Follow the Path Laid Out by God's Word

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For a society to build up a resistance to corruption, we have to believe that small actions over time will build up to make major improvements. We have to look at corruption as the enemy and work together to identify this enemy in order to destroy its grip.

Reading in 2 Peter 2:10-22, we get a description of false teachers who had a grip on society during the time of Peter. They had behavior patterns that were slanderous, their message was empty, and they appealed to the lustful desires of sinful human nature. It is explained in the passage that their fate is not good for they will be destroyed and paid back for the harm they have produced.

Explained also in the passage is that the type of person affected by false teaching is the unstable; those who are taken in by the deceivers. Their own lust gains victory over them because accepting what the false teacher promises requires no effort. They simply continue with their negative habits and attitudes to receive what they want. On the other hand, righteousness requires effort.

The best idea to resist false teaching is to follow the path laid out in God’s Word. As presented in this reading, if we follow our own sinful desires, we become enslaved by whatever our flesh wants but if we submit our life to Christ, we become free. The Gospel message is the water of life that refreshes the soul for anyone who wants to be saved by our Lord Jesus.

This day with God, have confidence in the promise that hope will give optimism in a time of despair; faith will give courage in a time of doubt, and love will bring victory in a time of hate.

For an inspirational start to each day, join the journey at: This Day with God Devotional.

Free to Be Me and Jesus is the Key

The song Free To Be Me by Francesca Battistelli is about how we are empowered to be who we are made to be because of the freedom we have and that Jesus is the key.

God became flesh and came to earth with a purpose. He was a wonderful teacher who attracted large crowds; giving wisdom and truth to all. What is it about some people that seem to attract large crowds? Over the next few weeks, I’ll do a series of writings trying to answer this question. The first in the series is at this link: Being Pleasant with Others. 

A Silent Night That Changed the World

At First United Methodist Church Waco yesterday, we finished the sermon series that explored the “Songs of Christmas”. The podcast can be watched by clicking this link: Silent Night Podcast and here is a video of this song: Silent Nightwith Lyrics.

In listening to the sermon, the song, and reviewing the podcast, below are some take aways for me.

Jesus was born in a crude stable and placed in a manger on a silent night but soon loud words would be spoken in His life that would spread to change the world. His mother was only around 16 years old but she responded by following God’s will. We all feel like we need to do big things for God but most of the time it is the modest, silent, and small actions we take that have the biggest impact. God wants us to simply be His servant by listening to His directions and following. If we say the words in bold below and believe them, our life will never be the same.

I AM THE LORD’S SERVANT; MAY IT BE TO ME AS YOU HAVE SPOKEN

When we do what God has for us, our life speaks for itself and is not so silent. The birth of Jesus on a silent night was a night that communicates God’s love for us. It is a night that sets us free; from hurts, worries, hopelessness, pain, and fear. It is a night that gives all a lift during dark times. It is a night that corrects the darkness with light through Jesus Christ and we all become a part of the light that reflects God’s love.

For an inspirational start to each day, join the journey at

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Have a Merry Christmas!

Mark