Christian Living
Matthew 22:39 – …Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
People that experience mistreatment and verbal or physical abuse often grow to conduct the same behavior toward others. Children take on the destructive behaviors of their parents when they have children themselves. Husbands abuse their spouses in the same manner they witnessed their mother being abused. Young girls learn to use their femininity as a means to get what they want because they watched their mothers and other adult women do the same.
In Matthew 14:22-33, Jesus sent His disciples away in a ship while he sent the multitudes of people following them away. While the disciples were on the seas, they were tossed with waves and a strong wind. Early in the morning, Jesus walked on the sea toward the ship. When the disciples saw Him on walking on the seas, they were afraid, but He told them who He was and not to be afraid. Peter cried out to Him and said, “Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water.”
Jesus said “come,” and Peter walked on the water toward Jesus.
1. Trust is a journey between two rivers of life. When God desires us to trust Him, we know it will stretch our mind, will, and capacity of our current standing. It will cause us to give up our desire to control people or a situation and move into the ‘unknown.’ What is unknown is not what God said, but how things will end up for us.
Matthew 5:38-42 – Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth: But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloak also. And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain. Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.
1. People hate being mistreated. People want to be treated with respect at all times – to include their time, property, money, and family. They may avoid some people and treat others badly to ensure everybody knows not to mess with them. They will not be taken for a ‘fool’ or be used as anyone’s doormat. They don’t want to be taken advantage of or seem like they’re weak. They want to be strong in the eyes of man, but does that ‘strength’ equate to obedience in God?! No, it doesn’t.
Job 16:17-22 – Not for any injustice in mine hands: also my prayer is pure. O earth, cover not thou my blood, and let my cry have no place. Also now, behold, my witness is in heaven, and my record is on high. My friends scorn me: but mine eye poureth out tears unto God. O that one might plead for a man with God, as a man pleadeth for his neighbour! When a few years are come, then I shall go the way whence I shall not return.
As Job assures himself that he hasn’t committed any injustices, he looks for someone who would plead with God on his behalf rather than receive the scorn from his friends.
1. We often speak before pray…or think. Many times when our friends are struggling, in sin, or needing answers or help, we rush to share our opinion. When we rush to help, we can cause greater damage, even when we have the best intentions (Proverbs 19:2, 25:20). Therefore, it’s important that we first hear from the Lord on whether we should say or do anything. Who else better to speak with than God?!
Job 4:7-9 – Remember, I pray thee, who ever perished, being innocent? or where were the righteous cut off? Even as I have seen, they that plow iniquity, and sow wickedness, reap the same. By the blast of God they perish, and by the breath of his nostrils are they consumed.
Eliphaz believed Job had committed some type of sin for so much to happen to him (Job 1:1-2:13). He couldn’t imagine that Job could be righteous in spite of all that have occurred.
Oftentimes the same occurs today when people associate good news or situations with God’s favor and the opposite as a punishment for sin. (God rains blessings on the just and unjust alike, Matthew 5:44-45). Without foreknowledge from the Lord, we have no idea why someone is experiencing a season of sorrow. Every story sounds true until we hear the other side (Proverbs 18:17).
Be careful not to judge the circumstances of others (Matthew 7:1-2). We may have no idea what the Lord is doing in the life of another (Isaiah 55:8-9).
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Luke 8:14 – And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection.
Many believers are affected by the thorns of life. The cares, riches, and pleasures of this life chokes out a life wholly dedicated to God.
When people are more concerned about the riches and pleasures of this life, they are not concerned about their afterlife and how they prepare for it. They are only concerned about the here and now, pleasures which satisfy the soul, but not spirit. Though the believer produces fruit, it cannot grow to perfection. It does not have the proper setting (within the heart, mind, or soul) to mature. It will be lacking, unable to meet its potential, and short of the standard it was always meant to meet.
In order for us to enjoy fruit borne to perfection, we must be able to cast off the cares, riches, and pleasures of this life that were once the object and affection of our hearts. We must be able to delight in the Lord and allow Him to be our joy and reward.
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G.O.A.T. is an acronym for the Greatest of All Time. Many times this reference has been used to describe sports athletes or recording artists, but in whatever application, it refers to someone or something that is undisputedly…the best.
From the Old Testament to the New Testament, the greatest commandment is to love the Lord with all of our heart, mind, and soul (Joshua 22:5; Matthew 22:36-41).
May the greatest commandment of all time become our greatest focus and priority in life.
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There is one thing you have been given since birth that will remain forever. It can be worth more than the finest riches or be compared to mere pennies. It can become your greatest asset or your worse ally. And though you can earn millions of dollars throughout your lifetime, it will never compare to what you have been given at birth, if you consider its true worth. It takes years to build and only moments to lose. And you have complete control over its value: a good name.
Proverbs 22:1 – A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold.
Psalm 119:105 – Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
When thinking about this Psalm, considered the times you were in a dark room unable to see. Without the ability to see exactly what’s around you, you’re prone to bump into one of a bed post, dresser, or television stand. You can injure yourself while trying to navigate to another part of the room.
As we live in a world surrounded by darkness, we’re often injured by trials, tribulations, and sin. No matter how badly we want to navigate through this dark place, we will only hurt ourselves and others without God’s Word. It is God’s Word that will allow us to see where we have been, keep us mindful of the steps ahead, and allows us the opportunity to choose the path we know we should be on (Psalm 1:1, Psalm 37:23). However, we can’t flick God’s Word on and off when convenient. We must stay in His Word and allow it to guide our steps.
The light is available to us…we only need to use it.
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1 Corinthians 12:13-14 – For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. For the body is not one member, but many.
1. One God…many denominations. Across the landscape of Christendom, there are hundreds, if not thousands of separate denominations and churches. Some are separated due to personal convictions or callings to specific locations and people groups, but many are due to varying doctrinal beliefs and earthly traditions. Sadly, these differences have created great schisms in the body of Christ.
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