Live the Rest of Your Life for God

Scripture: 1 Peter 4: 1-6

Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God.

For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries: Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you: Who shall give account to him that is ready to judge the quick and the dead.

For this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit.

Scripture Commentary:

Some people will do anything to avoid pain. As Christ’s followers, we should live the rest of our time willing and prepared to do God’s will, and suffer for it if necessary. Sin loses its power to defeat us in our suffering if we focus on Christ and what He wants us to do.

When our bodies are in pain or our lives are in jeopardy, our real values show up clearly. Sinful pleasures seem less important. If anyone suffers for doing good and still faithfully obeys in spite of suffering, that person has made a clean break with sin.

The basis of salvation is our belief in Jesus but the basis for judgement is how we have lived

Believers, however, have nothing to fear because Jesus will be the final judge of all. In the end, we will all stand before God.

Read the Entire Chapter:
1 Peter Chapter 4

These Things I Have Spoken Unto You

Scripture: John 16: 1-4

These things have I spoken unto you, that ye should not be offended. They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service. And these things will they do unto you, because they have not known the Father, nor me. But these things have I told you, that when the time shall come, ye may remember that I told you of them. And these things I said not unto you at the beginning, because I was with you.

Scripture Commentary: Jesus tells us many things so we will be prepared

Jesus told disciples things that will come after He is gone. This message is still pertinent today. We hear news stories of people being killed because they are following Jesus Christ. As Christians, we know that there will be continuing tension with an unbelieving world.

Satan is not finished; His goal is to destroy our faith

He is going to use anybody or anything he can to battle God. Satan and his forces are motivated by bitter hatred for Jesus Christ and His children. And we are His children.

Jesus warned His disciples and us of persecution, punishment and even death in His name. He knew what was to come and He did not want the disciples, or our faith, to be shaken or destroyed.

Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to convince the world that they are living in sin, reveal the true way to live a Godly life, and demonstrate Christ’s judgement over Satan.

God is telling us that we are not alone

We have the Holy Spirit to comfort us, to teach us the truth, and to help us. This is a comfort to those who are persecuted.

Read the Entire Chapter:
John Chapter 16

You Will Die in Your Sins If You Reject God

Scripture: John 8: 21-30

Then said Jesus again unto them, I go my way, and ye shall seek me, and shall die in your sins: whither I go, ye cannot come. Then said the Jews, Will he kill himself? because he saith, Whither I go, ye cannot come. And he said unto them, Ye are from beneath; I am from above: ye are of this world; I am not of this world. I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins.

Then said they unto him, Who art thou? And Jesus saith unto them, Even the same that I said unto you from the beginning. I have many things to say and to judge of you: but he that sent me is true; and I speak to the world those things which I have heard of him.

They understood not that he spake to them of the Father. Then said Jesus unto them, When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am he, and that I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things. And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him. As he spake these words, many believed on him.

Scripture Commentary: Your sins separate you from God; accepting Jesus is the key to eternal life

You will die in your sins if you reject Christ. Jesus rescues you from your sins. Sadly, many people are taken up with the values of this world. They are blind to the priceless gift Christ offers.

Where are you looking? Don’t focus on this world’s values and miss what is the most valuable thing of all: eternal life with God.

Jesus is the truth that sets you free. He is the source of trust, the perfect standard of what is right. Jesus frees you from the consequences of sin and from Satan’s deception.

As you seek to serve God, Jesus’ perfect trust frees you to be all that God meant for you to be.

Accept Jesus!

Read the Entire Chapter:
John Chapter 8

The Gain From Sin Lasts But A Moment

Scripture: Job 20: 1-8

Then Zophar the Naamathite replied: “My troubled thoughts prompt me to answer because I am greatly disturbed.I hear a rebuke that dishonors me, and my understanding inspires me to reply.“Surely you know how it has been from of old, ever since mankind was placed on the earth,that the mirth of the wicked is brief, the joy of the godless lasts but a moment. Though the pride of the godless person reaches to the heavens and his head touches the clouds,he will perish forever, like his own dung; those who have seen him will say, ‘Where is he?’ Like a dream he flies away, no more to be found, banished like a vision of the night.

Scripture Commentary: The joy from doing wrong lasts but a moment but the long term effect destroys your eternity

Although Zophar was wrong to direct his tirade against Job, he was correct in talking about the final end of evil people. At first sin seems enjoyable and attractive. But “the mirth of the wicked is brief, the joy of the godless lasts but a moment.”

Lying, stealing and oppressing others often brings temporary gain to the perpetrator. Some live a long time with ill-gotten gain. But in the end, God’s justice prevails.

What Zophar missed is that judgement for these sins may not come during the sinner’s lifetime. Punishment may be deferred until the last judgement when sinners will be eternally cut off from God.

Some people think that that they are Christians because they go to church, pray, and act pious. By earthly standards they are successful but they are living a sinful life.

We shouldn’t be impressed with the success and power of evil people. No one will escape God’s judgement. You can lie to yourself but not to God.

Read the Entire Chapter:
Job 20

Lord, I Want to Follow You Now

Scripture: John 13: 36-37

Simon Peter said unto him, Lord, whither goest thou? Jesus answered him, Whither I go, thou canst not follow me now; but thou shalt follow me afterwards. Peter said unto him, Lord, why cannot I follow thee now? I will lay down my life for thy sake.

Scripture Commentary: Follow Jesus’ example and have a servant’s heart

Will you hear the Lord’s voice when He calls you? Each day that you don’t follow Him, you are denying Him. How many times has the cock crowed in your life?

We go through life not really thinking about what we are doing to either spread His word or distort it. When we are spreading His word, we are representing Him. And in doing so, we are brought to a higher level.

Jesus was the model servant showing the disciples – and us – how to behave. If God in the flesh is willing to serve, we as His followers must also be servants. We must be willing to serve in any way that glorifies God.

John 13 may be hard for leaders who don’t think of themselves as followers. But if we are to serve Jesus, we must get on our hands and knees and become servants.

Read the Entire Chapter:
John Chapter 13

Jesus Freely Died For Your Sins

Scripture: Romans 8: 31-35

What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth. Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?

Scripture Commentary: Jesus died so you can have everlasting life

Do you ever think that because you aren’t good enough for God, He won’t save you? Do you ever feel as if salvation is for everyone else but you? If yes, then these verses are especially for you. God gave His Son for you; Jesus died for you! He isn’t going to hold back the gift of salvation! If Christ gave His life for you, He isn’t going to turn around and condemn you! God will not withhold anything you need to live for Him.

Paul says that Jesus is interceding for us in heaven. God has acquitted us and has removed our sin and guilt. Therefore, it’s Satan, not God, who accuses us. And when Satan accuses us, Jesus advocates in our defense, and stands at God’s right hand to present our case.

No matter what happens to us, not matter where we are, we can never be lost to His love. If we believe these overwhelming assurances, we will not be afraid of anything.

In Christ we are super-conquerors, and His love will protect us at all times.

Read the Entire Chapter:
Romans Chapter 8

God So Loved You That He Gave His Son

Scripture: John 3:16

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Scripture Commentary: You are so loved by God that He wants to spend eternity with you

The entire gospel comes to a focus in this verse. For God so loved the world … God’s love is not static or self-centered; it reaches out and draws us in. God loves us so much – to the point of sending His Son to pay for our sins.

What Jesus did on the cross 2017 years ago was for all of us …and for each of us today – yesterday – tomorrow! He accepted our punishment, paid the price for our sins, and then offered us forgiveness and the opportunity to live eternally with Him.

Give yourself to Jesus and learn about eternal life

Some people are repulsed by the idea of living forever because their lives are miserable. If you give yourself to Jesus, you will learn that this life is not what He is offering.

In God’s eternal life, there is no death, sickness, emnity, evil, or sin. If you do not know Christ, you make choices as though this life is all you have. If you believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of GOd, then in reality this life is just the introduction to Him and eternity.

Believing means trusting and relying on God

To believe is to put Christ in charge of your life. Believing is both trusting His Word as reliable, and relying on Him for the power to change you into what your heart and soul want to be, which is a servant to Our Lord.

Receive this new life by faith and begin to evaluate all that happens from an eternal perspective. If you’ve never trusted Christ, let this promise of everlasting life be yours. Believe!

God so loved YOU that He gave His only Son!

Read the Entire Chapter:
John Chapter 3

Be Honest With God and Trust Him in Your Anguish

Scripture: Job 7: 1, 11

Is there not an appointed time to man upon earth? are not his days also like the days of an hireling?(1) Therefore I will not refrain my mouth; I will speak in the anguish of my spirit; I will complain in the bitterness of my soul.(11)

Scripture Commentary: Do not act out in your anguish

Job felt deep anguish and bitterness, and he spoke honestly to God about his feelings to let out his frustration.

How is your relationship with God? Can you talk to Him and be honest?

If you express your feelings to God, you can deal with them without exploding in harsh words and actions. Job referred to his own integrity, not because he was sinless but because he had a right relationship with God.

No one except Jesus Christ has been sinless, free from all wrong thoughts and actions.

Take your troubles to God in prayer

All of us, like Job, need to make some changes in our attitude toward God. We must obey God to the best of our ability at all times and in all aspects of our life.

The next time strong emotions threaten to overwhelm you, express them openly – take them to God in prayer. God will help you gain an eternal perspective on the situation and give you greater ability to deal with it constructively.

Do not forget that Satan will always work to get you to forsake God. Your suffering may not be the result of your sin, but you must be careful not to sin as a result of your suffering.

Read the Entire Chapter:
Job Chapter 7

Lord, Keep My Soul and Deliver Me

Scripture: Psalms 25: 10-11, 18-21

All the paths of the LORD are mercy and truth unto such as keep his covenant and his testimonies. For thy name’s sake, O LORD, pardon mine iniquity; for it is great.(10,11) Look upon mine affliction and my pain; and forgive all my sins. Consider mine enemies; for they are many; and they hate me with cruel hatred. O keep my soul, and deliver me: let me not be ashamed; for I put my trust in thee. Let integrity and uprightness preserve me; for I wait on thee.(18-21)

Scripture Commentary: God, deliver me from evil

We can’t lose when we stay on the path God has set for us. But we know we’re weak, and we fall in times of weakness. This is when we need the Lord to deliver us from ourselves and help us stay on the right road.

We are bombarded with relentless appeals to go in various directions but when you read The Bible, you will find God and help is on the way.

Recognize God for Who He Is

To fear God is to love Him. Recognize God for who He is: Holy, Almighty, Righteous, Pure, All Knowing, All Powerful, and Wise.

When we regard God correctly, we gain a clearer picture of ourselves: sinful, weak, frail, and needy.

We need two powerful forces to preserve us: integrity and uprightness

Uprightness makes us learn God’s requirements. Integrity keeps us from claiming to be upright while living as if we don’t know God.

Vow to consistently walk in the Shepherd’s way.

Read the Entire Chapter:
Psalms Chapter 25

“Have you considered my servant, Job?”

Scripture: Job 1: 8-11

Then the Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil.”

“Does Job fear God for nothing?” Satan replied. “Have you not put a hedge around him and his household and everything he has? You have blessed the work of his hands, so that his flocks and herds are spread throughout the land. But stretch out your hand and strike everything he has, and he will surely curse you to your face.”

Scripture Commentary: Have you been a fair weather believer or do you have the faith of Job?

Satan came to God after roaming the earth looking for those whom he could possibly turn away from God. And God asked Satan, “Have you considered my servant, Job?”

Satan attacked Job’s motives for being faithful to God, saying that Job was blameless and upright only because he had no reason to turn against God. Everything in Job’s life had gone well. Satan wanted to prove that Job worshiped God not out of love, but because God had given him so much.

Satan accurately analyzed why many people trust God. They are fair weather believers, following God only when everything is going well or for what they can get.

God expects you to express your faith even when you’re struggling

Adversity destroys this superficial faith. Adversity, however, strengthens real faith by causing the believer to dig their roots deeper into God to withstand life’s storms.

Although God loves us, believing and obeying Him does not shelter us from life’s calamities. Setbacks, tragedies, and sorrows strike Christians and non-Christians alike. But for the Christian, God expects us to express our faith to the world during our trials.

How do you respond to the trials in your life? Do you ask God, “Why me?” or do you say, “Use me!”?

God is never caught by surprise by our troubles

The conversation between God and Satan teaches us an important fact about God: He is fully aware of every attempt by Satan to bring suffering and difficulty upon us.

While God may allow us to suffer for a reason beyond our understanding, He is never caught by surprise by our troubles and He is always compassionate. God’s love for us is truly immeasurable.

Think of how God has lifted you, your family and loved ones out of harm’s way, even when you were in darkness. God’s love is true and unchanging.

Read the Entire Chapter:
Job Chapter 1