Uncategorized

Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Whatever happens, give thanks, because it is God’s will in Christ Jesus that you do this. Don’t put out the Spirit’s fire. Don’t despise what God has revealed. Instead, test everything. Hold on to what is good. Keep away from every kind of evil.

– 1 Thessalonians 5 (GOD’S WORD® Translation (©1995))

What does a Christian look like?  This Scripture pretty much says it all.

You spent enough time in the past doing what unbelievers like to do.  You were promiscuous, had sinful desires, got drunk, went to wild parties, and took part in the forbidden worship of false gods.  Unbelievers insult you now because they are surprised that you no longer join them in the same excesses of wild living.  They will give an account to the one who is ready to judge the living and the dead.

– 1 Peter 4:3-5 (GOD’S WORD® Translation (©1995))

People look at us strangely now because we don’t act the way they do anymore.  What they consider fun and a “good time” now holds no interest for us.  Is it any wonder then that they should think something is wrong with us?  They know deep within their hearts that it is they themselves that are not living right but since “they can’t be wrong” they instead act like WE are.  If they don’t surrender to Christ their day of judgment will come.  Pray for them that their eyes will be opened!

With God is my salvation and my honor. The rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God.  Trust in him at all times, you people. Pour out your heart before him. God is a refuge for us. Selah

– Psalm 62:7-8 (World English Bible)

In God is One that we can freely tell our innermost desires and hopes and dreams.  He is our Daddy and we should be able to feel like we can jump up on His lap and tell Him anything.  You can feel safe with Him and know that He will keep you safe from the enemy.

…since they exhibit proof that a knowledge of the conduct which the Law requires is engraven on their hearts, while their consciences also bear witness to the Law, and their thoughts, as if in mutual discussion, accuse them or perhaps maintain their innocence–

– Romans 2:15 (Weymouth New Testament)

All of us whether we are saved or not have a conscience that tells us if we are doing right or wrong.  Maybe the Bible doesn’t specifically give an example of what to do in your unique situation but your God given conscience is always working to help you make the right decision.

Then Samuel said, “Is the LORD as delighted with burnt offerings and sacrifices as he would be with your obedience? To follow instructions is better than to sacrifice. To obey is better than sacrificing the fat of rams.

– 1 Samuel 15:22 (GOD’S WORD® Translation (©1995))

You can’t perform some rituals to make God forget that you haven’t done what He has asked you to do.  Obey God fully and don’t try to pacify Him by doing what you consider to be good religious works.  Maybe you can fool people this way but God knows everything and isn’t fooled by human manipulations.  Just do what He tells you to do!

He has not treated us as we deserve for our sins or paid us back for our wrongs.  As high as the heavens are above the earth- that is how vast His mercy is toward those who fear Him.  As far as the east is from the west- that is how far He has removed our rebellious acts from Himself.  As a father has compassion for his children, so the LORD has compassion for those who fear Him.

-Psalm 103:10-13  (GOD’S WORD® Translation (©1995))

Unlike people, when God forgives, He FORGETS!  When you are forgiven by Him your past will never be an issue again.  HALLELUJAH!!!

And He said, “My presence shall go with you, and I will give you rest.”

– Exodus 33:14  (New American Standard Bible (©1995))

Feeling stressed out?  Find rest in God’s presence.  Worship Him and put all your worries on His shoulders…He can handle it.

Don’t you know that your body is a temple that belongs to the Holy Spirit? The Holy Spirit, whom you received from God, lives in you. You don’t belong to yourselves. You were bought for a price. So bring glory to God in the way you use your body.

– 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (GOD’S WORD® Translation (©1995))

Wow, this should make us tremble that God considers your body His “house.”  What are you doing with “His house?”  What are you letting into “His house?”  Don’t you dare use “His house”  for evil purposes as He will not tolerate sin in His presence.  And to the abortionists I’m sorry to inform you but God says if you’re saved, your body is NOT your own.

Be in Me at all times as I am in you. As the branch is not able to give fruit of itself, if it is not still on the vine, so you are not able to do so if you are not in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches: he who is in Me at all times as I am in him, gives much fruit, because without Me you are able to do nothing.

– John 15:4-5 (Bible In Basic English)

We have to constantly remain connected to Jesus if we are to produce the fruit that God wants.  If the world has first place in your heart you won’t be able to accomplish anything God wants you to do.  And God is not impressed with YOUR ideas of good works.  He is impressed when you are doing what HE has laid out in His plan for you to do.

…and when you turn to the right hand, and when you turn to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way. Walk in it.”

– Isaiah 30:21 (World English Bible)

We all say we want God to lead us and guide us in the way we should go but are we quiet enough in our souls to be able to hear His Spirit leading us?  Or do we let the cares and worries of this world drown out His voice?  Maybe if we slow down and take the time to listen to Him instead of just doing the first thing that pops into our heads we could avoid a lot of our troubles.