amusement. Whenever man has chosen to live outside of God's laws, you can surely expect violence and depravity to breakout everywhere.

ONE SACRIFICE COVERS EVERYONE

John 1:29

The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, "Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!

In the Old Testament, a lamb needed to be offered up to appease God's anger. In Hebrews 9:22 we learn that, “we can say that according to the law of Moses, nearly everything was purified by sprinkling with blood. Without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness of sins.” God is truly good, isn’t He? He knew that people wouldn’t be able to offer a sacrifice as was in the days of the Old Testament, so God sent His only Son to earth to become the final sacrificial Lamb to take away everyone's sins once and for all. Let Him cleanse you in the blood of the Lamb and be washed of all your sins. 1 John 1:9 teaches us, “But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us and to cleanse us from every wrong.” Have you been washed in the blood of the Lamb?

THE SIMPLICITY OF OBEDIENCE

Jude 1:5

I must remind you — and you know it well — that even though the Lord rescued the whole nation of Israel from Egypt, he later destroyed every one of those who did not remain faithful.

This verse serves as a reminder for all Christians that the saved are still capable of living a life that's disobedient and unfaithful to God. We should be committed and faithful children, living a life that's pleasing to God. When Jesus obeyed the order of baptism, God the Father said, “This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased.” It's such a simple concept that God's pleased when we simply obey Him. Many times, the newly saved have let me know that they've chosen to postpone baptism because they're just “not ready”. It’s the equivalent of saying I want to have a relationship with Jesus as my Savior so that I can go to heaven, but I don’t want people identifying me with Christ. Or better yet, it's like marrying someone, but not wanting to be seen with your new spouse. Faithfulness means sticking it out no matter what. Without faithfulness in our relationship with Christ, we are doomed for self-destruction. Have you been faithful in your relationship with Christ?

CHOOSE TO BE FAITHFUL

Psalm 119:30

I have chosen to be faithful; I have determined to live by your laws.

All of man's laws emanate from the laws first established by God. He institutionalized the law according to Romans 13:1-4 when Paul wrote:

Obey the government, for God is the one who put it there. All governments have been placed in power by God. So those who refuse to obey the laws of the land are refusing to obey God, and punishment will follow. For the authorities do not frighten people who are doing right, but they frighten those who do wrong, so do what they say, and you will get along well. The authorities are sent by God to help you. But if you are doing something wrong, of course you should be afraid, for you will be punished. The authorities are established by God for that very purpose, to punish those who do wrong.

Ironically, the God-given privilege to create laws has been used to establish laws against God himself by creating laws banning even the basic acknowledgment of His existence and His part in the equation of the affairs of man. Obey the laws of man, but don’t allow yourself to be twisted into disobedience to God. Don't let the trickery of the world catch you off guard.

NO CONTRADICTIONS

2 Corinthians 13:8

Our responsibility is never to oppose the truth, but to stand for the truth at all times.

In what may seem to be an ironic twist, Christians occasionally use one truth to violate another truth. A young man once asked me if he could serve the Lord through sports, but the challenge facing him was that the scheduled competitions conflicted with his worship times at church. I told him that the Word of God never contradicts itself, but rather it complements itself. You can serve God by any means, but do it without violating your reasonable service. At the end of the day as a Christian, you have got to stand for the truth and not against the truth. There should be no doubts or contradictions. Do you stand for the truth at all times?

LAMININ

Colossians 1:17

He existed before everything else began, and he holds all creation together.

I received an email about the molecule Laminin and in my research I learned that this molecule is vital to making sure our overall body structures hold together. Amazingly, the molecule that holds us all together is the shape of a cross. Without this cross-like molecule, we wouldn’t be able to do simple physical actions, like standing up or sitting down. Interestingly, this appears to be exactly what Jesus teaches us in John 15:5, “For apart from me you can do nothing.” Apparently, He doesn't just hold us together spiritually, He also provides the adhesive that literally holds us together physically.

DREAM COME TRUE

Genesis 37:5

One night Joseph had a dream and promptly reported the details to his brothers, causing them to hate him even more.

Every physical item around us began with a dream produced by someone’s imagination. From automobiles to buildings - you name it - anything created was once just a dream in someone's mind. Tim Berners-Lee created the World Wide Web and he's a big part of the reason that you can even read this devotional right now. He really isn’t all that popular, but the things of his dreams have become widely used all over the world. Move your mind to realize God's dreams for you, regardless of whether you become famous, wealthy or powerful. God will use the dreams placed in your heart to bless people. Which dreams and desires of your heart would you like to see realized?

TURN YOUR EYES UPON

Matthew 6:22-23

Your eye is a lamp for your body. A pure eye lets sunshine into your soul. But an evil eye shuts out the light and plunges you into darkness. If the light you think you have is really darkness, how deep that darkness will be!

Everything your eyes see is processed by your mind and then converted into words, images, concepts or ideas. These images or ideas are either true or false, so as we set our eyes upon things we ought to be picky. 2 Samuel 11:2 teaches us that, “Late one afternoon David got out of bed after taking a nap and went for a stroll on the roof of the palace. As he looked out over the city, he noticed a woman of unusual beauty taking a bath.” This was the beginning of King David's darkest days. He set his eyes onto something that he should never have seen which then led to him allowing the darkness to come that he thought would bring him happiness. Be careful of what you see, your decision making might be altered and you could have many regrets in the future. Do you look away when your eyes are set upon things that you know are not good for you?

STRUGGLING WITH YOURSELF

Romans 7:19-20

When I want to do good, I don't. And when I try not to do wrong, I do it anyway. But if I am doing what I don't want to do, I am not really the one doing it; the sin within me is doing it.

I once served at a family camp where a teenager asked me for permission to leave the campgrounds to smoke a cigarette. That teen was a new Christian and I knew that his flesh was likely already addicted to nicotine. The Apostle Paul clearly teaches us about the weaknesses of our flesh in Romans 7:19-20. Our body is weak because the old nature remains in us even when we have received Christ in our hearts as Savior. One day, however, God will change our sinful bodies into glorified bodies. For now the only remedy that can be prescribed to prevent falling into temptation is to make our spiritual lives strong enough to overcome our fleshly weaknesses. Is your spiritual life growing stronger or weaker today?

CHILDLIKE FAITH

Psalm 34:7

For the angel of the LORD guards all who fear him, and he rescues them.

I once saw a Christian singing group that was describing the background of the song “Angels All Around You” while being interviewed. The song was written while they were on tour and sightseeing at a lighthouse. A child that was walking up the lighthouse's spiral staircase slipped and lost hold of the rail falling down through the center of the spiral. She was free-falling down several stories directly for the ground at the mercy of gravity. Amazingly, as the family looked on in full distress, the child was caught by another tourist. The family quickly descended to retrieve the girl only to find that the only person that was there was the little girl and that the person who caught her was nowhere to be seen or found. Isn't it amazing how the angels of the our Lord God can truly rescue? All it will take from you is a childlike faith. Is your faith like that of a child?

ALL THAT YOUR EYES CAN SEE

John 1:10

But although the world was made through him, the world didn't recognize him when he came.

The modern world has boasted about man's inventions all throughout history. However, the strictest definition of the word “invention” really means that the inventor would have created something from nothing. If that's the case, there really haven't been any inventions, but rather things that have been discovered (or found) because the raw materials for inventions were already created. Thomas Edison said, “Discovery is not an invention and I dislike seeing the two words confounded.” The Bible teaches in John 1:3, “He created everything there is. Nothing exists that he didn't make.” One of the saddest realities is that only a handful of people recognize that God came to the world as a man. That man was Jesus the Son of God, the creator and the only true inventor that ever was and ever will be.

THE GREATEST LOVE OF ALL

John 15:13

And here is how to measure it — the greatest love is shown when people lay down their lives for their friends.

On May 21, 1946, when Louis Slotin and seven co-workers were attempting to perform a dangerous nuclear experiment in New Mexico, some pieces of highly radioactive plutonium were accidentally moved. The movement triggered an intense increase of radioactive exposure in their laboratory. Slotin pulled apart the radioactive pieces with his bear hands to save his friends, but in so doing exposed himself to an overwhelming dose of radiation. Several days later, Slotin died of radiation exposure while his co-workers and friends recovered. Those survivors were still alive thanks to the heroism displayed by Slotin. Jesus did something similar, but on a much greater scale for all people when Jesus offered Himself as a sacrifice for people to have salvation. It doesn't take much to see that Jesus' love is by far the greatest love of all.

THE ONLY WAY

Matthew 18:3

Then he said, “I assure you, unless you turn from your sins and become as little children, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven.”

As we go on living from year to year, we acquire tons of information on different topics covering work, education, family and friends, and all of this is communicated to us through different types of media that essentially shape what we believe. It can even become difficult for us to accept the simple truth of the Bible: the only way for anyone to get to heaven is through Jesus Christ. It can take a lot of unlearning for a person to allow this Biblical reality to become a veritable reality. You’ve almost got to be like a little kid again to just plainly accept that Jesus is the only way to heaven. Do not complicate this simple truth. Jesus is the only way to heaven.

BABY FOOD

1 Corinthians 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.

CHOOSE PEACE

Psalm 37:37

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

The world has not experienced true peace since man fell into sin because the world neglects choosing to actually embrace peace. I read a story about a hermit who renounced the world, choosing to give up all of his worldly possessions. Yet, in spite of his actions, peace in his heart could still not be achieved. 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're living in sin, you'll never experience peace. Choose peace, being honest and good. So, are you living in a sin?

CHAIN OF OBEDIENCE

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. In Matthew 10:37, Jesus clearly teaches us who's between our parents and God. 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.

CONSCIOUS DECLARATION

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 several groups of people who feel that once you’re baptized, you become part of a "religion". Some religions take to baptizing infants in a christening ceremony, even though an infant could not possibly have a 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.

THE AMAZING RESULTS OF 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.

POWERFUL, WILLING AND COMMITTED

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 to the 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, drugs or countless 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 hopefully 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.

PURSUING HAPPINESS

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's always going to 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.

PURIFY MY HEART

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, strengthen and purify your faith. 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?