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!
The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay.
He has risen!
Do you know why Jesus Christ has risen? We often focus on the cross and his death as we teach on the topic of forgiveness through Jesus Christ which are equally important as He has risen! The fact that He has risen, is the most incredible gift that God has blessed the world with (John 3:16). Why is Jesus risen the most powerful gift to a world full of condemnation?
Answer me when I call to you, my righteous God. Give me relief from my distress; have mercy on me and hear my prayer.
Father God! We come before you in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Please help us see your presence amid our trials and victories. Father, we know that true deliverance from our distress only comes from you. Heavenly Father! We don't deserve your mercy and your deliverance. There is nothing we can do to earn relief during trials in our lives. Father, we feel surrounded by our enemies at every corner.
And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
Growing up my grandmother who was not a follower of Jesus, would often tell us to put this statement into practice, treat everyone with kindness. I recalled her saying that a poor person might just be the one who saves your life one day. Growing up, that value stayed with me and has carried me through in life. I would like to share two stories that might help me bring this scripture to life.
Better is open rebuke than hidden love. Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.
Imagine someone you love and care about is walking toward a fire, and they don't see it, but you can clearly see they are entering a road that will lead to their death. You decided I love them so much that I don’t want to disappoint or hurt them in hope that they will turn around or someone else might help them. Perhaps, your warning may not change the person’s path or might cost you their friendship. Do you love them enough to take the risk?
For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.
Apostle Paul, prior to making this statement was encouraging the disciples to work out their own salvation with fear and trembling (verse 12). As you read this scripture, does this passage prompt you to think about how you know it is God who is using you as a vessel to fulfill his good purpose or pleasure? As I have done for many years, the first week of January I prayed asking God to show me how to move forward this new year for his purpose.
For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.
“When the advocate comes, whom I will send to you from the Father the Spirit of truth who goes out from the father he will testify about me” (John 15:26). “The Spirit of the Lord is on me because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free” (Luke 4:18).
