I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 2 Timothy 4:7

 Yesterday we lost another vocal Christian who stood up for what he believed. Taking to the college campuses to speak the truth of God’s word, Charlie Kirk was shot dead in the middle of an assembly. His final words before being killed: Jesus loves you and shared the love of Christ with the thousands in attendance.

 Today’s scripture sums up his life. He was not afraid to share the biblical truth. Although he never attended college, he saw the direction our youth were going, being misled by the woke agenda being taught in classrooms, on college campuses and everywhere on social media; the feeding grounds of our next generation. Although many people debated him, he still stood for the truth, and I’m certain opened the eyes of thousands of young adults who Satan had blinded using teachers, professors, and important people in the lives they admired.

 If you are a child of God, you should carry on the work that Charlie and so many others continue to do for the sake of Jesus Christ. We’ve hidden behind church walls long enough, it’s time for the good news of Jesus Christ is shared within our families, communities, across this nation, and around the world. You might not be able to travel to another country, but you can help financially and prayerfully support missions through your local church. Jesus said it well in Matthew 9:37 “the harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few”.

 Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing. 2 Timothy 4:8

 Charlie Kirk, enjoy your reward in Heaven, you’ve earned it!

 

 I John 3:9 Whoever has been born of God does not sin, for His seed remains in him; and he cannot sin, because he has been born of God.

Since the beginning of time, people find ways to blame others for their sins or wrong doing. Eve blamed the devil for tempting her to eat the forbidden fruit, Adam blamed Eve, comedian Flip Wilson blamed the devil for his misdeeds. Yesterday's news reported a man stabbed his wife to death because he couldn't take her anymore. It's easy to blame others, but the truth is, each one of us makes a conscious decision to sin. 

Today's verse has some eye opening wisdom, as it says anyone born of God (a Christian) cannot sin. That sounds like a tall order, but God doesn't take sin lightly. He didn't send His Son Jesus Christ to the cross for sins payment just so you can pick and choose your pleasures that are opposite of His moral standards. We can't blame others or our situations for choosing to sin, we bear that responsibility. 

Romans 13:14 But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts.

As God's children, we must take obedience seriously. Obedience is a choice and when you remove the ease of temptation, living rightly for God becomes easier. Why put yourself in a situation that you know will tempt you? Guard your steps, protect your mind, and seek after Godly wisdom in His word and your life will simply align with Jesus Christ. Sinful living will have no place in your heart, mind, and soul. 

 Jonah 1:17 Now the Lord had arranged for a great fish to swallow Jonah. And Jonah was inside the fish for three days and three nights.

One of the most familiar stories in the Bible tells about Jonah, who was instructed by God to warn the people of Nineveh to turn from their wickedness, but he chose to disobey and run from God. While on a ship traveling in the opposite direction, a horrific storm came up on the vessel and the shipmates determined it was Jonah who brought on the storm. Jonah instructed the men to throw him overboard. The storm stopped and as we see in today's verse, a giant fish swallowed him. 3 days later the fish vomited him up on the shores of Nineveh. Talk about God getting your attention! 

I want to point out something missed in this story, when Jonah was thrown overboard, God saved Jonah by that fish. Left at sea, he would have eventually drowned. Maybe you are like Jonah, you avoid God's call to: attend church, go on a mission trip, volunteer at a community activity, or better yet, accept Jesus Christ into your life. Something tragic has happened in your life and you blame God and want no part of His call to action. If that's you, God will continue to press and encourage you to change your trajectory and come to Him in obedience. He will use anything to get your attention, in the meantime keep you safe (like Jonah) from harm til you realize your running away isn't worth the trials and tribulations meant to turn around. 

God has a special purpose for your life, especially if you feel His calling to serve in some way. Trust me, it's better to obey than disobey by making excuses for why you don't want to do His bidding. Choose to obey today and God will bless your faithfulness. 

 Colossians 1:9 So we have not stopped praying for you since we first heard about you. We ask God to give you complete knowledge of his will and to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding. 

There are several families I've been praying for who've experienced tragic events, either with themselves or one of their family members. Following up with them, it appears God is working miracles and healing has begun. 

You might have people in your life who are undergoing similar events and wonder what you should pray for. Today's verse gives the best answer to that question. Praying for Godly wisdom, understanding about their circumstances, and to see the path God has for them as they go through this trial. 

Maybe you are the one needing prayer! this verse will help focus your prayers to God for direct results. Sometimes we just need to be very specific with our prayers to God, so we can actually see His specific response to our situation. Trust me, I've prayed for specific things and God literally did exactly as I requested. He might not always respond in that manner, but He will always give you His very best. Pray for wisdom, understanding, and vision to see His will and purpose for this thing you are going through. God bless. 

 Psalms 23:5 You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings.

One of the greatest fears for soldiers fighting in battle is running out of ammunition. Sadly, it has happened more times than you'd expect, requiring them to either retreat or fight hand to hand combat. 

Today's verse reminds God's children that He will prepare a feast before your enemies. Our battle isn't fought with bullets, but with the power of God. No human power or wisdom can overcome the power of Satan, only by engaging God in your battles will you stand tall and not have to retreat in fear. 

Maybe your enemy is an addiction, a rude neighbor, an evil coworker, even a medical condition that has overwhelmed you…there are countless battles you’ll face in life, but God. He is capable of supplying all you need to come out victorious. Release it into His hands by prayer and faith in Him, you'll be amazed at the outcome. 

 It is good for me that I have been afflicted, that I may learn Your statutes. Psalm 119:71

 There is nothing more painful, shameful, and regretful than suffering the consequences of wrong doing. Maybe you were caught up in a lie, arrested for shoplifting, committed an awful act against another person, and the list is long of other offenses. The reality is each sin comes with a penalty and it can impact you for a day, a lifetime or anywhere in-between. If you have any conscience, you accept your wrongdoing and seek forgiveness. The end result is hopefully you’ll regroup and find a way to get back on the right path for your life.

 The author of today’s verse acknowledges the benefit of learning from his mistakes and seeks to gain wisdom to help him do better in life. As a child, you were probably (hopefully) disciplined when you did wrong, and as a result, you discovered that doing right was less painful (on your rear end) than the pleasure you sought while sinning. Hopefully your heart hasn’t hardened to learning and a desire to do better. There are jail houses full of hard hearts who never learn from their mistakes and keep on repeating sin and wrongdoing that comes with longer periods of discipline.

 Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep Your word. You are good, and do good; teach me Your statues. Psalm 119:67-68

 Take advice from today’s scripture, learn from your mistakes and desire to do God’s will by remaining obedient to His standard of living, and the law of the land, so you won’t have to bear the consequences of your wrongdoing.