1 Corinthians 16:13-14 NLT
Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong. And do everything with love.
“Be on guard.”
Unless your mind is fixed on the truth, you will fall for anything.
For a Christian, the only place where we will find the truth is in the Bible. If we are not consistently, systematically, reading the Bible with a clear goal to grow more Christlike, our walk with the Lord will be very frustrating.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 NLT
All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.
“All Scripture is inspired by God…”
The Word of God will teach us:
1. What is true
2. Make us realize what is wrong in OUR lives. This is a vitally important point. The Bible is not to used as a microscope to examine the lives of those around us, it is to be used as a mirror to show us where we are falling short and need to ask God to help us with our challenges.
3. It corrects “us” when we are wrong.
4. It teaches “us” to do what is right.
5. God used it to prepare and equip His people to do every good work.
When we read the Bible, Paul described it as putting on the armor of God.
Ephesians 6:13-17 NLT
Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
“Stand firm in the faith.”
As Christian, we are called to have faith in the sovereign power of God. A power that we can not see.
Hebrews 11:1-2 NLT
Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see. Through their faith, the people in days of old earned a good reputation.
There is a battle between good and evil, and we are in the middle. There is a battle going on that we can not see.
Ephesians 6:12 NLT
For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.
We think the battle is against the world that we can see. The people around us, the circumstances that we find ourselves in.
The true battle is between our ears, in our minds.
When we line up against the people in our lives, we are drawing battle lines that we are not meant to be fighting.
Romans 12:14-18 NLT
Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them. Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all! Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.
I cringe when I am on Facebook, and I see the memes that say things like, “I respect those who respect me.” or “If you want my best, I better get your best.” etc. etc.
This thinking simply does not line up with what we are to believe as Christians.
“Be strong. Be Courageous.”
When we make the study of the Bible a consistent habit, we will be able to “be strong and courageous,”
Joshua 1:7-9 NLT
Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the instructions Moses gave you. Do not deviate from them, turning either to the right or to the left. Then you will be successful in everything you do. Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do. This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”
The only way that we can obey is to know what we are to obey. The only way to get to know what we are to obey is to read the Bible.
But look at the promise; the promise should have us up early and in the Word of God.
“Study this Book of instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do.”
If that one verse does not produce the desire to get into the Bible, drop to your knees, and beg God to work in your heart to make this happen.
When you make this a habit in your life, your life will never be the same.
From personal experience, it will hurt at first, but when you get past this, it will start to produce a sense of peace and joy through every circumstance that you will not be able to understand.
Philippians 4:7 NLT
Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
“And do everything with love.”
1 Corinthians 13:4-7 NLT
Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.
This is the definition of true love.
True love is unconditional, and it can only be accomplished with Jesus Christ living in the center of your life.
Heavenly Father, Help me to live my life in Your will.
Keep my focus on You and Your Word. Let Your Word shape my mind, change my heart, and create an attitude of service to everyone around me.
You say, “there is no greater love than to lay one’s life down for one’s friend,” Let that be me; give me the strength and the courage to live this out in my life.
In the loving name of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, I Pray, Amen!! 🙏❤️
