Are you living the life that God planned for you to live?

We are able to live the life that God intended for us to live.  We are offered everything we need to become the person God intended us to be.

This is the introduction to a series of posts discussing seven qualities we need to develop in our lives that will help us live the life that God intended us to live.

Everything that we, as Christians, need for living a life that is pleasing to God is given to us by God as we grow in our knowledge of Jesus Christ.

3 His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, 4 by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire. (2 Peter 1:3-4)

As Christians we have been delivered from the domain of darkness and are now members of Christ’s kingdom.  We are no longer slaves to sin. Our lives should  reflect the fact that we are members of Christ’s kingdom. 

If we want to live the life that God planned for us to live, we will have a passion for knowing Jesus better.  We will read the Bible. We need to have a strong desire to learn about His “precious and very great promises” that He has passed on to each of us in the scriptures.  We must believe and claim these promises for ourselves.

 (Be sure to read future posts that will discuss seven qualities that will help us live our lives as God intended.)

For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. (2 Peter 1:8)

A prayer for you:

And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.  May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy, giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light.  He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. (Colossians 1:9-14 ESV)

Click here to view previous posts on the Seeking His Kingdom website.

+7

Life can be tough.  We all face challenges.  We all know friends or associates who are dealing with significant problems and need to be encouraged.  They may be dealing with issues in school, peer pressure, academic challenges, trouble at work, unemployment or underemployment, financial struggles, debt, illness, physical or mental challenges, the loss of loved ones, marital issues, broken marriages, rebellious children, or social issues. They may be living in fear due to widespread terrorism, persecution, or the threat of war.  Simply put, people have many  reasons to feel discouraged.

What happens to people who become discouraged and lose hope?

The hearts of people who lose hope can become hardened by Satan’s lies and deceitfulness.

But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. (Hebrews 3:13 ESV)

But exhort (encourage, build up) one another (brothers v. 12) every day, as long as it is called “today,” (while you still have opportunity) that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. (Hebrews 3:13 ESV)

We can encourage others.

The Bible tells us to “encourage one another with these words”.

What are “these words.”

But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope.  For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep.  For this we declare to you by a word from the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep.  For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first.  Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord.  Therefore encourage one another with these words. (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 ESV)

The message of hope is Jesus Christ.  Jesus conquered sin and death. Jesus is coming back for those who have accepted Him as their Savior.

 “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me.  In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.  And you know the way to where I am going.” (John 14:1-4 ESV)

Christians are a victorious people, in spite of all of the challenges they face, because of what God has done for us.

But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 15:57 ESV)

God gives Christians hope.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. (1 Peter 1:3-5 ESV)

As Christians, we do not need to be controlled by discouragement.  As believers, our hearts do not need to become hardened by the deceitfulness of sin (Satan).  In spite of hardships all around us, we can anticipate victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.  We do have a message of hope.

You have a message of hope.  Share this message of hope with someone you know.

Click here to view previous posts on the Seeking His Kingdom website.

+9

Every time I hear someone say, “Let me be honest with you.” or “I’ll be honest with you.” red flags go up in my mind. It makes me think that their previous comments may not have been honest or truthful.

On several occasions individuals have said to me, “I swear on the Bible I’m telling you the truth.”  That comment also bothers me. Why did they feel compelled to make that comment?  Did they think I had a reason to believe they were lying to me?

Scripture tells us that we should not take an oath when we are communicating with others.

But above all, my brothers, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or by any other oath, but let your “yes” be yes and your “no” be no, so that you may not fall under condemnation.  (James 5:12 ESV)

If you need to swear (take an oath) to convince others you are telling the truth, what does that say about your speech?

All of your speech should always be truthful and trustworthy.

Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another. (Ephesians 4:25 ESV)

Your speech should always be gracious.

Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person. (Colossians 4:6 ESV)

Your speech should always be wholesome.

Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. (Ephesians 4:29 ESV)

If your speech is always truthful, gracious, and wholesome there should be no reason to swear (take an oath) to convince others that you are telling the truth.

How can you put “Let your “yes” be yes and your “no” be no” into practice?

• Do what you say you are going to do.
• Be where you say you are going to be.
• When you respond to an RSVP telling the host that you will be attending their event, attend the event.
• When you agree to meet someone at a set time, be at the meeting place on time.
• When you agree to “get back” with someone in the next day or two, follow through with that commitment within the next 48 hours.
• If you tell someone that you completed a task, be sure the task is completed.
• When you share information with someone, be sure the information is accurate.
• Mean what you say.

Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue is but for a moment. (Proverbs 12:19 ESV)

Click here to view previous posts on the Seeking His Kingdom website.

+8

What is worship?  Worship is an expression of love, praise, admiration, devotion, adoration, or reverence.

Worship might be expressed through words, songs, prayers, the giving of gifts, or other actions.

Unfortunately, worship is frequently misdirected.  Many religions worship false gods.  Celebrities, athletes, pastors, activists, intellects, along with a long list of other categories of people are “worshipped”.

Putting Godly worship into practice does not have to be difficult.   This post will address one of the ways we can engage in Godly worship.

• First, we must be reminded that God alone is to be worshipped.

Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; worship the LORD in the splendor of holiness. (Psalm 29:2 ESV)

 (for you shall worship no other god, for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God), (Exodus 34:14 ESV)

• Worship God with our lips (our speech).

Through him (Jesus) then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name. (Hebrews 13:15 ESV)

Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name. (Hebrews 13:15 NIV)

• Worship God by telling others how we see God working in the world, how we see God working in our lives, and how we see God working in the lives of other people.

 Oh give thanks to the LORD; call upon his name; make known his deeds among the peoples! Sing to him, sing praises to him; tell of all his wondrous works! (Psalm 105:1-2 ESV)

… but tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the LORD, and his might, and the wonders that he has done. (Psalm 78:4 ESV)

Worship today by telling someone about our awesome God.

 Click here to view previous posts on the Seeking His Kingdom website.

+6

Do your friends, close neighbors, and co-worker know that you are a Christian?  Hopefully they don’t need to ask. If people have been able to observe your life for several years, it just seems like they should know that you have a relationship with the Lord.

More questions for your consideration.

• Why were you created?

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. (Ephesians 2:10 ESV)

• What does God want you to do with your life?

“You are the light of the world. … let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. (Matthew 5:14-16 ESV)

Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. (2 Corinthians 5:20 ESV)

• Are you motivated to carry out God’s plan for your life?

Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ. (Colossians 3:23-24 ESV)

As for you, brothers, do not grow weary in doing good. (2 Thessalonians 3:13 ESV)

• What is in your heart?

… each tree is known by its own fruit. … The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good … for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks. (Luke 6:44-45 ESV)

• Are you letting your light shine before others? Are you motivated to carry out God’s plan for your life? Is the Holy Spirit free to operate in your life?  Do others see your life producing good fruit?

I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. …  By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. (John 15:5- 8 ESV)

Thus you will recognize them by their fruits. (Matthew 7:20 ESV)

 Conclusion:  If people can see that you are living for the Lord and that your life is producing good fruit they should not have to ask if you are a Christian.

 “And I tell you, everyone who acknowledges me before men, the Son of Man also will acknowledge before the angels of God, but the one who denies me before men will be denied before the angels of God. (Luke 12:8-9 ESV)

Click here to view previous posts on the Seeking His Kingdom website.

+5

Why am I writing a post about heaven and hell?  I attended two funerals in the past week.  I’m thinking about death.  Death is a reality for all of us.  We need to be prepared for our death.  Scripture says, “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; … (Ecclesiastes 3:1-2 ESV)

We will be held accountable for our time here on earth.   And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment … (Hebrews 9:27 ESV)

We will all live for eternity.  We will live for eternity in heaven or we will live for eternity in hell.  And these (those individuals who have not received the gift of salvation) will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life. (Matthew 25:46 ESV)

Life or destruction are the only two options that we have to choose from. “Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.” (Matthew 7:13-14 ESV)

Hell will be horrible.

“And the smoke of their torment goes up forever and ever, and they have no rest, day or night, …” (Revelation 14:11 ESV)

… those who do not know God and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus … will suffer the punishment of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might, (2 Thessalonians 1:8-9 ESV)

… the fiery furnace. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. (Matthew 13:50 ESV)

… hell … the unquenchable fire. (Mark 9:43 ESV)

Heaven will be awesome.

 “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me.  In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.  And you know the way to where I am going.”  (John 14:1-4 ESV)

And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God.  He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” (Revelation 21:3-4 ESV)

But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, … . (Philippians 3:20-21 ESV)

And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.” (Luke 23:43 ESV)

…  at home with the Lord. (2 Corinthians 5:8 ESV)

And the twelve gates were twelve pearls, each of the gates made of a single pearl, and the street of the city was pure gold, like transparent glass.  And I saw no temple in the city, for its temple is the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb.  And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and its lamp is the Lamb.  By its light will the nations walk, and the kings of the earth will bring their glory into it,  and its gates will never be shut by day—and there will be no night there. (Revelation 21:21-25 ESV)

Will the people attending your funeral be celebrating the fact that you will be spending your eternity in heaven or will they be agonizing over the realization that you will be spending your eternity in torment?

… if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.  For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.  For the Scripture says, “Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.”  For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him.  For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” (Romans 10:9-13 ESV)

or

And if anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire. (Revelation 20:15 ESV)

Heaven or Hell?  Where will you spend your eternity?

You may also want to read:

Whoever Believes …

or

Death – A Time of Celebration

Click here to view previous posts on the Seeking His Kingdom website.

+8

Do not grumble against one another, brothers, so that you may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing at the door. (James 5:9 ESV)

Some Biblical principles are easy to understand, but difficult to apply.  James 5:9 is one of those verses that is easy to understand, regardless of the translation you are using, but is certainly challenging to apply in everyday living.

Do not grumble against one another, brothers, (ESV)

 Do not complain, brethren, against one another, (NASB)

Grudge not one against another, brethren, (KJV)

Murmur not against one another, brethren, (YLT)

Simply put, we should not grumble, complain, or murmur against others.

Our words, when used inappropriately, can be hurtful and destructive to others and to ourselves.

And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell. (James 3:6 ESV)

so that you may not be judged;

We will be held accountable for our words.

I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak,  for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” (Matthew 12:36-37 ESV)

behold, the Judge  (Jesus) is standing at the door.

Remember, Jesus hears our words and knows our thoughts.

O LORD, you have searched me and known me!  You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar.  You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways.  Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O LORD, you know it altogether. (Psalm 139:1-4 ESV)

 James 5:9 reminds me of one of the verses of a song I learned as a child.

O be careful little mouth what you say
O be careful little mouth what you say
There’s a Father up above
And He’s looking down in love
So, be careful little mouth what you say

Summary:  Don’t grumble.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. (Philippians 4:8 ESV)

Click here to view previous posts on the Seeking His Kingdom website.

+7

For many years I was a Bible teacher in a Christian school.  One of the questions I heard repeatedly from my students was, “How can I know God’s will for my life?”  This question came from students who were serious about their walk with the Lord.  For the most part, these students wanted to be obedient to the Lord and wanted to live a life that would be pleasing to Him.

This question is challenging for most of us.

There is a passage in Acts, chapter 13 that shows us how two men, Barnabas and Saul, received an assignment from God.  This passage should help us understand, in part, how we can be tuned in to hearing God’s will for our lives.

Now there were in the church at Antioch prophets and teachers, Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen a lifelong friend of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. 

While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting,

the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul

for the work to which I have called them.” 

Then after fasting and praying

they laid their hands on them and sent them off.

So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit,

they went down to Seleucia, and from there they sailed to Cyprus. (Acts 13:1-4 ESV)

What are some things that you can do as you go through the lifelong process of learning God’s will for your life?

• Spend time worshipping the Lord with other Christians. (Recognize and honor God as the sovereign and holy God.)
  • Singing
  • Praying
  • Reading Scripture
  • Listening to the Word being taught
• Be attentive to the leading of the Holy Spirit. (All Christians have the Holy Spirit.)
• Know that God has a unique plan and purpose for your life.
• Spend time alone in studying the Scripture and in vigilant, passionate prayer. (Remove as many distractions as possible.)
• Look for support and affirmation from other Christians.
• Do what the Holy Spirit is leading you to do.

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. (Ephesians 2:10 ESV)

 Click here to view previous posts on the Seeking His Kingdom website.

+7

What Are You Celebrating Today, February 16, 2015?

Many people are calling today President’s Day.  For most of them, President’s day is a time to honor all of the presidents of the United States of America.  Some people think of today as the celebration of our first president, George Washington.  Others think of today as a time to celebrate the birthdays of two presidents, Abraham Lincoln, born February 12, and George Washington, born February 22.  Finally, there are those who think of President’s Day as a time when retailers offer great bargains on their merchandise.

What is President’s Day for you?

Today is a good time for all Christians to be reminded of the fact that our nation was founded on Biblical principles.  We need to give special recognition to all of the presidents of our great country who publically acknowledged the role of God in our country.

Many of our presidents had a reverence for the Lord.  I will mention four by name.

In a Thanksgiving Proclamation issued by President George Washington, at the request of Congress, on October 3, 1789, Washington stated, “It is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly to implore his protection and favor.”

John Adams, our second president stated, “The general principles on which the fathers achieved independence were the general principles of Christianity. I will avow that I then believed, and now believe, that those general principles of Christianity are as eternal and immutable as the existence and attributes of God.”

In 1788, James Madison, our fourth president said, “The belief in God all powerful wise and good, is so essential to the moral order of the world and to the happiness of man, that arguments which enforce it cannot be drawn from too many sources nor adapted with too much solicitude to the different characters and capacities to be impressed with it.”

In God We Trust was first inscribed on U.S. coins in 1864 under President Lincoln (our 16^th president).

In addition to the four presidents listed above, many other presidents recognized God for who is and depended on Him for daily guidance.  These men understood that they needed to “Seek the LORD and his strength; seek his presence continually!” (1 Chronicles 16:11 ESV)   We should all be grateful for these Godly men who were willing to publically profess their belief in God and use Biblical principles to govern our nation.

Unfortunately, our current president and many of our current government leaders appear no longer to be seeking God’s guidance for governing America.  At the same time, Biblical principles are being eliminated from proposed legislation. America can not continue to be a prosperous nation and a world power if this trend continues.  Christians need to be praying fervently for our current president, our current government officials, and our nation.

President’s Day is a time to remember and honor our past presidents and a time to pray for our current president.

First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people,  for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.  This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.        (1 Timothy 2:1-4 ESV)

Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people whom he has chosen as his heritage! (Psalm 33:12 ESV)

 Click here to view previous posts on the Seeking His Kingdom website.

+7

Beloved, let us love one another,

for love is from God,

and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God.

(1 John 4:7 ESV)

Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude.

It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful;

it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth.

Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

(1 Corinthians 13:4-7 ESV)

God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

(Romans 5:8 ESV)

 Happy Valentine’s Day

Click here to view previous posts on the Seeking His Kingdom website.

+10