Cut it Out

For the Word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. - Hebrews 4:12

Within the post “One Bad Apple Can Spoil the Whole Bunch” discussed is how Paul instructs the Corinthian church to expel a leader within the church because of sexual misconduct.

One thought brought out in the post is that many problems within our society today were initiated from the lax attitude of sexual immorality in the 1990’s. It took 20 years to manifest itself as a cancer in society with all the sexual harassment cases in Hollywood, the media, and in government leadership.

Like cancer, we must cut it out.  We must step ahead of hate, iniquity, and other corrupting influences in our society that keep us down; instead desire the authenticity, sincerity and certainty that God provides. Take inspiration from today’s song

Stronger by Hillsong.

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Power of the Cross

May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. – Romans 15:5-6

One point written about in the post “Pulling Together with Christ” is that unity comes from having a common purpose and all Christians should agree about the purpose of the Cross. Around this agreement, there is great power to organize and be victorious against anything that goes against this great purpose.

The church is a community of people working together with Christ as their leader. We are stronger together and God’s Plan for Us not only changes our individual life for the better but also the world is changed for the better.

Let us be inspired by the song How Great is our God by Chris Tomlin and know that everything is possible because of the power of the Cross. 

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Chipping Away

But He knows the way that I take; when He has tested me, I will come forth as gold. – Job 23:10

As brought out in the post “Lighten the Load”, we need to get rid of that extra baggage in order to be all that God want us to be. We need to get rid of negative qualities that weigh us down like anger, pride, fear, and dishonesty. We need to trust in the Lord and lighten the load by being disciplined in His ways.

This day with God, celebrate the truth because God has started something good in you. As in this song Unfinished by Mandisa points out, His work in you is unfinished but day by day you are chipping away producing a masterpiece for God’s glory.

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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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Prescription to a Clearer Vision

And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. - Philippians 4:8

A lie the world tells us is to do things on our own without any help from God. But why exchange the truth of God for this lie that leads to an unhealthy society? Instead, the prescription to a clearer vision is to give attention to our spiritual growth. Think of ways to feed our hearts and minds with positives from God.

Like the song Fix My Eyes by King & Country points out, we can change our course. We can accept the help God gives in Christ and accept the obvious as truth. The ways of the world always change but the character of God never does.

As a society learns how to live God’s way, individuals build up strong character, families support each other, and communities flourish. The post “Changing Course” provides an analysis from Paul about society’s issues, how to sort things out, and offers a prescription to a clearer vision. 

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Be Strong and of Good Courage

Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. – Joshua 1:9

Within the passage Exodus 22:1-15 as written about in the post “Love Your Neighbor as Yourself” are penalties for deliberate theft and negligence. This passage elaborates on the Eighth Commandment in which the instruction is to not kill or steal but to show genuine concern for your neighbor.

In order to manage society’s problems, we should each show concern for our neighbor’s possessions and alert authorities if a theft or crime is taking place in our neighborhood. As in the song Voice of Truth by Casting Crowns, we should have the courage to make a stand against those who take advantage of others.

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One Mind and One Voice

May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. - Romans 15:5-6

The post “Through His Diverse People” has some thoughts about Christianity and how it is like a relay race. We all help each other out with our unique abilities for God’s purposes.

A diverse group of people has an advantage because with one mind and one voice, they have the opportunity to pull together with various ideas and skill sets. Each day can be amazing when we fix problems together.

This song by Miranda Lambert talks about the pluses of All Kinds of Kinds.

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No Confusion

Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. - Mark 1:35

As brought out in the post “Purpose in Saving Each of Us”, being a leader within our families and those we see the most gives us an opportunity to spread the Good News and give glory to God.

Jesus prayed for direction in fulfilling His purpose. We can do the same each morning as we start the day. He will help us to put things in order and then like the domino effect, our items on our task list will start to fall one after another.

We can be confused at times but when we pray, we get direction so as in this song, Thy Will be Done by Hillary Scott & Family we can know that God has placed us in our present circumstances for a reason.

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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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Be Someone Who Chose the One Who Knows

He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm - Proverbs 12:20

As written about in the post, “Build on a Firm Foundation”, there are consequences when we are associated with those who have turned away from God. Instead, we should build on the firm foundation of His Word which allows us to accumulate knowledge and understanding over time. We should also consistently pray for advice and confidently do what is needed.

I remember one hot summer in July, my daughter heard that a convenience store was having a special on slurpee drinks. The Seven Eleven convenient stores were giving out free slurpees because the date was 7-11. I went into the store and there was a crowd lined up so I followed the crowd. Well, I got my slurpee but ended up getting the wrong size just like everyone else and having to pay for it.

When you follow the crowd, it doesn’t always end up like you want. Instead, let us follow the Lord because He knows what is best for us as described in today’s video: He Knows – Jeremy Camp.

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Those of the Way Continue to Pray

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” – John 14:6

As written about in the post “Good Advice for Us in Today’s World”, there were people who felt threatened by the gospel message because they thought it interfered with their business pursuits. Those who made silver images of the goddess named Artemis (moon goddess Diana) were not tolerant of the gospel taught by Paul. It is amazing that after all these years, it’s not that much different today.

What is important today for those who believe in the Way is to get across that Christianity works well in society because there is the understanding that God has made us all for a purpose and we need to celebrate our diversity.

With this in mind, those of the Way should continue to pray and here’s a song that highlights this point: Pray for You – The Swon Brothers.

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Stepping Ahead Steadily Towards Victory

In the post Developing the Right Attitude, the people still did not get it. They were thirsty in the Desert of Sin and complained to Moses; even ready to stone him but Moses prayed and God told him to hit a rock with his rod and when he did, water came gushing out for them to drink.

Later in the passage, we are told how they overcame their enemy in war. Moses lifted his hands toward God and as long as his hands were above his head showing total dependence on God, the Israelites were victorious.

Each of us face trials in life. There may be times when projects are due, bills are due, or for a business … payroll must be met. Many go into panic mode, but followers of Christ have developed a different attitude.

Followers of Christ just keep stepping ahead steadily towards the victory because they have developed the right attitude; the attitude of “been there, done that” and constantly relying on God’s guidance. The challenges in life are handled victoriously on a regular bases because of their faith.

Followers of Christ know that the King of Glory; Jesus laying down His life for our freedom brings victory into each of our lives. Here’s a video that inspires this thought: This is Amazing Grace – Phil Wickham.

See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ. - Colossians 2:8

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His Good, Pleasing, and Perfect Will

As written about in the post The Resurrection Makes a Difference in Our World Today, many have been positively moved because of the teachings of Jesus. These teachings let us know that all people have value in God’s eye; that we should give help for the poor, care for the sick, equal opportunities for all.

Let us make a difference in this world by helping others know about these teachings. Pray that we do our part so there is a brighter future where there is a new freedom that offers enthusiasm and purpose for all. What Jesus taught will set people free; bringing truth for you and for me; a truth that leads to victory.

God gives insight into how to play a part in a preferred future and gives plans to make a difference in society. Here is today’s video to inspire the thought that Jesus is the reason for every good thing that we enjoy today Every Good Thing – The Afters. 

Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - His good, pleasing and perfect will. - Romans 12:2

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Glorify God

I’m currently reading and studying in Genesis 11 about the Tower of Babel. It’s about the world rejecting God and believing they have all the answers. Even today when history has proven the strategy of secularism a failure, after all the struggles the world has faced, including wars, disasters, and disease; pride keeps society going in the wrong direction.

Things can get messy in life but God is there to help us pick up the messes. There is a constant need to search our heart and know why we do certain things. Is it to glorify God or to make a name for ourselves?

If it is to glorify God, then there are no limits to what can be accomplished. To get us thinking in this direction, here is today’s video: The Stand – Hillsong.

I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With Him at my right hand, I will not be shaken. - Psalm 16:8

You are invited to read and study the Bible each day at http://wp.me/1ar6D

Examples of Integrity

Over the last few weeks, I have been thinking about the character trait integrity. Like my Pastor has talked about before in his sermons, we should be honest with ourselves. Having the attitude of wanting to know where we fall short and what we need to do.

There are many examples of this character trait called integrity throughout the Bible. I thought about what happens when there is a lack of this trait as in Genesis 27:1-45 when Rebekah convinced her favorite son to trick his father and receive his blessing instead of Esau. This set off all kinds of family turmoil.

Then I thought about the example of David’s men in 2 Samuel 18:9-12 who honored David’s wishes. They didn’t kill Absalom even though he was fighting in the enemy’s army and there was a big reward to kill him.

I then thought about examples of people in more current times who have demonstrated integrity and about how a society could build up this quality for future generations. To read these thoughts, take a look at the post titled Ideas for Building a Society with More Integrity.