Have It God’s Way

Sneaky sneaky, don’t be a wolf having a sheep disguise on and tricking others in believing in lies. While they are just playing a part, pretending to have Christ in their hearts when they speak words opposite of God’s truth. We are warned about wolves in sheep clothing in 2 Peter 2:12, “But these people blaspheme in matters they do not understand. They are like unreasoning animals, creatures of instincts they too will perish.” We have to watch out for the tricksters, they feign innocence and love all while trying to deceive believers. Kick the wolf to the curb and keep your focus on the good Shepherd Jesus, be committed by reading Scripture. Matthew 7:15 also warns us by saying, “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.” It’s not like we are ordering from Burger King have it your way but we are called to live as sheep listening for our Shepherd Christ. As Romans 6:1-2 encourages us saying, “What shall we say then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? Of course not, we died to sin; how can we live in it longer?” 

We must identify counterfeit messages and be more and more committed to God’s Word. We aren’t ordering from burger King have it your way, we are ordering rom the Lord’s way-have it His way, following life according to His Word.  

Don’t be an Eeyore, Look Like You’re Having Fun

 

As believers, we are called to be good examples to non believers. Being  inaccessible about God to either your unbelieving spouse or acquaintances in your everyday life is not the right method to live by. Don’t sound like Eeyore from Winnie the Pooh who says,  “okay if I must”, rather, encourage people by living a godly life. 1 Peter 3:1-2 says, “In the same way, you wives must accept the authority of your husbands. Then, even if some refuse to obey the good news, your godly lives speak to them without any words, they will be won over by observing your pure and reverent lives.”

Put a smile, even if you’re just doing some house work, this will show others the joy you get from the Lord. Just as Jesus submitted to His Father by dying on the cross, we also must submit to our God, not being reluctant or obstinate. By doing this we will be good example to others, showing them the love we receive from God.

Strike That, Reverse That

 In this world, not of this world, this is how Christ’s believers need to be. Not wearing an astronaut suit so you’re not breathing “bad” air, but living a life that exemplifies Christ to nonbelievers. Don’t live like the world by only looking out for yourself but live centered around Christ.  1 Peter 2:10 says, “Once you were not a people. But now you are the people of God.” Now that you are centered around Jesus don’t compromise with the world and live selfishly thinking that you are all that matters. Strike that, reverse it, make Christ the only One who matters. Choose not to let yourself be contaminated with this world, be in it but not of. “Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts…having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles…” 1 Peter 2:11-12 We’re to live in this world, but not be of this world.

The Power of Prayer

The power of prayer. Even if God allows a problem in your life He always encourages us to continue to pray. The church of God didn’t stop praying when Peter was thrown into jail in Acts 12. “Peter therefore was kept in prison, but constantly prayer was offered to him by the church.” Acts 12:5 Relief is not always delivered  immediately, but we can stay strong with prayer and faith. 

Acts 12 continues the story in verse 7 saying, ‘’Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shown in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him up. ‘’Quick, get up!’’ He said, and the chains fell off Peter’s wrists. Then the angel said to him, ‘’Put on clothes and sandals. Wrap your cloak around you and follow me’’ the angel told him. Peter followed him out of the prison.” Here is an example of how continual prayers were answered. The power of prayer changes lives, changes stories, and saves lives.

Willingly do the Right Thing as a Slave

 

Slavery by the world’s definition is not something someone aims for in one’s life. However, everything changes once Jesus’ love overpowers this term captivity\slavery. 

Paul encourages each believer to be a slave to Christ, which is the theme in the book of Philemon. He writes in Philemon  1:4-5 “I thank my God, making mention of thee always in my prayers, having heard of thy love and faith which thou hast toward the Jesus and toward all saints.” The book mentions the slave Onesimus, he was learning how to serve and be obedient to Jesus. We read how he was learning to submit to God’s authority, his heavenly Master. So with this knowledge, Paul sends Onesimus back to his earthly master, Philemon, who he should also be obedient to, which is the right thing to do. (Thanks Pastor Joe for the help!) Philemon 1:10-18 says, “that I appeal to you for my son Onesimus,who became my son while I was in chains. Formerly he was useless to you, but now he has become useful both to you and to me.

I am sending him—who is my very heart—back to you. I would have liked to keep him with me so that he could take your place in helping me while I am in chains for the gospel. But I did not want to do anything without your consent, so that any favor you do would not seem forced but would be voluntary. Perhaps the reason he was separated from you for a little while was that you might have him back forever— no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother. He is very dear to me but even dearer to you, both as a fellow man and as a brother in the Lord.

So if you consider me a partner, welcome him as you would welcome me. If he has done you any wrong or owes you anything, charge it to me.”The book of Philemon shows us that we need dedication to work like Onesimus, to be a slave to Christ, to serve Him with love and joy, to do the correct-and maybe the hard thing- so that we are obedient to Christ.

Everything and Anything

 

Living with Jesus as my everything makes life logical, through both the hard and good times. Having Christ as your all and all is accomplished only through keeping your eyes on Jesus, as it says in Colossians 3:1 “If then you have been raised with Christ, keep looking for the good things of heaven. This is where Christ is seated on the right side of God.” Through Christ we don’t need to fret about the old ways because now we rest in Him. Colossians 3:3 says, ‘’You are dead to the things of this world. Your new life is now hidden in God through Christ.” You no longer depend on worldly things but now look forward to the future with Christ, how exciting! 

Yet I Say it Again, a Tiger Can’t Change Its Stripes

 

No nonsense about it, some will try to steer you wrong by preventing you from listening to Jesus. Colossians 2:8 says, “Be careful that no one changes your mind and faith by much learning and big sounding ideas. These things are what men then dream up. They are always trying to make new religions. These leave out Christ.” 

A tiger cannot change its stripes by just dreaming about it, somebody can’t be saved by only following the laws. Christ has to change his heart, Christ has given us access to God by dying on the cross and washing away our sins with His blood. With Jesus as our Savior, He has removed from us the penalty of death and having to follow the law perfectly-which we alone cannot do. Psalm 10:12 says, “He has taken our sins from as far as the east is or the west” Jesus saved us from hundred of laws, yet I say it again, God is good!

Though we are saved, it won’t prevent us from be derailed by Satan’s tricks-we are still human. But don’t fall for the tricks but  stay true to Jesus, pray for help, and meditate on His Word, there’s no nonsense about it.