The ONE Who Perfected Our Faith

Like in the post Focused on Opportunities to Share, many may read the scriptures and seek the Truth but still need to be shown the Way. When they ask questions and show an interest, it’s important that we take the opportunity to share with them about Jesus.

Enjoy today’s video of the ONE who perfected our faith: Here is our King – David Crowder Band.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. – Hebrews 12:1-2

Index of devotionals

I’m studying in Acts 8 about the early church being persecuted and scattered. History has a way of repeating itself but somehow we seem to not learn the lessons of the past. I remember one time putting an office chair together. It was a struggle because the screw holes didn’t line up. I was able to get three out of four screws secured but the fourth one just wouldn’t fit.

When things don’t line up, we don’t have a chance for success. It’s the same with a direction of a nation. If the plan for the future doesn’t fit with what God wants, it’s not going to work. In the post “Petition for Strong Leadership”, I wrote about the need for nations to have leaders who build the future as “One Nation Under God”.

As individuals and as a nation, the plan for the future has to line up with what God has laid out. It is only when it does that we are assured of positive results. So, this day, share with others God’s Plan for Us.

Take inspiration from today’s video as we passionately seek to win more souls for God: Set A Fire – Will Reagan & United Pursuit Band

I wait on the Lord, my soul does wait, and in His Word I hope. - Psalm 37:4

Index of devotionals

Grace and Truth of Christ Gets Us in Sync

We live in a very complicated world that can throw anyone into doubt but the grace and truth of Christ gets us in sync so we are in the right place at the right time. Right now, we are able to be with God because of His grace in sending Christ.

There is a benefit for those that discover the lessons of the Word, those that look forward to the rewarding promise of the future, and those that passionately follow the will of God. Here is today’s inspiring video to start our day with reinforced determination to take on the challenges: He Knows – Jeremy Camp.

If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. - James 1:5

Index of devotionals

The Word of God Planted in a Soul

The Word of God planted in a soul with integrity is like seed planted in fertile soil that flourishes into a banner crop.

Photo Credit – Meditations from Zion

We can learn lessons from others in how to live but we can also learn lessons from others in how not to live. Remember how greed put Peter in a difficult situation and he didn’t handle things with integrity in Luke22:54-71. People may make you an offer that you think you can’t resist but that doesn’t mean it’s in your best interest to take them up on the proposal. A person of integrity desires faith, hope, and love more than fame, fortune, and status.

Maintain integrity by trusting in the Lord, asking Him to examine your heart and mind. Associate with good people, love the Church, and tell others about the qualities of God’s character. Even if people are treating you bad, keep your integrity and keep doing the right thing. If they get you upset and you try to pay them back, you may be the one that gets in trouble. Instead, try to forgive and believe God will bring victory into your life. Make a decision to be a person of integrity.

To read more about integrity, visit this post: What Integrity Does For Us. 

The Word of God

I’ve been sharing over the last few weekend’s on the core value of physical and mental health. Today I’d like to start laying out some strategies to build up this core value. There are various ways including getting help from family and friends or attitude and discipline but today I’d like to start with the Word of God.

The Word of God can brighten a day; providing lessons for the mind and food for the soul. These are two necessary elements in a healthy life that relieves stress and provides inner peace. In this world there will be trouble but we can take heart because there is comfort and value in Christ’s sufferings. We can lay our burdens down at the foot of the cross; access God’s power through prayer and His word.

As I entered middle aged, my age started to show around my middle. The physical body became harder to maintain but with Jesus the Spiritual body remains connected to the nutritious vine that provides spiritual fitness forever. Those that believe in Jesus receive the water of the Spirit which flows from Him to bring stress free composure and inner peace in the present; making possible fitness and survival in difficulty.

Moses and Aaron did something great by getting water from a rock. The only problem is that there’s always the next thing. Once we do something amazing, there’s always a letdown but if we give all the credit to God, life is lived with staying power and meaning. I remember an email I received from a friend that gave this strategy for keeping the momentum going and having a bright outlook. Every time you see a penny, look at the inscription “In God We Trust”. Let it be a message from God to not worry but trust in Him. The formula to a happy life now and into the future is (1 cross + 3 nails = 4 given).

Mistrust and anxiety are foes to good health but faith can rescue you from them because of God’s love through Christ and a hope for a bright future. When the snake bites in life, there’s one antidote that stops the poison and that is acceptance of Christ as Savior.

Worry is worthless but discovering the treasures of heaven is priceless. Believe that you have a purpose and achieve that which God has in store for you. The Bible gives us a set of rules. Following these rules brings peace of mind and eternal rewards. Not following brings on stress, chaos, and destruction.

With technology today, we can stay connected to the Word of God at all times and at all places. One way, I use technology to stay connected is using an on-line Bible. At this link is the 23rd Psalm which helps with worries. You can also listen to the Bible as you walk or workout. At this link is the 23rd Psalm in audio.

I submit to you today that the best vitamin or performance enhancer is the Word of God. The Word like adrenalin can start in motion the chemicals found naturally in the body to work. Giving you exactly what you need to increase your performance. Next weekend, I’ll continue with some other strategies for better physical and mental health which includes getting help from family, friends, and prayer.

An interest I’ve had for some time now is on ideas or strategies that might help build up families and neighborhoods. Someday, I hope to put these together in a book and call it “Neighbors United”. Another interest I have is in searching for ways to build up the economy. If I were to write a book about this, I would title it “Step Ahead”. I recently set up a facebook page that includes all three of my interests into one place. The page is called “This Day with God – Neighbors United – Step Ahead”. I’m currently in the process of liking other facebook pages that share my interest so I can learn and grow together with them. You can connect with this new page by liking it at this link.