Discovered in 1 Kings 15:25 through 16:34 is what happens when nations worship useless idols rather than the ONE true God. Useful lessons can be learned from history and especially from the historical record found in the Word of God. Godly leaders of integrity, of principle, and character, that take stands on tough issues are the ones that put in place a positive environment that is beneficial to their people.
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In Him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of Him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of His will. – Ephesians 1:11
Pointed out in the post āPurpose Brings Composureā is that following Godās purpose for us brings composure. It was right before the Passover Festival and Jesus knew the hour had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father, but there was composure demonstrated by Jesus as he calmly continued to carry out His purpose. To have the same composure as Jesus when facing threatening situation, let us accept the cleansing properties of the blood of Jesus.
We donāt need to know it all or do it all, but just do our simple part to fulfill our God given purpose. Listen to the song Thy Will by Hillary Scott & The Scott Family. God will bring excellence to anything we do if we simply find that purpose, accept Godās love, help others, promote His glory, and look forward to an amazing future.
Hard to understand,
But there is a plan,
So follow the Son,
And thy will be done.
Many live a life full of stress and a lack of composure because of the desire to achieve beyond what they can accomplish on their own. What if the desire were to just do their small part in order that Godās purpose was carried out. There is a great destiny for all whose top priorities are to seek to know Godās Way, to be totally focused on His purpose for their life, and let the Spirit inside guide.
We get the perfect example or role model today as we read John 13:1-11. We note that it is just before the Passover Festival and Jesus knew the hour had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. His state of mind as the time of his death approached was one of composure even though He knew what He would have to go through.
It was the Last Supper Jesus would have with those he loved. After the meal, He humbly started washing the feet of those around the table. He explained that no one is perfect and that everyone needed to be washed. To humbly accept to be washed by Jesus results in holiness and this will bring true happiness.
Humbleness + Holiness = Happiness
To have the same composure as Jesus when facing threatening situations, let us be washed by the cleansing properties of the blood of Jesus. We donāt need to know it all or do it all, but just do our simple part to fulfill our God given purpose. God will bring excellence to anything we do so simply find that purpose, accept Godās love, help others, promote His glory, and look forward to an amazing future.
You God provide excellence in us. Itās not our own ability but Your ability. We can have composure in any situation if we put things in order. If we have our priority to fulfill the purpose You have for us. Help us to become Your hands and feet on earth to make a difference in this world for Your glory. We accept Your love today and respond to Your grace with poise because we are free to radiate Your Light by loving others as You first loved us in Jesusā name, amen.
Jesus said, āI have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness.ā ā John 12:46
A thought from āWalk in the Lightā is that receiving approval from others gives a good feeling but is only short term. Approval from God brings joy forever!
You are approved by God by accepting Jesus in your heart. Thatās when victory in life truly takes place as the Spirit lives inside and you live in the Light of His goodness.
Take inspiration from the song Resurrection Power by Chris Tomlin. Step ahead today knowing Jesus has given you a new life with integrity to live in the Light of His goodness.
As we walk along the path, we have the Light to follow, Holy Spirit to guide, power to push us forward, and grace if we get out of alignment. These spiritual resources create integrity that will lead us to victory with blessings beyond what can be imagined.
Reading today in John 12:37-50, noted is that some saw the miracles of Jesus yet still did not believe. As was written in Isaiah 6:10, their eyes were blinded, and their hearts hardened so they couldnāt see the Light. On the other hand, many believed yet didnāt admit it openly because of the fear of the Pharisees. What they believed and what they did in life didnāt align with what they communicated.
What we believe, communicate, and do needs to be aligned. On a church bulletin was the following:
The fasting and prayer conference includes meals.*
Does something not seem right with this communication? When things donāt align, it makes things very difficult. Itās the same with our life plan. If it doesnāt fit with what God wants, itās not going to work. We need to make sure our life plan lines up with what God has laid out in order to be assured of going down the path victoriously.
Another thought from reading todayās passage is that we love praise from others like doing a good job, making the grade, getting a promotion, etc. but how about praise of God?
Receiving approval from others gives a good feeling but is only short term. Approval from God brings joy forever! Jesus says in verses 44-50 that He came into the world as light so those who believe will stay out of darkness. They will be saved, but those who do not accept His words will be condemned.
We are approved by God when we accept Jesus in our heart and thatās when victory in life truly takes place as the Spirit lives inside to guide as we walk in the Light of His goodness.
This day with You Lord, we are getting prepared for the challenges ahead. There are times when we fall short. What we say does not always align with what we do. We want to know where we fall short and what we need to do. Your Word helps us follow the path of Light and the Truth will set us free. We seek your approval each day as we step ahead in Jesusā name, amen.
*Church Bulletin Bloopers – Seniorific News, Dec 2015
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