God Works for the Good!

“We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” – Romans 8:28 NIV

“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” – Psalm 139:14 NIV

We should know that everyone is called to God’s purpose, because “we are fearfully and wonderfully made” in His sight and we are made in His image (Genesis 1:27); to live how Christ lived among us – “Be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” (Ephesians 5:1-2) He works for the good, for we are the children of God and He is THE Father who has His steadfast love towards us (1 John 3:1) Therefore, “whoever says he [he/she] abides in him [God] ought to walk in the same way in which he walked.” (1 John 2:6) Hence, we have to die in the flesh and live our lives by trusting God in every way:

For through the law I died to the law so that I might live for God. I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing! (Galatians 2:19-21)

For Jesus Christ crucified Himself on the cross for us, so that we could be the righteousness of God (1 Peter 2:24) – “For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ.” (2 Corinthians 5:21)

Overall, faith in Christ Jesus is the FIRST primary key of being the follower of Jesus, even though it is hard. We can see this in Matthew 16:24-25:

Whoever wants to be my disciple MUST deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it.

And the next verse says:

What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul? [For] We know that we are children of God, and that the whole world is under the control of the evil one. (Matthew 16:26, 1 John 5:19)

For this reason, we ought to overcome the world as well:

Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone who loves the Father loves whoever has been born of him. By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and obey his commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome. For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? (1 John 5:1-5)

“If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.” – Colossians 3:1-4 ESV

The Peace of God in Christ Jesus!

“Great peace have those who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble.” – Psalm 119:165 NIV

We could REALLY feel the peace of God, if we love the law of God, and nothing can hinder us from the love of Christ, just like what Romans 8:31-39 states:

What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written: “For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Therefore, we have to know that laws of our God are NOT burdensome, and we are showing our love towards God, our heavenly Father by keeping His laws/commandments (1 John 5:3), NOT by legalistic ways, but through our faith. For this reason, we need to develop our faith in the Lord, Jesus Christ into REALLY strong and firm one, that is enough to overcome the world, since the world is evil, controlled by Satan, the enemy of God (see 1 John 5:18-19):

For every child of God defeats this evil world, and we achieve this victory through our faith. And who can win this battle against the world? Only those who believe that Jesus is the Son of God. (1 John 5:4-5)

Overall, it is ALL about faith. This is because God allows Satan, the prince of this world to test our faith in Christ Jesus, in order to prove ourselves that we REALLY could stand before God through righteous living in Christ Jesus by through the Holy Spirit. On the contrary, we MUST beware that there is difference between the righteous living in Christ Jesus, and the self-righteousness. Living by self-righteousness is kind of legalistic way(s) to prove ourselves that we are worthy of being children of God; we have to climb up to be the righteousness of God, but it REALLY isn’t, because we are doing those things in the flesh. Therefore, being the REAL righteousness of God means by doing all things in the Spirit of God, that is the Holy Spirit (see Galatians 5:16-17) – “God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.” (John 4:24)

Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be TRANSFORMED by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. (Romans 12:1-2)

God, our Heavenly Father & Lord & Creator & Savior & Shepherd!

“This is what the Sovereign Lord says: I myself will search for my sheep and look after them. As a shepherd looks after his scattered flock when he is with them, so will I look after my sheep. I will rescue them from all the places where they were scattered on a day of clouds and darkness. For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.” – Ezekiel 34:11-12, Romans 6:23, John 14:1-3 NIV

First of all, Jesus Christ is God in the human form; God is Jesus Christ in the spiritual form:

The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. (Colossians 1:15-17)

Anyway, the main point of this devotional is, that we are ALL sinners from the beginning; we became sinners through Adam, the first-man, created by God, our heavenly Father (Ephesians 4:6) –“Sin came into the world because of what one man did. And with sin came death. So this is why all people must die—because all people have sinned. (Romans 5:12)

However, due to God’s abundant grace, He showed us mercy by coming down from His Kingdom into the world as Jesus Christ to crucify Himself on the cross as our atonement of our sins:

This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. (1 John 4:9-10)

He crucified Himself on the cross, so that He could cut every sin that was/is part of our lives:

You were dead because of your sins and because your sinful nature was not yet cut away. Then God made you alive with Christ, for he forgave all our sins. He canceled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross. In this way, he disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities. He shamed them publicly by his victory over them on the cross. For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ. (Colossians 2:13-15, 2 Corinthians 5:21)

Therefore, we are made to live as new creations that are in Christ Jesus (2 Corinthians 5:17), by becoming the righteousness of God that is through faith (Romans 3:22):

“He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.” For “you were like sheep going astray,” but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls. (1 Peter 2:24-25)

So that we could enter the kingdom of God at the end of the age:

Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who DOES the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’ (Matthew 7:21-23)

For this reason, God poured out His Spirit, the “Holy Spirit” into us:

If you love me, keep my commands. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever—the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. The Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do NOT give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. (John 14:15-17,26-27)

“Yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we live; and there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we live.” – 1 Corinthians 8:6 NIV

Therefore, let’s repent before God for going through the wide road rather than narrow road (see Matthew 7:13-14), and REALLY abide in the Holy Spirit and continue to live our lives that are filled with the Holy Spirit, by listening & obeying the Spirit until the end of age.

… I died to the law so that I might live for God. I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. (Galatians 2:19-20)

Let’s also become the ambassador of Christ, since it is our great commission; even though God is our shepherd, and we are the sheep, for the word of God says:

All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.  Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. (Matthew 28:18-20)

You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. For you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. (Matthew 5:14-16, 1 Peter 2:9, 2 Corinthians 5:20)

Who Wait for the Lord!

“They who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” – Isaiah 40:31 NIV

When this verse says, “They who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength,” it is NOT talking about physical strength, but spiritual one. The spiritual strength comes from the Holy Spirit – “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:13)

“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. (2 Corinthians 12:9-10)

People who wait for the Lord see beyond what they can do; they hope for a future, which will be in the kingdom of God, since everything on earth is going to pass away. This means that they consistently doing everything for the glory and the kingdom of God. For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father’s glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what they have done. (Matthew 16:27)

Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. (2 Corinthians 4:16-18)

                                                                                             

When Jesus says, “…The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak," we should keep that Spirit, and do everything for the glory of the Lord (1 Corinthians 10:31). This is because we are His followers – “Whoever wants to be my disciple MUST deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it.” (Matthew 16:24-25) – “Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.” (Galatians 6:8) This means that everything that we do is for the kingdom of God, for it is our ETERNAL home where there is NO more death/suffering, morning, crying, and pain (Revelation 21:4):

As I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body. For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. (Philippians 3:18-21, 2 Corinthians 5:1)

Do NOT Fear!

“Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” – Isaiah 41:10 NIV

We should NOT fear at anything, especially in worldly sufferings, for the word of God states in Deuteronomy 31:8: “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Many scriptures in the Bible state that the Lord will never forsake or leave us, such as Deuteronomy 31:6 and Hebrews 13:5. This is mainly because He is our heavenly Father who loves us SO much, that He came into the world as Jesus Christ (Colossians 1:15) to crucify Himself on the cross as an atonement of our sins: “This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins” (1 John 4:9-10); to cut every sin in our lives (see Colossians 2:13-15), so that we could live our lives as new creations in Christ Jesus (see 2 Corinthians 5:17) by becoming the righteousness of God - “He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.” (1 Peter 2:24)

Second of all, we need to know that God is also there to strengthen and help us.

But how? He can do these (see Philippians 4:13) by the Holy Spirit, whom He poured into us as our guidance/advocate/friend to help us in the walk with the Lord (see John 14:15-17,26)

“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise—in God I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me? (2 Corinthians 12:9-10, Psalm 56:3-4)

Therefore, we should trust the Lord with all of our hearts rather than our own knowledge and understanding, for “we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28)

Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart. So you will find favor and good success in the sight of God and man. Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones. (Proverbs 3:3-8)

The Glory and Peace of God!

“Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.” – Luke 2:14 NLT

It was ACTUALLY God, our heavenly Father and Creator, who saved us from sin by crucifying Himself on the cross as atonement of our sins:

You were dead because of your sins and because your sinful nature was not yet cut away. Then God made you alive with Christ, for he forgave all our sins. He canceled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross. In this way, he disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities. He shamed them publicly by his victory over them on the cross. (Colossians 2:13-15)

Why God forgave us, even though we were sinners? It is because of the love of God:

This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. (1 John 4:9-10)

Hence, we SHOULD give glory to God in everything that we do (1 Corinthians 10:31) by sacrificing ourselves to please the Lord; to keep doing the will of God until the end of the age –

Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your TRUE and PROPER worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. (Romans 12:1-2)

The will of God is to live like Christ (see 1 Peter 2:21) and as obedient child of God (see 1 Peter 1:13-16) by making and using the peace of God that Jesus poured into us (see John 14:27): “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” (Colossians 3:15)

                                                                                                                            

Therefore, we should abide in the Holy Spirit, for the Bible says:

“If you love me, keep my commands. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever—the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. The Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do NOT give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. (John 14:15-17,26-27)

These verses mean the Holy Spirit creates the peace of God, as the fruit of the Holy Spirit includes love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23) And in the end of Galatians 5:23, the scripture says, “against such things there is no law.” Hence, we should keep creating the peace of God by abiding the Spirit, for the Bible states in Galatians 6:8-10:

Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

The Children of God in Christ Jesus!

“… when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship.” – Galatians 4:4-5 NIV

Because of Satan entering the world through one man, God decided to send His Son into the world, as an image of Himself (Colossians 1:15) to crucify Himself on the cross as an atonement of our sins to disarm the evil spiritual rulers and authorities in our lives (see Colossians 2:13-15) due to God’s abundant grace (see Romans 5:15-17); to redeem those under the law that we might receive adoption as the children of God (see John 1:12-13) – “For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ.” (2 Corinthians 5:21):

‘“He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.” For “you were like sheep going astray,” but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.’ (1 Peter 2:24-25)

Even though Satan, the enemy of God is still in this world, he has fewer chances now to make us turn away from God, for “We know that we are children of God, and that the whole world is under the control of the evil one.” (1 John 5:19) This is because of the Holy Spirit, whom God, our heavenly poured into us, as our guidance/advocate/friend to help us in the walk with Him, (see 1 John 4:13), NOT with the world:

If you love me, keep my commands. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever—the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. The Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do NOT give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. (John 14:15-17,26-27)

Therefore, we REALLY have to abide in the Spirit, for “…whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life,” (Galatians 6:8) by overcoming the world, and changing the way of thinking into purity, righteously, the truth, etc. (see Philippians 4:8):

Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone who loves the Father loves whoever has been born of him. By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and obey his commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are NOT burdensome. For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? I appeal to you therefore, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be TRANSFORMED by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” (1 John 5:1-5, Romans 12:1-2)

The Love of God!

“This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.” – 1 John 4:9-10 NIV

Nobody has greater love than God’s love that is around us. This is because God hated the world, but loved every single one of us SO much, that He sent His Son into the world as an image of Himself (Colossians 1:15-17) to crucify Himself on the Cross as an atonement of our sins; to cut away every sinful nature within us (see Colossians 2:13-15), so that we could become the righteousness of God. This is because we are actually the children of God (see 1 John 3:1); but because of the world, we became sinners, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23):  

“He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.” For “you were like sheep going astray,” but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls. (1 Peter 2:24-25)

This is how we know that we live in him and he in us: He has given us of his Spirit. (1 John 4:13) God, our heavenly Father and Creator (1 Corinthians 8:6) poured His Spirit into us due to His steadfast love (Romans 5:5), as our guidance/advocate/friend to help us in the walk with the Lord:

If you love me, keep my commands. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever—the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. The Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do NOT give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. (John 14:15-17,26-27)

So that we could keep doing the will of God until the end of age, and be holy before Him to enter the kingdom of God (see 1 Peter 1:13-16), for it is our ETERNAL HOME (see Philippians 3:20-21, 2 Corinthians 5:1):

Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who DOES the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’ (Matthew 7:21-23)

Hence, let’s REALLY abide in the Holy Spirit and live like what Galatians 2:19-20 state: “For through the law I died to the law so that I might live for God. I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me,” in order to do the will of God, for our eternal home is waiting for us:

Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. (Galatians 6:8-10)

THANKFUL, Because of His Deeds!

“Give thanks to the Lord and proclaim his greatness. Let the whole world know what he has done.” – Psalm 105:1 NLT

We should give thanks to the Lord and proclaim His greatness to the world.

But why? Did he do AMAZING things in our lives? Yes, He did! Of course, this makes sense if God has blessed us with things that we desperately need in our lives, like healing and power/strength. However, out of His wonderful deeds that we MOSTLY should be grateful and appreciated was that He came down from heaven into the world as Jesus Christ, to crucify Himself on the cross to get rid of our sins that we did from the beginning, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23):

You were dead because of your sins and because your sinful nature was not yet cut away. Then God made you alive with Christ, for he forgave all our sins. He canceled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross. In this way, he disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities. He shamed them publicly by his victory over them on the cross. (Colossians 2:13:15)

 This means that He saved us from our sin! So that we could become the righteousness of God, since we are His children (see 1 John 3:1); the members of Christ (see Romans 12:4-5):

“He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.” For “you were like sheep going astray,” but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls. (1 Peter 2:24-25)

Furthermore, God, our heavenly Father poured His Spirit into us due to His steadfast love (Romans 5:5), as our guidance/advocate/friend to help us in the walk with the Lord:

If you love me, keep my commands. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever—the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. The Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do NOT give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. (John 14:15-17,26-27)

Therefore, as new creations in Christ Jesus (2 Corinthians 5:17), we SHOULD be ambassador of Christ in full-devotion before the Lord, for the word of God says:

All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. (Matthew 28:18-20)

You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. For you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. (Matthew 5:14-16, 1 Peter 2:9, 2 Corinthians 5:20)

Doers of the Word in Christ Jesus!

“Don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves.” – James 1:22 NLT

As a TRUE follower of Jesus, we must not only listen the word of God; we ought to do them as well, for faith without works is dead. (James 2:17) This is because it is not just some kind of history, for:

The word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12)

This means that it is for ANY people, for:

He predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. (Ephesians 1:5, 2 Timothy 3:16-17)

Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand FIRM in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God. (Philippians 1:27-28)

Therefore, let’s REALLY be the servant of God by diving into the word of God; let’s NOT only be the hearers of the word, but let’s be doers of the word as well:

Don’t just listen to God’s word. You MUST do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. For if you listen to the word and don’t obey, it is like glancing at your face in a mirror. You see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like. But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don’t forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it. (James 1:22-25)

“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock [Jesus].” (Matthew 7:24-26)

RIGHTEOUSNESS and JUSTIFICATIONS in Christ Jesus!

“To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.” – Proverbs 21:3 NIV

Even though sacrifice is good, we should more focus on the righteousness and justifications of God. This is because we are born again which is by the Holy Spirit, whom God poured into us as our advocate, friend, and guidance to help us in the walk with God (see John 14:15-17,26); if we are born again by the Spirit, then we are new creations (2 Corinthians 5:17) and called to be the righteousness of God. This is the reason of Christ’s crucifixion and His resurrection:

“He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.” For “you were like sheep going astray,” but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls. Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him. In this new life, it doesn’t matter if you are a Jew or a Gentile, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbaric, uncivilized, slave, or free. Christ is all that matters, and he lives in all of us. Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. (1 Peter 2:24-25, Colossians 3:10-12)

Overall, if we keep focusing on the righteousness and justifications of God, or meditate this verse of Matthew 6:33: “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need” over and over again, then godly-sacrificial desires will automatically come to us, so we can sacrifice our own desires for other people (see Philippians 2:3-4). But MOSTLY we can live as a living sacrifice that is HOLY and PLEASING to God:

Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. (Romans 12:1-2)

Wonderful Counselor/Mighty God/Everlasting Father/Prince of Peace!

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” – Isaiah 9:6 NIV

God, our Creator and our heavenly Father (see 1 Corinthians 8:6) sent His Son, Jesus as an image of Himself (Colossians 1:15) into the world to crucify Himself on the cross as an atonement of our sins due to His steadfast love, in order to reveal Himself to us, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23):

This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. (1 John 4:9-10)

He wants us to know that there is better life ahead of us, which is an everlasting one, for our citizenship is in the kingdom of Heaven (see Philippians 3:18-21), where there are no more tears, death, mourning, crying, and pain (Revelation 21:4):

For God so loved the world [heaven – the kingdom of God] that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall NOT perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world [us] through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. (John 3:16-18)

As these verses state, we HAVE to believe in Jesus Christ, NOT legalistically, but in FULL-DEVOTION in order to have eternal life, which is our eternal home as well – “For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands.” (2 Corinthians 5:1)

Jesus Christ is the Wonderful Counselor, and Prince of Peace. These are because of the Holy Spirit, whom God poured His Spirit into us due to His steadfast love (Romans 5:5), as our guidance/advisor/counselor/friend to help us in the walk with the Lord:

The Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. (John 14:26-27)

And inside of the Holy Spirit, there are different fruits, which are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. But there are all combined into the one, which is THE FRUIT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT (Galatians 5:22-23). So if we know that we have the Holy Spirit inside of us, then we have those qualities as well, which produces character:

Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. (Romans 5:1-5)

Overall, our heavenly Father is Mighty God, since He is the Creator as well (see Genesis 1:1):

Have you never heard? Have you never understood? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of all the earth. He never grows weak or weary. No one can measure the depths of his understanding. (Isaiah 40:28 NLT)

This means He created us as well (see Genesis 1:27), which means that He is controlling us through the Holy Spirit, if we are willing to let Him to control over lives. 

Once we FULLY-SURRENDER to Him, He will never let us go from the Spirit and His presence!

You have searched me, Lord, and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you, Lord, know it completely. You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain. Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,” even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you. For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. – Psalm 139:1-14

Faith is Our FIRST Principle in Christ Jesus!

“Without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” – Hebrews 11:6 NIV

Yes, this is true that without faith it is IMPOSSIBLE to please God. We also CANNOT get right with Him without faith, for the word of God states:

… my righteous one will live by faith. And I take no pleasure in the one who shrinks back.” (Hebrews 10:38) - “We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, NO matter who we are. (Romans 3:22)

  

We CANNOT even come to Him, if we do not have any faith in Christ Jesus – “If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in them and they in God.” (1 John 4:15) This means that faith is FIRST PRINCIPLE that we all need to have, if we want to be a follower of Jesus. This is because without faith we CANNOT have love and hope as well as peace (see John 14:27) and joy (see 1 Peter 1:3-9) in Christ Jesus, even though love is the greatest of all (1 Corinthians 13:13) -- since all of us are justified with God through faith:

Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. (Romans 5:1-5)

The BEST way to increase our faith in God is through the Bible, which is a book that is FULL of God’s word, for “all Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work,” (2 Timothy 3:16-17) as well as praying in Christ Jesus that is according to the will of God – “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7)

However, we have to surrender our lives before Him; to fully-please God, our Lord and Creator by keep doing the will of God, for the Bible states:

Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your TRUE and PROPER worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be TRANSFORMED by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Romans 12:1-2)

NO Cursing in Christ Jesus!

“With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should NOT be.” – James 3:9-10 NIV

Out of the same mouth, we SHOULDN’T curse human beings while we are praising the Lord, for the word of God says, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.” (Mark 12:30-31) We have to know that God is love, for love comes from Him; “We love because he first loved us.” (1 John 4:19):

“Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.” (1 John 4:7-12)

Since Romans 13:9-10 states: ‘…whatever other command there may be, are summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law,’ we are breaking the entire law, if we do NOT love one another; the word of God says, “For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become accountable for all of it.” (James 2:10)

Therefore, if we want to do keep doing the will of God by obeying His commandments, then we ought to love one another INCLUDING our enemies, even though it is difficult. And instead of cursing, we should “… encourage one another and build each other up…” (1 Thessalonians 5:11), for “… in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.” (Romans 12:5)

The Righteous Prayer in Christ Jesus!

“This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.” – 1 John 5:14-15 NIV

We know that the “prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” (James 5:16) But what kind of prayer is a righteous prayer? The righteous prayer is to pray in the Holy Spirit, which means praying according to the will of God with our humilities before Him – “If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.” (John 15:7) This is because the peace of God will flow within us that will guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus:

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7)

We know this because Jesus, Himself said to us: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do NOT give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27)

After all, the word of God states in James 4:2-3: “... You do not have because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures,” – we OUGHT to concern the will of God, then pray in FULL-DEVOTION through Holy Spirit, for “The Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say.” (Luke 12:12)

“This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.” – 1 John 5:14-15 NIV

ENDURING&PERSEVERING Painful Trials in Christ Jesus!

“My friends, DON’T be surprised at the painful things that you are now suffering, which are testing your faith. Don’t think that something strange is happening to you. But you should be happy that you are sharing in Christ’s sufferings. You will be happy and full of joy when Christ shows his glory.” (1 Peter 4:12-13) – ‘God said, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.’ (2 Corinthians 12:9-10)

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can NEVER perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.” – 1 Peter 1:3-9

Even though pain trials are difficult for us, we OUGHT to endure and persevere them in joyful mind-set – “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” (James 1:2-3) This is because of the glory that will reveal to us when Jesus Christ comes, for the Bible says, “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.” (James 1:12) – “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven.....” (Matthew 5:10-12)

These kinds of insults and persecutions are possible to happen in our lives, since Jesus says, “If the world hates you, KEEP in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do NOT belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. Remember what I told you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also. They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the one who sent me.” (John 15:18-21)

Therefore, we SHOULD ALWAYS rejoice in hope that we SHOULD consider that our earthly life have NO meaning to us, since we are going to be raised up in our NEW glorious body, for ‘our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body. For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands.’ (Philippians 3:20-21, 2 Corinthians 5:1) – “Whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, NOT having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead. Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and STRAINING TOWARD what is ahead, I PRESS ON toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:7-14)

“Therefore we do NOT lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes NOT on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. For we died, and our life is NOW hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is our life, appears, then we also will appear with him in glory.” (2 Corinthians 4:16-18, Colossians 3:3-4) – “We have sufferings now, but these are NOTHING compared to the great glory that will be given to us. Everything that God made is waiting with excitement for the time when he will show the world who his children are. The whole world wants very much for that to happen. Everything God made was allowed to become like something that cannot fulfill its purpose. That was NOT its choice, but God made it happen with this hope in view: That the creation would be made free from ruin—that everything God made would have the same freedom and glory that belong to God’s children. We know that everything God made has been waiting until now in pain like a woman ready to give birth to a child. Not only the world, but we also have been waiting with pain inside us. We have the Spirit as the first part of God’s promise. So we are waiting for God to finish making us his own children. I mean we are waiting for our bodies to be made free. We were saved to have this hope. If we can see what we are waiting for, that is not really hope. People don’t hope for something they already have. But we are hoping for something we don’t have yet, and we are waiting for it patiently.” (Romans 8:18-25)

“My friends, DON’T be surprised at the painful things that you are now suffering, which are testing your faith. Don’t think that something strange is happening to you. But you should be happy that you are sharing in Christ’s sufferings. You will be happy and full of joy when Christ shows his glory.” (1 Peter 4:12-13) – ‘God said, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.’ (2 Corinthians 12:9-10)

The EVERLASTING God, the Creator of ALL the Earth!

“Have you never heard? Have you never understood? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of all the earth. He never grows weak or weary. No one can measure the depths of his understanding. There is one God, the Father, by whom all things were created, and for whom we live. And there is one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things were created, and through whom we live.” – Isaiah 40:28, 1 Corinthians 8:6 NLT

These verses states it all of whom God is. He is our EVERLASTING Father who is the Creator of heavens and the earth (Genesis 1:1). This means everything on the earth is Lord’s (Psalm 24:1), which means we are created for His glory; just like what 1 Corinthians 8:6 states, “There is one God, the Father, by whom all things were created, and for whom we live. And there is one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things were created, and through whom we live.”

However, Satan, the enemy of God entered the world through Adam and Eve, the first man and woman created by God – “Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all people, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 5:12, Romans 3:23)

Because of this, God sent His beloved Son as an image of Himself (Colossians 1:15) into the world to crucify Himself on the cross as atonement of our sins (Colossians 2:13-15); in order to make us right with God again, by living through faith in Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17) – “God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ. We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, NO matter who we are.” (2 Corinthians 5:21, Romans 3:22)

“Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery.” (Hebrews 2:14–15) – ‘“He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.” For “you were like sheep going astray,” but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.’ (1 Peter 2:24-25)

But why He was crucified on the cross for our sins? Well, John 3:16 answers this question – “For God SO loved the world [heaven – kingdom of God] that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall NOT perish but have eternal life.” This means that He wants us in heaven, since we are part of His Creation (Genesis 1:27). However, we have freedom to choose whether to pay penalty of sins by ourselves by following the world, which is death at the end of age; or to follow Jesus, our savior and Lord by doing the will of God until the end, which is ETERNAL life. For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 6:23)

Furthermore, God is our Provider as well, due to the steadfast love of God that is towards us – “God will meet ALL your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19) as long as we would use everything that He has given us for His glory and the kingdom of God – “When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with WRONG motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures. You adulterous people, DON’T you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God. Or do you think Scripture says without reason that he jealously longs for the spirit he has caused to dwell in us?” (James 4:3-5)

Therefore, let’s REPENT (see Matthew 3:2) and choose the narrow gate rather than the wide one. For the word of God says, “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” (Matthew 7:13-14) This means that we OUGHT to crucify our fleshy gain, desires and passion, and everything that has to do with flesh; by denying ourselves and taking our cross. And let’s also USE EVERYTHING for His glory and for the kingdom of God! For Jesus says, “Whoever wants to be my disciple MUST deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it. What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul? For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father’s glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what they have done.” (Matthew 16:24-27)

FAITH in Christ Jesus!

“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” – Hebrews 11:1 NIV

Being a follower of Jesus requires faith; but just like Hebrews 11:1 states, what do we hope for? Is there any such hope? Yes there is; hope is ETERNAL LIFE. We can see this that we are going to get eternal life in the Bible which is word of God, such as John 3:16-18 and John 17:3: “For God so loved the world [heaven – kingdom of God] that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall NOT perish but have eternal life. For God did NOT send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to SAVE the world through him. Whoever believes in him is NOT condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have NOT believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.” – “Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the ONLY TRUE God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.”

God, our heavenly Father knew that ALL of us are sinners, so He sent His Son Jesus Christ, as an image of Himself (Colossians 1:15) into the world to crucify Himself on the cross as an atonement of our sins, for ‘the wages of sin is death….. But the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.’ (Romans 6:23) This means eternal life is Jesus Christ. What a GREAT gift is that!?

However, we can get easily sidetracked from following Jesus by worldly things. This is because Satan, the enemy of God is trying to make us to turn away from Jesus, NO MATTER what, and start to lean towards Him, especially through worldly materials. This is why Jesus said, “Whoever wants to be my disciple MUST deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it” (Matthew 16:24-25), and since we are already sinners. This means that we OUGHT to overcome the world, NO MATTER what, if we want to be a TRUE follower of Jesus Christ, for ‘we know that we are children of God, and that the whole world is under the control of the evil one.’ (1 John 5:19) – “Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone who loves the Father loves whoever has been born of him. By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and obey his commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are NOT burdensome. For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?” (1 John 5:1-5)

"Do NOT store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But STORE up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” – Matthew 6:19-21

‘What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written: “For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.’ (Romans 8:31-39)

Therefore, let’s hold our hope FAST with gratefulness that we are going to get eternal life at the end of age, for ‘our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body. For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands.’ (Philippians 3:20-21, 2 Corinthians 5:1) – “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can NEVER perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.” (1 Peter 1:3-9)

And let’s REALLY be the righteous children of God – ‘“He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.” For “you were like sheep going astray,” but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.’ (1 Peter 2:24-25)

“Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, NOT earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.” – Colossians 3:1-4

“Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.” (Matthew 6:33, Philippians 4:19)