Rick Costa

Do not be over-anxious, therefore, asking ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For all these are questions that Gentiles are always asking; but your Heavenly Father knows that you need these things–all of them. But make His Kingdom and righteousness your chief aim, and then these things shall all be given you in addition.
– Matthew 6:31-33 (Weymouth New Testament)

Basically it’s really simple. If your first priority is God’s business and to live holy, then He will make sure you do not lack anything you need.

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However, you are chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, people who belong to God. You were chosen to tell about the excellent qualities of God, who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. Once you were not God’s people, but now you are. Once you were not shown mercy, but now you have been shown mercy.
– 1 Peter 2:9-10 (GOD’S WORD® Translation (©1995))

Never forget that at one point you too were on your way straight to hell like every other sinner in this world.  The same way someone took the time to tell you about the mercy that God had for you as a sinner, should we not also not hold back but tell others the same truth?

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Consider this: The Father has given us His love. He loves us so much that we are actually called God’s dear children. And that’s what we are. For this reason the world doesn’t recognize us, and it didn’t recognize Him either.
– 1 John 3:1 (GOD’S WORD® Translation (©1995))

If people look at you strangely and treat you as if something is wrong with you for your faith it’s because you are one of God’s kids and they aren’t.  They can’t figure you out because they aren’t part of the same “family.”  Jesus went through the same thing so when people hurt you, run to Him…He understands!

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You see that Abraham’s faith and what he did worked together. His faith was shown to be genuine by what he did.
– James 2:22 (GOD’S WORD® Translation (©1995))

Believing something is true is only part one of faith. Acting like it’s true is the part that completes it. Don’t just mentally acknowledge God’s Word but live your life knowing that it’s true!

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Curb every passion, and be on the alert. Your great accuser, the Devil, is going about like a roaring lion to see whom he can devour.  Withstand him, firm in your faith; knowing that your brethren in other parts of the world are passing through just the same experiences. – 1 Peter 5:8-9 (Weymouth New Testament)

Lion’s don’t just kill any creature that come their way for food.  They’re very stealthily lurk around in the background looking for prey that is weak.  In the same way, our enemy is looking around for those who appear weak in faith.  Those who say they are Christians but don’t pray, don’t read the Word and don’t fellowship with other believers.  Don’t become an easy target!

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Humble yourselves therefore beneath the mighty hand of God, so that at the right time He may set you on high. – 1 Peter 5:6 (Weymouth New Testament)

Even if God has promised you would do some great thing one day, remain humble before Him until the time comes.  If you think of yourself more than you should, you’ll just delay the plan of God anyway.

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Even if my father and mother abandon me, the LORD will take care of me.
– Psalm 27:10 (GOD’S WORD® Translation (©1995))

Rejection. It’s something we all go through at some point in our lives. But God promises that if everyone else, even your own parents who are supposed to love you unconditionally…even if they forsake and turn away from you, God will NEVER turn His back on you. Thank you Jesus. Worship Him today for His love.

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My son, attend to my words. Turn your ear to my sayings. Let them not depart from your eyes. Keep them in the midst of your heart. For they are life to those who find them, and health to their whole body. – Proverbs 4:20-22 (World English Bible)

God urges us to keep His Word in our minds all the time. And the benefit if we do? Life and health! I don’t about you but I could use some of that! There are few things the enemy of our souls will fight harder against you doing than reading God’s Word. Please don’t neglect it.

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Thank God that He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.  So, then, brothers and sisters, don’t let anyone move you off the foundation of your faith. Always excel in the work you do for the Lord. You know that the hard work you do for the Lord is not pointless.
– 1 Corinthians 15: 57-58 (GOD’S WORD® Translation (©1995))

There’s plenty of times when we don’t “feel like” working for the Lord. We need to keep ourselves strong in the presence of the Lord and encourage each other to keep pressing on through the tough times we go through.  Just remember you’re not in this alone and that great will be your reward in heaven!

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For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also. – James 2:26 (King James Version)

Lots of people say they have faith or even go so far as to claim to be a Christian who goes to church.  Well that’s all well and good on Sunday morning but how about the rest of the week?  If your life was to be put under a microscope, what would the world see?  Would it be enough to convince people that you really are a believer?  When people see you, do they see the love of Christ?

https://www.jesusdidit.org

https://www.rickcosta.com