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!
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.
Does anyone want to live a life that is long and prosperous? Then keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies!
I recently read a statement that I can’t recall the exact wording, but it says something like: Lying has become the norm of society, therefore telling the truth has become an extraordinary thing to do. As you read these scriptures, do you find your mind spinning like mine did? It appears to me the opposite of what the scripture says is happening all around me. It seems that those who lie and speak evil are winning, living long life and thriving in our society. It seems that virtues and integrity are not the standard in our society anymore. Despite what my eyes are seeing, I know God’s Word is truth. 2Peter 3:9, reminds us that God’s patience with the wicked is not slowness. In fact, God’s desire is to see that no one perishes and hopes that everyone turns from their sins. Decide today to live a long and prosperous life with God’s truth on your tongue! Let’s not join the crowd that seems louder; let us be the minority who stands for godly truth!
But Peter and John replied, “Which is right in God’s eyes: to listen to you, or to him? You be the judges!
Read this scripture slowly, stop and ponder on Peter's question to the religious leaders who were attempting to intimidate him. Who or what is influencing your daily decisions? There are so many opinions and influencers around us. Who is the captain of your life journey? Jesus calls us to love him above everything in our lives, otherwise, we cannot be his disciples (Luke 14:25-27). Whose voices have you been listening to? Who is guiding or driving your daily decisions? You be the judge of that!
After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.
Jesus was a servant! He did not just love with words but with actions in all that he did as he walked this earth. Can you imagine, washing the feet of the person who you know is going to hand you over to a group of people to murder you? I don't know what your enemies have done to you but Jesus through his actions, demonstrated nothing is worth him losing his place at the right hand of the father. In the same way you should not allow anything to forfeit your salvation through Jesus Christ. Jesus himself says, unless you forgive, your heavenly Father will not forgive you (Matthew 6:15). Who do you need to forgive from the heart today? Don't delay, the next minute is not promised.
But remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your ancestors, as it is today.
When you have time, read the book of Deuteronomy. God's people were being reminded as they entered the promise land and being prosperous to remember it was God who gave it to them. Are we any different from the Israelites in our approach toward whatever you might consider wealth or blessings? How often do we boast about our success and forget that it is not our brilliance, academic achievements, people in power, or luck that blessed you with all that you have? It is God, Jireh (Our provider), who provides us with all we have. Have you ever considered that everything you have can be taken from you instantly? Don't put your trust on earthly things. Put your trust and hope in the strength and power of God that produces all wealth/blessings, small or large (Deuteronomy 8:19).
