But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. James 1:22

 

A few weeks ago, I purchased a really nice table saw for my woodworking shop. I splurged and bought an expensive one that is solid and will perform many functions, which should last for years. When it arrived, two people had to load it in my shop. When I opened the box and looked inside, I saw it had many, many parts, so I closed it and decided to wait until an opportune time to put the pieces together. Procrastination got the best of me, as I read through the instructions and continued to put off its construction. Finally, I found a window of time and carefully put all the pieces together. It took 4 hours, but was worth it.

 

As Christians, we read through the bible and gain nuggets of wisdom and guidance for our lives. Yet, so often what we read seems too much to live up to, so we close the bible and wait to read another chapter that will be more pleasing to the eyes. We simply put off or push back from what we know God would have us to do. Have you ever experienced this in your life?

 

Just like that instruction manual for the table saw, the bible lays out specific plans for your life! Its words build a Christ like character in you, which works towards accomplishing God’s plan to reach the world with His love and forgiveness. Unless you take action upon what you read, your purpose in life will never be accomplished.  

 

Like today’s verse says, be doers of God’s word and not just a reader. God has many awesome things in store for your life and it requires your time and priority to follow in close obedience. Don’t procrastinate His blessings any longer, be a doer of His word and you’ll find great things in your life and the lives of those you touch through following His word!   

 

 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body and thankful. Colossians 3:15

 

Finding peace in this world can be difficult. Just in the past few days I’ve read of multiple shootings in a popular vacation spot, destruction of a business and let’s not forget the horrific war going on in Europe. Trouble is everywhere and Jesus Himself even said we’d have trouble as Christians.

 

So how do you have the peace of God in your heart? For me, I have to mentally escape from this world and pray to God. The moment I start my prayer, I feel this calming effect come over me. I feel this way because I know the God of this universe holds everything in His hands and His Holy Spirit lives inside me as a child of God. No matter what, He reminds me of His presence in my life. As a child of God, He goes with you. He is bigger than any problem you encounter and can resolve it through prayer and belief in Him.

 

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. Colossians 3:16

 

Another thing you can do is turn off the world. Social media, TV, radio, even your neighbor, can stir your heart and emotions. Block out some time to spend in the bible and read it closely, soaking up its promises and message of hope. This world is NOT your home. Your brief life here is but a vapor in time compared to eternity. Look to Jesus for His love to sustain you in this loveless world. He is your only hope and firm foundation for life. Nothing and no one can bring you closer to God than your personal relationship through Jesus Christ.

 

Connect to God through prayer, bible study and quiet time away from the craziness of this world and I promise you, you will find more peace in your heart. God bless

 

 He commanded them to take nothing for the journey except a staff-no bag, no bread, no copper in their money belts-but to wear sandals, and not to put on two tunics. Mark 6:8-9

 

Imagine going on a business trip with no money, no change of clothes, no food, just the clothes on your back and shoes on your feet. That’s exactly what Jesus instructed his 12 disciples when He sent them out to preach repentance to the communities they visited. Jesus had already planned to take care of them through the hospitality of the homes they visited and people they encountered. This was a test of their faith and trust in Him.

 

As a child of God, you must consider living out your life with the same trust and confidence of His disciples. Although you and I have not had the opportunity to be in the presence of Jesus, we are encouraged by the gospel that recorded His faithfulness and the words Jesus spoke.

 

“And my God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19

 

If you are a child of God, you have a purpose in life, to serve Him using your special God given talents. He has imparted special gifts to each believer, so as individuals, we all come together for one purpose, sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. You can do that through word of mouth, by acts of kindness, through financial support of a special ministry. There is an endless list of opportunities to serve Him. He shall supply all your needs so you can accomplish the Great Commission! Seek your talent today and trust that God will give you all you need for His special ministry He has assigned to you. God bless!

 

 Fight the good fight of faith. 1 Timothy 6:12a

 

Going back to the topic of the Ukraine people, they are all fighting for their country. Men and women of all ages are standing their ground to defend their country so they can continue to enjoy the freedoms once held. These brave men and women should be in the forefront of our thoughts and prayers as they are sacrificing their lives for a worthy cause.

 

Timothy reminds Christians to fight the good fight of faith. The bible is very clear that anyone associated with Jesus Christ will face some form of persecution or trial in their life (John 16:33). The world, as a whole, rejects the holiness of God, because its ruler is satan. Satan has blinded the mind of unbelievers (2 Corinthians 4:4). Because of their blindness, they can’t grasp the gospel, they can’t connect to God’s holiness, so they chase after falsehood and things counter to the word of God.

 

As a child of God, you must continue your pursuit to live out your faith, regardless of the criticism, persecution and even potential death for the cause of Christ. Many around the world are suffering greatly for their belief, because of their commitment to Jesus Christ. Don’t let them die in vain. Your world of freedom is God’s blessing and you (and myself) should use it for God’s glory to share the good news of Christ.

 

The lost are dying by the thousands, totally blind and without faith in the Savior. You can be that light that leads them out of darkness. Continue to fight the good fight of faith. It’s what you are called to do as a child of the living God! Blessings!

 

 And whatever you do, do it heartily as to the Lord and not to men. Colossians 3:23

 

As a child of God, you are not of the world, but you live in the world. As a representative of Christ, the world is watching you. Everything you say and do is looked upon by those outside the faith. That is why it’s so important to live out your faith, regardless of the circumstances in your life.

 

Maybe it’s a difficult boss who makes it challenging to go to work every day, or a spouse who makes it difficult to stay in the marriage, a rebellious child who challenges your patience or maybe you are simply not in a good place and always looking for something better. The list is definitely endless, but God wants you to be content in your current situation so you can show the world the characteristics of Christ: love, joy, peace, kindness, long-suffering, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control (Galatians 5:22).

 

Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content. Philippians 4:11

 

Your life might not be perfect, and honestly things might be quite difficult, even painful. Put all your energy into pleasing the Lord where you are, and not seek after the praise of this world. No one has more interest in you, than God Himself. He gave His Son, Jesus Christ, as payment for your soul.

 

And my God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19 Live your life for the One who gave His life for you! God bless!  

 A prudent man foresees evil and hides himself; the simple pass on and are punished. Proverbs 27:12

 

Imagine if you will a blind man walking on top of a mountain and using his cane to check the ground before he takes each step. That cane ensures the next step is there and is safe to move forward. Now consider him nearing the edge of a cliff, as he uses his cane, he doesn’t feel anything ahead, yet he continues to take the next step, which leads to a horrific fall to his death. You have to question why he took it, knowing his cane told him it’s not safe to move forward.

 

As Christians, we must always be on guard for the dangers of sin. Sadly, some continue to walk right into a sinful behavior and not think it will have an impact on their life. The truth is, sin has consequences and 100% of the time those sins come with negative responses; maybe not immediately, but they will eventually catch up to you.

 

A prudent man foresees evil and hides himself. When you don’t feel a firm foundation of where you are in life, it’s time to take a step back to evaluate where you are headed. Always keep a watchful eye out for every endeavor you start and make sure it aligns with God’s will and purpose for your life. Sin is NEVER part of God’s plan, so avoid anything that is prohibited in God’s word.

 

Today is a new day to start afresh and purposeful walk with the Lord. Make each step count and avoid the pitfalls of satan’s ways of deception. God knows the path He has for you, so follow His still quiet voice in confidence. God bless!

 

 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:21

 

What consumes your mind all day? Is it the worries of life, maybe you focus on a special relationship or your mind is always trying to plan out your day between work, family and personal time. There is a endless list of things to think about, but only one thing truly matters, your heart. Where you heart is, that’s where your true focus will be. Everything in your life has a priority and what matters most to you will always be at the top of that list.

 

Today’s verse is a reminder of the fact that what we value the most is where we invest our time and resources. I encourage you to take some time today and evaluate what matters most to you and see if your relationship with God has any influence over your heart’s desires.

 

Everything in your life, the good and bad, has been sifted through the hands of God. His plan for you is to grow you into His image. Only by keeping your heart “Christ focused”, will you be able to make Him a priority in all of life’s responsibilities and treasures.  Leaning on His Holy Spirit to guide you through each day will help you maintain that Heaven bound focus and not get caught up in the earthly treasures that can be taken away without reason.

 

“but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where thieves do not break in and steal.” Matthew 6:20

 

Invest in Jesus Christ. He gave His all so you can have the freedom of life eternal. Your treasures on earth have little value in Heaven, so make your investments worthy of Him who gave your life purpose as a light into the darkness! God bless!