Proclaiming the Kingdom of God!

“He [Paul] proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ—with all boldness and without hindrance!” – Acts 28:31 NIV

If we are true followers of Jesus Christ and committed our lives to Him—we have to preach the kingdom of God and teach about Lord Jesus Christ in any way we can. This is because this is our great commission from God (Matthew 28:18-20) and Jesus Christ is the way of the life and the truth (John 14:6). This means that the world is not where we supposed to belong, for the whole world is under the control by Satan, the enemy of God (1 John 5:19). The main reason for this is that God, our Heavenly Father (Ephesians 4:6) had created mankind as His own image in His kingdom (Genesis 1:27-2:7). However, because of Satan, the demonic dragon (Revelation 12:7-9)—we were separated from our Heavenly Father and His kingdom (Romans 5:12). Therefore, God sent His beloved Son, Jesus Christ as His own image into the world (John 1:14) to crucify Himself on the cross for our sins (Colossians 2:13-15); to break the power of the evil authority within us (Hebrews 2:14-15) so that we may be saved through faith in Christ Jesus (Ephesians 2:8-9). For this reason, the word of God proclaims, “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12)

Moreover, God has poured His Spirit into us (Ezekiel 36:26-27) and created the Bible, the book of His Word for us (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Thus, we can proclaim and preach the kingdom of God and about Jesus Christ with boldness and confidence (1 Corinthians 1:17). For the Bible declares, “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. Once you were not a people, but now you are God's people…” (1 Peter 2:9-10)

You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.

And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come. (Acts 1:8, Matthew 24:14)

The Power of the Holy Spirit and Being the Witness of God!

“You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” – Acts 1:8 NIV

When Jesus Christ was resurrected, God, our Heavenly Father (Ephesians 4:6) poured His Spirit into us to be witness of Him. This ‘witness’ does not mean that we will actually see the Lord, but it means that we could feel His presence in our lives. Hence, Jesus Christ had declared,

Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you. And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment: concerning sin, because they do not believe in me; concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father, and you will see me no longer; concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged. (John 16:7-11)

However, the Holy Spirit never comes to us unless we have committed our lives to Jesus Christ, who was crucified and resurrected for our sake. This means that we ought to firmly believe in Jesus Christ if we want to receive the power of the Spirit, even though we do not have ‘moments of inspiration.’ The main reason for having the Holy Spirit until the end of the age is that we can guarantee that we are citizens of heaven (2 Corinthians 5:1-5).

Therefore, we really have to abide in the Spirit of God to proclaim that Jesus is alive (Acts 1:8). This is because the word of God proclaims, “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. Once you were not a people, but now you are God's people…” (1 Peter 2:9) In addition, we ought to preach of the repentance—just like Jesus did (Matthew 4:17), so they might get saved (Acts 4:12). We must use the Bible to do this. “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)

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)

Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come. (Matthew 24:12-14)

For this very reason, the word of God declares,

Jesus, undeterred, went right ahead and gave his charge: “God authorized and commanded me to commission you: Go out and train everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life, marking them by baptism in the threefold name: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Then instruct them in the practice of all I have commanded you. I’ll be with you as you do this, day after day after day, right up to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:18-20)

In my case, the power of the Holy Spirit has been poured into me to preach the Gospel through writing. Therefore, I continually thanking the Lord for pouring His grace and mercy upon me (Titus 2:11-14,3:4-8). For this reason, I am willing and going to be a Christian author in the future, even though it is going to be hard.

The Unity in Christ Jesus!

“I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought.” – 1 Corinthians 1:10 NIV

If we consider ourselves as true followers of Jesus Christ and are devoted to Him, then we should not be divided. This is because each of one of us are members of Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 12:27). This means that we belong to each other as well.

For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. (Romans 12:4-5)

The human body has many parts, but the many parts make up one whole body. So it is with the body of Christ. Some of us are Jews, some are Gentiles, some are slaves, and some are free. But we have all been baptized into one body by one Spirit, and we all share the same Spirit. (1 Corinthians 12:12-13)

                                                                                                                  

For this reason, we should be perfectly united in mind and thought. This means that we need to be selfless, looking at other interests above our own ones.

Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” (Philippians 2:1-4)

These are the reasons why communities are crucial part in our lives. In addition, if followers of Jesus Christ stay in unity, than it has more chance of knowing Him and being the light of Jesus to the world (John 17:20-23; Acts 2:42-47).

Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. (Hebrews 10:24-25)

Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit. (Ephesians 2:19-22)

Jesus Christ, the Full-Acceptance Deserver!

“Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners…” – 1 Timothy 1:15 NIV

Jesus Christ deserves our full acceptance. This is because He saved us from sin by crucifying Himself on the cross (Colossians 2:13-15), and God, our Heavenly Father and Creator gave us a chance to have eternal life at the end of the age. “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23) The reason why He saved us from the wages of sin is because of the sake of His kingdom and His steadfast love.

For God so loved the world 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. (John 3:16-18)

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)

Therefore, if we want the eternal life that our Heavenly Father (Ephesians 4:6) offers to us, then we have to repent (Matthew 3:2) and accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior (Acts 4:12) by believing in Him. “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9) This means that once we have been spiritually saved through faith—we have to deny ourselves (Matthew 16:24-25) and align with the Spirit of God that God has poured into us (Ezekiel 36:26-27); to do His will until the end of the age. This is because Jesus proclaims, “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.” (Matthew 7:21) Also, Hebrews 11:6 declares: “And 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.”

Don’t be misled—you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant. Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful nature will harvest decay and death from that sinful nature. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit. (Galatians 6:7-8)

For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But whoever does not have them is nearsighted and blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their past sins.

Therefore, my brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  (2 Peter 1:5-11)

The Love in Christ Jesus!

“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 4:10 NIV

If we want to live our lives that is full of love and if we want to follow Jesus Christ—we ought to love others even if we are not receiving it, just like Jesus Christ did. This means that we cannot separate from living our lives that is full of love and following Jesus Christ. This is because love comes from God so if we want to know God—we must love others whether we are receiving it back or not. For this reason, the word of God declares,

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. (1 John 4:7-8)

Moreover, we can consider love is the best way to be the light of Jesus Christ. This is because if we are living our lives that is full of the love of God, then others could see that kind of love and might want to experience it more; as they are living their lives.  In other words, we could influence one another spiritually by loving others. This is why the word of God proclaims, “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 4:12)

You are the light of the world. A town built 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, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:14-16)

Last of all, love of God is the requirement to those who are devoted follower of Jesus Christ. This is because loving others is the second commandment from God (Mark 12:30-31) and love of God fulfills the law of the Spirit. (Romans 13:8-10) The reason why we have to love others is that all of us are members of each other (Romans 12:4-5, 1 Corinthians 12:12-13), since  each one of us are individual parts of Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 12:27) For this reason, the word of God states,

Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen. And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister. (1 John 4:20-21)

The Fearfully and the Wonderfully Creations of God!

“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 139:13-14 NIV

Even though we do not like our identities, we ought to believe that we have been made fearfully and wonderfully. This is because God, our Heavenly and Creator has created us in His image. (Genesis 1:27) Because of this, we can be called the children of God if we believe and have accepted Jesus Christ as our Lord and Saviour. (John 1:12-13) This is the reason why He was crucified and resurrected; to let us have relationship with God again. “For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God…” (1 Peter 3:18) For this reason, Jesus Christ have said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6)

Moreover, God has distributed all kinds of His gifts to the children of God through the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:4-6), so we have to use them to let others show who Jesus Christ is (Romans 12:6-8) for the glory (Colossians 3:4) and the kingdom of God. (Matthew 7:21) This is why Jesus has said, “Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.” (John 14:12)

You are the light of the world. A town built 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, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:14-16)

But 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. (1 Peter 2:9)

All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. (2 Corinthians 5:19-20)

Therefore, we have to praise God for making us the children of Him to do good works in Christ Jesus.

For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. (Ephesians 2:10)

For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building.

By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as a wise builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should build with care. For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 3:9-11)

For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But whoever does not have them is nearsighted and blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their past sins.

Therefore, my brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. (2 Peter 1:5-11)

In my case, God has created me as a disabled person. However, I thank the Lord for giving me the grace of God and the power of the Holy Spirit to become Christian Writer. Even though, I only write devotionals for the glory (Colossians 3:4) and the kingdom of God (Matthew 7:21), I am willing to become a Christian author in the future, even though it is going to be hard. This is because I believe that it is the will of God for me to influence others spiritually through writing. 

The Law of the Spirit!

“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death. For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.” – Romans 8:1-4 NIV

Since the law of this world leads into sin and death—God sent His only Son, Jesus Christ as an image of Himself into the world (John 1:14) to crucify Himself on the cross as an atonement of our sins; and to destroy the evil one from ruling over us. (Colossians 2:13-15; Hebrews 2:14-15) Thus, the word of God proclaims, “The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 15:56-57) The reason that He gives us the victory through the crucifixion and the resurrection of Jesus is because of His sake for the kingdom of heaven and the steadfast love that He has around us—since we are part of His creation as well. (Genesis 1-2)

For God so loved the world 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. (John 3:16-18)

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)

Moreover, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, God, our Heavenly Father and Creator (1 Corinthians 8:6) has poured Hiis Spirit into us to advocate us to do the will of God (John 16:7-13) until the end of the age, so that we can enter the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 7:21) This means that the Holy Spirit is the requirement of being the righteousness of God, just like what 8:4 states. For this reason, we have the right to overcome the world (1 John 5:1-5) and live according to the Spirit of God, if we consider the eternal kingdom of heaven is our destiny. (Philippians 3:18-21, 2 Corinthians 5:1)

Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you. For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world. And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever. (1 John 2:15-17)

Don’t be misled—you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant. Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful nature will harvest decay and death from that sinful nature. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit. So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith. (Galatians 6:7-10)

The Peacemakers in Christ Jesus!

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” – Matthew 5:9 NIV

If we consider ourselves children of God (1 John 3:1) by believing and accepting Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior (John 1:12-13), then we are called to live our lives peacefully in the presence of God, especially among others. For this reason the word of God declares, “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) The main reasons for this are that the world belongs to Satan, the enemy of God (1 John 5:19), and we are in the one body of Christ Jesus (1 Corinthians 12:27) These perspectives of life apply to us more if we know that we are children of God. (Romans 12:4-5; 1 Corinthians 12:12-13) For these reasons, the word of God states,

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. (Colossians 3:12-14)

In other words, since Jesus have said, “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)—we  ought to use the peace of God at all times, especially among others. This is because the word of God proclaims, “The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.” (2 Corinthians 4:4)

For this reason, we ought to proclaim that Jesus is the way of the life and the truth (John 14:6) and be the light of the nations and the world in Christ Jesus.

You are the light of the world. A town built 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, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:14-16)

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. (1 Peter 2:9)

All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. (2 Corinthians 5:19-20)

The Justification Through Faith in Christ Jesus!

“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 NIV

Because of the grace and the mercy of God, we have been saved through faith in Christ.

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9)

But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone. (Titus 3:4-8)

Therefore, we have to understand that we have not been saved by our righteousness deeds. This is because if we keep doing our own righteousness deeds without the faith in Christ Jesus—we are going to be condemned and led into death at the end of the age, since we are sinners (Romans 5:12) This is exactly why Jesus Christ was crucified on the cross; to provide us the way of the truth and the life. (John 14:6) Thus, He says, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?” (John 11:25-26) The reason why Jesus mentions us that we are going to live if we believe in Him even though we die, is that we are going to be in the kingdom of heaven, where our heavenly Father is. This is because our citizenship has been transferred from this world to the kingdom of God if we believe and have accepted Jesus Christ as our Lord and Saviour. (Philippians 3:18-21, 2 Corinthians 5:1)

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death. For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.

Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God.

You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ. But if Christ is in you, then even though your body is subject to death because of sin, the Spirit gives life because of righteousness. And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you. (Romans 8:1-11)

For God so loved the world [kingdom of heaven] 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. (John 3:16-18)

Therefore, we only have to believe in Jesus Christ and trust what the Holy Spirit tells us to do. (John 14:15-17,26-27;16:13) “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Ephesians 2:10) This is also because faith without works is dead. (James 2:14-26) Furthermore, Hebrews 11:6 declares, “And 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.”

Don’t be misled—you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant. Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful nature will harvest decay and death from that sinful nature. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit. So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith. (Galatians 6:7-10)

Second of all, since we are not being saved by our righteous deeds, we should rather boast in the hope of the glory of God (1 Peter 1:3-9); to encourage one another so they can be encouraged to do everything for the glory of God. (1 Corinthians 10:31) The main reason for this is that each one of us are temple of the Holy Spirit. (1 Corinthians 3:16)

Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies. (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)

Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit. (Ephesians 2:19-22)

But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. (Isaiah 40:31)

For me, I do not know that I have been justified by God, our heavenly Father (Ephesians 4:6) through faith in Christ Jesus. The problem for this is that I have so much faith in Christ Jesus that I want to get into the word of God everyday, even though I am tired, but sometimes, I have been lacking deeds in Him. This is because I have committed myself that I am going to persevere my weariness to write devotionals for others, but I have not been doing it often. Furthermore, I got confused with resting in Christ Jesus (Matthew 11:28-30) and workmanship in Him. (Ephesians 2:10) However, I realised after I woke up today that the end of Ephesians 2:10, which declares, “…, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”

For this reason, I have to persevere to write devotionals everyday, even though my tiredness. This is because I know that this is the will and of God. In addition, I also ought to try to manage my Bible time a little bit so I can get into the word of God without any weariness.

Jesus Christ, our Saviour!

“He [Jesus Christ] is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.” - 1 John 2:2 NIV

The main reason why Jesus Christ was sent into the world (John 1:14) is to crucify Himself on the cross as an atonement of our sins. (Colossians 2:13-15) Thus, we can be saved from the devil, whom was inside of us before Jesus was crucified. (Hebrews 2:14-15) This means that He has provided us the way of the life and the truth. (John 14:6) “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23) This shows us how much God has loved His eternal kingdom of heaven and us, as the word of God declares:

For God so loved the world 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. (John 3:16-18)

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)

Moreover, God has poured His Spirit into us to advocate us in walking with Him. (John 14:15-17,26-27, Ezekiel 36:26-27) “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9) In addition, Jesus Christ had said,

Very truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. When he comes, he will prove the world to be in the wrong about sin and righteousness and judgment: about sin, because people do not believe in me; about righteousness, because I am going to the Father, where you can see me no longer; and about judgment, because the prince of this world now stands condemned. I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear. But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. (John 16:7-13)

Therefore, we have to overcome the world (1 John 5:1-5) if we want to follow Jesus Christ and be devoted to Him (Galatians 5:24-25; 1 John 2:15-17), even though it is going to be hard. (Mark 8:34-38) This is also why that God created the Bible, which contains many different of gospels that is full of His Word, to guide us in the right path of following Him. (2 Timothy 3:16-17) “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)

For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes… For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.” (Romans 1:16-17)

Nonetheless, we need to repent to God before we start to follow Him—since we are sinners (Romans 3:23;5:12) This is because the word of God says:

Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. (Matthew 3:2)

Now repent of your sins and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped away. Then times of refreshment will come from the presence of the Lord, and he will… send you Jesus, your appointed Messiah. (Acts 3:19-20)

The Repentance and the Way to Live in Christ Jesus!

“Rid yourselves of all the offenses you have committed, and get a new heart and a new spirit… For I take no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Sovereign Lord. Repent and live!” – Ezekiel 18:31-32 NIV

First of all, we have to know that we are sinners, since we are in this world. (Romans 5:12) Furthermore, most of us do not want to repent after they have sinned and done unrighteous deeds against God and to the people that are around us. However, the word of God declares: “If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he [God] is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:8-9) This means that God, our Creator (Genesis 1:27) is forgiving God as well. For this reason, repentance is necessary, even when we are following Jesus Christ, but especially to those of us who are starting to become followers of our Lord. Moreover, repentance is one of the ways to get everlasting life, since the word of God declares: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” (Matthew 3:2) Thus, instead, repentance is nomally viewed in shameful perspective, but we also can view it as in fortunate perspective. Furthermore, the word of God states:

Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few. (Matthew 7:13-14)

                                                                                                                                  

Then he [Jesus Christ] called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: “Whoever wants to be my disciple [follower] 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 and for the gospel will save it. What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul? If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his Father’s glory with the holy angels.” (Mark 8:34-38)

Therefore, God, our Heavenly Father created the Bible for us through His word to help us to become the righteousness of God. (2 Timothy 3:16-17) Thus, we have to mediate on what the word of God says, for it is the power of God that brings us salvation in Christ Jesus. (Romans 1:16-17; Philippians 1:27-29) 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)

Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the LORD, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither-- whatever they do prospers. (Psalm 1:1-3)

Moreove, God poured His Spirit into us to advocate us to do the will of God (John 14:15-17,26-27, Ezekiel 36:26-27) until the end of the age, so we can enter the eternal life. This is because Jesus Christ proclaims:

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, the word of God declares:

Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you. For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world. And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever. (1 John 2:15-17)

Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives. (Galatians 5:24-25)

The Fear of the Lord!

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” – Proverbs 9:10 NIV

If we are devoted and have committed our lives to Christ—we have the fear towards the Lord. If we see the word ‘fear,’ then it is more likely to be considered as scary-fear. However, in the biblical standard of view, ‘fear’ actually means like awe and amazement. Because of this, we ought to be filled with wisdom that comes from the power of the Spirit of God to do the will of Him until the end of the age; as we have a new destiny at our hand. (Matthew 7:21) This is because if we believe and have accepted Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, we automatically become the children of God (John 1:12-13), which means our citizenship is automatically transferred to the kingdom of heaven. (Philippians 3:20-21, 2 Corinthians 5:1) For these reasons, the word of God declares,

Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. (Ephesians 5:15-18)

Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you. For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world. And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever. (1 John 2:15-17)

Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives. (Galatians 5:24-25)

As these verses state, we have to overcomers of the world. This is because “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) Thus, the word of God also states,

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)

Hence, we need to take the word of God seriously, for it is the power of God; to train us in righteeousness of Him. (Romans 1:16-17; 2 Timothy 3:16-17) This is also because the Bible says,

We know that we have come to know him [God] if we keep his commands. Whoever says, “I know him,” but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that person. But if anyone obeys his word, love for God is truly made complete in them. This is how we know we are in him: Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did. (1 John 2:3-6)

Because the word of God gives the access to the salvation, which is in Christ Jesus (Acts 4:12)—the Bible also proclaims:

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. For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him. (Philippians 1:27-29)

Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock. (Matthew 7:24-25)

Because I have fear of the Lord in my heart, I am amped up to write devotionals for others. This is because I know this is the will of God, and this is the only way that I can publicly confess who Jesus Christ is. (1 John 4:15) This is also part of our great commission from the Lord. (Matthew 28:18-20) For this reason, I want to spread the word of God all over the world.

Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom… And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. (Colossians 3:16-17)

The Perfect Timing of God!

“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” – 2 Peter 3:9, Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV

Since God, our Heavenly Father (Ephesians 4:6) is an Almighty God (Revelation 1:8)—He is smarter than all of us. This is because He knows the beginning [past/history], the middle [present] and the end [future]. ‘“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”’ (Jeremiah 29:11) Thus, the word of God declares:

Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. (Isaiah 40:28)

Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out! “Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor?” “Who has ever given to God, that God should repay them?” For from him and through him and for him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen. (Romans 11:33-36)

In other words, God has perfect timing for all of us. “For there is a proper time and procedure for every matter, though a person may be weighed down by misery.” (Ecclesiastes 8:6) For this reason, we have to only trust Him with everything and wait for the Lord (Psalm 27:14), instead of doing everything that we can according to our knowledge. Then the Spirit of God would guide us what to do in the direction to the will of God. Hence, the word of God declares, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Therefore, we must repent (Matthew 3:2), especially who are followers of Jesus Christ and have right mindset according to the Holy Spirit, even though it is hard. (Romans 12:1-2) In addition, we ought to be confident in the Lord until the end of the age. (Philippians 1:6) This is because “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)

… those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. (Isaiah 40:31)

To be honest, I thought I could do devotional-writing early, even though I sleep late if I persevere my tiredness. If I could not do it, I have been kept repenting. However, I realise that I am not able to do it now, or I haven’t been focusing on the kingdom of God seriously. The reason why I have been sleeping late is that I wanted to read the word of God. For this reason, I need to change my schedule somehow by trusting the Lord, even though I still think that I can do devotional-writing if I persevere my weariness. 

The Infinite Value of Jesus Christ!

“Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ and become one with him. I no longer count on my own righteousness through obeying the law; rather, I become righteous through faith in Christ. For God’s way of making us right with himself depends on faith.” – Philippians 3:8-9 NLT

If we have committed our lives to God—we ought to do everything in Jesus Christ’s name for the glory (1 Corinthians 10:31; Colossians 3:4) and the kingdom of God (Matthew 7:21) with thankfulness. (Colossians 3:17) This is because “we know that we are children of God and that the world around us is under the control of the evil one.” (1 John 5:19) The reason why we are children of God is that we believe and have accepted Jesus Christ as our Lord and Saviour. (John 1:12-13) This means that we must discard everything else that do not relate to the will of God. Thus, the word of God declares:

Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you. For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world. And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever. (1 John 2:15-17)

Furthermore, if we consider ourselves that we are children of God—we are considered to be chosen out of this world (John 15:19), for we have a new destiny at our hand. This is because Apostle Paul states:

For, 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. (Philippians 3:18-21)

This means that we have to forget about our own righteousness that comes through the law, and we ought to become righteousness of God that comes through faith instead. This is because the word of God declares, “The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 15:56-57) In addition, that “victory,” which is stated in 1 Corinthians 15:57 is by faith in Jesus Christ. This is because 1 John 5:4 says, “… this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.”  For this reason, the word of God proclaims, “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)

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9)

Therefore, in order to earn eternal life—we must repent (Matthew 3:2) and live our lives by faith in Jesus Christ (Galatians 2:19-21) until the end of the age with concentration on the kingdom of heaven (Colossians 3:1-4, 1 Corinthians 10:31, Romans 14:17), even though it is going to be hard. (Matthew 16:24-27) This is because if we produce our faith, then it leads to godly life which could be worked by the power of the Spirit, and then godly life leads into everlasting life. (2 Peter 1:3-11) Hence, the word of God declares, “Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.” (1 Timothy 6:12)

Moreover, at the end of the age, we can confidently proclaim,

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day--and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing. (2 Timothy 4:7-8)

Just like these verses state, everything else that do not relate to the will of God is worthless in comparison of infinite value of knowing Jesus Christ. This is because Jesus Christ is eternal life. This means when we are pursuing Him, we are getting closer to the kingdom of heaven in spiritual sense. (John 17:3) For this reason, I believe that I threw everything away that does not relate to the will of God for fear that I might get addicted to wordly things again that I would not concentrate on the will of God. Moreover, when I write my devotionals, the Bible keeps on reminding me the specific verses. Thus, I think this is one of the ways that I get to know Jesus Christ more as I search the verses that I would like to conjoin with my writing. Because of this, I know why Richard Aguilar told me that my devotionals are changing me. “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) Thus, the grace of God and the power of the Holy Spirit amazes me sometimes, and I am so thankful that the Holy Spirit keeps telling me what to write!