Choose Your Companions Carefully

CHOOSE YOUR COMPANIONS CAREFULLY

Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners. 1 Corinthians 15:33

Sinful companionship will corrupt a good lifestyle. You may ignore this truth, you may deny it, you may wish it were not so; but the truth still remains that close friendship with ungodly persons will always have a negative impact on your Christian walk.

   This is why Paul exhorts in 2 Corinthians, “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?” (6:14). Of course, we are to reach out to, and show genuine love toward, unbelievers. But witnessing to an unbeliever and closely embracing an unbeliever are two different things.

   Knowing how we easily justify our wrong choices, Paul says, do not be deceived! No matter how much you may justify this friendship to yourself, you cannot change the spiritual reality. If you are yoked in a romantic relationship, a business partnership, or a close camaraderie with an unbeliever, or a person with ungodly values, the idolatry of their heart and the faithlessness of their worldview will inevitably become a stumbling block for you.

   We do not like to think of friends or acquaintances as being “evil”, but anything that draws you away from a single-minded pursuit of Christ will have an evil effect on your life. Their intentions may not be evil, their lifestyle may not appear evil, but if their faith is not in Christ then their effect on you will be negative.

   Those you walk with have a powerful impact on your success and destiny. So choose your companions wisely.

Prayer: Lord, thank You for giving me godly and faithful friends.

Scriptural Reading: 1 Corinthians 15:20-34

20 But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.

21 For since by man came death, by Man also came the resurrection of the dead.

22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive.

23 But each one in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, afterward those who are Christ’s at His coming.

24 Then comes the end, when He delivers the kingdom to God the Father, when He puts an end to all rule and all authority and power.

25 For He must reign till He has put all enemies under His feet.

26 The last enemy that will be destroyed is death.

27 For “He has put all things under His feet.” But when He says “all things are put under Him,” it is evident that He who put all things under Him is excepted.

28 Now when all things are made subject to Him, then the Son Himself will also be subject to Him who put all things under Him, that God may be all in all.

Effects of Denying the Resurrection

29 Otherwise, what will they do who are baptized for the dead, if the dead do not rise at all? Why then are they baptized for the dead?

30 And why do we stand in jeopardy every hour?

31 I affirm, by the boasting in you which I have in Christ J…

Choose Your Companions Carefully

Work Hard

WORK HARD

For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: if anyone will not work, neither shall he eat. 2 Thessalonians 3:10

The Lord has appointed believers to be His ambassadors to a lost and hurting world. As His followers, we are to represent Him in our character, conduct, and conversation whenever we interact with family, friends, neighbours, or coworkers.

   God expects us to be diligent in our work and faithful to complete it. However, in our self-absorbed, pleasure-seeking culture, it’s very easy to get sidetracked into laziness. This sin is dangerous in a Christian’s life because of the potential harm that can result—it can hurt our witness for Christ, damage our relationships with others, and waste both the time and the gifts the Lord has given us. One negative result of such a lifestyle is a character marked as unreliable and untrustworthy.

   Laziness frequently shows up as procrastination. For example, despite saying that we will take action, we repeatedly delay the start time. Or we may begin a project and yet find reasons not to finish it. Being neglectful is another manifestation: though we make an attempt to carry out responsibilities, they are handled in a haphazard  or incomplete way; relationships with loved ones go untended; or the needs of others are overlooked.

   Irresponsible behavior doesn’t fit who we are in Christ. It takes hard work to be successful. It is going to take diligence for you to achieve your goals in life. It is important to have a dream. Yes, plans and strategies are necessary. Praying to God for help is vital. But, all these must be crowned with hard work in order for you to achieve your goals.

Prayer: Lord, give me a diligent heart.

Scriptural Reading: 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13

6 But we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw from every brother who walks disorderly and not according to the tradition which he received from us.

7 For you yourselves know how you ought to follow us, for we were not disorderly among you;

8 nor did we eat anyone’s bread free of charge, but worked with labor and toil night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you,

9 not because we do not have authority, but to make ourselves an example of how you should follow us.

10 For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat.

11 For we hear that there are some who walk among you in a disorderly manner, not working at all, but are busybodies.

12 Now those who are such we command and exhort through our Lord Jesus Christ that they work in quietness and eat their own bread.

13 But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary in doing good.

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Work Hard

Live A Life Of Love

young asian woman running and jumping with colored balloons

LIVE A LIFE OF LOVE

Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. Romans 12:15

The church of Jesus Christ is often described by Paul as being “the body of Christ.” This imagery is meant, we are told, to remind us of how closely we are connected to one another.

   If you accidentally smash your thumb with a hammer, the rest of the body is not unconcerned as though the effected area does not concern the rest. The injured thumb will be pulled away from the place of injury by the arm, perhaps cradled by the other hand, or brought to the mouth for comfort’s sake.

   Similarly, any member of the body of Christ should have their pain felt, and ministered to, by every other member of the body. The sorrow of one should be a grief for all.

   On the other hand, where one member of the body is prospering or enjoying a special time of blessing, the rest of the body should rejoice together with them. This is many times more difficult to do than grieving with each other, because of our self-centered and covetous nature. Too often we grieve when others are blessed rather than rejoicing with them.

   But the church that is functioning as it ought to will see each member in its midst being comforted, cleansed, encouraged, and enjoyed by every other member of the body. Therefore, look for someone today in your church to grieve, or rejoice, with; bear their burden, or share their happiness with them.

Prayer: Lord, help me live a life of love.

Scriptural Reading: Romans 12:9-21

9 Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good.

10 Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another;

11 not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord;

12 rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer;

13 distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality.

14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.

15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.

16 Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion.

17 Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men.

18 If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.

19 Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord.

20 Therefore “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.”

21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Live A Life Of Love

Great Faith

GREAT FAITH

The centurion answered and said, “Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed.” Matthew 8:8

This centurion knew authority when he saw it. He himself commanded one hundred men, and he had witnessed countless examples of power and authority within the ranks of the Roman army. And he knew Jesus had it.

   As a result, the centurion did not come pleading his worth (although the Jews made the mistake of pleading on his merit to Jesus). He knew that there was no claim he could make upon Jesus’ power; if Jesus healed, it would be because He wished to heal, not because the centurion deserved the favour.

   Further, the centurion had such confidence in Jesus’ authority that he knew Jesus could do what had not even been seen or done yet, apparently. Jesus had so far only healed in person, but the centurion knew that anyone who could heal personally could also heal from a distance if he so desired. “Speak the word only” was all that Jesus had to do and he knew his servant would be healed.

   Jesus’ reply to the centurion is just as remarkable as the centurion’s statement. Jesus exclaimed, “I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel” (v.10). This is quite a compliment, coming from anyone. But for Jesus Himself to marvel at the centurion’s faith tells us it is certainly something to emulate ourselves.

   When you come to God in prayer, do you see yourself as deserving His favour or do you realise that you are not even worthy to come before Him in the first place? No matter what displays of power or answered prayer you have seen in the past, do you have faith that He is able to do even more than you have witnessed?

Prayer: Lord, increase my faith.

Scriptural Reading: Matthew 8:5-13

5 Now when Jesus had entered Capernaum, a centurion came to Him, pleading with Him,

6 saying, “Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, dreadfully tormented.”

7 And Jesus said to him, “I will come and heal him.”

8 The centurion answered and said, “Lord, I am not worthy that You should come under my roof. But only speak a word, and my servant will be healed.

9 For I also am a man under authority, having soldiers under me. And I say to this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes; and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.”

10 When Jesus heard it, He marveled, and said to those who followed, “Assuredly, I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel!

11 And I say to you that many will come from east and west, and sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven.

12 But the sons of the kingdom will be cast out into outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”

13 Then Jesus said to the centurion, “Go your way; and as you have believed, so let it be done for you.” And his servant was healed that same hour.

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Great Faith

Created For Good Works

CREATED FOR GOOD WORKS

For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. —Ephesians 2:10

When Jesus told the parable of the talents, He was letting us know that each of us has a special purpose in life, and God expects us to cooperate with Him so that it is fulfilled. All three servants in the parable in today’s scriptural reading are given various talents, which represent the individual’s gifts and resources. The servants who put their gifts to productive use were rewarded by the master. They were given more resources and greater responsibilities.

But one of the servants was so fearful and self-centred that he buried his talent and was totally unfruitful for the master. Jesus calls him a “worthless servant.”

If you are a child of God, He has blessed you with special gifts that He expects you to use for His glory. If you don’t know what they are, ask Him to reveal them to you. Ephesians 5:15 AMP says that we should “live purposefully” and make the most of our time. We have a destiny to fulfil and a purpose to accomplish. We have a God to glorify.

There may be a solution to a problem facing society that you are the only one wired to solve. There may be many people who will perish if you don’t preach the gospel to them. It’s my heartfelt prayer that you will make a decision today to cooperate with God’s plan for your life and align your will with His. If you do, God’s promise in Psalm 138:8 belongs to you: The Lord will fulfil his purpose for you!

Prayer: Lord, give me more grace to fulfil my calling and fulfil my purpose for your glory.

Scriptural Reading: Ephesians 2:1-11

1 And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins,

2 in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience,

3 among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others.

4 But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us,

5 even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved),

6 and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus,

7 that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.

8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,

9 not of works, lest anyone should boast.

10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

Brought Near by His Blood

11 Therefore remember that you, once Gentiles in the flesh — who are called Uncircumcision by what is called the Circumcision made in …

Created For Good Works

You Can Experience GOD"S Best

YOU CAN EXPERIENCE GOD’S BEST

“Now acquaint yourself with Him, and be at peace; thereby good will come to you.” Job 22:21

None of us wants to miss the blessings God has planned for us. If asked, we would say we want to receive every one of the gifts He desires to give us. However, because of the choices we make, we often miss our blessings. Israel wandered in the desert for 40 years because they chose not to enter the Promised Land. Though the Israelites were on the brink of tremendous blessing, the leaders forfeited the outpouring of God’s goodness, not only for themselves but for the whole nation. (Numbers 13-14)

   The Christian life is one of surrender and obedience, not independence and rebellion. To live such a life means bringing our choices to God and being prepared to accept and submit to His will. Remember, His way is always best because it comes out of the goodness of His character.

   To choose God’s best also requires learning how to listen to Him. Too many times we present our requests and leave before giving God time to answer us. Hearing God speak to us is one of the most powerful experiences. The voice of God brings certainty, direction and courage.

   God wants you to experience His best this year. He also wants you to be the best you can be. But it will take your willingness to follow His ways, and your obedience to His voice. If you will submit to Him and align your ways to His ways, you will find success and prosperity.

Prayer: Lord, help me surrender to Your will so that Your prosperity may come to me.

Scriptural Reading: Job 22:21-30

21 “Now acquaint yourself with Him, and be at peace; Thereby good will come to you.

22 Receive, please, instruction from His mouth, And lay up His words in your heart.

23 If you return to the Almighty, you will be built up; You will remove iniquity far from your tents.

24 Then you will lay your gold in the dust, And the gold of Ophir among the stones of the brooks.

25 Yes, the Almighty will be your gold And your precious silver;

26 For then you will have your delight in the Almighty, And lift up your face to God.

27 You will make your prayer to Him, He will hear you, And you will pay your vows.

28 You will also declare a thing, And it will be established for you; So light will shine on your ways.

29 When they cast you down, and you say, ‘Exaltation will come!’ Then He will save the humble person.

30 He will even deliver one who is not innocent;

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You Can Experience GOD"S Best

Let Jesus Be Your Confidence

LET JESUS BE YOUR CONFIDENCE

In whom we have boldness and access with confidence through faith in Him. Ephesians 3:12

Don’t let the difficulties of today get you down. Just feed your spirit on the word. Get strong on the inside—in your mind, thoughts and understanding. One of these days, when you are going through some really tough situations, someone is going to ask you, ‘How are you handling the pressure?’ You will turn to the person and respond in surprise, “Pressure? What pressure?” That response would not be because you are in denial or avoiding reality. It would simply be because you have built the spiritual and mental capacity to handle your challenges with ease. You have grown to carry that which easily crushes others.

   As you build yourself up in the word and power of the Lord, you will begin to see life in a totally different perspective. Once you see that the very Spirit and power of Christ resides in you, nothing—no debt, disease, or demon—will be able to defeat you. You will be so aware of who Christ has made you that the giants of this life will appear like dwarfs. You will see people running and panicking in all directions but you will find great stability and confidence in the power of the Lord.

   Those who build their confidence in the Lord, look within themselves and see Christ magnified. When they look on the inside, they do not see their own human limitations; they see the unlimited Christ. That point of view will transform a weak, beggarly, defeated person into a champion for Christ. Remember, we live for Him and not for ourselves. He is our Lord; we are not masters of ourselves. He is our King; we do not rule ourselves. He is our deliverer; we do not deliver ourselves. He is the Lord of the battle. He lives in us, stands by us and walks with us. In Him we have the victory!

Prayer: Thank You Lord for living Your life in and and through me.

Scriptural Reading: Ephesians 3:8-13

8 To me, who am less than the least of all the saints, this grace was given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ,

9 and to make all see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the ages has been hidden in God who created all things through Jesus Christ;

10 to the intent that now the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places,

11 according to the eternal purpose which He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord,

12 in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through faith in Him.

13 Therefore I ask that you do not lose heart at my tribulations for you, which is your glory.

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Let Jesus Be Your Confidence