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!
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).
For You are my rock and my fortress; Therefore, for Your name’s sake, Lead me and guide me.
Each of our journey with God is different. What does it mean to you when you read God is your “rock and fortress?” This is my scripture for the year 2024. Yes! Every year, as I am led by the spirit, I choose a theme scripture and from the theme scripture I meditate on a phrase that helps me focus on my spiritual journey for the year. This year did not start as I normally expected. Well! Neither did the end of 2023. Can you relate how God sometimes change your plans to remind you that he is the Lord.
How good and pleasant it is when God's people live together in unity!
Unity (Yachad- Hebrew) can be translated as altogether. The word unity or unify is often used in different settings. I often hear the word unity used in the church setting. Jesus, in John chapter 17:20-23, prayed for his disciples and future disciples who will believe in him to become one. As I read Jesus’ prayer asking God to allow all his followers to become one, it leads me to ask, what was the purpose and vision that Jesus saw as he prayed that prayer?
