Stand the Test and Receive the Best

Each one should use whatever gift they have received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. - 1 Peter 4:10

What should you do when people don’t understand or accept God’s message? One idea written about in the post “Discover What You Do Best” is to discover your God given strengths and use them so that people are able to make an association between the Good News and their needs.

As in the video Do Everything – Steven Curtis Chapman, we should do all we can to make sure people hear, see, and understand the Good News.

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Receive the Best by Withstanding the Test

Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God promised to those who love him. - James 1:12

In Acts 23:11, Paul was promised that he would one day testify in Rome. As shared in the post “Christ in our Heart is a Promised Treasure”, Paul went through so much but God was faithful and Paul finally arrived in Rome. He got there in chains and had survived a storm at sea, but he made it through.

Because of God blessing Paul, many people have been supported over the years because of the work of Paul. The lesson we have discovered is to never give up and focus on the reward God has for each of us as we stay the course.

As with Paul, Christ in your heart as the Holy Spirit is a treasure that will take care of you in your time of need. This day, welcome in this treasure as you enjoy today’s video: Holy Spirit – Francesca Battistelli.

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The Boomerang Effect

A man who is kind benefits himself, but a cruel man hurts himself. - Proverbs 11:17

As highlighted in the post “Invite God in so Kindness Begins”, there are benefits to being observant to the needs of others and reaching out with acts of kindness. It has what is called the boomerang effect!

Paul was observant to the needs of those on the island of Malta and in return was given the needed supplies to complete the journey as they set sail for Italy. He was committed to doing God’s work and his acts of kindness went a long way to open up doors. As we go through this journey called life, let us be observant to the needs of our neighbor.

What we make happen for others because of our kindness has a way of coming back to us so this day with God, make it a point to offer an act of kindness; give a smile or invite someone into a conversation. If we do, there is a strong possibility that a smile or affirming thought may be returned.

When we invite God into our presence to help with our caring actions towards our neighbor, there is strong possibility that we will receive blessings in return. As we celebrate today, here is a great song to inspire our actions: The Invitation – Rachel Belman.

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Trust is a Must

The testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. - James 1:3-4

As written about in the post “Faith in His Guidance”, every doubt or fear will be replaced with a deep abiding trust in God. Paul had faith in God during the storm at sea and the shipwreck. Paul’s faith began to influence the others aboard the ship and this resulted in good judgment, confidence, and composure as they reached land to safety.

We face storms in our journey through life. There are difficulties we face daily … a family member is sick, a rough day at work, trying to balance work, home, and school. When we face these difficult days and turn them over to God, that’s when His great power begins.

Faith gained today will pull us through for the rest of today. Then this gained faith of yesterday will push us through tomorrow and help us step ahead into the future. To start gaining faith today, here is an inspiring song: Oceans (Where Feet May Fail) – Hillsong United.

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The Courage to Crush the Enemy

One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent. For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city. – Acts 18:9-10

As pointed out in the post “Always by My Side”, God is the source of Paul’s courage. The courage to admit that he once persecuted Christians and the courage to talk about controversial issues even when placed in a very difficult situation.

We can take this example of Paul and use the courage from God to crush the enemy by turning our issues of the past into opportunities for the future. We can do this by simply sharing about our knowledge of God and sharing about the experiences we have gone through.

It is through our experiences that others can relate and this helps those we share with to accept the gospel message. To inspire us towards that purpose, here is today’s video:

Whom Shall I Fear – Chris Tomlin.

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Called According to His Purpose

All things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. – Romans 8:28

As written about in the post “Knowing Our Express Purpose”, Paul was determined to carry the name of Christ before the Gentiles, their kings, and the people of Israel. There was tremendous pressure applied by the Jewish leaders as they plotted to kill Paul but he never gave up and continued to set out to achieve his express purpose.

In present times, Christians are having to face instances similar to what Christians faced during Paul’s time. Secular thought wishes to push God out of our lives. Examples include redefining marriage, using the word holiday season instead of Christmas, and many other aggressive actions that go against the Way.

In many cases, those who make a stand for God, can face media bullying, threats to their lives, and even criminal prosecution. It’s bad enough in America but persecution goes to extremes in other places throughout the world where Christians are burned, beheaded, and executed.

Today’s video inspires us to remain determined like Paul to carry the name of Christ into the world: Until the Whole World Hears – Casting Crowns.

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Joy Destroys any Ploy

Count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. – James 1:2-4

Alone, we are like one drop of water but together we make an ocean. In the post “Persistence Overcomes Resistance”, we get the account of Paul spending two years in prison for simply being a Christian. Paul and many early Christians went through many hardships as they laid out the foundation for Christianity; a foundation that has proven can withstand extreme opposition.

Next time your day is filled with some resistance, smile at it, say thank You God, and keep going. Like a stream of water, persistence will eventually cut into a rock and if we remain persistent at focusing on the possibilities God gives us, we can cut into and go through any obstacle in our way.

Take inspiration from this song knowing that together, we can press on with confidence that our joy destroys any ploy: Press On – Building 429.

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