Die to His will and purpose for your life daily, rather than die at the end having served no daily purpose.
Isaiah 43:26 ESV
Put me in remembrance; let us argue together; set forth your case, that you may be proved right.
“This do in remembrance of me.” – 1 Corinthians 11:24
With this verse, it seems that Christians may forget Christ! There wouldn’t be a reason for this loving persuasion, if there wasn’t a fearful belief that our memories may fail and prove themselves treacherous. And this is not an empty fear: it is unfortunately true! And it is all to well confirmed in our own life experience, not just as a possibility, but as a sad, sad fact.
Aren’t there so many times when we hold back, when we procrastinate, when we either become trapped in our complacency or our indecision when we could be helping?
Proverbs 3:27-28 NLT
Do not withhold good from those who deserve it when it’s in your power to help them. If you can help your neighbor now, don’t say, “Come back tomorrow, and then I’ll help you.”
Proverbs 3:3 NLT
Never let loyalty and kindness leave you! Tie them around your neck as a reminder. Write them deep within your heart.
Loyalty. It speaks to a right relationship with God, because we are to be loyal to God, not to other men. Loyalty divided is not loyalty at all, but is treason. Our loyalty is to God and God alone, not to a person, not to a nation, not to a cause – but to God. The first five of the ten commandments speak of loyalty to God.
Kindness. It speaks to a right relationship with others, because we are to be kind to others. And kindness is not doing good for others so they will repay you with good in return. No, that is manipulation. Kindness is doing good to others regardless of the outcome. The last five of the ten commandments speak of kindness to others.
Continue reading “Don’t try it, don’t fake it, don’t do it – just BE it.”
How many times do we get urges about what we should or could be doing for the Lord, but we dismiss them as being too grand, beyond our capabilities, or just a dream?
How many times do we keep ourselves from stepping out in faith because we don’t yet know exactly where we are headed or we don’t have a solid plan for reaching our destination.
Genesis 12:1 NLT
The Lord had said to Abram, “Leave your native country, your relatives, and your father’s family, and go to the land that I will show you.
“How are you?”
A wise friend recently asked, “Is there any other question that leads us to lie more consistently on a daily basis?”
Hasn’t “How are you?” become the social norm for acknowledging someone’s presence, while dismissing their value?
Just because I’m convicted, that doesn’t make me a convict.
EPH 1:5-6 ESV
He predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of His will, to the praise of His glorious grace, with which He has blessed us in the Beloved.
Who are we, that Almighty God would take notice of us?
Really?
Who do we think we are, to believe that God himself, creator of all things in heaven and earth would even think about us for a moment?
Psalms 144:3-4 NLT
O Lord , what are human beings that you should notice them, mere mortals that you should think about them? For they are like a breath of air; their days are like a passing shadow.
Comfort and prosperity?
Persecution and trials?
Growth in wisdom and understanding? Satisfaction with what we already know?
God’s will?
Proverbs 4:7 NKJV
Wisdom is the principal thing; Therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding.
I remember what wandering around without a purpose felt like – I called it carefree fun and freedom. Now that I realize what real freedom looks like, I laugh at how foolish and naive I was.
PSA 138:8 ESV
The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O Lord , endures forever. Do not forsake the work of your hands.
Harold J. Ballinger 