Author: Ana Menez

I serve with a training & equipping organization. I am also a freelance writer and I take great interest in writing and sharing growth resources. Reading is one of my great loves. I love it for all its fresh insights and points of view that help as I consider issues relevant to my faith life.
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What Does ‘Put God’s Word First’ Really Mean?

Prioritizing God’s Word

Preoccupations are constant. Whether we keep schedules or not, time will always be spent. At the end of the day, it would have either been time well spent or time utterly wasted. It’s extremely helpful to keep a planner but for those who like it lose or not too rigid, keeping small paper (or digital) notes of the daily “Must-Dos” will suffice. If you’re gifted, you may only need mental notes and do just fine.

The priorities of life will take the top spots and most often, they will be done most frequently. For the Christian, the list of priorities may be long and may vary from person to person. But in everyone’s top list must be God’s Word. In talking about his regrets in life, the late Rev. Billy Graham mentioned regretting that he did not study more and preach less.

God’s Word deepens our understanding and wisdom.

God’s word promises to give understanding to the simple. (Psalm 119:30) The Bible offers a wealth of information and advice on approaching the issues and happenings of life. 2 Timothy 3:16 tells us that since “all Scripture is inspired by God, it is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.” As we go deep in God’s Word, we get a depth of character. Our viewpoint and understanding expand. We begin to see ourselves, others, and circumstances on a more enlightened and enlarged viewpoint. We move from narrow-mindedness to open-mindedness. We rely less on our own opinions and we begin to value the opinions of others and more importantly, of God’s Word.

God’s Word deepens our faith.

From 2 Timothy 3:15 we learn that knowledge of the Bible makes us understand everything about the salvation we enjoy through faith in Christ Jesus. The need for personal study is crucial. Preachers come and go and media would from time to time report on deceptions made by beguiling preachers to audiences who are uninformed. On another note, it’s indeed a blessing that God has given us messengers of impeccable skill and integrity. However, personal diligence in studying God’s truths is essential to maturity. Let us imitate the Berean believers who received God’s message with great eagerness yet examined the Scriptures every day to see for themselves if what the Apostle Paul preached was true. (Acts 17:11)

God’s Word causes persistence.

Romans 15 shares that “For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.” From God’s Word, we learn important principles we need to do life rightly and effectively. In times of hardships and failure, God’s Word comes to encourage us to persist and forbear the negatives of life because we know that our hope of overcoming and betterment will come at the end of whatever long and dreadful tunnel we go through.

God’s Word causes us to prosper and succeed.

Joshua was called to fulfill a seemingly heavy task. At the beginning of the Book of Joshua, we see God giving him an essential prerequisite to prosperity and success. God says in Joshua 1:8, “Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do.” Many personalities claim this verse for financial prosperity and business success. Indeed, financial and business success may well come upon a Christian who is devoted to the study of and obedience to God’s Word. But the verse means more. The verse teaches us that God’s Word is our book of instruction. As we ponder on the truths it contains and as we live out the principles we’ve learnt, we will experience prosperity and success. Prosperity denotes the meaning of “to flourish” and “to grow strong and healthy.” Success denotes the meaning of “to accomplish an aim or purpose.” The gain and accomplishment may be financial or not. In any case, we do know that God will prosper the works of our hands.

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Show Me Your Friends and I’ll Show You Your Future

Show Me Your Friends and I’ll Show You Your Future

“Show me your friends and I’ll show you your future.” That’s not just some cool quote or a random idea from Google. It’s a Biblical concept.  You are surrounded by people, things, situations, and facilities that affect your thoughts and feelings. All these influences have the capacity to effect change in your character and behavior. Over time, the influences you allow in your life alter or shape your state of mind and direct you towards certain motivations and actions. That’s why it’s important to wisely deal with influences that hover in your life.

Refuse the mold.

Romans 12:2 reminds us not to “conform to the pattern [mold] of this world.” It doesn’t mean that we are to reject ideas and developments that better one’s life and personhood. It does mean that we are to “cast down imaginations and every high thing that exalts itself against God.” (2 Cor 10:5) We are to bring into submission “every thought to the obedience of Christ.”   The world is progressively sinking into self-exaltation. There is a deepening obsession for self-gratification. Everywhere, we see campaigns that push for the freedom to determine and live by one’s own values and beliefs. Truth and Rightness are becoming more and more subjective. It’s true and right if it works for you. And if it works for you, then people must respect that right.

There are preferences and activities people may act and feel differently about and it’s okay. But there is no gray area when it comes to matters that our Sovereign God has put His foot down on. The child of God knows that these truths and principles are absolute and He has the Word of God and the Spirit of God to reveal and lead him into all these truths. The Christian must refuse to be molded into worldly beliefs and ways that break the heart of our Father.

Watch the company you keep.

Social research constantly proves that one’s environment affects a person’s behavior overtime. No matter how grounded a Christian we may be, 1 Cor. 15:33 warns us not to be misled. Bad company will corrupt good character.  We need not cut ourselves off from the unbelieving for we need to reach out to the lost and share God’s message of love and salvation with them. But we must be careful not to expose ourselves to wrong influences for an extended period of time. The Book of Proverbs says that as iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.   The book further says that if we walk with the wise, we become wise and a companion of fools leads to harm. We must watch the company we keep.

Filter.

The phrase “Garbage In, Garbage Out” is considered to have originated as a Computer Science principle that believes incorrect or poor-quality input will always produce a faulty output. Taking point from this, the sensible Christian would understand the need to filter listening, reading, and viewing materials. The more sensible Christian will set standards to begin with and will avoid exposing himself to materials that can encourage wrong thinking in his life. Psalm 101 says, “I will set no vile thing before my eyes”.

There is danger in continually exposing yourselves to influences of questionable morals and thinking.  Soon, tolerance and acceptance will replace uneasiness. Later, wrong thoughts begin and you may find yourself engaging in the very wrong acts you once questioned in the past.

Remember, influences have the power to suggest ideas and sentiments towards good or bad. In a world that’s forever confused over what is right and wrong, you need to be selective about who and what you allow to linger in your presence. Most importantly, you must look to God’s consistent and reliable truths for guidance and standards. With God’s Word as your moral compass, you’ll never go wrong.

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Do You Love The American Dream More Than Jesus?

Do You Love The American Dream More Than Jesus?

For most of us, the  American Dream is a know-it-when-I-see-it concept. We might not be able to express it in precise terms, but we think we know it when we see it. Ask us to define it, and we’ll reel off a list of things we associate with living well: a nice car, a pleasant place to live, clothes, furniture, appliances, food, and vacations.

An official measure called “Standard of Living” is one means by which authorities such as economists and sociologists assess society’s state of development and success.  There have been additions but in its initial stage of conceptualization, this standard was all about income or earnings. The official standard is mainly quantifiable. Personalities and countries are evaluated based on wealth, possessions, and access to necessities and comfort.

With its introduction, the pursuit and direction of society steered towards achieving this “Standard of Living”. For centuries, the focus was achieving education, employment, and influence that will bring the greatest yield at the least possible time. Then was birthed a discrimination in education and jobs. In former times, any job is to be proud of if you put hard work into it. Now, many people think that you can only be proud of a job if it brings in good money.

People cultured a belief that life is only good if you have things.  The pursuit of life is to have things. With more things your standard of living is high; you have achieved the state of optimum living. So, raise your standard of living and you can say you have achieved the standard for life and significance.

The Christian’s Mindset.

It is healthy to aim for betterment. But in pursuit of a “quantifiable standard”, the Christian must watch that he doesn’t become covetous, or greedy. He must not fixate on wanting more. In Luke 12:15, Jesus tells us to guard against greed and covetousness. He reminds us that our life does not consist in the abundance of the things which we possess.

Contentment is essential.

1 Timothy 6:7,8 puts us in proper perspective. We brought nothing in this world and we can carry nothing out of it. If we have the necessities then there is sufficiency; we ought to be content.

Idleness is not an option.

Being content doesn’t mean we should be idle. Trusting God for necessities doesn’t give us the excuse to slack off. Ecclesiastes 9:10 says whatever our hands find to do, we should do with all our might. We must continue putting in efforts. The Apostle Paul felt strongly against laziness. In 2 Thessalonians 3, he said that if one didn’t work, he shouldn’t eat.

Gratitude is a perspective.

We know from Deut 8:18 that it is God who gives us our very ability to acquire things. From 1 Tim 6:17 we are reminded that it is ultimately God who gives us things to enjoy. With gratitude we understand that we receive not because we are entitled but because we are blessed. With gratitude, we see the blessing in every opportunity and in every circumstance. With gratitude, we think less of the lacks of life and become more appreciative of what we have. With gratitude, we see the right value to things and life. With gratitude, we put our efforts into more worthwhile pursuits. With gratitude, there is contentment at whatever stage and “level of living” we may be in.

Honoring God is the goal.

Yes, a better life is what we desire but we put our life purpose at the top of the list: “to declare the praise of Him.” (1 Peter 2:9). 1 Cor 10:31 encourages us to do everything for the glory of God.   The pleasure and honor of God is one thing that separates the Christian worker from others who do not have a relationship with God. The child of God puts in good work regardless of the nature of the task. The child of God is pleased to do the work regardless of the nature of the task. The child of God is able to maintain this positivity and drive because the purpose is the same, to bring a smile on God’s face whatever he may be doing.

2 Cor 8:21 also instructs us towards “providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.” This means that when we work we must work rightly. We must do work that brings validity to God’s reputation. From Old Testament times, God has been assuring His people that those who trust Him and live a life of obedience will “prosper in their work and in whatever they put their hand to.” (Deut. 15:10). His promise is not always wealth for all people. But His promise is always fruit for every Christian’s hard work. God honors those who honor Him. (1 Samuel 2:30). What is done for His honor and pleasure will never be in vain.

Take Joy.

A better life is a healthy goal. It is a right goal. But in one’s quest for a better life, the Christian must remember to stay content, to keep God center, and most importantly, to enjoy the life he has now.

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Idle Words

Idle Words

A verse in Matthew 12:36 says that men shall give account of every idle word they speak.   Some may focus their thoughts on how God is keeping tabs on every word we speak. Others may wonder how our words will be played back before us on the day of judgment (2 Corinthians 5:10), that is, the Bema Seat for the redeemed, which is a day of rewarding. But one thing we ought to reflect on is how God desires us to act responsibly in the area of our speech life. God holds us accountable for what we say. Clearly, He does not want us to be thoughtless about the words that come out of our mouths.

The New International Version translates the original word used to “empty” instead of KJV’s “idle, while the ESV translates it as “careless”. The Amplified Bible explains the original word as “inoperative and nonworking.” From these translations we get a better understanding of what idle words are.

Idle words are careless words.

Careless words are spoken with little or [no] thought for avoiding error or harm. You may have the best intention but if you do not put your words together with care, you may end up causing more harm than good. If you speak carelessly, conflicts may deepen rather than become resolved. Avoid speaking idle words by considering how to better get your ideas and opinions across. Consider the feelings and the state of mind and heart of the person you are talking to. No matter how good your words are, if someone is not ready or prepared to listen, nothing good will come out of the conversation. Time your words and seek not only to impart truth but to impart understanding. Also, fact check first before forming opinions and drawing conclusions. Then, speak your mind.

Idle words are unprofitable words.

Some have the habit of speaking their mind constantly. Well, speaking one’s mind is a necessity. There’s nothing wrong with that. But to be on a constant, unrestrained habit of speaking your mind can be irresponsible. It is important to get things off of your chest, but you shouldn’t abuse your right to do that. A Christian who seeks to be responsible with his speech life must learn to choose words that benefit others, not just oneself. A growing Christian understands that even in talking, one should not be selfish nor self-centered. The thing you want to speak about must benefit both you and the person you are talking to, otherwise, it’s not a helpful matter to discuss. Information, correction, teaching; these are all profitable. How about gossip, plain criticism, shaming. Are the people involved in the conversation made better after talking and hearing these?

Idle words are meaningless words.

Fluff, fillers, exaggerations, and at times, flatteries; these types of speech are in danger of being meaningless. Meaningless words have no purpose, no reason, and no significance. Often, it’s only the foolish who like fluffy words, exaggerations, and flatteries. The thinkers, the no-nonsense non-time wasters, prefer the actualities all the time. Simple flatteries can boost esteem. They can fan the flame and encourage people to do better. But a mountain full of flatteries can weigh a person or a project down. When people fail to see where things really stand, needful changes are hard to discern. Growth slows down, nothing gets better.

There is a way to “not mince words” yet to speak your mind with tact, respect, and concern. There is a way to speak the truth in love and it’s not about honey coating your words. Speaking the truth in love is not having words made artificially sweet. There’s no need to do that. When you speak the truth in love, you come from a place where the intention is pure love; you come from a place where there is a careful consideration of the person’s feelings; you come from a place where the words chosen are most beneficial. Come from a place like that and your words will be naturally sweet and pleasant to a willing listener. What you say may even hurt, but to the right listener who knows and trust your character, what you say will bring fruit.

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Can A Christian Be Angry and Not Sin?

Jesus said, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments" (John 14:15). And one of his Scriptural commands is, “Be angry, and do not sin."

To get angry is normal. Like love, it is a human emotion. Like love, it is an emotion that God also feels. Scriptures share instances where God Himself got angry. Yes, God who cannot sin got angry. That means anger is not inherently wrong. That means that God’s anger is always rightly caused and rightly managed. God became angry with Solomon because his heart turned away from God. God got angry with Moses in the wilderness because he took the glory away from God.

A Christian can get angry for the right reasons.

It is normal to get angry when an offense is committed when boundaries are overstepped, and when principles are violated. It’s right to be angry when there’s disobedience or a breaking of trust. These are all valid reasons.

Scriptures tell us that getting angry easily and at the slightest of reasons is wrong. Ecclesiastes 7:9 tells us not to be eager in our heart to be angry, For anger resides in the bosom of fools.  Patience must be afforded when needed. Rebellion or repetitive abuse towards you rightly causes anger but first-time offenses may be unintentional and need only your loving rebuke and redirection.

You should also be careful not to get angry when your expectations aren’t met. There are reasonable expectations and there are unreasonable ones. Just because somebody doesn’t measure up to your standards doesn’t mean they are deserving of your anger.

Our Father is angry when we sin and do wrong because no good thing ever comes from a life of sin. But God never gets angry about our weakness or shortcomings. He never chides us or belittles us for our failings. No. He encourages us and empowers us towards betterment.

Right Anger is Anger Managed Rightly

Throughout Scriptures, we see a God who deals with sin yet loves the sinning. We see consequences but we also see mercy. We see broken fellowship but we also see restoration.

The Bible coaches us on how to rightly manage anger:

  1. Do not prolong your anger.

Ephesians 4:26 says, “In your anger do not sin. Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry.” We should never let our anger turn into something else. If we are able to deal with the issue then confront it. If there is no way to directly settle the problem, then we prayerfully wait and seek God’s help for an opportunity to right the wrong that has been committed against us.

  1. let anger control you.

Proverbs 29:11 says, “Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end”. No matter how valid your reason for anger is you must not allow it to dominate you and steer you into an uncontrollable outburst. Even if the hurt is too much, remember that a Spirit yielded life will exercise control.

  1. Do not let anger drive you to unwholesome talk.

In our anger, we must keep in mind the purpose of our rebuke; to point out wrong and to warn the offender not to repeat the same mistake again. Ephesians 4:29 tells us not to allow foul or polluting language, nor evil word nor unwholesome or worthless talk to come out of our mouths, but only what is helpful. The world lashes out in anger. The world curses belittle and shames. But we are not the world. We are the church. While some may even say it feels better to speak out like that, in the end, what profit does corrupt talk really bring? Does it better how people look at you? Does it solve your problem? Does it help the offender?

  1. Do not let anger make you bitter and vengeful.

Ephesians 4:27 warns us that prolonged anger gives the enemy a foothold. It gives him an opening for manipulating us into thinking and doing the wrong things. Anger is often prolonged when it remains unexpressed and undealt with. It is actually healthier to express and explain your anger early on. When matters are dealt with, resentment and bitterness will not creep in.

Some offenders may refuse to change. When someone hurts us repeatedly, anger may build up. So if we are able, we should remove ourselves from any situation that will allow the offender to do us wrong again. We should not allow wrong to continue.

Some offenses may be overwhelmingly hurtful and tragic and thus have no remedy. While a desire to hurt back may arise, settle your heart and mind onto praying for and seeking justice. Romans 12:19 reminds us not to take revenge but to allow God to work out justice for us. Wait on God to move and allow Him to heal you as you wait on Him.

  1. Do not let anger make you unforgiving.

In Matthew 18:21,22 Jesus tells us to forgive without taking count. Colossians 3:13 tells us to exercise a forgiving spirit just as we have been recipients of God’s forgiveness. Forgiving is not always easy, it is a supernatural act. It is something we allow the Holy Spirit to prepare and empower us for. We may not immediately be ready to forgive, but if we are willing; the readiness will always come.

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Worldly Peace Vs. God’s Peace

Worldly Peace Vs. God’s Peace

Foreknowing His coming crucifixion, aware of how troubled His disciples would become, Jesus, utters the following words: “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you.” In meditating on His assuring words, we learn that the world’s peace is different from God’s peace. We also learn that God’s peace is far more sustaining. It exceeds all that worldly peace can offer. Why would there be a need for Jesus to present it to His disciples if it wasn’t so?

Worldly peace falters; God’s peace remains constant

Worldly peace rises and falls to the occasion. There can only be peace of mind when things are going well when one is secure and life is smooth sailing. A man who relies on this world for peace will crumble in times of struggle and uncertainty.

God’s peace is steady. It is undisturbed in times of hardships. The man who relies on God for peace will rise above struggles and uncertainties. It is because the heart and mind know not to trust in circumstances but in the very nature of God Himself. He will work things out for my good. (Romans 8:28)

Philippians 4:6 and 7 tell us not to be “anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving; we are to present our requests to God.” When we entrust all our difficulties to Him, God’s peace will come and steady our hearts.   It may seem strange to others or even hard to understand. But regardless of the turmoil around us, God’s peace keeps our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus our enabler and strengthener.

Worldly peace disintegrates; God’s peace remains whole

Worldly peace breaks down in times of need. There can only be peace of mind when needs are met and when one’s desires are fulfilled. A man who relies on this world for peace may reach desperation in times of lack and shortage.

God’s peace is sustainable.   It satisfies in times of want. The man who relies on God for peace will always feel sufficiency. It is because it trusts the God who will come to our aid in our greatest time of need.

Hebrews 4:16 tells us to “approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”

When we entrust all our needs and insufficiencies to Him, God’s peace will come. We will feel his mercy and grace deepening us, maturing us. We may not find immediate solutions. We may not find quick provisions. But we will find ourselves less panicky and more trusting. We will be less despondent and more patient as we await answers. It is because the heart and mind know not to trust in one’s capacity to solve problems but in the very nature of God Himself.   He will supply what I need. (Philippians 4:19)

God’s peace is yours for the taking

God’s peace is ours to enjoy. It’s not like a magic potion that causes all problems to disappear. It’s not like a magic genie that grants all our wishes and desires. If anything, God’s peace is like a blanket. It comforts. It warms us up when we feel down and out. It shields. It covers and protects us amidst varying situations and conditions. In Isaiah 26:3, God promises to keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast and trusting in Him. In John 16:33, Christ promises that while in this world, we will face trouble; in Him, we may always have peace. Let’s claim God’s peace. Let’s not trade it for what this world offers.

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Let’s Talk About “Biblical” Discipline

Let’s Talk About “Biblical" Discipline

The Bible calls it discipline, sometimes chastening. Society calls it hitting, spanking, and by its legal term, corporal punishment. As of Time Magazine’s 2014 tally, 43 countries have now declared child corporal punishment illegal. Worldwide, the debate goes on about the rightness of spanking one’s child.

Biblical Discipline is not about inflicting pain.

While biblical discipline may necessitate spanking, it is a temporary measure to instil discipline and learning. Proverbs 13:24 says, “He who spares his rod of discipline hates his son, but he who loves him disciplines diligently and punishes him early.” Proverbs 22:15 says, “Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline will drive it far from him.“

Spanking is needed when a child is too young to understand his wrongdoing  and when no length of explanation will cause him to understand or remember that his act is wrong. Remember the saying, “No pain; no gain“? People learn more from painful experiences. Experiences and learning accompanied by pain have a more lasting impact and effect.

From the verses just quoted, we learn that discipline must be gentle. The goal is not to inflict pain but for the child to understand and refrain from his wrong behaviour. It goes without saying that as the child gets older, talk must always precede physical punishment. Once your child can be reasoned with, physical punishment may be suspended. Godly discipline will take fruit in due time and you may happily find your child at age 6 (or younger) easy to talk with about correct behaviour.

Biblical discipline is not about releasing anger.

Discipline is not hitting. Discipline is not verbal abuse. A parent should take no satisfaction from physical punishment and nagging or shaming  of a child. That is not loving; that is revenge. Biblical discipline is about what’s best for your child, not what would appease you. The focus is not on how embarrassed or upset you are with the misbehaviour, the focus is on how your child will develop good values and habits.

Biblical discipline is not about having your way.

During the formative years, children are dependent on you for life and direction. They need to learn trustful obedience. As a child grows older, he begins to gain maturity. His mental, spiritual, social, and financial capacities get stronger. He must then gain the freedom to make decisions and to act independently. When it is about right or wrong, as parents you may intervene. But don’t discipline just because your advice was not followed. Don’t say, “I gave you this car and I’ll take it back if you don’t do what I say.” Remember, alternative actions are not necessarily wrong. Let children make poor choices and learn on their own.

Biblical Discipline is about clarity.

Biblical discipline does not hurt the innocent. It corrects the erring. Parents must establish a clear offence. Sometimes, we mistakenly discipline our child for an offence that somebody else committed.

Biblical discipline does not punish the unaware or ignorant. Children need to have a clear understanding of the offence. Take time to explain. Don’t lazily resort to “Just because I said so.“ statements.

Biblical discipline deals with current offences. It does not rehash old ones. Physical or verbal discipline should be appropriate and sufficient for the offence presently committed. Don’t perform a monologue or nag your child over past wrongdoings.

Correction and rebuke is a blessing. Discipline can be beautiful if you do it right.

Scriptures say, “Blessed is the one whom God reproves; therefore despise not the discipline of the Almighty. For he wounds, but he binds up; he shatters, but his hands heal.” When God disciplines us, He blesses us with growth. When the discipline causes pain and wounding, God Himself brings healing. Let us learn from His example and start disciplining our children rightly. May we never leave a child broken and shattered. May we actively bring healing and growth. And may we always assure them of our unconditional love.

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The Pain of a Prodigal: Why Children of Christian Parents Abandon the Faith?

Statistics show a rise in the number of people who hold no religion.   For Australia, an official tally shows a steady rise every 10 years.

Nat Geo reports that “the religiously unaffiliated, called “nones,” are now”¦ the second largest group in North America and most of Europe.” They make up about 25% of the US population. As of 2016, the “nones” have overtaken Catholics, Protestants, and non-Christian faiths.

Where did these “nones” come from? Didn’t they come from family lines that had religion before, a Christian one possibly? History shows us that from ancient times people practiced their own kind of worship. Inside every heart has always been a realization of a being that is above and beyond us, whose very nature summons our recognition and adoration. Fast forward to the present though and we find in many people the spirit of atheism if not indifference towards God.

LifeWay research warns that Christianity may be losing its “Millennials”. “A survey conducted on adults born from 1980 indicate that “religion and its practices are decreasing and becoming increasingly privatized among the Millennial generation.”

This means fewer people now observe the faith and fewer join communal worship, fellowship, and prayer. Children are abandoning the faith.

How are Christian families dealing with this? Every member is responsible for keeping the Faith and passing it on to “their” next generation. These sad reports should move us to understand the reasons why children abandon the faith so that we can act accordingly.

Lack of In-house Teaching

Children are to grow up learning about God and experiencing Him primarily in the home. Parents should not expect the church to do all the teaching and rearing for them. Deuteronomy chapter 6:7 commands parents to “teach  and  impress them diligently upon the [minds and] hearts of your children and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down and when you rise up.” Children must grow up in a home where God and His Words are naturally part of the conversations that take place.

Lack of Modeling

Modeling is essential. Learning impact is high when someone demonstrates the lessons for us. Children need to see evidence of truth and effectiveness. They must witness that God’s Word is indeed reliable and relevant. They must witness that God is real, that He is at work. They must sense that God is not just in the Book, but that He translates into everyday life. Parents can never be perfect. But, they can be perfect examples of how God and His grace can sustain and bless a child that is passionate about Him. There is no expectation to be right all the time. But there is every expectation to be authentic. The goal is to pave and demonstrate the path to genuine godly living so our children will have a definite route to follow.

Lack of Love

The home should always be a place of acceptance and support. It is where 1 Corinthians 13 must be practiced at all times. Family members must learn to be loving and patient with one another. The home should always be a place of honesty and training for righteousness. Judging wrong deeds and correcting errors are a must.   Sin must never be tolerated nor encouraged.   Forgiveness must come easy and resentment should never have a place in the home. Families must learn to deal with wrongdoing and be done with it. Parents should never over-expect from their children and children should never over-expect from their parents. We all make mistakes. We are all in need of God’s grace. We are all dependent on Christ to transform us on a daily basis.

Let God and His Words be in our daily conversations. Let our home be the place where Biblical principles are learned and practiced. And let “right” love be shared unconditionally. When God is relevant and when children realize that He matters, they will understand the reason and need for faith. And, we may yet see God-seekers in generations to come.

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Prayer: Are We Doing It Right?

Prayer: Are We Doing It Right?

Do you know that you can talk to God and not actually pray? You can ask God for things and not really pray. You can “tap into the spiritual” and be religious or pious yet not be in prayer. So what is right prayer?

For John Bunyan, notable author of “The Pilgrim’s Progress”, prayer is more than talking. He said, “When thou prayest, rather let thy heart be without words than thy words without a heart.” He realized that in praying, we can go past the words and converse with God directly from our silent hearts.

Right prayer is like love.

As the Bible moves us to love in deed and to love God with our whole hearts so should we pray. Prayer is to be an act of submission and dependence upon God and a heart’s resolve to keep God in one’s life.

Right prayer is continual.

1 Thessalonians 4:17 instructs us to pray “without ceasing”, rendered in the original to mean “without interval”. It is continuous. It means our prayers are to go beyond talk. It means our hearts are to be in a posture of prayer continually.

Right prayer is easy.

It does away with much talk, empty words, and senseless utterances. It seeks to express oneself to God frankly. With friends, peers, and family we still need to be careful with our words. We have to watch that we don’t get misinterpreted. We have to speak elaborately at times so that people understand what we mean to communicate. But with God, communication is never hard work. God knows what is in our hearts before we express it. We come to a Father that discerns us wholly. There is no need to explain nor defend ourselves. There is no need to be careful with our words. We can come and talk with Him plainly. We can approach God in reverent submission and stillness knowing that He accepts and understands us. He will respond rightly. We will never be rejected or refused. We will find the forgiveness and direction we need.

Prayer Is More Than Asking.

Mahatma Gandhi, an iconic Indian nationalist, articulated his view of prayer this way, “Prayer is not asking. It is a longing of the soul. It is a daily admission of one’s weakness.

Indeed prayer brings to God all our needs and worrying. Philippians 4:6 tells us not to be anxious about anything but to present our requests to God. But if that is the only time you pray, if making petitions is the only kind of prayer you make, then that is wrong. That is not all there is to it.

Right prayer is an act of trust.

God has promised to meet our needs. In Matthew 4:6 God tells us to do away with unnecessary babbling because God knows what we need before we even ask. Knowing these truths doesn’t mean we don’t need to talk with God about our daily needs and struggles. We are most welcome to do that. For sure, God loves hearing about our day.   But we must stay conscious of this, that when we pray, we entrust all our lacking to God, trusting that He will provide.

Right prayer is an act of yielding.

We can pray for anything and ask God for anything we desire. But we must understand that God is not bound to respond the way we always want Him to. Right prayer seeks God’s desires not our own. Right prayer seeks His direction, not our own way. From Jeremiah 29:11 we know that God’s plans are for our best. He knows how to work things out for our good. Right prayer causes us to lean less on our limited minds and to learn more on an all-wise and all-loving God. Right prayer yields itself into the hands of Someone Greater and Wiser.

Religious prayer is automatic or routine.

The religious prayer says grace before every meal. Religious prayer happens during prayer fellowships. Religious prayer is public prayer. Religious prayer is scheduled prayer. Religious prayer is required or “expected” prayer. Religious prayer is hurried prayer.

Right prayer is more.

Right prayer is thankfulness and appreciation for God’s provision. Right prayer meets with the unseen God in the secret place. Right prayer is worshipful communication that approaches the Father in reverent and joy-filled adoration. Right prayer does not leave until it has stilled its heart in the presence of God. And when the heart is finally stilled, the seeker is blessed with communion with an ever-present, all-abiding God.

God delights for us “to seek Him, to feel after Him and find Him, because He is not far from each one of us.” Let right prayer lead us to Him and His heart.

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What Is The The Holy Spirit?

What Is The The Holy Spirit?

The Holy Spirit is the most highlighted and the most overlooked (and misunderstood) Person of the Trinity in our churches today. Often, how Christians perceive the Holy Spirit influences the way they do life and ministry. You may have had the experience of visiting one church for Sunday worship and it felt like the atmosphere was so serious that you had no clue if the people were sad, in mourning, tired or just plain bored. Likewise, you may have had another experience of visiting one church where it felt as if everything was out of control; the preacher was short of shouting in your ears and the people around you couldn’t stay still and silent for a minute. In the first, you see powerlessness; in the second, chaos.

I heard one pastor say that “The Holy Spirit is not a showman or an out of mess force that brings craze into meetings”. That is so true. Scriptures tell us that the Holy Spirit is in us, working alongside us, guiding us into all truth and into all that God has for us. He is God, bringing order and direction into our lives. He is also:

1. Our Most Competent Prayer Partner.

It’s a great blessing to have a buddy you can count on to pray for you and with you, to have someone you can text or call for a quick prayer item. But at times there are things happening in our lives that are difficult to share.

Do you know that the Holy Spirit is there for us instantly and at all times?   And even when we couldn’t find the exact words to explain how we feel, when we’ve lost all sense of praying and seeking God as we should, He knows exactly what’s going on and what we truly need? The Bible assures us that the Holy Spirit “comes to our aid and bears us up in our weakness. And when we do not know what to pray for, He makes right prayers for us.

“He pleads in our behalf with unspeakable yearnings and groanings too deep for utterance.”

We can count on the Holy Spirit to offer intelligent prayers to God the Father for us.

2. Our Life Aide.

Successful politicians or public servants will always have the best political aides behind them. A political aide works full time. He helps his boss navigate his political duties.   He makes the speeches and issues press releases. He conducts informational research vital to strategy and decision-making.   He prepares his boss for debates and other issues and defends him in times of criticism. He is essential to the politician’s career and overall job performance. The political aide is always at the politician’s side.

Do you know that the Holy Spirit is exactly like that and more? He is our Life Aide. He helps us navigate our life and duties.   Scriptures call Him “parakltos“ meaning, “called to one’s aid”. From John 14:26 we know that He teaches and reminds us of all things God has revealed to us from His Word. In Luke 12:11-12 we learn that in times of conflict, the Holy Spirit will teach us what we ought to say. He is ever at our side.

3. Our Champion Who Never Disappoints.

While we have special people we can lean on for forever, like us, they have limits. They aren’t always able to carry our burden with us or for us. But the Holy Spirit is our constant and consistent champion. Like the character of Achilles in the film, Troy, we can count on Him to do and win battles with us and for us.

Acts 1:8 teaches us that the Holy Spirit is our power, our enabler. He is our efficiency and might. He sustains us for everything God has called us to do and accomplish. From 2 Timothy 1:7 we understand that “God did not give us a spirit of timidity (of cowardice, of craven and cringing and fawning fear), but of power and of love and of sound mind”. He gave us His very self in the person of the Holy Spirit and He will never disappoint.

In the American medical drama TV series titled, “Grey’s Anatomy”, a character named Dr Cristina Yang introduces us to the term, “My Person”. One of her explanations about the meaning of this term (and I quote) is, “She’s my person. If I murdered someone, she’s the person I’d call to help me drag the corpse across the living room floor. She’s my person.”

“My person” is the one you straightway go to for anything and everything; the person that enables and sustains you for everything you do. “My Person” is always there for you, with you, for life.

The Holy Spirit is “Your Person”. He brings certainty, He brings steadiness. He is Power who is reliably at work. He is The One who’s forever got your back and much more!  

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The Andy Savage Scandal: Two Things Churches Should Learn From

Andy Savage has been accused of sexual misconduct.

Both Andy Savage and Jules Woodson must not have thought that what privately transpired between them 20 years in the past would cause a huge interest and coverage among the general public today. Sadly, the consequences of wrongdoing committed then still affect these two individuals today and have generated a ripple effect, touching the whole Christian community. Churches and leaders are put into question. Church administration and policies are being doubted. What should have been done? What shouldn’t have? Some published articles ask, “How does the evangelical church handle sexual abuse cases? Do victims get justice?”

Many question the accuracy of the account Jules Woodson gave. When she publicly shared her experience she identified herself with the #MeToo movement, a movement that exposes sexual abuse and supports the victims. A number have provided analysis of her account, one of which offers a thorough evaluation confirming mutual consent between them. While her very own statements seem to verify that she was not forced and that she agreed to everything that happened that night, Andy Savage can’t dismiss the fact that he was in a position of leadership and influence over Jules at that time. That factor causes many people to view that Andy has indeed broken the law.

Chapter 5 of the Texas Penal Code says that sexual assault occurs if “the actor is a clergyman who causes the other person to submit or participate by exploiting the other person’s emotional dependency on the clergyman in the clergyman’s professional character as spiritual adviser”¦”

While his innocence and the truthfulness of her account remain in question, there are two things that churches should take note of and learn from.

1. Sin should never be applauded.

After Andy Savage went before the congregation of Highpoint Church to confess and seek forgiveness for this past sexual offense, the congregation applauded and gave him a standing ovation. It seems the church has forgotten the purpose of public confessions. In 1 Timothy 5:20, Paul says,“those elders who are sinning you are to reprove before everyone, so that the others may take warning.” In the King James Version, it says “”¦so that others may fear.”

While in the spirit of love, we must be supportive of the confessor, it should not be what’s most apparent.   The presiding minister must take most of the opportunity to discuss the gravity of sin and warn the congregation about sin in their lives. Nowadays, presiding ministers only focus on affirming love and supporting the sinning person. This is wrong. A believer must come out of this type of closed-door meetings with a commitment to live pure before  God, not just the thought that,“whatever I do wrong, the church will be there with open arms.”

2. The consequence of sin should never be celebrated.

In her account, Jules Woodson said that the church even held a going away party for Andy Savage when he had to leave the ministry because of the offense that was committed. Andy Savage confirms this in an interview with Ben Ferguson on iHeart Radio.

Is the church now oblivious to what is appropriate?   While disgraced executives of business companies are afforded graceful exits, it should not be so in the church. If out there, companies hold going away parties or forced retirement parties for superiors who mess up, churches should in no way do that for erring ministers. Their service to the church can and should privately be appreciated. But, the church must be careful never to minimize the gravity of the offense.

The church should not conform itself to the practices of secular organizations and business companies in this world.   Wrongdoing should never be covered up nor made little of. Moreover, the church should not conform itself to the values of this world. Love never makes light of wrongdoing. Love makes sure that wrong is dealt with so that purity and holiness can be restored. For only then can we live a life that blesses us personally and glorifies our God in heaven.

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2 Things to Remember About God’s Love

2 Things to Remember About God’s Love

The Bible talks a great deal about God’s love. And when Scriptures talk about God’s love, it’s mostly in superlatives. John 3:16 says God so loved that He sent His one and only Son to ensure man’s full redemption from the doom of hell. What no amount of human sacrifices can achieve, Christ secured for us once for all on the cross. By placing our full trust in Christ’s finished work, we all enter into this love relationship. Forever redeemed, forever experiencing the love of God. This is the best thing that can ever happen to a lost sinner.

God’s love is unlimiting.

Human love can be suffocating at times. It can be demanding or restricting. At times, we love someone so much, we begin to fear and worry. Overprotection sets in, we don’t want them getting hurt. Jealousy and insecurity may surface; we don’t want to lose them.

God’s love is unlimiting. It is in fact liberating. Those who don’t understand think Christianity is boring and rigid. They have the idea that in this “religion”, people don’t get to be and do a lot of things.   But the Bible shows us differently. In true Christianity is freedom. There is liberty. We become free and enabled to do right. We don’t need to be sinful all the time, we don’t have to do succumb to wrong pleasures each time temptation comes. Once, we had great tendencies for evil and wrongness. Now, as children of God we are empowered by the Holy Spirit for right and fruitful living.

God’s love is unlimiting. It unleashes the strength and grace of God in our lives. We find endurance to press on towards fulfilling our goals. We find wisdom in making right directions and pursuits. We learn to put our efforts into what is worthwhile and we get to experience satisfying joy, not just in achieving but in the journey itself.

God says His plans for us are for our welfare and not for evil, to give us a hope and a future. (Jeremiah 29:11) In love, He works all things for our good. (Romans 8:28) Sometimes, the present doesn’t seem to be turning out well but while the end remains hidden from sight, we can trust God’s love in the process.

God’s love is relentless.

While some debate the idea that we can call God’s love as reckless, there’s no doubt that His love is relentless. We understand the reckless love doesn’t consider the risks. It is not cautious. It is not deterred by danger or loss. Reckless love jumps right in no matter what. Indeed, God’s love may be somewhat like that. But on a whole, reckless love is a far term to describe God’s love. Reckless bears a primary usage and meaning of “heedless of danger or the consequences of one’s actions; rash or impetuous.”

God’s love is nothing like that. In eternity past, He has counted the cost. He has foreseen the danger and the consequence. He has deliberately and committedly set His love toward us. In Luke 22:39-46, we gain insight into how painful and agonizing it was for the triune God to face separation for the first time. The sin of the world was to be laid upon Christ and the Father had to look away as the full weight of our sin was placed upon Him. That was far from a reckless kind of love.

Relentless love is unceasingly intense. It is persistent and continuing. It is unstoppable.   It does not allow itself to be hindered. It is defiant in a sense that it will cross boundaries to provide what is beneficial for its object of love. It is unsparing in a sense that it will give whatever is necessary for the benefit of its object of love. Relentless love is thoughtful love. It is deliberate. It counts the cost and takes intelligent account of what is necessary to achieve the highest good for the object of its love.

God’s love is relentless.   It is non-stop. “One Thing” by Jesus Culture articulates it quite well. The message says, “Your love never fails. It never gives up. It never runs out on me.” The rest of the song lyrics say:

Higher than the mountains that I face

Stronger than the power of the grave

Constant through the trial and the change

One thing remains. This one thing remains

Your love never fails, and never gives up

It never runs out on me

Because on and on and on and on it goes

Before it overwhelms and satisfies my soul

And I never, ever, have to be afraid

One thing remains. This one thing remains.

Be encouraged with the truth of this song today.

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How to Experience the Outpouring of God’s Love

How to Experience the Outpouring of God’s Love

The worship song entitled “Good, Good Father” (by Anthony Brown and Pat Barrett) reminds us that God is a good, good Father. That’s who He is. The goodness of God is a largely interesting and encouraging truth to meditate upon. This life, this world is filled with His goodness. That man is fallen and our world is broken do not contradict the truth that God is good. On the contrary, it further supports that we are upheld by the goodness of God.

Moral Rightness

What does it mean to be “good”? To qualify as good, the person or thing has to be morally right (or righteous). God fits the description. He is righteous and His judgment of rightness is consistent and unchanging. What is right will always be right. What is wrong will always be wrong. There is no swaying Him, there is no bribing Him. God cannot be good nor loving without being right. God cannot be all about love and none about judging wrong and falsehood. True love is right love. A love that is not founded on rightness is not real love. If you love someone, you don’t want anything wrong happening to them and you don’t want that person to be tangled in wrong affairs because you know the hurt and danger that may befall them if they persist in treading the wrong path. And God is that very same way with us.

The Devil has worked hard to blur the line that separates right from wrong. From generation to generation, the territory has been shrinking on the side of right while the side of wrong has been gaining ground. Rightness has become subjective. If it works for you, if that’s what you prefer, then it must be right. In the homes, children are growing up confused about what’s right and wrong because of parents who inconsistently uphold the measure of rightness. At times, discipline is severe; at other times, misbehavior and wrongdoing are overlooked. Sometimes, parents can be hard on children but lax on themselves. Sometimes, the parents do the very things they forbid their children from doing.

More than ever, we need to look to God for guidance. We need the Word of God to teach us what is indeed right and what is indeed wrong. We need to open the pages and allow God to correct our thoughts and emotions. In reading and applying God’s Word, we can truly learn to live and do right. God’s Word helps us see the issues we must strongly contend for. God’s Word also helps us discern matters that need understanding and freedom or liberty. Through the Bible, God teaches us what we need to be strict about and what we need to be forgiving and patient about.

Benefiting

What else does it mean to be “good”? To qualify as good, the person or thing has to bear a benefit (or advantage) to another. To be good for you, something or someone must actually be beneficial for you, helping better your life and personhood. God is exactly like that. He is good and He fills our lives with good things.

Psalm 103 says that He loads us with benefits. The favors He bestows on a daily basis are too numerous to count. But it’s good to try to keep tabs for encouragement and assurance. Try to at least count up to 10 blessings you receive from God each day and you will be more positive and joyful in life.

Romans 8:28 says God is constantly working out the details of our lives for our utmost good. In staying intimate with Him, we find guidance for daily living and decision making. God is a great influence, He will help us think and do right. He will also bring us to the right people we ought to surround ourselves with. He will position us in places that will better our character and state of living.

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Let’s Talk About Being Gracious

Let’s Talk About Being Gracious

Merriam-Webster says that to be gracious is to be “marked by kindness, courtesy, tact, and delicacy”. The gracious person is characterized by “a generosity of spirit.” Plainly, we see that the word gracious is related to grace; a term God’s redeemed people are fully familiar with. From the point of salvation we have been experiencing the grace of God day in and day out; and as recipients of innumerable favors from the hand of a gracious God, we ought to extend the same graciousness to others. This generosity of spirit is modeled to us on a daily basis. It is only fitting for God’s children to imitate Him in that same way.

Gracious To a Fault

Ephesians 4:2 explains how to be gracious to a fault. It says, “Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults.” When we make an allowance for a fault, we accept the other person’s humanity. We accept that no one is perfect. We accept that people make mistakes. We realize that we also make mistakes. We can’t always be and live right. We can never perfectly keep the standard of rightness and we know nobody else can. With this in proper view, we remind ourselves of the reality that other people will hurt our feelings and fail to meet our expectations.   And when that time comes, we are ready and able to be gracious to a fault.

It is wrong to be so hard on others when they do something wrong especially when the wrong deed was unintentional. Remember the parable of the unmerciful servant? His master forgave him of his great debt, yet he could not forgive what little debt one person had towards him. If God could be immeasurably gracious with us, how can we not extend some grace towards another?

Sometimes we become victims of repetitive abuse, where someone hurts us over and over again. Discernment must be exercised. Wisdom must be sought from God so that you may know when to exercise tough love, right love. Grace makes allowances for faults but it never condones or tolerates habitual sin.

Gracious In Speech

Colossians 4:6 says, “Let your conversation [speech] be gracious [with kindness] and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone.” At times we are unable to keep our emotions in check. We get hurt so we lash out in anger. We’ve been treated unfairly so we retaliate with harsh words. We get frustrated so we blurt out demeaning words. Scriptures say it shouldn’t be so. The verse just mentioned puts it so well. Our speech should remain attractive. Attractive words draw people in, not repel them. Attractive words don’t refer to sugar-coated words that make little of or camouflage other people’s sins. Attractive words are right responses that have better chances of leading people to listen and accept the words being shared even if they are words of rebuke.

Sometimes we become victims of verbal abuse. The natural response is to likewise be verbally abusive or to rebuke without grace. In the exchange of hurtful, wounding words, there is rarely any profit. Things don’t get resolved; rather, they escalate. Not one is helped. The situation is not made better. Ephesians 4:29 encourages us to respond in the right way. It says, “Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.” In some situations, that can be quite hard to do. Pray for enablement. Pray for strength to remain silent while you gather your thoughts. Then, when you speak, your words will be purposeful.

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Let’s Talk About Heavenly Calling

What is a heavenly calling? Is it common to all believers or is it unique and specific to each one? Clearly, God has set each of us on a unique path that we must travel on for His purposes. But common to all of us is our one united purpose: to give God the praise and glory in everything we become and do. (1 Cor. 10:31). Hebrews 3:1 talks of a heavenly calling that all believers are partakers of. ‘Calling’ in this verse means a “summon” and this particular passage points to a calling that all believers have been summoned to. Scriptures give various insight on our heavenly calling or what we are called to.

Called out of Darkness into Light

In 1 Peter 2:9 we find that the redeemed “are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” 1 Cor. 1:9 says, “God is faithful, who has called you into fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.” Acts 1:8 tells us that with the Holy Spirt inside us, empowering and guiding us, God’s children will bear witnesses of Him across the globe.

God has called His elect for redemption and that doesn’t stop there. We are called out of darkness into His wonderful light. This means there is a change of destination, a change of direction, and a change of situation. We now are destined for heaven, walking in pursuit of His plans for our lives, and walking in the light of His Word. We also know that in all pursuits, bearing witness of the God who saved us is the utmost goal. A life lived in the light will demonstrate to the lost a very big difference in how we are faring compared to how they are faring. There is spiritual clarity and in the midst of doubts and changes, we stay solidly strong because we trust in a loving and an unfailing God.

Called to a Holy Life

God, the Holy One, desires holiness in our lives. In Leviticus 11:44 He says, “I am the Lord your God; consecrate yourselves and be holy, because I am holy.” He repeats immediately in the following verse: “Be holy, for I am holy.” Paul in 2 Tim. 1:9 gives insight by saying, “He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace.”

To live holy is to live separate and unique. It is to be different in mind and heart from those who live worldly or unspiritual. It is not a call to sinless perfection in rituals, but there is a call for growth and change, for betterment. It is a call for a heart and life that imitates the heart and life of God. It is a call to take on the mind of Christ, to be imitators of Him in every way possible. (Philippians 2).

Christians are not called to cut themselves off from the world nor to distance themselves from the lost. We are Christ bearers. We are to be among the people so that they have easy access to finding God through us. But as ambassadors for Christ, we are not to take on their identity nor their priorities and methodologies which go against the delight and honor of God. Let us be careful to fulfill our heavenly calling and never sacrifice it just so we can blend in with the crowd and be accepted of them. Let’s be bold about being different as God desires us to be so that they will know their need and seek the God they see at work in our lives.

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How To Handle The Uncertainties of Life

How To Handle The Uncertainties of Life

The uncertainties of life are things beyond our control and knowledge. We cannot predict the outcome. Maybe we can do little to influence it. These can keep us awake at night. Not only do they bother us all night long, they are ghosts that troll us during the day. We lose focus. We are unable to connect with people around us because these uncertainties have taken hold of our mind and heart.

“Is my job secure?” “Do people approve of what I’ve done?” How can we handle these kinds of uncertainties? How do we fruitfully manage them?

1. Trust the love of God.

At times, failings and incapability cause other people to lose love and confidence in us. Friends shy away. Relationships end because you lost your job or you made a complete fool of yourself in public. But God is not repulsed by any of that. He loves us passionately. He loves us the same, whether we do well or not. Lamentations 3:22 says God’s love is stedfast. It never stops. His love never wavers. His love is forever loyal.

Trusting the love of God allows us to remain secure in the middle of uncertainties. God loves us. He will work things out for our good (Romans 8:28).

2. Trust the wisdom of God.

That we do not know something can be very debilitating. We are unable to proceed because we don’t know what’s ahead. Decisions are hard to make because we are banking on predicted outcomes before we even take the plunge. We don’t want to act aimlessly. We don’t want to invest efforts and emotions into something or someone when there is no promise of fruit.

It is in these times that the follower of God needs to trust the wisdom of God. Keep holding on to Him and the truths and promises of His Word. Maintain a life guided by the principles of His Word. Joshua 1:8 assures that those who live by the wisdom of His Word will be prosperous and have good success in his life. Although this may be material in nature, it is not solely so. The Hebrew root word translated as prosperous carries the meaning of “advancement” while the root translated as success carries the meaning of “to understand, to gain insight”. This means Scriptures are never dated or obsolete. This means dedication to God’s Word leads to advancement and understanding in life. This means that in God’s Word you find what you need for right and fruitful living.

Best-selling books sold on shelves today talk about how to be successful in dealing with people. People buy pricy self-help books and attend expensive seminars to hear life coaches encouraging them towards positive and successful living. But in the very pages of God’s Word are all the tools we need to live positive in this negative world. In His Word are principles for right communication and relationships with the people around us.

Now, in immersing yourself with the guidance of His Words, uncertainties will still present themselves. It is in these moments that you need to trust the wisdom of an all-knowing God who plans good things for you, never evil. When you doubt and worry about the things He allows to happen in your life, seek assurance and comfort from His Word. Never let the enemy sow lies. God promises to never abandon us. (Hebrews 13:5) So at all times, run to God and not away from Him.

 

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