Friends, there are many things we cannot control: the weather, everything that happens to us (for the Bible tells us time and chance happens to us all – Ecc. 9:11), and what people think about us. However, one thing we can control is how we respond to the different scenarios that come our way, especially the people part. We can choose to react with the fruit of temperance (Gal. 5:23), and we can choose to allow the Holy Spirit to guide and guard our reaction when the flesh wants to do otherwise. The Word of God encourages us: “He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city” (Proverbs 16:32).
How any dreams have been put off, never to be revisited again? Today, we ACT against that.
Procrastination and complacency are a deadly plague in our society. Theirs are the ruin of many dreams. The dasher of many hopes. But what a feeling to step forward and act! Putting steps behind ones thoughts and movement behind ones ideas is a beautiful process filled with power because those steps and movements, in even the tiniest form, will help you to arrive at a place you may never have dreamed of before.
The Bible encourages our actions by telling us, “The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute” (Proverbs 12:24). When one is diligent, they are going toward something. Yes, it may exert more energy then you are used to. And yes, all the answers may not be before you, but forward you must go. The dream inside demands nothing less. The hope that burns within says regardless of what you currently see, this is possible.
But, my friend, diligence is the key word. With the absensce of it, nothing will ever happen. Proper actions in wisdom will lie dormant, and dreams and purposes will remain unfulfilled.
More lies in your future, but fear, uncertainty, and inaction can stand as a wall before you. But diligence and action will look at that wall and know there is more on the other side. Persistent effort says I am not afraid of the hard work it may take to get there.
Please Note: Ads below or referenced on this site are prefabricated and mass-produced (of which I currently have no control over) and DO NOT necessarily represent the views and/or beliefs of this site and its admin.
“Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness.” 2 Peter 3:11
The past is the past and the future is still up ahead. How are we living our day today?
The things we see before us will not always be here. The problems, people, and circumstances change as often as anything can change, yet in light of all those changes and the passing of things, how are we living to make a difference today?
You, my friend, are a person of testimony. When the world looks at us, they see what and Who we represent. Are we living in such a way as to draw men closer to Him or is the manner in which we live acting as a repellant?
Eternity is ahead for all of us. The decisions, choices, and things we carry out in our daily lives give testament to our hearts and what we truly believe. Are we making sure the faith we profess to have on the inside of us is shining like a beacon on the outside, drawing people closer to our Savior?
How we live matters! Talk is cheap! Actions speak louder than words! We’ve heard those sayings most of our lives but usually only apply them to someone we are in an argument with. What Peter really wants us to do is mind our own steps in life and live this life well. It’s easy to pick away at the life of another and the choices they have made when we are not as careful to judge our own steps. Jesus asked, “And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?” (Matthew 7:3).
Our eternity is not bound up here, rather we are pressing toward the goal of heaven. With that being said, we must mind “what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness.” We won’t have to answer for anybody but ourselves, and we will only have to answer for how we lived. And, how we live matters!
Therefore, live it well!
“So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.” – Psalm 90:12
“He that followeth after righteousness and mercy findeth life, righteousness, and honour.” – Proverbs 21:21
“For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” – Mark 8:36
“For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord’s.” – Romans 14:8
“See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” – Ephesians 5:15-16
“As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him:” – Colossians 2:6
“And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.” – Colossians 3:23-24
“Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.” – Colossians 4:5
“And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” – Hebrews 10:24-25
“Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:” – Hebrews 12:14
“He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.” – 1 John 2:6
Word For Life Says... 