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!
Iyov got up, tore his coat, shaved his head, fell down on the ground and worshipped; he said, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will return there. Adonai gave; Adonai took; blessed be the name of Adonai.”
This verse is found in Job chapter one after God allowed Satan to strike everything that was meaningful to Job. The Holiday is approaching. For some, it will evoke feelings of joy, excitement, happiness, and memorable times. And for others, the holiday will provoke feelings of pain, sadness, sorrow, guilt/shame, grief, anger, loneliness, etc. My prayer for each one of us, like Job, no matter what situation you find yourself in, praise God who can see you through positive and negative circumstances in your life. For we have a High Priest in Jesus Christ who can sympathize with us in every way (Hebrews 4:15).
Taste and see that ADONAI is good; How blessed are those who take refuge in him!
Tasting can be a life changing experience. Some tastes can lead you to a positive or negative life experience. What have you tasted in your life? How has it been going for you? The psalmist is inviting you to taste God as your choice of food or drinks. Oftentimes, you hear people say I became addicted after I tried……. once, you fill in the blank. Have you found that your choice of taste has become bitter in your life? The Psalmist is inviting you to try God’s goodness and he confidently promises tasting God is the best choice. God, through Jesus Christ, is calling you to taste His goodness despite all the bitterness that you might be enduring from the taste of this life. Decide today to taste the Lord and allow the flavor of the Lord to overpower any taste that has been burdensome in your life. God is offering to take your struggles and burdens from the taste of this life in exchange for rest (Mathew 11:28-30).
The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.
Do you want to know the intimate part of God? Spend time with Jesus who is God's Word in the flesh (John 1:1-14). Is your life falling apart where nothing seems to be working out? Allow Jesus who is the sustaining force of all things and powerful words to transform your life (Hebrews 4:12-13). Jesus is ready to change your life if you are ready to surrender your will to his purpose. You are never too broken or far from God to enter his presence. Jesus is waiting for you to come home where you belong.
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
Do you believe God’s will for us is to put into practice each element listed in this passage? Do you speak to God through all your life circumstances? Or, do you only pray during the drought period in your life? Rejoice always and give thanks in all circumstances takes being purposeful and intentional through faith in God. It takes complete surrender and believing his promises are true As I am writing this reflection, I have been struggling with sudden dizziness.
I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.
When you woke up this morning, was God's word the first in your mind? We live in a busy and stressful society where our heart and mind are always being tugged in different directions. Hiding God's Word in our heart takes being persistent and intentional. Jesus exemplifies the importance of hiding God's word in our heart so that we can stand strong against the devil’s schemes throughout our testing times in this world (Mark 1:35, Mathew 4:1-11). If we do not hide the Word of God in our heart, we are left with our sinful nature as the compass of our heart. As a result, our daily actions and decisions do not reflect the heart of God and leads us away from God’s purpose for our lives and toward Satan’s domain. I know personally for me, when God’s word is not hidden in my heart when I start my day, I can be less compassionate, short with people and easily angered. Decide today that you will let the Word of God be the blood that pumps and regulates the function of your heart.
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
What struggle are you fighting through today? Whatever it might be, the fight you are taking on is much bigger than you. Your mistakes, conflicts with others, addictions, sickness, being a victim of abuse, etc., are bigger than what your eyes see. As you witness the chaos that is happening around you or in your personal life, know that the spirit of this dark world is the enemy. There is a dark force that is fighting for our soul.
