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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Wise Choice

All I want is to know Christ and the power that raised Him to life. - Philippians 3:10

The post “Desire the Ways of Wisdom” tells us to accept wisdom’s call because wisdom helps to meet our challenges in life. The wisest choice is to accept Jesus because this choice is more valuable than silver and brings knowledge worth more than gold.

In this life, knowing Christ brings victory. No other choice can match up so accept the ONE who is much more valuable than the ace picture in the World Series, the great quarterback on the final drive of the game, or the great basketball player that brings victory on the last shot of the game. 

We have a lot of challenges in this world but fortunately, we have the ONE who brings the advantage. Our Savior was there in the beginning and He will be there in the end as the song 10, 000 Reasons by Matt Redman points out. In between the beginning and the end, there are so many reasons to worship His Holy name.

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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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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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The Place of Grace

Let us, then, feel very sure that we can come before God’s throne where there is grace. There we can receive mercy and grace to help us when we need it. - Hebrews 4:16

The main point as written in the post “The Greatest Sacrifice Ever” is that God’s Plan for us makes it much easier today because of what Jesus Christ did on the Cross for our eternal victory.

We can be a great person but without Christ, the victory is out of reach. I remember watching the NFL induction ceremony when Brett Favre was inducted into the Hall of Fame. With all his greatness, few people know that he is leader in one negative stat. As a quarterback, he had the most interceptions.

We all make mistakes but we can turn mistakes into a victory if we take in the lessons learned. Because of the grace of God, blessings can be received even from our past mistakes. Take inspiration from today’s video: Your Grace Is Enough by Matt Maher and believe you have all you need to build for an amazing future.

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Faith for Every Moment of Every Day

So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in Him, rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. - Colossians 2:6-7

As crystalized in the post “Living Out the Truth”, the hardest part of a faith journey is to live out our faith in our daily lives. Let us be grateful today that a sustaining faith is possible if there is a connection to the Vine. A connection to the Vine gives us what is needed to not only believe in the Gospel message but to share about God’s reliable principles that have persevered throughout history.

This day with God, benefit yourself and also lead others to the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit by first believing in the Truth and then living it out on a daily basis. Here is today’s video to inspire: Walk by Faith – Jeremy Camp.

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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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Hearts Led By Mercy

Let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another. - Romans 14:19

Christianity is the most adaptable movement there is, allowing individuals to accommodate other’s attitudes and convictions without compromising principle. Christianity is built for the individual and is flexible yet distinctly substantiated by belief in Christ.

Unfortunately, we are so caught up in a time when being politically correct is all that matters and not offending people is the main objective rather than following the path laid out for us. 

Yet this day, let us remember that Jesus died for all. Let us not judge but edify. My hope is that this video will inspire this thought for us today: Jesus, Friend of Sinners – Casting Crowns.

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There Is No Debate That He Is Great

In the post “Worship the ONE True God”, written about was that the people of Lystra believed in many gods. Barnabas and Paul wanted the people to put all their attention on the ONE true God who provides for all our needs and lives in our heart.

God’s principles never change. A daily devotional time using “This Day with God” internalizes His guiding principles so they become an instrument which pushes us to focus on Him in every activity throughout our day.

Even the activity of watching TV can help us focus more on Him. A few years ago on the TV show “The Voice”, Holly Tucker sang a song that puts our focus on how great our God is.

Holly is from the community in which I live and I’ve had the opportunity to hear her in local concerts. Enjoy today’s inspiring video How Great Thou Art – Holly Tucker.

Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. - Colossians 3:2

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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

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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

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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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Be A Believer In The Redeemer

In the post Total Attention on the Mission, written about was that Pilate and Herod did not find a reason to crucify Jesus. Pilate did what was politically correct in his day and time. In order to keep his job as a politician, he took the easy way out by doing what the people wanted.

In present times, we face the same situations. The world wants to convince us that God is not who He says He is but as we go through each day; taking walks and feeling the fresh breeze hitting our face and hearing the sounds of night that sooths our soul, we know the world is telling a lie and the ONE who created the breeze and unique music of the night is telling us the truth.

As we go through life, things can get messy but God is there to help us pick up the messes. The Redeemer makes everything new and provides for our final victory. This day with God, celebrate with this inspiring video: The Redeemer – Sanctus Real.

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

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Bold and Persuasive Witness

There were warnings but also encouragement as I wrote in the post Of Most Importance is Jesus in Our Heart.   We should be inspired to be a bold and persuasive witness through the Holy Spirit. Because of the Holy Spirit, we receive counsel at all times to help us and here is a video poem to inspire our day with this thought in mind: Blessings Throughout Each Hour.

Enable me to speak Your word with great boldness. Stretch out Your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of Jesus. - Acts 4:29-30

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It’s All About Jesus

A lie the world tells us is to do things on our own without any help. Make things as complicated and difficult as possible so that character will be built through struggle. But maybe things in the technological age are complicated enough. How about working together, receiving the help God gives in Christ, and accepting the obvious as truth.

In the post Thoughts of Life Leading to Meaning and Purpose, Jacob gathered his sons together as he was in his last days and gave a talk to his sons on their character traits. It’s always important to listen to others, pray for direction, and make adjustments along the journey.

We all need a strategy and road map along the journey so it’s important to reflect on the past, come to the Lord in praise, have a heart of worship and realize it’s all about Jesus. Today’s video speaks about this approach: Heart of Worship – Matt Maher.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and he will make your paths straight. - Proverbs 3:5-6

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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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Make sure the Path is Clear

From the first encounter with God at Bethel to the second encounter, Jacob got off the path and those around him had gotten off the path. Sometimes along our journey, we can lose our focus on God because of His rivals, idols that take our attention away from Him like cars, houses, and other material things.

Jacob and his family had gotten off the path but after the second encounter with God at Bethel, he made a stand and decided to bury the idols that his family had accumulated. This allowed him to make a stand for the ONE and only God that had helped him through the crisis.

At this point along the journey, he surrendered it all and built an altar to the ONE who gives all much like what this video is about: The Stand - Hillsong.

Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. - Colossians 3:2

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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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Putting our Attention on His Greatness

In the study of Genesis 16 and writing about it yesterday in the post Trust in His Perfect Timing, the lesson for me is that we should be careful not to force the issue. We should put our attention on God and do things according to His timing; to trust Him to work situations out for us.

God may get our attention in many ways. There are times of the year that inspire and bring out  memories; the end of summer when football starts, the fall and the smell of pecan pie, the winter when the leaves have fallen and you look up into the cold night sky and see more stars than you could ever count. The spring and the memories of playing baseball and the summers going to the water park; you can count on the seasons. They are coming, you can depend on it, but they never are exactly the same because life and how we see things is always changing.

Music also has a way of bringing out memories and giving inspiration. Here is a video about God’s greatness from a young lady in my local community that does just that: How Great Thou Art – Holly Tucker on the Voice.

Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. - Colossians 3:2

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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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