GUARD YOUR INTEGRITY!

 EVERYDAY IN THE WORD!

TUESDAY NOVEMBER 10, 2020.

SUBJECT : GUARD YOUR INTEGRITY!

Memory verse: “The just man walks in his integrity: his children are blessed after him.”

 (Proverbs 20 vs 7.) 

READ: Matthew 5 vs 33 - 37:

5:33: Again, you have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shalt not swear falsely, but shall perform your oaths to  the Lord.’
5:34: But I say to you, do not swear at all, neither by heaven; for it is God's throne;
5:35: nor by the earth, for it is His footstool; nor by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King.
5:36: Nor shall you swear by thy head, because you cannot make one hair white or black.
5:37: But let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’ For whatever is more than these is from the evil one.’

INTIMATION:

Integrity denotes honesty, uprightness, morality, and wholeness. Therefore, a man or woman of integrity is known for honesty, uprightness, morality, and wholeness. 

Integrity is more valuable than wealth, but most people don’t act as if they believe this. In a bid to get what they want they compromise their integrity in order to achieve their aim. They will pay any price to get what they want thereby falling into various temptations, and indulging in many forms of compromises— ritual and devilish sacrifices to acquire wealth, lying, cheating on people, and employers, invading taxes, stealing, withholding tithes, refusing to give, and so on.

Many compromise their honesty to achieve their objectives. Dishonesty is a difficult sin to avoid. It is easy to cheat if we think no one else is looking. But dishonesty affects the very cure of a person. It makes him or her untrustworthy and untrusting. It eventually makes him or her unable to know himself or herself or relate with others. Don’t take dishonesty lightly. Even the smallest portion of dishonesty contains enough of the poison of deceit to kill your spiritual life. If there is any form of dishonesty in your life tell God about it now.

Christians should live such a character of life that whatever they say should be understood as truth. They should be good for their words. If a Christian makes a promise, it should be assumed that he will keep that promise. A person with a reputation for exaggeration or lying often can’t get anyone to believe him or his word alone. Always be honest so that others will believe your simple yes or no. By avoiding lies, half truths, and omissions of the truth, you will become known as a trustworthy person. Truthfulness seems so rare that we feel we must end our statements with “I promise.” If we tell the truth all the time, we will have less pressure to back up our words with an oath.

Making casual oath is common to many in normal conversation in order to establish integrity or credibility. Integrity and credibility of the Christian should be based on the behavior of one’s life, not on casual statements continually made in conversation. The statement of Christians should be considered true and correct without the necessity of making oaths in order to reinforce what they say. 

Our integrity is often put on the line in money matters. God calls us to be honest even in small details we could easily ignore. But if we are not trustworthy with our money here (no matter how much or little we have), we will be unfit to handle the vast riches of God’s kingdom. Heaven’s riches are far more valuable than earthly wealth. See that you maintain your integrity in all matters, whether big or small. Never try to get away with anything. Be a man or woman of integrity whether you have or not. We should guard our integrity. A reputation for honesty is worth far more than the money we might gain by compromising it.

Parents who behave themselves with integrity will leave an example for their children to do likewise. One of the best things parents can leave for their children is a heritage of integrity. Your life circumstances, whether rich or poor, should never cause you to compromise your integrity. When we know and love God, we realize that a lower standard of living—or even poverty—is a small price to pay for personal integrity. Do your actions show that you sacrifice your integrity to get what you want? What changes do you have to make in order to get your priorities straight? 

Prayer: Abba Father, give me the grace to guard against any form of compromises in my integrity that I may stand approved of You in all my conducts, in Jesus’ Name I have prayed, Amen.

PRAISE THE LORD!

HUMILITY CURES WORLDLINESS!

 EVERYDAY IN THE WORD!

MONDAY NOVEMBER 9, 2020.

SUBJECT : HUMILITY CURES WORLDLINESS!

Memory verse: "By humility and the fear of The Lord are riches, and honor, and life" (Proverbs 22 vs 4).

READ: Matthew 18 vs 4 & Luke 14 vs 7 - 11:

Matthew 18: 4: Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

Luke 14:7: So He told a parable to those who were invited, when He noted how they chose the best places, saying to them; 

14:8: When you are invited by anyone to a wedding feast, do not sit down in the best place, lest one more honorable than you be invited by him;

14:9: And he who invited you and him come and say to you, 'Give place for this man,' and then you begin with shame to take the lowest place.

14:10: But when you are invited, go and sit down in the lowest place, so that when he who invited you comes he may say to you, 'Friend, go up higher.' Then you will have glory in the presence of those who sit at the table with you.

14:11: For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.

INTIMATION:

Humility signifies lowliness of mind. It is always used in good sense in the Scripture to denote low-lying; not to think too highly of oneself; to bring low in meekness or gentleness. It is being modest, unpretentious, and having a low opinion of oneself or one's claims. Humility is a character trait dominant in all real servants of the LORD. Though gentleness , or humility, is a very elusive character trait, yet the Bible regards it as a highly important quality. God Himself is humble, and leaves on the midst of a meek and humble people (Zephaniah 3 vs 12). 

Abraham was humble and believed God, and ensured he would not offend God in any way. Any instructions given to him by God was strictly obeyed by him because of his believe in Him, and this was counted to him for righteousness. Moses was very humble, more than all men who were on the face of the earth (Numbers 12 vs 3). However, that was before the coming of Christ. Jesus was an epitome of humility. He was humble so much so that He was willing to give up His rights in order to obey God and serve people. His obedience in humility was to death, even a shameful death on the cross. 

Jesus Christ describes Himself as "gentle and low in heart" (Matthew 11 vs 29). If we say we follow Christ, we must also say we want to live as He lived. We should develop His attitude of humility as we serve, even when we are not likely to get recognition for our efforts. Like Christ, we should have a servant's attitude, serving out of love for God and for others, not out of guilt or fear. Everyone has the right of choice. You can choose your attitude. You can approach life expecting to be served, or you can look for opportunities to serve others. 

The apostle Paul gave the clearest definition of humility in Romans 12 vs 3, "For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith." Every believer should not think of himself or herself more highly than he or she ought to think, but to think soberly. 

The cure of evil desires is humility. In Proverbs 16 vs 18, the Scriptures says, "Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall." Pride usually makes us self-centered and leads us to wrongly conclude that we deserve all we can see, touch, or imagine. This wrong feeling creates greedy appetites for  far more than we need. Only in being humble before God that we can be released from our self-centered desires, realizing that all we really need is God's approval. When the Holy Spirit fills us, we see that this world's seductive attractions are only cheap substitutes for what God has to offer.

God hears the humble, and does not forget his cry (Psalm 9 vs 12). He dwells in the high and holy place with him who has a contrite and humble spirit, and revives the spirit of the humble (Isaiah 57 vs 15). He gives grace to the humble (James 4 vs 6; First Peter 5 vs 5), and grace (free and unmerited favour of God to sinful humanity) is all we need, and is God's greatest gift. When you humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, He will exalt you in due time (First Peter 5 vs 6) and His timing is the best since the end is known to Him from the beginning, and wants the very best for you.

Be clothed with humility (First Peter 5 vs 5) both old and young. Pride often keeps older people from trying to understand young people and keeps young people from listening to those who are older. Both young and old should be humble and serve each other, old people leading the young ones, and the young ones respecting the old. Be humble enough to admit you can learn from each other.

Prayer: Abba Father, endue me with the spirit of humility and obedience, which exemplified in Christ Jesus our Messiah, that I may obtain Your grace in riches, honor, and life, in Jesus Name I have prayed, Amen.

PRAISE THE LORD!

ENTRANCE INTO THE KINGDOM!

 

EVERYDAY IN THE WORD!

SUNDAY NOVEMBER 8, 2020.

SUBJECT : ENTRANCE INTO THE KINGDOM!

Memory verse: 

"

Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.”

 (John 3 vs 5.) 

READ: John 3 vs 3 - 9:

3:3: Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”
3:4: Nicodemus said to him, “How can a man be born when he is old? C an he enter a second time into his mother's womb, and be born?”
3:5: Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.”
3:6: That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.
3:7: Do not marvel not that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’
3:8: The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes, and where it goes. So is every one who is born of the Spirit.”

INTIMATION:

The Kingdom of God is the sphere of God’s rule; it’s the sphere in which, at any given time, His rule is acknowledged. God has not relinquished His sovereignty in the face of rebellion, demoniac or human, but has declared His purpose of establishing His  Kingdom. God calls upon all humans everywhere, without distinction of race or nationality, to submit voluntarily to His rule. Speaking generally, references to the Kingdom fall into two classes, the first, in which it is viewed as present and involving suffering for those who enter it (Second Thessalonians 1 vs 5); The second, in which it is viewed as future and is associated with reward (Matthew 25 vs 34), and glory (Matthew 13 vs 43).

The fundamental principle of the Kingdom is declared in the words of the Lord, “The Kingdom of God is in the midst of you,” (Luke 17 vs 21), that is, where the King is, there is the Kingdom. Thus at the present time and so far as the earth is concerned, where the King is and where His rule is acknowledged, is, first, in the heart of the individual believer, and then in the churches of God. Entrance into the Kingdom of God is by the “new birth,” for nothing that anyone may be by nature, or can attain to by any form of self-culture, avails in the spiritual realm. And as the new nature, received in the new birth, is made evident by obedience, it is further said that only such as do the will of God shall enter into His Kingdom.

Jesus stated what is necessary for inclusion of the kingdom reign of Jesus in the heart of men, and thus, one’s participation in the community of God. The condition is the ‘new birth,’ the birth of the spirit by being regenerated by the power of God. The condition will be the manifestation of one’s response to all that God has done in order to bring one into a covenant relationship with Him. Based on the redemptive work of Jesus, God the Father forgives us, and sends the Holy Spirit to wash away our sins and continually renew us.  All who welcome Jesus Christ as Lord of their lives are reborn spiritually, receiving new life from God—the new birth. Through faith in Christ, the new birth changes us from the inside—rearranging our attitudes, desires, and motives. 

Being born of God makes you spiritually alive and puts you in God’s family. When one is born of the Spirit, he or she is spiritually rejuvenated by the Holy Spirit through the sacrificial blood of Jesus (Ephesians 1 vs 7). In new birth, the Spirit does the work of sanctification without the perception of men. One must be born of the water of baptism, at which point, one is renewed by the Holy Spirit. Born of water is the response of the individual to the grace of God. 

What Jesus is saying is that unless one truly repents because of obedient faith, and is immersed into Christ, he or she cannot participate with Jesus in the kingdom of God. One is thus born anew in baptism by the regenerating work of the Holy Spirit. Born of the Spirit is the work of God in  the spirit realm beyond our understanding. The Spirit does His work to bring us forth from the grace of baptism pure of sin because we have relinquished by obedience to the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus.

Prayer: Abba Father, thank You for the new nature You have imparted to me though my obedient faith in whatChrist wrought for us in redemption. Give me the grace to live according to Your will, to avail me entrance to Your kingdom, in Jesus’ Name I have prayed, Amen.

PRAISE THE LORD!

WHEN GOD SAYS ‘NO’ TO YOUR PRAYER!

 EVERYDAY IN THE WORD!

SATURDAY NOVEMBER 7, 2020.

SUBJECT : WHEN GOD SAYS "NO" TO YOUR PRAYER!

Memory verse: "He went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, "O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will.

" 

(Matthew 26 vs 39.)

READ: First Chronicles 22 vs 7 - 10:

22:7: And David said to Solomon; "My son, as for me, it was in my mind to build a house to the name of the LORD my God;

22:8: But the word of the LORD came to me, saying, 'You have shed much blood and have made great wars; you shall not build a house for My name, because you have shed much blood on the earth in My sight.

22:9: Behold, a son shall be born to you, who shall be a man of rest; and I will give him rest from all his enemies all around. His name shall be Solomon, for I will give peace and quietness to Israel in his days.

22:10: He shall build a house for My name, and he shall be My son, and I will be his Father; and I will establish the throne of his kingdom over Israel forever.'

INTIMATION:

God's answer to your prayer can be "No." And when God says "No" to your prayer, what would be your reaction? Some people will agonize, murmur, or even question God; "God why did You say no, when You had said, 'Ask, and I shall receive?'" Remember, God is a God of purpose. He created all things for His preplanned purposes. All He does is according to His purpose, including an answer to your prayer. He will not grant any request contrary to His preplanned purposes already He noted in His Book for you (Psalm 139 vs 16)p. That which is recorded in His Book is His "Will." Therefore, when you ask anything in prayer, outside His Will, you receive a 'no' answer to such prayers.

God knows the end from the beginning (Isaiah 46 vs 10). He knows when our desires is not in consonance with His purposes. Therefore, when our request in prayers is outside His will, our requests are not granted. Your reaction to a 'no' answer from God should be an accepting, and humble heart before the LORD; praising, and thanking Him for the answer. In our memory verse, Jesus asked for something outside the Will of the Father, and was quick to also, humbly acknowledge that 'not as I will, but as You will.' In Jesus' sorrowful heart, He humbled Himself, even to the point of death on the cross. 

King David was a man described by God Himself as "a man after My own heart" (Acts 13 vs 22). He was worried that while he was dwelling in a beautiful palace of cedar, the Ark of the covenant of the Lord, which is a symbol of the presence of God, sat under tent curtains. David expressed his displeasure to Nathan the prophet. The prophet urged him to do all that is in his heart. Though David’s gesture was good and admirable, but God refused that David should build the temple, and gave His reason for His refusal (First Chronicles 22 vs 8). God told David that his son Solomon will undertake the task of building a house for Him instead. 

David responded to God's refusal with deep humility, not resentment. David went and sat before the Lord and humbled himself in prayer, praising God, recognizing God's blessings and accepting God's decision, promises, and commands. He recognized that God is the true king. David graciously accepted this "no" from God. He was not jealous of the fact that his son would have the honor of building God's temple, but instead made preparations for Solomon to carry out his task.

David’s humble response, and acceptance of God’s ‘Will’ should be our attitude to ‘no’ answer to our prayers by God. We should know that our prayers to Him are our ideas and desires which may not be in accordance with His Will for us. Therefore, when our requests are not granted, we should gladly accept God’s ‘no’ answer with thanksgiving that we are not outside is Will. Sometimes we are quick to make requests to God and to tell Him of our troubles, but, like David, we need to emphasize these other dimensions of prayer, which helps us deepen our spiritual life; we should take time to praise God, to count His blessings, and to affirm our commitment to do what He has already said to do.

Similarly, as David did, we should take steps now to prepare the way for our children to find and fulfill  God's purpose. When they are grown to start making their own decisions, you would have helped them with the proper tools, showing them how to pray and study God's Word, the difference between right and wrong, and the importance of kingdom involvements, and reverencing God.

Prayer: Abba Father, There is none like You. Let Your Will rule every area of my life in all circumstances. My absolute trust is in You. What You have not willed for me, may it never cross my mind to request, what You cannot do for me, may it remain undone, and what You cannot give me, may I never have it, in Jesus’ Name I have prayed, Amen.

PRAISE THE LORD!

DO NOT CLING TO THIS WORLD!

 EVERYDAY IN THE WORD!

FRIDAY NOVEMBER 6, 2020.

SUBJECT : DO NOT CLING TO THIS WORLD!

Memory verse: 

"For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?

"

 (Mark 8 vs 36.)

READ: First John 2 vs 15 - 17:

2:15: Do not love the world, or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
2:16: For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world.
2:17: And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.

INTIMATION:

Do not cling to this world that is passing away, rather evaluate your lifestyle from an eternal perspective, and you will find your values and decisions changing. Those who would cling or pattern their lives after this world, therefore, have forgotten that they have attached themselves to something that will not exist forever. If they do not cling to Jesus or have not patterned their thinking after that which is eternal, they will not be prepared to exist in eternity. It’s for this reason that the worldly minded people will not inherit eternal life. If one’s focus is on the things of this world, then he cannot give himself to God in a way that God demands of His children. In order words, one cannot trust in his self-sufficiency of the things of the world and at the same time totally trust in God.

If one owned all that is of this world, such would not profit toward the salvation of his soul. If we truly comprehend the value of our eternal salvation, we would not trade anything of this world for it. If we understood the glory that will be revealed to us, we would understand the foolishness of clinging to this world in a manner that would divert us from Jesus. The value of one’s soul is beyond comparison with anything of this world, even with the world as a whole. If one loves the world, the love of the Father is not in his heart. Those who love activities and possessions of this world do not love the Father, for they are obsessed with the things of this world. Those who have been consumed with the things of the world have taken their minds off that which is to come. And that which is to come is the destruction of all that for which one has worked in this world (Second Peter 3 vs 10).

Many people spend all their energy seeking pleasure. Jesus said, however, that worldliness, which is centered on possessions, position, or power, is ultimately worthless. Whatever you have on earth is only temporary; it cannot be exchanged for your soul. If you work hard at getting what you want, you might eventually have a “pleasurable” life, but in the end you will find it hollow and empty. One cannot take his possessions with him into the dwelling of the new heavens and earth, but he can take the results of his giving. 

Don’t count on wealth and physical comforts to keep you happy because you will never have enough to keep you from dying. At the moment of death we will be naked and empty-handed before God. The only riches we have at that time are those we have already invested in our eternal heritage. At the time of death, each of us will wish we had invested less in earth, where we must leave it, and more in heaven, we must place our faith in God, pledge ourselves to obey Him, and utilize our resources for the good of His kingdom.

Some people think that worldliness is limited to external behavior—the people we associate with, the places we go, the activities we enjoy. Worldliness is also internal because it begins in the heart and is characterized by three attitudes: (1) lust of the flesh—preoccupation with gratifying physical desires; (2) lust of the eyes—coveting and accumulating things, bowing to the god of materialism; and (3) pride of life—obsession with one’s status or importance. When the serpent tempted Eve, he tempted her in these areas. Also, when Satan tempted Jesus in the wilderness, these were his three areas of attack.

It is possible to give the impression of avoiding worldly pleasures while still harboring worldly attitudes in one’s heart. It is also possible like Jesus, to love sinners and spend time with them while maintaining commitment to the values of God’s kingdom. What values are most important to you? Do your actions reflect the world’s values of God’s values?

When the desire for possessions and sinful pleasures feels so intense, we probably doubt that these objects of desire will one day pass away. It may be even more difficult to believe that the person who does the will of God will live forever. But our conviction should be based on the facts of Jesus’ life, death, resurrection, and promises. Knowing that this evil world will end can give you the courage to deny yourself temporary pleasures in this world in order to enjoy what God has promised for eternity. 

Prayer: Abba Father, endue me with the spirit of eternal consciousness, that my thoughts and behavior will be heavenly bound, and I will not be obsessed with the cares of this world, in Jesus’ Name I have prayed, Amen.

PRAISE THE LORD!

THE PEACE OF CHRIST!

 EVERYDAY IN THE WORD!

THURSDAY NOVEMBER 5, 2020.

SUBJECT : THE PEACE OF CHRIST!

Memory verse: 

"

Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you, not as the world gives, do

 I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

"

 (John 14 vs 27.)

READ: Philippians 4 vs 6 - 8:

4:6: Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
4:7: And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
4:8: Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

INTIMATION:

The peace of Christ is the harmonized relationship between God and man accomplished through Jesus Christ and enumerated in the gospel, and the sense of rest and contentment consequent thereon. The true peace which Christ offers is beyond all human understanding because it’s quite distinct from the world's peace. It’s the peace that comes as a result of one’s assurance of His salvation in Christ. We are now at peace with God, which may differ from peaceful feelings such as calmness and tranquility. True peace is not found in positive thinking, in absence of conflict, or in good feelings. It comes from knowing that God is in control. And the end result of Holy Spirit’s work in our lives as children of God, is deep and lasting peace. 

Only in Jesus is there peace that surpasses all understanding. Peace with God means that we have been reconciled with Him. There is no more hostility between us, no sin blocking our relationship with Him. Sin, fear, uncertainty, doubt, and numerous other forces are at war within us. The peace of Christ moves into our hearts and lives to restrain these hostile forces and offer comfort in place of conflict. Peace with God is possible only because Jesus paid the price for our sins through His death on the cross.

Jesus said He will give us that peace if we are willing to accept it from Him. If your life is full of stress, allow the Holy Spirit to fill you with Christ’s peace. Let Christ’s peace be umpire or referee in our heart. Our heart is the center of conflict because there our feelings and desires clash—our fears and hopes, distrust and trust, jealousy and love. We can deal with these constant conflicts and live as God wants when we receive Christ’s peace.

Unlike worldly peace, which is usually defined as the absence of conflict, this peace is confident assurance in any circumstance: with Christ’s peace, we have no need to fear the present, or the future. Our citizenship in Christ's kingdom is sure, our destiny is set, and we can have victory over sin. Jesus said, “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” (John 16 vs 33.) In spite of the enviable struggles we do face, we are not alone. Jesus does not abandon us to our struggles either. If we remember that the ultimate victory has already been won, we can claim the peace of Christ in the most troublesome times.

The result of one’s prayerful communication with God that is based on faith, is an inner tranquility that cannot be expressed in words. It’s the peace of Christ that protects one’s heart and produces consistency in one’s thoughts. When our prayers are offered to God upon the basis of faith, and knowing that God will work in answer to our prayers, then we will gain an inner peace of heart and mind. Christians should put their trust in God, for it is He who is working all things together according to His purposes. Christians must not worry, for to worry is to doubt God’s ability to take care of all things and to work all things together for the good of the Christian. 

Prayer: Abba Father, endue me with Your peace and love, for the ultimate victory has already been won for me in Christ, that I may walk in utter rest and contentment in You, in Jesus’ Name I have prayed, Amen.

PRAISE THE LORD!

WHO IS A CHRISTIAN?

 EVERYDAY IN THE WORD!

WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 4, 2020.

SUBJECT : WHO IS A CHRISTIAN?

Memory verse: 

"

And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.

"

 (Acts 11 vs 26.)

READ: Romans 10 vs 8 - 13:

10:8: But what does it say? “The word is near you, even in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith which we preach):
10:9: that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus, and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.
10:10: For with the heart one believes unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
10:11: For the scripture says, “Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.”
10:12: For there is no distinction between the Jew and the Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him.
10:13: For “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

INTIMATION:

Christianity is both private and public, with heart-belief and mouth-confession. Since you now believe that Jesus Christ is God’s Son and that eternal life comes through Him (First John 5 vs 5), you will begin to act as Christ directs, and you will find help in your daily problems and in your prayer; you will be empowered to serve God and do His will; and you will become part of God’s plan to build up His church. Our relationship to God and the power He provides result in obedience. Having received forgiveness and eternal life, we are now daily challenged to live that life with His help. 

A Christian is one who believe inwardly and outwardly that Jesus’ death has allowed God to offer them forgiveness and eternal life as a gift. A Christian is anyone who has the Spirit of God living in him or her. If you have sincerely trusted Christ for your salvation, and acknowledged Him as Lord, then the Holy Spirit lives within you and you are a Christian. You can be assured that you have the Holy Spirit because Jesus promised that He would send Him. They have accepted that gift through faith and are seeking to live a life of obedient gratitude for what God has done for them. 

Have you ever been asked, “How do I become a Christian?” The passage we read today gives you the beautiful answer. Salvation is as close as your own lips and heart. People think it must be a complicated process, but it is not. If we believe in our heart and say with our mouth that Christ is the risen Lord, we will be saved. Christ has provided our salvation through His incarnation (God in human form) and resurrection. God’s salvation is right in front of us. He will come to us wherever we are. All we need do is to respond and accept His gift of salvation. 

A Christian, through the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross, is no more dominated by his or her sinful nature, but rather is controlled by the Holy Spirit. All of us would have been dominated by our sinful nature if Jesus hadn’t offered us a way out. Once we have said yes to Jesus, we will want to continue following Him, because His way brings life and peace. We are united with Christ in His death, our evil desires and bondage to sin died with Him. Now, united by faith with Him in His resurrection life, we have unbroken fellowship with God and freedom from sin’s hold on us. 

If you are a Christian, you should act like it. To be a Christian means more than just making good resolutions and having good intentions; it means taking the right actions. This is a straightforward step that is as simple as putting on your clothes. You must rid yourself of all evil practices and immorality. Then you can commit yourself to what Christ teaches. If you have made such a commitment to Christ, are you remaining true to it? What old clothes do you need to strip off? How would those closest to you describe your Christianity? Do they think you live so that God will accept you, or they know that you live because God had accepted you in Christ?

The Christian real home is where Christ lives (John 14 vs 2 - 3). This truth provides a different perspective on our lives here on earth. To “set your mind on things above” means to look at life from God’s perspective and to seek what He desires. This provides the antidote to materialism; we gain the proper perspective on material goods when we take God’s view of them. It also provides the antidote to sensuality. By seeking what Christ desires, we have the power to break our obsession with pleasure and leisure activities. 

Daily we must consciously choose to center our life on God. Use the Bible to discover God’s guidelines, and then follow them. In every perplexing situation, ask yourself, “What would Jesus want me to do?” When the Holy Spirit points out what is right, do it eagerly. Christ gives us power to live for Him now, and He gives us hope for the future—Hw will return. Once one has given himself to the lordship of Jesus, then it is his desire to follow after the directions of God’s word. 

Prayer: Abba Father, I believe in Your only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, and the substitutionary work He did for me on the cross. I confess Him as my personal Lord and Savior, and empty myself before You that You fill me in with Your grace, in Jesus’ Name I have prayed, Amen.

PRAISE THE LORD!