Evil people and impostors will become worse, deceiving and being deceived. But as for you, continue in what you have learned and firmly believed. You know those who taught you, and you know from childhood you have known the sacred Scriptures, which are able to give you wisdom through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking and correcting, for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:13-16 HCSB
You may wonder why I do some things that I do. Most of what I do is because I believe in God’s Holy Word. If it’s in the Bible, I believe it and trust in it. For example, when I get up each morning, I spend time with God in a daily devotion. It’s not if I have time to read my bible and pray, it’s that I will make time even if it means getting up a little earlier. Why? Because I believe what our scripture passage says.
For years in my life, church was something that I did if I had time on any particular Sunday, or if I felt like getting up and going. Now I’m going to church, barring some unforeseen tragedy, I will be there. Why? Because I believe Hebrews 10:25 which tells me that we should not fail to meet with fellow believers.
I used to enjoy hanging out and drinking with my crowd of friends. Now if the crowd is drinking, you will find me moving on. Why? Because I believe Ephesians 5:18 that says not to get drunk with wine for it leads to debauchery, but be filled with the Holy Spirit. I also believe Proverbs 20:1 that says wine is a mocker and whoever it leads astray is not wise. I also believe 1 Peter 5:8 that tells me to be sober-minded for the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion seeking someone to devour.
I used to allow anger and bitterness to get ahold of me. I have learned to choose to forgive and allow God to deal with evil people. Why? Not because I am suddenly weak, but because I believe Romans 12:19 which says that vengeance is the Lord’s and Romans 12:17 clearly tells us that we are not to repay evil for evil! So, I try to leave all that to God.
In my former bouts of bitterness and anger, I used to allow my tongue to get away from me, but now I try not to do that. Why? Because I believe in Ephesians 4:29 that tells me that I should let no corrupting talk come out of my mouth but only that which is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those that hear. I’ll admit that I sometimes struggle with this, but I am trying really hard to do well with this one.
I used to focus on my problems and wring my hands and worry about how I might fix them, but no more. I know that if it focus on God, I can give my worries to Him and He will take good care of me. Why? Because I believe in Matthew 6:33 that tells me that I have no need to worry, but if I focus on God He will take care of all I need. I believe 1 Peter 5:7 that tells me to cast all my cares on Him because He cares for me.
I no longer press the panic button when things aren’t going my way. Why? Because I believe Romans 8:28, God works all things for my good, because I love Him and am trying my best to do the work He has called me to do. I know that sometimes when it seems as though things are falling apart that they are really just falling into place. I also believe Jeremiah 29:11 which tells me that God has good plans for me.
Now I could keep this up all day, but I think you understand what I am saying here. Believing God’s Word and living by God’s Word has definitely changed my life for the better. I do my best to love the Lord with all my heart, soul, and mind and abide by the greatest commandment. I also strive to love my neighor as I love myself (Matthew 25:36-40).
My prayer for you today is that you believe. If you believe in God’s Holy Word, then everyone around you will know it. You will be a living, walking, talking Bible. In doing so, you may be able to lead those that are lost to a life in Him. You will definitely see a drastic improvement in your own life, I know, I’ve seen it in mine. Don’t take my word for it, take God’s Word for it! Just believe!
Have a great weekend!