Proverbs 22:1-2 NLT
[1] Choose a good reputation over great riches; being held in high esteem is better than silver or gold. [2] The rich and poor have this in common: The Lord made them both.
https://bible.com/bible/116/pro.22.1-2.NLT
Proverbs 22:1-2 NKJV
[1] A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, Loving favor rather than silver and gold. [2] The rich and the poor have this in common, The Lord is the maker of them all.
https://bible.com/bible/114/pro.22.1-2.NKJV
Proverbs 10:7 ESV
[7] The memory of the righteous is a blessing, but the name of the wicked will rot.
https://bible.com/bible/59/pro.10.7.ESV
Ecclesiastes 7:1 NKJV
[1] A good name is better than precious ointment, And the day of death than the day of one’s birth;
https://bible.com/bible/114/ecc.7.1.NKJV
Proverbs 29:13 NKJV
[13] The poor man and the oppressor have this in common: The Lord gives light to the eyes of both.
https://bible.com/bible/114/pro.29.13.NKJV
Job 31:15 NKJV
[15] Did not He who made me in the womb make them? Did not the same One fashion us in the womb?
https://bible.com/bible/114/job.31.15.NKJV
Proverbs 14:31 NKJV
[31] He who oppresses the poor reproaches his Maker, But he who honors Him has mercy on the needy.
https://bible.com/bible/114/pro.14.31.NKJV
A good name and reputation are more valuable than riches and money in the bank.
The world teaches us from the time we are very young to build a career, seek after great riches and material wealth. While there is nothing wrong with obtaining wealth through hard work and discipline, it must not be the main driving force in our lives. Money and wealth comes and goes, but a good name and reputation will follow you all the days of your life.
Material wealth does not guarantee us a place in eternity. We cannot buy God’s favor, or a seat at His great table, which He has prepared for those who have been invited. God’s invitation to join Him in eternity is not based on our material wealth or the name and reputation we have built for ourselves in this world. It is received through humility, surrender and self sacrifice. Salvation is a free gift of God, to join Him in eternity, at His great banquet table.
As for the time we are allotted on this earth, we can spend it trying to amass great wealth and a large estate, which will be left to those whom we leave behind, which is not a sin in and of itself. But our legacy is not merely what we leave behind in a material sense; it’s the name and reputation that people place on us. How are we esteemed in this life by others?
My earthly father was not a wealthy man according to this world’s standards, but his legacy was his reputation. I’ve heard it said that the measure of a good man is what people say about you when you’re gone. What everyone who knew my dad had to say about him, was much more valuable than any amount of money or material wealth he had left behind.
When the number of your days expires, and your time on earth runs out, what will others who know you say about you? You might be wealthy enough to donate large amounts of money to an organization, a hospital, school, orphanage, etc, otherwise known as philanthropy. You might even get a plaque on a wall, or a building or the wing of such named after you. But none of that will follow you into eternity.
It says in Proverbs that God is the maker of both the rich man and the beggar, and that he gives light to the eyes of both. We’re all created with the same amount of value in the eyes of God. How we see and treat others is of more value than how much money we gave to the poor. Our name and reputation before God should be our focus.
Am I here to be served or to serve others? Do I truly love God with all of my heart, mind, soul, and strength…and my neighbor as myself?
That’s what matters the most in the span of time we are given on this earth.
Blog
-
Money and wealth vs a good name.
-
When God’s favor rests upon a man
Psalm 115:13 ESV
[13] he will bless those who fear the Lord, both the small and the great.
https://bible.com/bible/59/psa.115.13.ESV
Psalms 5:12 NKJV
[12] For You, O Lord, will bless the righteous; With favor You will surround him as with a shield.
https://bible.com/bible/114/psa.5.12.NKJV
Psalm 35:2 ESV
[2] Take hold of shield and buckler and rise for my help!
https://bible.com/bible/59/psa.35.2.ESV
Psalm 103:1-6 ESV
[1] Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name! [2] Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, [3] who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, [4] who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, [5] who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. [6] The Lord works righteousness and justice for all who are oppressed.
https://bible.com/bible/59/psa.103.1-6.ESV
God’s favor is a divine expression of delight, approval, and kindness from God toward individuals, characterized by His presence, blessing, and protection. It is a gift rather than something earned through performance or human resources and achievements.
It is a relationship-based dynamic, where God’s chosen and faithful people experience His special attention, leading to opportunities, guidance, and safeguarding, and is synonymous with biblical concepts of grace and mercy.
God’s favor is His mercy and grace, which rests upon certain people whose hearts are turned toward Him in repentance and full surrender. This favor of God is a gift, it’s not earned nor merited. One cannot buy God’s favor. Yet it cost God everything when he sent His only begotten Son into the world, as the Lamb of God, who has taken away the sin of the world.
The term “sin of the world” means the totality of all sin for all eternity, from Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden, right down to every single person today.
God’s favor (grace and mercy) must be received by grace, through faith
Ephesians 2:8-9 ESV
[8] For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, [9] not a result of works, so that no one may boast.
https://bible.com/bible/59/eph.2.8-9.ESV
One thing is for certain. When God’s favor rests upon a man, the world and the enemy, Satan, can do nothing to stop it or remove it. Everything a man does, as God’s favor rests upon him shall prosper.. Everything he does works together for his own good, because he loves God and is called according to His purpose
The one who has full faith and trust in His mercy and grace, will walk in God’s favor, because that man lives to glorify God.
We see God’s favor upon King David in the Old Testament narratives, as well as in the Psalms. God’s favor expresses itself in a heart that is turned toward God and is filled with love for God and fellow man. This unmerited favor manifests itself in the fruit of the Spirit, as a person, filled with His Spirit, seeks to walk in His mercy and grace; His favor. -
The right hand of God vs the left!
Psalms 118:14-17 NKJV
[14] The Lord is my strength and song, And He has become my salvation. [15] The voice of rejoicing and salvation Is in the tents of the righteous;
The right hand of the Lord does valiantly.
[16] The right hand of the Lord is exalted; The right hand of the Lord does valiantly. [17] I shall not die, but live, And declare the works of the Lord.
https://bible.com/bible/114/psa.118.14-17.NKJV
Exodus 15:6 NKJV
[6] “Your right hand, O Lord, has become glorious in power; Your right hand, O Lord, has dashed the enemy in pieces.
https://bible.com/bible/114/exo.15.6.NKJV
Psalms 17:7 NKJV
[7] Show Your marvelous lovingkindness by Your right hand, O You who save those who trust in You From those who rise up against them.
https://bible.com/bible/114/psa.17.7.NKJV
The phrase “right hand of God” symbolizes God’s power, authority, and proximity to Him, often referring to Jesus Christ after his ascension. It represents a position of supreme honor, reign, and the divine might that overcomes enemies. This concept appears in Christianity, where Jesus sits at God’s right hand, and has roots in Old Testament usage, where God’s right hand signifies his strength and action.
Acts 2:32-33 NKJV
[32] This Jesus God has raised up, of which we are all witnesses. [33] Therefore being exalted to the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, He poured out this which you now see and hear.
https://bible.com/bible/114/act.2.32-33.NKJV
I Peter 3:21-22 NKJV
[21] There is also an antitype which now saves us—baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, [22] who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, angels and authorities and powers having been made subject to Him.
https://bible.com/bible/114/1pe.3.21-22.NKJV
Matthew 25:31-46
Parable of His sheep the goats
The sheep are the righteous who live as He lived, by loving and serving others. They are faithful and obedient to Him and His commandments to love God and love one another.
They are the ones who were so busy loving and serving others, that they weren’t able to look at what they were doing and pat themselves on the back or look for rewards like plaques, trophies, or even verbal acknowledgement or recognition. They simply have little or no interest in the praise and applause of men.
Those who belong to Christ, his sheep, know him, and he knows them by name, and they won’t follow the voice of another.His left is the place of judgement and separation from God and eternity. It’s a place of outer darkness, where there will be constant torment, with weeping and gnashing of teeth .
His sheep are the ones who will be at his right hand in eternity, where Jesus sits at the right hand of God (Acts 2:33; 1 Peter 3:22)
The goats are those who will be placed on His left, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. They will be cast into outer darkness. They will never see God in eternity. These are the ones who don’t know Jesus, and he doesn’t know them. They might be going to church, attending Bible study, praying and singing songs, etc. it’s very possible, even, that they are volunteering in their community to help the poor and needy. But there may be (usually is)a self centered motive for doing so. There are the ones whom Jesus will say,
Matthew 7:21-23 NKJV
[21] “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. [22] Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ [23] And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’
https://bible.com/bible/114/mat.7.21-23.NKJV
The other side of the coin here, is that the goats are completely ignorant of the poor and needy and will defend themselves by saying, “we didn’t know” or “we didn’t see them. “
They’re so focused on serving themselves and their own needs (or greeds) that they have no concept of what it means to see the needs of others as more important than their own
The sheep on His right are characterized by seeking after righteousness, which bears the fruit of loving and serving others.
The goats on the left are self-serving and self-seeking. Loving and helping others may seem like a noble thing from time to time, but it’s rarely done out of true love for God and other people, nor faithful obedience to His will.
Will you be at God’s right hand, or on the left?
Matthew 25:33 NKJV
[33] And He will set the sheep on His right hand, but the goats on the left.
https://bible.com/bible/114/mat.25.33.NKJV -
Love your enemies. Bless them. Do good to them. Pray for them.Why should I do that?
Matthew 5:44-45 NKJV
[[44] But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, [45] that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.
https://bible.com/bible/114/mat.5.44-45.NKJV
Luke 6:27-28 NKJV
[27] “But I say to you who hear: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, [28] bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you.
https://bible.com/bible/114/luk.6.27-28.NKJV
Romans 12:19-21 NKJV
[19] Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. [20] Therefore “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.” [21] Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
https://bible.com/bible/114/rom.12.19-21.NKJV
Luke 23:34 ESV
[34] And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” And they cast lots to divide his garments.
https://bible.com/bible/59/luk.23.34.ESV
Acts 7:60 ESV
[60] And falling to his knees he cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep.
https://bible.com/bible/59/act.7.60.ESV
1 Peter 3:9 ESV
[9] Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing.
https://bible.com/bible/59/1pe.3.9.ESV
Love your enemies. Bless them. Do good to them. Pray for them.Why should I do that?
So that I’m not overcome by evil, but instead, I am able to overcome evil with good.
My actions as a Christian, as a follower of Jesus Christ, can either draw people to him, or turn them off and cause them to turn away from God in their own heart and mind. Jesus asks His followers to live as he lived, love as he loved, and serve as he served, thereby glorifying the Father in heaven.
When someone does me dirty, disrespects me, even lies about me and slanders my name, my first human reaction is to defend myself. The second is to not only take offense, but to become angry, bitter and resentful. The thoughts of getting even and planning my defense and pay back can consume me and take me down a path towards darkness and hatred, which leads to self destruction of my emotional and mental health, which can contribute to my physical health.
So who am I really hurting and destroying by holding onto all of these negative feelings and emotions?
Furthermore, am I really hurting the other person by allowing what they said or did to consume me and occupy my heart, mind and soul; aka renting space in my head?
Freely forgiving others of their trespasses against me does more to free up my heart, mind and soul, than it does for the offender. Furthermore, it puts the whole thing in God’s hands and our faith and trust in Him will allow us to believe that vengeance is His and He will repay accordingly.The Bible says that when we forgive others and refrain from getting even, and leave the matter in God’s hands, we’re “heaping coals of fire/shame on their head”
Is it better to get even, or for the other person to become convicted in their heart and see within themselves, that they’ve offended you, and apologize and ask for forgiveness?
So often we tend to demonize offenders and exaggerate and embellish the actual offense they have committed against us. If their trespasses against us included anything illegal or against the law, let law enforcement and the courts deal with it. Take it out of your hands and control and let others come to your aid.
Even if an offense isn’t anything illegal, but merely words and/or actions that are highly offensive and have caused you great pain and agony, don’t allow that to rob you of your own inner peace and joy.
As much as we’re able to, we’re to live at peace with others; including those we may sharply disagree with, and especially those who disagree with us so much that they become aggressive and controlling, etc. it’s ok to remove yourself from such people and not associate with them.
If we can’t agree to disagree, and still maintain mutual respect, then unfriend them on social media, even block those who want to argue with you and occupy your mind and rob you of your peace. -
True freedom isn’t free!
Psalms 58:10-11 NLT
[10] The godly will rejoice when they see injustice avenged. They will wash their feet in the blood of the wicked. [11] Then at last everyone will say, “There truly is a reward for those who live for God; surely there is a God who judges justly here on earth.”
https://bible.com/bible/116/psa.58.10-11.NLTIn my daily devotional reading I like to start my day with a Psalm. Today I was reading Psalm 58, and it struck me as I was thinking about the state of this world, and specifically here in the United States of America, as political divisiveness grows stronger, breeding more, deeper hatred and chaos in the political arena, which is spilling over into our daily lives.
Truth, justice and righteousness are being cast aside for the purpose of “defending democracy.” But the real agenda is to stoke widespread panic and stir people up to hating each other over political opinions and ideologies.
Yesterday Charlie Kirk was assassinated for standing up for what he believed in, lived for, and died for; freedom!
We may agree or disagree over some of the statements he’s made over the years, but he was a champion for free speech and open dialogue. He treated everyone he encountered with mutual respect and dignity.
He spoke truth and showed love and respect for everyone he encountered. I’m sure we all believe and say things that can be and are misunderstood, that can even place others at odds with us. But I’ve been following this young man for a few years, and his message and his testimony haven’t waivered.
Martyred?Is he a “martyr ?” Some are saying so.
I think God will be the ultimate judge of that.
But what is a fundamental definition of a martyr? One who dies for the cause he believes in and promoted. The term is not exclusive to Christianity or even religion in general.
Joan of Arc and Sir William Wallace (braveheart ) were considered to be martyrs because they lived and died for freedom.
True freedom isn’t free. There’s always a cost.
In the vein of Christian martyrdom: one who dies believing in and defending truth, righteousness and justice, as they live to love and serve God and other people. Jesus told His disciples,
John 16:1-3 NLT
[1] “I have told you these things so that you won’t abandon your faith. [2] For you will be expelled from the synagogues, and the time is coming when those who kill you will think they are doing a holy service for God. [3] This is because they have never known the Father or me.
https://bible.com/bible/116/jhn.16.1-3.NLTI was also stirred by the brutal stabbing murder of Iryna Zarutska at the hands of pure evil, and how our failed American justice system failed this young lady by allowing this evil man to walk the streets, 14 times, knowing he was violent, repeat offender.
Where then is true justice? Let us pray to God and with one another as we pursue the answers to the questions that arise, as we seek truth, justice, mercy and righteousness.
True justice combines these ingredients when we are seeking to live our daily lives under the sun as children of God. Knowing that we are all, every single human being, created in the image of God, and that God is no respecter of men, meaning that he loves every single person the same, not more or less than another, but with His perfect and everlasting love .
True freedom isn’t free. It comes with a cost. Many soldiers and warriors have gone into battle and paid the ultimate price, making the most unselfish sacrifice; to lay down their lives for the sake of others.
That’s exactly what Jesus did on the cross for everyone who believes on His name; laid down His life for many, that they might be saved.
John 8:36 NLT
[36] So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free.
https://bible.com/bible/116/jhn.8.36.NLT -
This I know: God is on my side!
Psalms 56:1-13 NLT
[1] O God, have mercy on me, for people are hounding me. My foes attack me all day long. [2] I am constantly hounded by those who slander me, and many are boldly attacking me.[3] But when I am afraid, I will put my trust in you.
[4] I praise God for what he has promised. I trust in God, so why should I be afraid? What can mere mortals do to me?
[5] They are always twisting what I say; they spend their days plotting to harm me. [6] They come together to spy on me— watching my every step, eager to kill me. [7] Don’t let them get away with their wickedness; in your anger, O God, bring them down. [8] You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book. [9] My enemies will retreat when I call to you for help.
This I know: God is on my side!
[10] I praise God for what he has promised; yes, I praise the Lord for what he has promised. [11] I trust in God, so why should I be afraid? What can mere mortals do to me?
[12] I will fulfill my vows to you, O God, and will offer a sacrifice of thanks for your help. [13] For you have rescued me from death; you have kept my feet from slipping. So now I can walk in your presence, O God, in your life-giving light.
https://bible.com/bible/116/psa.56.1-13.NLTDavid, the Psalmist, writes here about the constant and steady attack from his enemies. As a warrior in battle, fighting for Israel, he’s constantly bombarded by those who want to take him down, even take his life.
But as David declares in this Psalm,
“This I know: God is in my side.“
David takes stock in God’s promises to guide and protect him, and he’s enabled him to face everything with courage and fortitude; to step out in faith, knowing that at in his heart, at the core of his being, God’s got his back, and goes before him. He rests in comfort, knowing that God will cause his enemies to retreat.
Every day you and I are going out to war for our own soul. Other people may come at us, to harm us, but our biggest threat is not other people.
As David also declares, “I trust in God, what can mere mortals do to me?”
David knows that God will do as He’s promised, for those who put their full trust and faith in Him and the power of His word.
God will literally turn our enemies away. He will hide you under the shadow of His wings. He will be your Rock, your Fortress, your mighty defender.
Yet their is a greater enemy who attacks from the inside; your own heart, which is desperately wicked, which no one truly knows, without God at the center, seated on the throne of your heart.
When you hear Him knocking, and open the door, He will come in and be your Lord of lords and Savior. He will be your King of kings, your Master and commander.
My greatest enemies are my thoughts and emotions under my own control, without my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, seated on the throne of my heart, leading me by the living power His word, through of the Holy Spirit.
This, you too can know: God will always be on my side. What can other people do to me?
He will give you the wisdom to choose good over evil, right over wrong, love over hate, bitterness and holding grudges.
When you give both your external enemies (other people) and your internal enemies (thoughts, feelings and emotions) over to the authority of God, He will deliver you from every evil, and you will walk in the light of His love, and live in peace within yourself and with those around you.
God is on your side!
-
The Lord is my Helper and Comforter: Psalm 55
Psalms 55:1-2 NLT
[1] Listen to my prayer, O God. Do not ignore my cry for help! [2] Please listen and answer me, for I am overwhelmed by my troubles.
https://bible.com/bible/116/psa.55.1-2.NLT
Psalms 55:16-17 NLT
[16] But I will call on God, and the Lord will rescue me. [17] Morning, noon, and night I cry out in my distress, and the Lord hears my voice.
https://bible.com/bible/116/psa.55.16-17.NLT
My God, who is my rock and my fortress, my stronghold and place of safety, will never get tired of hearing from me when I cry out to Him for help. The inner sanctuary of my heart is His home.
Day and night it seems like the wicked one, the enemy of my soul, is out to get me; to trip me up, knock me down, and devour my soul like a roaring lion.
Satan wants to rob, kill and destroy, all that God is doing within me. But if God is for me, who can stand against me? Is it wrong of me to constantly rely on God to rescue and deliver me from the evil plots of the enemy? No! He is my Helper, my comforter, my teacher and counselor. He will hide me under the shadow of His wings. He is my hiding place. He will shield me from the enemy and his relentless pursuit of destruction.
The Holy Spirit lives in me to sanctify me, which means to mold and shape me to be more like Christ. This is a daily process, as I repent and believe in the good news…more of Him, less of me.I’ve tried the world’s way of believing in myself, and reading worldly teachings and philosophers, self-help remedies, etc. they always come up short and never offer any real, lasting peace and serenity.
In many of the Psalms, we see the Psalmists pouring their hearts out to God and pleading for His guidance, protection and deliverance from evil.
Towards the end of the Lord’s prayer, we pray,
…and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one!
So we do well when we place our full trust in Him for protection from the enemy.
-
Shall we continue to do what is right before God?
Psalms 54:1-7 NLT
[1] Come with great power, O God, and rescue me! Defend me with your might. [2] Listen to my prayer, O God. Pay attention to my plea.[3] For strangers are attacking me; violent people are trying to kill me. They care nothing for God.[4]But God is my helper. The Lord keeps me alive! [5] May the evil plans of my enemies be turned against them. Do as you promised and put an end to them.
[6] I will sacrifice a voluntary offering to you; I will praise your name, O Lord, for it is good. [7] For you have rescued me from my troubles and helped me to triumph over my enemies.
https://bible.com/bible/116/psa.54.1-7.NLTWhen a person listens to God, hears His word and His call on their lives, and humbles Himself in faithful obedience, rest assured, the enemy will be on the offensive, attempting to steer him off course and to occupy his mind and his time, with the goal of keeping him from fulfilling his God appointed mission and purpose.
The more you fight to stay the course and continue to do His will, and what is right before God and man, the more intense the opposition will become. Perhaps, even your own family and close friends and associates will come out against you.But rest assured, when you make that choice daily to honor, serve, and glorify the Lord, by doing the job God has set out for you to do and complete, he will be right there with you, leading, guiding and protecting you from the threats and opposition being cast your way by the enemy, the god of this world, Satan.
That old devil wants nothing more than to keep from focusing on the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and succeeding in God’s appointed mission for your life, as you seek to make His name known in your daily service to your fellow man, and ultimately to God.
Like David in the Psalms, praying and looking to God, first and foremost, you can know that God is for you, and that he will never leave nor forsake you.
Matthew 5:10-12 NLT
[10] God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. [11] “God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers. [12] Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way.
https://bible.com/bible/116/mat.5.10-12.NLT -
What happens when we take God at His word?
Psalms 18:1-2 NLT
[1] I love you, Lord; you are my strength. [2] The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety.
https://bible.com/bible/116/psa.18.1-2.NLTPsalms 18:16-21 NLT
[16] He reached down from heaven and rescued me; he drew me out of deep waters. [17] He rescued me from my powerful enemies, from those who hated me and were too strong for me. [18] They attacked me at a moment when I was in distress, but the Lord supported me. [19] He led me to a place of safety; he rescued me because he delights in me. [20] The Lord rewarded me for doing right; he restored me because of my innocence. [21] For I have kept the ways of the Lord; I have not turned from my God to follow evil.
https://bible.com/bible/116/psa.18.16-21.NLTDavid writes this Psalm in praise to God for delivering on His promise to save, rescue and restore all who put their faith and full trust in Him. We can’t see God with the naked eye, but we can know Him deep within our hearts, when our hearts become His home, His sanctuary.
David was not a perfect or sinless man, but he knew where to turn in times of great distress, when the world around him was coming at him relentlessly and without mercy.
Life can often seem that way; overwhelming and without an end in sight. It can seem like our enemies are coming at us from every side and angle. But the Lord God Almighty is there. Ready to defend, rescue, and restore, with all of heaven’s armies and resources at His disposal.
Don’t make God’s way your last resort. Rather, seek Him and His kingdom and His righteousness first. When you put your life in his hands daily, He will hide you under the shadow of His wings. When the enemy launches his attacks, the full armor of God will protect you from the evil one, who wants to devour your soul, like a roaring lion, and rob you of your inner peace, happiness, and joy.
Remember God in the victories, as well as in the times of defeat, when it seems like the enemy has gotten the best of you.
The best of you doesn’t belong to the devil, but to the living God, who will save you, deliver you and restore your faith and trust, as you look to Him.
David describes the mighty power and authority of God over you and your soul as a mighty fortress, who rends the heavens and comes down, like a mighty tempest to fight for and deliver us from evil. This is who God is and what He does for the one who puts their full trust in Him.
When we take God at His word, He shows up in a powerful way, that will transcend our mind and our understanding.
Trust in Him with all of your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. Acknowledge Him in all of your ways, and He will make your way and your paths straight. He will go ahead of you and make His footsteps your pathway.
-
Tear down those idols in your heart
Exodus 20:3 NLT
[3] “You must not have any other god but me.
https://bible.com/bible/116/exo.20.3.NLT1 John 5:21 NLT
[21] Dear children, keep away from anything that might take God’s place in your hearts.
https://bible.com/bible/116/1jn.5.21.NLT
To “tear down idols in our hearts” means to identify and dismantle anything that has become more important than God in your life, whether it’s a desire, a person, a possession, or a mindset. It involves recognizing these things as false objects of worship, repenting of the misplaced trust in them, and actively replacing them with a deep, abiding love and trust in God and His Word. This process of spiritual purification allows Christ to remain the absolute Lord over every area of your life.1 Corinthians 10:7-14 ESV
[7] Do not be idolaters as some of them were; as it is written, “The people sat down to eat and drink and rose up to play.” [8] We must not indulge in sexual immorality as some of them did, and twenty-three thousand fell in a single day. [9] We must not put Christ to the test, as some of them did and were destroyed by serpents, [10] nor grumble, as some of them did and were destroyed by the Destroyer. [11] Now these things happened to them as an example, but they were written down for our instruction, on whom the end of the ages has come. [12] Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall. [13] No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. [14] Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry.
https://bible.com/bible/59/1co.10.7-14.ESVWhat idols are holding onto your heart and true devotion? Is it social media and the thrill of the anonymous , online experience of interaction with, mostly, people you don’t know personally, and probably never will?
Is it a vice like pornography, gambling, drugs, alcohol, etc?
They’re all worldly mindsets that take our mind and our focus away from God and being a citizen of His kingdom. This worldly mindset is produced when we’ve made friends with the world, while simultaneously becoming an enmity with God .
James 4:4 ESV
[4] You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.
https://bible.com/bible/59/jas.4.4.ESVEnmity:
the state or feeling of being actively opposed or hostile to someone or something.
Colossians 1:21-22 ESV
[21] And you, who once were alienated and hostile (at enmity) in mind, doing evil deeds, [22] he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him,
https://bible.com/bible/59/col.1.21-22.ESVRomans 8:7 ESV
[7] For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile (enmity against) to God, for it does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot.
https://bible.com/bible/59/rom.8.7.ESVWhat idols are you harboring in your own heart? Give them up to God, so that He can root them out and fill you with His fruit; the fruit of the Spirit, and give you His holy armor, the armor of God, to protect you and hide you from the enemy of your soul!
Living As Light 