Guided in Truth

Show me Your ways, Lord, teach me Your paths. Guide me in Your truth and teach me, for You are God my Savior, and my hope is in You all day long. – Psalm 25:4-5

Ethics and love of neighbor is already in the agreement of Christianity. If disputes occur, the idea of trying to handle them within the believer community rather than putting them into our legal system would free up resources.

In the post “Set Apart”, we were given an idea for reforming our legal system. Many frivolous lawsuits bog down our system but to make the system function efficiently, the believer community could play a part by handling minor disputes before they go through the extremely expensive and inefficient legal system.

As pointed out in today’s song If We’re Honest by Francesca Battistelli, mercy is waiting on the other side if we bring our brokenness to the Cross.

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Inspired Hearts

Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. - Colossians 3:12

The study written about in the post “Neighbor Helping Neighbor” gave some meaningful qualities that need to be a part of our life.

Our kindness to our fellow neighbor starts with the amazing kindness God first showed to us when He sent Jesus to die on the cross. It is highlighted in today’s song Kindness By Todd Agnew and has inspired the following poem.   

God’s love opened up

the skies of mercy

for His love reigned down

to take away worry.

Keep falling down on us,

amazing grace like rains

with a cleansing stream

washing away the stains.

Better than life itself

is the kindness of the Lord

and His favor that blesses

so keep on reigning Lord.

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Renewed Strength

But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. - Isaiah 40:31

The post “His Strength in Me” contrasted positive and negative qualities in our daily living. Contrasting the bankruptcy of a world with dishonesty, pride, gossip, and material gain to the rewards of integrity, humility, and eternal riches.

Let us seek to ingest these positive qualities so they are in our heart. As long as the Holy Spirit is in us, no one can take that away. The Spirit of Christ is with us everywhere we go.

As the song In Me by Casting Crowns points out, when we are weak, God gives us strength and brings victory because of Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit.

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Advantage for Your Day

I can do everything through Him who gives me strength. – Philippians 4:13

In the post “Advice for Life”, highlighted is that being on God’s side gives a tremendous advantage. The scripture above and other memorized scriptures can be very useful when faced with pressure moments in life.

I once heard about a field goal kicker in football that repeated over and over in his mind scriptures like the one above before kicking a field goal. This gave him poise as he got set to perform the winning kick in the last seconds of the game. 

One thing about sports that is related in life is how we all compete against time. We all set priorities in the use of our time. As we plan out each day, two questions must be answered: What is it that needs to be done? What is most important?

The amazing thing to me is that efficiency is thought of highly in sports but not so much these days in government, organizations, and businesses. Each sports team competes and the coach puts players in a position where they can do the best for their team. In government and in some businesses, people seem to be put out of position. They are put in a position to fail and organizations are run in such a dysfunctional way.

We all win some and loose some but the most important thing is you give it your best. If God is with you through all of it, then you’ll end up victorious. Here’s a song to inspire us toward a winning day: Through All of It by Colton Dixon.

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Game Plan

Show me Your ways, Lord, teach me Your paths. Guide me in Your truth and teach me, for You are God my Savior, and my hope is in You all day long. - Psalm 25:4-5

Written about in the post “Obligations and Duties” are some thoughts about conforming to the authority of those in leadership positions. Many of the ideas written in the U. S. constitution came from the principles found in the Bible and are an extension of God’s authority in a free society.

Players on sports teams have certain duties and obligations to their coach. A quarterback runs the play the coach wants even when pride tells them to run their own team. They must face up to the issue of obedience and accept that a coach high above in the press box can see things the quarterback does not see and has detailed information that the quarterback cannot possibly have access to at that moment in time. Instead, the quarterback is obedient and works together as a team to bring victory.

It’s not that much different in our Christian faith. Just as brought out in the song Solid As The Rock by Avalon, our Christian faith is built on a firm foundation with a game plan that can guide the way to a victorious finish in life.

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Guided By Truth

Show me Your ways, Lord, teach me Your paths. Guide me in Your truth and teach me, for You are God my Savior, and my hope is in You all day long. - Psalm 25:4-5

Like Paul as written about in the post “Truthfulness with Facts”, be concerned about the truthfulness of what you say. Talking about something unseen like faith has its challenges but with Christ we have a model to explain the intangible qualities of our faith with integrity.

The things of this world are built like a house of cards. They may work for a while but suddenly fall apart. On the other hand, the things of God are built on the foundation of truth. We can rest assured that the promises God has given in the Bible will be fulfilled.

By accepting Christ as the Son of God, we have the distinct benefit of a promise. Receive inspiration from the song Oceans (Where Feet May Fail) by Hillsong United and set out today fulfilling your purpose and your destiny with enthusiasm.

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Directions for Our Steps

A man's heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps. - Proverbs 16:9

Pointed out in the post “The Purpose for the Law”, salvation and sanctification are not obtained by keeping a list of rules but in knowing Christ. The law reveals right and wrong, initiating accurate thinking and self-discipline for the purpose of obtaining the intangible qualities of Christ.

Without God’s principles and the example given to us in Christ, we wouldn’t have much. Like this song points out Me Without You - TobyMac, we have all we need to become a champion for God.

Since we have a plan to direct our steps today, let us believe that we have a better shot at getting things done. Let us believe that things will fall in place and we will end up getting a lot more done than we ever thought we could.

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Called According To His Purpose

We know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

The post “Respond with Commitment” discusses how Moses was called according to His purpose to receive instructions called the Ten Commandments from God. During that time, only Moses could have a close relationship to God but because of the death and resurrection of Christ, we have the opportunity to also get instructions from God through reading His Word. We can read the Bible for the purpose of writing down lessons learned and sharing these lessons with future generations.

The song Every Good Thing by The Afters points out that our relationships are so important. Of most importance is our relationship with God. Then our time with family members and our friends should also be top priority. Let us remember that life is designed for eternity so let us put our time into good causes and into relationships that return eternal dividends.

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Guide Me in Your Truth

are God my Savior, and my hope is in You all day long. - Psalm 25:4-5

As shared in the post “The ONE True”, knowing and trusting God makes a difference in how we treat others. God’s love for us as demonstrated on the Cross began the healing process for His people. We are brought together as one in Christ and our attitudes toward others are changed.  

If the past has been one in which we were careless in our relationships or have said or done things that hurt others, we can make things right by being honest with ourselves and with others. As in the song “If We’re Honest by Francesca Battistelli", we can set out on a new path which God has provided for all. 

Things of the world lead down a long and winding path to nowhere but the path of God leads to a glorious future. His promised future is laid out on the solid foundation of Truth and we can rest assured that the promise will be fulfilled.

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Stand Firm and Hold Fast to the Teachings

So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold fast to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter. – 2 Thessalonians 2:15

The thoughts brought out in the post “Learn and Apply the Principles” were inspired by the study of Paul teaching the Thessalonians. We not only have the advantage of history to look back on but can now read what is stated in the Bible and know it has come about.

Even in the area of science, what was written in the Bible has come to pass. Areas such as dealing with stars, the ocean, and how the earth is shaped. What was not known by humanity at the time the words were written have since been proven to be true.

Cheer up today and receive this inspirational video Solid as the Rock by Avalon and know that the truths found in the Bible are indeed solid as a rock.

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Freedom Found by Laying Burdens Down

In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness. - Titus 2:7

In the post “Freedom is Found”, the dominant theme is the importance of maintaining integrity. Freedom is found when we are honest with ourselves and lay our burdens down at the Cross.

Because of Cross, there is a freedom. A freedom that helps us live, give, and love. A freedom that will speak and teach; laying out a clear path that others can follow.

This day with God, Ask Him to examine your heart and mind. Freedom will be found if you lay your burdens down at the Cross. Just be honest with yourself as pointed out in this song: If We’re Honest – Francesca Battistelli.

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Acknowledge Greatness

Let us acknowledge the Lord; let us press on to acknowledge Him. As surely as the sun rises, He will appear; He will come to us like the winter rains, like the spring rains that water the earth. - Hosea 6:3

Technology has been developed so that we can communicate with each other on the other side of the world but at the same time, humanity can be a fool in not acknowledging God’s part in making the world amazing. Such was the case when I shared in the post “Evidence of His Existence”.

When God is present, we have purpose, teamwork, and integrity. Without a focus on God, there is corruption and failure. This day with God, let us see Him around us and acknowledge His greatness. As we go throughout the day, let us give thanks.

To gain momentum to an amazing day, receive inspiration from this video highlighting God’s amazing world: God’s Beautiful Creation, Awesome Scenery – Creation Calls by Brian Doerksen.

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He is Faithful and Just

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make Him out to be a liar and His word is not in us. - 1 John 1:9

As noted in the post “The Whole Truth Sets You Free”, Paul was set free by the Roman Commander once he found out he was a Roman citizen. A Roman citizen had certain protections under their laws.

Being a citizen is important.  Today, some don’t take citizenship all that serious. But it always has been a big deal. Back in the time of Paul, families would pay what is equivalent to $50,000 for Roman citizenship.

As in Paul’s case, it’s important to tell the whole truth to others even when they may be unpopular. If the truth is what people need to hear, tell it and believe God will come to your defense. He’s paid a big price in order for you to receive his guidance, protection, and eternal life with Him.   

Remember, the Lord is faithful and just. Here is a song to inspire you this day: Great is Thy Faithfulness – Jordan Smith – The Voice 2015.

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He Knows so Fully Disclose

There is a saying that character is doing what is right when no one is watching. In the post He Knows so Fully Disclose, I wrote about Ananias and Sapphira who sold some property. They held back a portion of the money and took the rest to lay at the apostles’ feet.

The husband and wife didn’t give the full amount they had received; only a portion but wanted people to think they had given it all. Their pride made them want to look good in front of others. The result was that they died for lying.

If our world was filled with people of character, the world would work the way God designed. He knows everything we do; all our thoughts and motives. Here is today’s inspirational video of a Man Who Finds 15 Thousand Dollars in a Computer Case and Returns the Money.

In my integrity you uphold me and set me in your presence forever. - Psalms 41:12

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Firm Foundation Of Truth

In the post More Precious Than Anything Life Has To Offer, written about was how Jesus handled the situation of being arrested and going through the trials before being crucified. Peter caved during the hostilities and sometimes in life, we may not handle the challenges we face like we should. One thing we can be sure of is that Christ is reliable and He has promised that if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins.

We live in a world of shifting sand but with Christ, we have a firm foundation. This day, there is freedom with Christ. A freedom that helps us live, give, and love. A freedom that will speak and teach; laying out a solid path that we can follow and show others how to follow. The inspirational video for to today is Solid As The Rock by Avalon. Enjoy! 

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make Him out to be a liar and His word is not in us. - 1 John 1:9

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Journey through Life with Encouragement

In the post Journey through Life with Respect, Joseph invites his brothers to dinner and respects the Egyptian custom of serving Hebrews separately. His brothers show respect to Joseph and humbly give gifts. As we live on this earth, there are several common sense lessons that were brought out in the post.

We should always make God our number one priority. We should always live with integrity in order to build trust with others. We should respect the customs and values of the country in which we live. We should celebrate the successes of others and wish them the best. And we should ask for God’s help in using words that help and encourage others as this today’s video points out: Words – Hawk Nelson.

May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer. - Psalm 19:14

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Follow the Path to Freedom

In the post The Importance of Honesty and Doing What We Say, I wrote about just one of many examples found in the Bible of how life gets difficult when people are deceptive and get off the path that should be followed in life.

We all want things to go our way but if our way is not God’s way then it leads to places we may not want to go. Deceivers lead themselves and others down a path of rough times.  Living the way Jesus teaches is following the right path; leading to meaningful places and making an impact on lives.

We can be thankful for God’s plan for us. With God there is a freedom ... a freedom that helps us live, give, and love. A freedom that will speak and teach; laying out a clear path that we can follow. Here’s today’s inspirational video: Losing – Tenth Avenue North

Show me Your ways, Lord, teach me Your paths. Guide me in Your truth and teach me, for You are God my Savior, and my hope is in You all day long. - Psalm 25:4-5

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Making the Needed Adjustments

History is a great teacher and we must learn from history to help in making the needed adjustments in life. In the account of Jacob getting Isaac’s blessing in Genesis 27, we are given a sad chapter of everyone doing the wrong thing and examples of how the world has become a broken place.

In this account of God’s written Word, each parent had their favorite child. Rebekah convinced her favorite son to trick his father and receive his blessing instead of Esau. The results were disastrous. Rebekah never saw her son again, Jacob’s brother wanted to kill him, Esau became the founder of an enemy nation, and Jacob was exiled from his family for years.

God has provided the path for us to follow but it’s not always followed and the results are disastrous. Our prayer should always be that God searches inside us and clears out what should not be there. Here’s a video to inspire this desire: Search Me Lord - Gaither Vocal Band.

Show me Your ways, Lord, teach me Your paths. Guide me in Your truth and teach me, for You are God my Savior, and my hope is in You all day long. - Psalm 25:4-5

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Surround Yourself with People of Integrity

The post Association contained some written thoughts from the study of Genesis 14. A lesson learned was that the people we associate with are so very important. Lot was near the sinful city of Sodom and because of this association; he lost all his possessions and was taken captive. On the other hand, Abraham was where God wanted him to be and with the people He wanted him to be.

Being around a negative environment can cause great damage in societies. Think of societies that begin to break down. Respect for people breaks down, respect for authority breaks down, and respect for keeping the surroundings upright breaks down.

Like in Genesis 14, the area became a crime riddled wasteland and wars broke out. What once was the place to be, near prosperous activity and growth became a devalued area not because of location but because of the lack of integrity around it.

We need today more people of integrity like Abraham who promised God not to take the spoils of war. He kept his promise when he refused to take anything from the king of Sodom. Here is a video that inspires integrity: Search me Lord – Gaither Vocal Band.

Show me Your ways, Lord, teach me Your paths. Guide me in Your truth and teach me, for You are God my Savior, and my hope is in You all day long. -  Psalm 25:4-5

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Questions for Reflection for Study of Genesis 13-16

After the flood, God made a promise to Noah that He would never flood the earth again and the symbol of this promise is the rainbow. Today, God can provide music for our ears, laughter for our soul, and a rainbow after every storm because of His love demonstrated to us through His son Jesus. His Word provides food for the mind and His Son creates light for understanding so our acceptance of Jesus as the Son of God truly washes sins away.

The Bible is not about great people doing things for God; it is just regular people doing extraordinary things because of an amazing God. He knows each of us by name and has a place for each of us in this world. That is why it is important to take the initiative in being prepared for each day. Being the best “you” everyday so God can do His work.

In life, we all have doubts but those who can step ahead even while having doubts are the people God can use to do great things. It takes humility and it takes the willingness to learn from each other. Associating with others of integrity is important along with trust and when our trust is in God’s way, we are assured of getting to our destination.

As the journey continues through God’s Word for the weeks to come. The mission of this blog is to bring out ways to apply His Word in our life at work, at home, and within our neighborhoods. The questions for reflection for the study of Genesis 13-16 below will help bring out some thoughts and ideas over the next two weeks.

Genesis 13

What is Abraham and Lot’s problem? How does Abraham resolve the problem? How does the way you settle differences and arguments reveal your trust (or lack of trust) in God? What does Lot’s choice reveal about his character?

Genesis 14

What are the dangers of close association with ungodly people? Who is Melchizedek? How do you act toward fellow Christians?

Genesis 15

What is Abraham’s main concern? How does God encourage Abraham? What predictions and promises does God make while Abraham is asleep (watch the future developments)?

Genesis 16

How did Sarah and Abraham try to “push” God? What is their basic problem? In what ways do your actions affect future generations?

The above reading plan will be used as I share over the next few posts. It’s important to have a plan. I’m thankful that Jesus is God’s plan for us and by accepting Him as Savior; we have taken the steps necessary to make this day with Him amazing! At this link: God’s Plan for Us, is a post about accepting God’s plan or reaffirming our “YES” for Christ.

Feel free to respond with a short note or a comment about any of the questions above. Also, I welcome any other thoughts or ideas, favorite inspirational videos, photos, or favorite Bible verses. Just add them to the comments or to a Facebook page I’ve set up at this link: This Day With God.

Resources and Supplementary Helps Used in Posts

Adeney, Carol. This Morning with God. Downer Grove Illinois: InterVarsity Press, 1978

First United Methodist Waco Podcast

Christ Notes

Family Times

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