Lies and Truth

Jesus said that Satan was a liar and the father of lies. Our minds are filled with these lies. The world and the evil one constantly tell us that we are unloved. The truth is that our Father in heaven has loved us since before the foundation of the world. We may think that we are unworthy of love. But the truth is that God loved us so much that He gave His only Son that we may be saved and received eternal life. We may hear that there is no hope for us. But God tells us that His plan is that we receive His goodness and grace for eternity in His precence. Lies discourage us. God’s truth renews hope in us with the certainty of His mercy and love.

I Peter 1:1 says, “Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” Believe the truth of God’s Word and His promises, thereby, renewing hope in your mind and heart.

Impacting Lives

Most of us desire to have a positive impact upon the lives of others. We try to do good for others and hope that our kindnesses make a difference for the people we impact, but even further to others through the paying forward of kindness.

II Corinthians 9:10 says, “He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness.” It is God who supplies the things we need. Furthermore, it is God who will supply what we need to walk in righteousness and as we do this, He will increase the fruit of this righteousness as it impacts our lives and the lives of others.

Invitation Accepted

Suppose, you invited someone to dinner at your house. This future guest is an important person to you. They have accepted your invitation. So what steps do you take to get ready for their arrival. Most likely, you would clean your house so that it is spotless. You would prepare the things that you know this person appreciates; things like food that they like, perhaps some photos of you together, and some evidences of your appreciation of their impact upon your life.

Revelation 22:20 says, “He who testifies to these things says, ‘Surely I am coming soon.’ Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!” These are the last words, which are recorded in the Scriptures, which Jesus Christ has spoken to His people. It is, therefore, very important to become prepared for His coming by asking God to purify our hearts and give us the strength and power to do all of His will for us.

Vision Statement

At the beginning of a new business, it is a common practice to clearly state the company’s values, mission, and vision. This seemingly boring task helps the company stay on the course for which the owners and leaders designed for it.

Genesis 1:27-28 says, “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. And God blessed them. And God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.” God’s first words to the people that He created were a blessing and a sacred command to be fruitful, multiply, fill the earth, and subdue it. Man was to be God’s representative on earth bringing all things into subjection to Him and making all things beneficial to man and to God. Thus, we are still to bring all things into subjection to God and make all things beneficial to mankind and to God.

Slippery Footing

Lately, we have experienced frequent snowfall and accumulation. My morning walks have been a bit treacherous. Each step must be carefully placed to avoid slips and falls. Beneath a thin layer of snow often lies ice. A fall could ruin my day and beyond.

II Samuel 22:34 says, “He made my feet like the feet of a deer and set me secure on the heights.” When we don’t know what to do, our steps are swift and secure if we follow God’s wisdom. This happens when we look up and follow in His footsteps instead of looking inside ourselves for wisdom.