Having Bible knowledge and understanding is great, however if the scriptures are not living and active in our lives, it is all in vain (Hebrews 4:12-13). The life application selections contain thoughts provoking, real life challenges that will prayerfully transform us to be more like Jesus in our spiritual journey. James 1:23-27 challenges us to not just merely listen or read the scriptures, it says “But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don’t forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it.” Do not miss your blessings my friends!
Forgive our sins, as we also forgive everyone who sins against us.
Jesus in his prayer, while teaching his disciples how to pray added this scripture. We all need forgiveness because we have all sinned against God (Romans 3:23). Reflect on your life today, who in your life do you need to forgive? Your first reaction might be, I have forgiven everyone who has wronged me in my life. If you are driven like me, I would suggest that you go through your list and examine your heart as you think of these people. If you experience that Gut feeling as you think about anyone on your list, you have not forgiven. You may have distanced yourself, avoid the person, dismiss them, or move away from them but you may have not resolved in your heart. Resolving in your heart simply means, as a child of God you have given the person a clean slate just as God has done for you. A clean slate does not mean the person’s wrong against you is forgotten but it’s knowing that you and that person will stand before God to give account for everything you have done (Romans 4:12). God is the final judge for all. And Jesus says in Mathew 6:15 “But if you do not forgive others their sins, your heavenly father will not forgive you.” I once asked myself a question that I would like to leave with you, does that person worth your soul being separated from God for eternity?
Because they regard not the work of the Lord, nor the operation of his hands, he shall destroy them, and not build them up.
What areas in your life that you know you are not being obedient to God’s Work? Let’s choose the work of the Lord and his perfect example through Jesus Christ in our lives so that he can build us up to our fullest potentials. The best way to assess this area of your life is to observe where and what you spend most of your time doing, thinking about or wishing for. Where your energy is being spent that is usually a clear indication of your work.
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
I was in line at Costco waiting to do gas when a person came from the other lane, cut me off and took my spot. At that moment, many thoughts came through my mind. Believe me, my initial thoughts were not Holy! I can hear the spirit saying, recognize Satan when you see him manifesting before you! The person is not your enemy, Satan is. The different scriptures that rang through my ears where Jesus telling me: “Blessed are the meek for they will inherit the earth” –Mathew 5:8 and “Blessed it are the peace maker for they will be called children of God”-Mathew 5:9. What this gentleman did was evil, or we would say mean or inconsiderate. I would have been justified to defend my right. As a daughter of the living God with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, I chose to overcome what the devil intended for evil with Good. This man may have walked away feeling good or maybe horrible but I left Costco thanking God for his faithfulness. The driver who was behind me said, how do you remain so cool? And, she stated I was mad for you! I said Ma’am, I can’t take any credit this is all God. I shared with her I had a good time with the Lord this morning that prepared me for many moments like this. Look for areas in your day where you can choose to defeat the evil’s scheme with Good according to God’s command!
