Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. (1 Corinthians 13:4-7 KJV)
It is hard to prove a person’s love without proving his patience. The Bible says, “A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” (Proverbs 17:17 KJV). That means a person who truly loves will always be loving even in adversity or difficult circumstances. This is the reason why many relationships do not succeed because they have mistaken lust for love. People say “Love is blind”. Soon when romance fades, they will be able to see each other’s weaknesses and undesireable character. One way to prove a person’s love is that he is willing to wait. Friendship is a good foundation for relationships.
True love involves sacrifice, concern for another person’s welfare, growth, not self-seeking, nor taking advantage for selfish motives and fleshly satisfaction. A person who loves will not ruin your life or pull you down but rather lift and build you up.
Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend. (Proverbs 27:17 KJV)
Christ demonstrated His love by His sacrifice.
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. (John 3:16 KJV)
It is by knowing Christ that you will understand what is God’s love.
Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another. (1 John 4:10-11 KJV)
If you focus on the wrong aspect, soon you will understand that it is just temporal but true love endures.
For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever. (1 John 2:16-17 KJV)
And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity. (1 Corinthians 13:13 KJV)
Always put God first in your life and seek His best plan for you.
Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD. (Psalms 27:14 KJV)
Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. (Psalms 37:4 KJV)
Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done. And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive. (Matthew 21:21-22 KJV)
When I was a little boy, we used to stroll around Ramon Magsaysay Park along the coast. As time went by, I saw there was a change because the land area of the park extended toward the sea. The Engineers filled the seashore with earth to extend the area of the park. Where did they get some earth to fill a portion of the seashore? Usually, they got them from the mountains. Some mountains were made plain and they filled the sea with land. All are possible by faith.
Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth. (Mark 9:23 KJV)
There might be some dreams or goals that seem so hard to achieve. But all things are possible to him who believes.
“SAY TO THIS MOUNTAIN”
Why not just keep it in your mind? Why do I have to say it? I was memorizing a chapter in the book of Proverbs, and it helps a lot when I recite it verbally rather than just trying to memorize it with my mind. I have also experienced that it is hard for a plan to materialize if you just keep it within you. When you share your plans with your team or congregation, then it is easier to work them out. When you speak to a mountain, you will hear an echo. As a leader, you need to have a clear vision and goal. When you share your vision with others, and they catch it up, you will hear their positive responses and they will the more encourage you to pursue it. Successful organizations usually have clarity of visions and goals, and they often write them on their walls for their team to memorize.
“BE THOU REMOVED AND BE THOU CAST INTO THE SEA”
We may look at our problems as big as a mountain. But no matter how big our problems are, God is greater than our problems. No matter what obstacles are hindering our path to success, God will help us through, we only need to believe. God must have a purpose of placing them there for us to fully depend on Him and grow. We just need to trust God.
And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong. (2 Corinthians 12:7-10 KJV)
When we experience problems, difficulties, and weaknesses, remember that God allowed such for us to rely on Him. When we trust in the Lord and work to develop those weaknesses into strengths or to solve those problems by doing right, little by little, we will find success.
I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. (Philippians 4:13 KJV)
For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal. (2 Corinthians 4:16-18 KJV)
“ALL THINGS WHATSOEVER YE SHALL ASK IN PRAYER BELIEVING”
The “ALL THINGS” referred to here are the things that you asked in prayer believing. Did you pray and doubt, then that is not believing. Doubt is a sin.
And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin. (Romans 14:23 KJV)
Doubt hinders our prayer.
If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. A double minded man is unstable in all his ways. (James 1:5-8 KJV)
However, you need to understand that it is not faith in yourself that makes prayer effective but rather faith in God. Faith in God grows through hearing and understanding God’s word.
So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. (Romans 10:17 KJV)
If your trust is in man, your boss, your fellows, or in yourself, you will have the tendency to drift away from the truth and there is a consequence.
Thus saith the LORD; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD. For he shall be like the heath in the desert, and shall not see when good cometh; but shall inhabit the parched places in the wilderness, in a salt land and not inhabited. (Jeremiah 17:5-6 KJV)
If you trust the Lord, you will be blessed indeed.
Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is. For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit. (Jeremiah 17:7-8 KJV)
If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. (John 15:7 KJV)
(Since Christ was speaking to the disciples who were already saved, thus, He was speaking to them about faith in their daily walk. “The just shall live by faith” Gal. 3:11).
No man is an island. Life is lonely without a friend. We are social beings, and we need to be sociable. Communication is important. A child learns first to communicate with his parents. Social maturity is the ability to relate well with others. Sociability is part of maturity. When a person grows spiritually mature, he also grows in many aspects of his life. A Christian can grow to be spiritually and socially mature in the church.
A GOOD CHRISTIAN FRIEND IS A BLESSING FROM GOD.
A true friend loves at all times.
A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. (Proverbs 17:17 KJV)
A true friend builds you up. Open rebuke is better than secret love. Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful. (Proverbs 27:5-6 KJV)
A true friend can give you comfort and godly counsel Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so doth the sweetness of a man’s friend by hearty counsel. (Proverbs 27:9 KJV)
A true friend will sacrifice for you.
Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. (John 15:13 KJV)
BENEFITS OF BEING FRIENDLY
It increases your friends.
A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother. (Proverbs 18:24 KJV)
It helps increase your influence.
And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that thine hand might be with me, and that thou wouldest keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me! And God granted him that which he requested. (1 Chronicles 4:10 KJV)
It helps you find growth opportunities.
The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself. (Proverbs 11:25 KJV)
It provides an opportunity to share the gospel.
The Son of man came eating and drinking, and they say, Behold a man gluttonous, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners. But wisdom is justified of her children. (Matthew 11:19 KJV)
Howbeit Jesus suffered him not, but saith unto him, Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee. (Mark 5:19 KJV)
FIND FRIENDS TO WIN AND ENCOURAGE
You will be blessed and also encouraged
The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself. (Proverbs 11:25 KJV)
You will be wise and productive
The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise. (Proverbs 11:30 KJV)
The wicked worketh a deceitful work: but to him that soweth righteousness shall be a sure reward. (Proverbs 11:18 KJV)
BE FRIENDLY TO EVERYONE
A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother. (Proverbs 18:24 KJV)
Be cheerful
A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken. (Proverbs 15:13 KJV)
Be interested in people
And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise. (Luke 6:31 KJV)
Be hospitable
Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. (Hebrews 13:2 KJV)
Be prayerful
And the LORD turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends: also the LORD gave Job twice as much as he had before. (Job 42:10 KJV)
Be patient and loving
Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, (1 Corinthians 13:4 KJV)
A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. (Proverbs 17:17 KJV)
As we live, no one is without problems and struggles. There are so many obstacles, burdens, and temptations. But then making the right decisions is important.
PRAY FOR WISDOM
If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. (James 1:5-6 KJV)
BELIEVE WHEN YOU PRAY
Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done. And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive. (Matthew 21:21-22 KJV)
KNOW AND FOLLOW GOD’S WILL
Know what God’s will is and stand for it, even though there are hardships and difficulties.
If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself. (John 7:17 KJV)
The integrity of the upright shall guide them: but the perverseness of transgressors shall destroy them. (Proverbs 11:3 KJV)
The righteousness of the perfect shall direct his way: but the wicked shall fall by his own wickedness. The righteousness of the upright shall deliver them: but transgressors shall be taken in their own naughtiness. (Proverbs 11:5-6 KJV)
Problems cannot be solved by choosing the easy way or making another mistake to solve the consequences of one mistake, but no matter how hard, always seek wisdom from God and hold on to what is true and right. God bless!!!
Many people desire to be great before the eyes of men by exalting themselves. However, to be great in God’s kingdom is to be willing to serve God and be useful in the ministry. Serving God is not only worshipping but also supporting His ministry. Every believer must not only worship and hear the word but also share God’s message with others.
God has many ways of supporting the needs of His servants who preach His word. He touches the hearts of believers. Preachers must go by faith to preach the gospel believing in God’s ability to provide and sustain.
And it fell on a day, that Elisha passed to Shunem, where was a great woman; and she constrained him to eat bread. And so it was, that as oft as he passed by, he turned in thither to eat bread. (2 Kings 4:8 KJV)
The meeting of Elisha and the woman at Shunem was not an accident. Rather it was a divine providence and appointment. God wanted to bless Elisha and the woman. It is God who leads His servants where they should go. He led Elisha to go to where there was a great woman. She was called great because she had a heart for God’s work.
Some would invite or offer you food for compliments, not sincerely. However, this Shunamite woman did constrain Elisha to eat. She was very generous and kind. It must be God who led and used her to provide for Elisha’s needs. Every true preacher must just go by faith believing in God’s provision.
And she said unto her husband, Behold now, I perceive that this is an holy man of God, which passeth by us continually. (2 Kings 4:9 KJV)
If God’s man will just go by faith, God can use anyone, even people you do not really know. The woman did initiate to help the man of God, but at first, she didn’t know that this man was God’s man. She didn’t even know that she was helping God’s servant. Somehow, God used her for a great purpose and as a channel of blessing. We really cannot limit God for His ways of providing for our needs are unlimited.
Later, she observed that this man who passed by them regularly was God’s man and righteous. She was right in her perception that indeed this man was a man of God. The Bible says that it is God who gives good pastors who shall teach you with knowledge.
And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding. (Jeremiah 3:15 KJV)
Good pastors feed you with true knowledge and understanding and they are a blessing to the people and churches wherever they go. But the bad ones scatter sheep with false knowledge and lies. The Bible says that God gives pastors for the edification of the church.
And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: (Ephesians 4:11-12 KJV)
Let us make a little chamber, I pray thee, on the wall; and let us set for him there a bed, and a table, and a stool, and a candlestick: and it shall be, when he cometh to us, that he shall turn in thither. And it fell on a day, that he came thither, and he turned into the chamber, and lay there. (2 Kings 4:10-11 KJV)
This woman was great because she was so supportive especially when she learned that this man was God’s servant. She was a great encouragement to her husband to support the man of God. They provided him a room, a bed, a table, a stool, and a candlestick. They provided the prophet a room to rest, sleep, and study.
And he said to Gehazi his servant, Call this Shunammite. And when he had called her, she stood before him. And he said unto him, Say now unto her, Behold, thou hast been careful for us with all this care; what is to be done for thee? wouldest thou be spoken for to the king, or to the captain of the host? And she answered, I dwell among mine own people. And he said, What then is to be done for her? And Gehazi answered, Verily she hath no child, and her husband is old. And he said, Call her. And when he had called her, she stood in the door. And he said, About this season, according to the time of life, thou shalt embrace a son. And she said, Nay, my lord, thou man of God, do not lie unto thine handmaid. And the woman conceived, and bare a son at that season that Elisha had said unto her, according to the time of life. (2 Kings 4:12-17 KJV)
When church members do care for pastors, it is God who will also bless them. It was an opportunity for the Shunamite to help the man of God, and to be blessed by the Lord. God cares for His servants and He cares also for those people who love His ministry. There are many promises in the Scriptures that the Lord will bless those channels of His blessings for the ministry.
Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work: (2 Corinthians 9:7-8 KJV)
The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself. (Proverbs 11:25 KJV)
For whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink in my name, because ye belong to Christ, verily I say unto you, he shall not lose his reward. (Mark 9:41 KJV)
And when the child was grown, it fell on a day, that he went out to his father to the reapers. And he said unto his father, My head, my head. And he said to a lad, Carry him to his mother. And when he had taken him, and brought him to his mother, he sat on her knees till noon, and then died. And she went up, and laid him on the bed of the man of God, and shut the door upon him, and went out. And she called unto her husband, and said, Send me, I pray thee, one of the young men, and one of the asses, that I may run to the man of God, and come again. And he said, Wherefore wilt thou go to him to day? it is neither new moon, nor sabbath. And she said, It shall be well. Then she saddled an ass, and said to her servant, Drive, and go forward; slack not thy riding for me, except I bid thee. So she went and came unto the man of God to mount Carmel. And it came to pass, when the man of God saw her afar off, that he said to Gehazi his servant, Behold, yonder is that Shunammite: Run now, I pray thee, to meet her, and say unto her, Is it well with thee? is it well with thy husband? is it well with the child? And she answered, It is well. And when she came to the man of God to the hill, she caught him by the feet: but Gehazi came near to thrust her away. And the man of God said, Let her alone; for her soul is vexed within her: and the LORD hath hid it from me, and hath not told me. Then she said, Did I desire a son of my lord? did I not say, Do not deceive me? Then he said to Gehazi, Gird up thy loins, and take my staff in thine hand, and go thy way: if thou meet any man, salute him not; and if any salute thee, answer him not again: and lay my staff upon the face of the child. And the mother of the child said, As the LORD liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee. And he arose, and followed her. And Gehazi passed on before them, and laid the staff upon the face of the child; but there was neither voice, nor hearing. Wherefore he went again to meet him, and told him, saying, The child is not awaked. And when Elisha was come into the house, behold, the child was dead, and laid upon his bed. He went in therefore, and shut the door upon them twain, and prayed unto the LORD. And he went up, and lay upon the child, and put his mouth upon his mouth, and his eyes upon his eyes, and his hands upon his hands: and he stretched himself upon the child; and the flesh of the child waxed warm. Then he returned, and walked in the house to and fro; and went up, and stretched himself upon him: and the child sneezed seven times, and the child opened his eyes. And he called Gehazi, and said, Call this Shunammite. So he called her. And when she was come in unto him, he said, Take up thy son. Then she went in, and fell at his feet, and bowed herself to the ground, and took up her son, and went out. (2 Kings 4:18-37 KJV)
We must have great concern for the Lord’s work. Why are there many churches seemingly dying, and members have become worldly and spiritually sick. It is because of a lack of concern for God’s laborers and His works. We need revival!!!
My attention was caught by a kitten who was trying to enter a fence made of cyclone wire. Her head got entangled by the wires. She just cried due to the pain and couldn’t get her head out. So, I tried to help her by twisting her head gently, though she might be hurt just to get her head out.
There is a saying, “Sometimes it takes pain to make us change our ways”. We are hesitant to speak the truth to a person we care for fear that she or he might get hurt. But if you love someone, you have to tell him or her what is right. Love does not rejoice in wrongdoing.
Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; (1 Corinthians 13:6 KJV)
For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth. (3 John 1:3-4 KJV)
Open rebuke is better than secret love. Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful. (Proverbs 27:5-6 KJV)
There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health. (Proverbs 12:18 KJV)
Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. (1 Thessalonians 5:21 KJV)
But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light. Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light. See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. (Ephesians 5:13-17 KJV)
A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good is it! (Proverbs 15:23 KJV)
But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love. (Ephesians 4:15-16 KJV)
Correction is grievous unto him that forsaketh the way: and he that hateth reproof shall die. (Proverbs 15:10 KJV)
A scorner loveth not one that reproveth him: neither will he go unto the wise. (Proverbs 15:12 KJV)
Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee. Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding. (Proverbs 9:8-10 KJV)
And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God. (John 3:19-21 KJV)
If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, (1 Timothy 6:3-4 KJV)
NUN. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. (Psalms 119:105 KJV)
For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth. (Proverbs 3:12 KJV)
Behold, happy is the man whom God correcteth: therefore despise not thou the chastening of the Almighty: (Job 5:17 KJV)
Is there a difference when you believe a lie or when you believe the truth? When you believe a lie, it affects your judgment, your decision, your attitude, and your future negatively. You will make wrong decisions due to a false balance and wrong judgment. You will lose God’s blessings when you disregard opportunities intended for you due to a negative attitude. But when you have right judgments based on truth, your decisions will lead you to the solution of every problem toward a blessed life.
The righteousness of the perfect shall direct his way: but the wicked shall fall by his own wickedness. (Proverbs 11:5)
Like in the parable of the talent, the person who received the one talent thought that his Lord was so strict and so, because of the fear of failure, did not use that one talent given him. He did not understand the favor and opportunities which were given him and thus, became so ungrateful.
Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed: And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine. His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed: Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury. Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents. For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath. (Matthew 25:24–29)
WHY WE SHOULD KNOW THE TRUTH
It is our responsibility to know the truth to be able to make wise judgments and decisions.
They that forsake the law praise the wicked: but such as keep the law contend with them. Evil men understand not judgment: but they that seek the LORD understand all things.
(Proverbs 28:4–5)
A false balance is abomination to the LORD: but a just weight is his delight.
(Proverbs 11:1)
Remove far from me vanity and lies: give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me:
(Proverbs 30:8)
The truth liberates us from the bondage of sin and falsehood.
Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. (John 8:31–32)
SAMECH. I hate vain thoughts: but thy law do I love. (Psalms 119:113)
Order my steps in thy word: and let not any iniquity have dominion over me. (Psalms 119:133)
Knowing, applying, and sharing the principles of truth, will help us grow firm and strong.
That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:
(Ephesians 4:14–15)
The Bible, God’s word is truth.
Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.
(John 17:17)
HOW WE CAN KNOW THE TRUTH
Meditate daily on God’s word.
This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.
(Joshua 1:8)
Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is. For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit.
(Jeremiah 17:7–8)
If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.
(John 15:7–8)
Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.
(John 15:16)
Study God’s word regularly.
Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
(2 Timothy 2:15)
The heart of the righteous studieth to answer: but the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things.
(Proverbs 15:28)
Seek Counsel from Godly men.
Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.
(Psalms 1:1–2)
Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.
(Proverbs 11:14)
Listen carefully to instructions and preachings.
Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is brutish.
(Proverbs 12:1)
A wise son heareth his father’s instruction: but a scorner heareth not rebuke. A man shall eat good by the fruit of his mouth: but the soul of the transgressors shall eat violence.
(Proverbs 13:1–2)
So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
(Romans 10:17)
Don’t rely on feelings.
The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? (Jeremiah 17:9)
He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered. (Proverbs 28:26)
For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things. (1 John 3:20)
HOW WE CAN APPLY THE TRUTH
Repent of every sin.
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
(1 John 1:9)
Be careful of your talk.
Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.
(Ephesians 4:29)
A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter.
(Proverbs 11:13)
Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth.
(Proverbs 26:20)
Be patient, loving, and forgiving.
He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now. He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him.
(1 John 2:9–10)
Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.
(Colossians 3:12–13)
Obey God’s word by faith.
But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.
(James 1:22-24)
But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith.
(Galatians 3:11)
Overcome your weaknesses and fears by dependence on God.
And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word,
(Acts 4:29)
And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.
(Acts 4:31)
Examine yourselves.
We are to examine ourselves whether we are doing things that please God or not. We should not allow falsehood and lies to dominate our lives and thoughts for such will affect our decisions and judgments. Instead, we should seek the truth, follow, and obey the truth. Following the truth diligently will result to greater blessings and favors from God.
Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? (2 Corinthians 13:5)
He that diligently seeketh good procureth favour: but he that seeketh mischief, it shall come unto him. (Proverbs 11:27)
He that tilleth his land shall be satisfied with bread: but he that followeth vain persons is void of understanding. (Proverbs 12:11)
A good man obtaineth favour of the LORD: but a man of wicked devices will he condemn. (Proverbs 12:2)
Good understanding giveth favour: but the way of transgressors is hard. (Proverbs 13:15)
Consider how great things the Lord has done for us. God has blessed us in many ways. Despite our many shortcomings, yet He has shown His goodness and kindness.
But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8)
If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself. (2 Timothy 2:13)
Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance? (Romans 2:4)
God has provided us a Savior, Jesus. That very moment we received Him by faith, we have become God’s children (John 1: 12). He has guided us as we travel in this life by His word and Spirit and helped us go through a long the storms of life. God has been so good in the past and He will always be good in the future.
Only fear the Lord
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding. (Proverbs 9:10)
When a man has the fear of the Lord, he will avoid sinning.
By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil. (Proverbs 16:6)
The highway of the upright is to depart from evil: he that keepeth his way preserveth his soul. (Proverbs 16:17)
When a man has the fear of the Lord, he will obey God than man.
Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men. (Acts 5:29)
It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man. (Psalms 118:8)
When a man has the fear of the Lord, he will follow God than his feelings.
The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? (Jeremiah 17:9)
For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things. (1 John 3:20)
Serve Him
We are saved to serve.
That he would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve him without fear, In holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life. (Luke 1:74-75)
We are to serve in newness of spirit.
But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter. (Romans 7:6)
We are to serve with gladness of heart.
Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing. (Psalms 100:2)
Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling. (Psalms 2:11)
We are to serve God faithfully.
Mine eyes shall be upon the faithful of the land, that they may dwell with me: he that walketh in a perfect way, he shall serve me. (Psalms 101:6)
No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. (Matthew 6:24)
In Truth
Jesus commanded to search the Scriptures.
Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. (John 5:39)
Paul appreciated the Bereans for Searching the Scriptures.
These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. (Acts 17:11)
The Scriptures, God’s word is truth.
Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. (John 17:17)
The Scriptures will make us wise to know the true way of salvation.
And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. (2 Timothy 3:15)
We are to worship God in spirit and truth.
But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. (John 4:23-24)
We are to choose today whom we will serve.
Now therefore fear the LORD, and serve him in sincerity and in truth: and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the flood, and in Egypt; and serve ye the LORD. And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD. (Joshua 24:14-15)
With all your heart
Our responsibility to God is to love Him with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength.
And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. (Mark 12:30)
We are to know God sincerely with all our hearts through His words.
And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart. (Jeremiah 29:13)
We are to consider God’s great goodness in our lives to serve Him with all our hearts.
Only fear the LORD, and serve him in truth with all your heart: for consider how great things he hath done for you. (1 Samuel 12:24)
When we sin, we must repent and confess our sins to the Lord.
Therefore also now, saith the LORD, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning: (Joel 2:12)
And Samuel said unto the people, Fear not: ye have done all this wickedness: yet turn not aside from following the LORD, but serve the LORD with all your heart; (1 Samuel 12:20)
If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:8-9)
Whatever we do, we must do our work heartily as to the Lord and be grateful always.
And whatsoever ye do in wo d or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him. (Colossians 3:17)
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)
STEP BY STEP 