Day 53: Life Worthy

Ephesians 3, 4, 5

Are you living a life worthy of the calling you have received?  While reading Ephesians, I found myself asking myself that very question.

²Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. ³Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. ⁴There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope when you were called— ⁵one Lord, one faith, one baptism; ⁶one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. Ephesians 4:2-6

I find myself to be lacking in this very instruction.  I find myself still engulfed in rage, anger, judgment and impatience.  It is in God’s plan to prepare his people to build up the body of Christ – as it is His plan for us to grow and build ourselves up in love.  In order to unite in Christ, it requires us to live as children of the light.  Are you living as the child of light?

¹⁸They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. ¹⁹Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, with a continual lust for more. Ephesians 4:18-19

Are you bearing fruit that consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth?  As I end these chapters, all instructing us on how to lead our lives, I realize how much more I have yet to learn to leave behind.

Dear Lord, Grant me the wisdom to lead a life imitating God.  I realize I need to be careful in how I live, making the most of every opportunity – to not be foolish and understand your will.  Allow me to submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.  Thank and in Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Day 21: What Will Be Asked Of You?

Luke 21, 22, 23, 24, 25; John 1

Many things can be considered as the sign of a Christian.  But with a society of perversion, one may have asked what actually differentiates a believer from anyone else?  As I read these 5 chapters, I was challenged with what Jesus explains to disciples what they will encounter. 

Despite ridicule and persecution, Jesus explains to his disciples and through His Word, explains to all of us – what being a believer of our faith would mean to us.

¹⁴But make up your mind not to worry beforehand how you will defend yourselves. Luke 21:14

^{17All men will hate you because of me. 18But not a hair of your head will perish. 19By standing firm you will gain life. Luke 21:17-19}

²⁸When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” Luke 21: 28

 We place angst and worry above all commandments of God – and we hardly realize it.  I was challenged to really apply these instructions in my everyday relationship with Christ. I am, for the first time, understanding the peace that God’s word has on my life.  All he asks is to stand and lift our heads, to stand firm and to not worry about the “how”. 

Lord, I thank you for blessing me with a renewed heart into creating and cultivating a more solid relationship with you.  As I continue to read, I pray that your words may wash over my heart and allow me to truly walk in Your light. Amen

Day 16: To Have Faith in His Word

Day 16: Luke 6, 7, 8

Reading Luke is like reading the inner personal struggles that many face – especially myself.  Many say that they can’t relate to the Bible because it’s such an old book.  If you take the time to actually read what it is saying – you’ll be surprised to find quite the opposite.

²⁷“But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, ²⁸bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. ²⁹If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also. If someone takes your cloak, do not stop him from taking your tunic. ³⁰Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. ³¹Do to others as you would have them do to you. Luke 6:27 – 31

As I continue to read, I notice that it re-iterates God’s instructions.

⁴⁵The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks. Luke 6:45

I struggle everyday with leading a more spiritual relationship with Him and it comforts me.  I reminds me of the frail human form that I am and that it is with God’s unconditional love for me that has forgiven me of my sins.

Day 2: Living According to God’s Instructions

Day 2: Matthew 4, 5, 6

The chapters I read this morning were the simplest of instructions preached by Jesus.  As I read over what He asks of us, I’m reminded of the excuses I used to give in regards to my faith.  “The Bible doesn’t apply to the times now.  God doesn’t get how we get tempted.” You’d be surprised as to how untrue this is.

Christ was tempted every step of the way.  Yet he stood strong in His Father’s strength.  I am reminded of where I struggle as a human being.  Re-reading and getting familiar with the simple instructions left by our Father brought a mind of peace and comfort.

“Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God” Matthew 4:4
“Do not put the Lord your God to the test” Matthew 4:7
“Worship the Lord your God, and serve Him only” Matthew 4:10

As I am comforted with these words, I come across the Beattitudes (Matthew 5:3-10).
³“Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
⁴Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
⁵Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the earth.
⁶Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.
⁷Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
⁸Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God.
⁹Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called sons of God.
¹⁰Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Whatever anyone may go through, open up in prayer – be comforted by the promises made by our Father.  Give thanks to Him for all things.