Godliness with Contentment in Christ Jesus!

“But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it.” – 1 Timothy 6:6-7 NIV

All of us have to be content with godliness untill the end of the age, even though temptations may come upon us. The reason for this is that we supposed to enter the kingdom of heaven, where it was our original home (Genesis 1-2) until Satan, the evil enemy arrived (Genesis 3) to separate us from the Garden of Eden. The result of this was that He succeeded (Revelation 12:7-9). This is exactly why Jesus Christ was crucified on the cross as an atonement of our sins (Colossians 2:13-15) to pay our death penalty. “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23) Nonetheless, before Jesus was crucified, He said that it has been our own good that He was crucifying Himself, for God could not pour His Spirit into us until Jesus have ascended back into heaven (John 16:7-15) Thus, we are able to become the righteousness of God through Christ (2 Corinthians 5:21), for the Spirit of God is living within us (John 14:15-27).

At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. 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 3:3-8)

Just like what Titus 3:8 have stated—“… so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good,” we ought to abide in the Spirit of God to keep us with good works through Christ Jesus (Ephesians 2:10) and to help us being godly until the end of the age (2 Peter 1:3-11). “For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.” (1 Timothy 4:8). To be more specific, those of us who want to follow Jesus until the end of the age truthfully, continuing their godly lives with contentment is one of the requirements that they must have, even though it is hard (Matthew 16:24-27). In fact, before He was crucified, He had also declared, “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. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.” (John 14:12-13) Apostle Paul knew this very well, especially He was in the imprisonment for Jesus Christ so He confidently declared,

I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength. (Philippians 4:10-13)

Therefore, as what Matthew 16:24-26 stated, we must crucify our sinful desires, which are our worldly ones if we are going to live our lives for the eternal kingdom of God (Galatians 5:24-25). This is because the word of God proclaims, “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 4:4-5) Thus, for this reason, we ought to overcome the world until the end of the age (1 John 5:1-5), just like what Christ did (John 16:33). In fact, the word of God declares, “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)

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. And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him. (1 John 2:15-17, Hebrews 11:6)

But 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)

As for me, I truly believe following Jesus Christ until the end of the age is hard because of time-managementst hat we must organize for Jesus Christ. In other words, I find often hard to follow Jesus, due to the fact that I am quite slow than other people. Because of this, I try to manage my time; not to do everything at once, but in separate times. Nevertheless, even though it is hard (Matthew 7:13-14), I am going to continue to deny myself, and live for the glory and the kingdom of God (Colossians 3:1-4) and for others (Philippians 2:3-4). In addition to this, I am m not going to never give up with Christian Writing, for I know that it is one of my spiritual gifts, and I think this volunteering work is storing heavenly treasures up (Matthew 6:19-21) even though I often fail in persevering, for I am doing Christian-writing for the glory and the will of God (Matthew 7:21).

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)

The Will of God in Christ Jesus!

“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV

Three of the crucially important will of God is rejoicing, praying and thanking the Lord with all of our hearts and souls (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). This is because our sins have been forgiven by God, the Creator and our heavenly Father (1 John 1:9) and He gave us another chance to enter to the Garden of Eden, where we supposed to belong to (Genesis 1-2). The main reason for this is that we have been created to be part of God’s creation and images of Him (Genesis 1:27). “For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.” (Romans 8:29-30)

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. (John 3:16-17)

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)

Rejoicing is one of the characteristic attributes that we must have (Philippians 4:4), especially when we are followers of Jesus Christ, even though following Him until the end of the age can be hard (Matthew 16:24-27). This is because once we are followers of Christ, we have been saved by the mercy and the grace of God (Ephesians 2:8-10), and the hope of God is available to us (1 Peter 1:3-9). Thus, we tend to serve (Colossians 3:23-24; Ephesians 6:7-8) and worship Him with all of our souls, hearts, minds and strengths (Romans 12:1-2; John 4:23-24).

At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. 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 3:3-8)

Prayer is the most fundamental equipment that we ought to have as followers of Jesus Christ (Philippians 4:6-7). The main reason for this is that any kind of a biblical prayer opens up a healthy communication with our heavenly Father. Although He knows what we are going to pray for before we actually pray, He still wants us to pray before Him as prayers keep an intimate relationship with Him (Matthew 6:5-8). However, we must make it to be related to the will of God rather than ourselves. In addition to this, there is so much power of God in prayers except worldly ones. (John 15:7) Because of this, we often consider the prayer as “The Most Powerful Weapon of God.” Thus, for this reason, Jesus declares, “Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” (Mark 11:24)

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)

Thanking God is our primary thing that we should do all the time (Ephesians 5:20; Colossians 3:17). This is because our sins have been forgiven, due to the fact that Jesus Christ was crucified as an atonement of our sins (Colossians 2:13-15). In addition to this, we have been given another chance to the eternal kingdom of glory and heaven by becoming righteousness of God (2 Corinthians 5:21) and doing God’s will until the age (Matthew 7:21). Because of this, God has given us His Word (2 Timothy 3:16-17) and has poured His Spirit (John 14:15-27; 2 Peter 1:3-11) into us to transform our lives from worldliness to godliness (Romans 12:1-2). “For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.” (1 Timothy 4:8)

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.

Therefore, brothers and sisters, we have an obligation—but it is not to the flesh, to live according to it. For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live. (Romans 8:1-13)

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)

The Work of God!

‘Jesus answered, “The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.”’ – John 6:29 NIV

First of all, we have to know the foremost work of God that He requires from us is to believe in Jesus Christ (John 6:29), the One who God sent into the world as an image of Himself (John 1:14) to be crucified on the cross as an atonement of our sins (Colossians 2:13-15). This is because Jesus proclaims to be 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) To be specific, God has saved us through faith in Jesus (Ephesians 2:8), for He wants us to become righteousness of God through Christ (2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Peter 2:24-25). However, the main reason for this is that we were still part of His creation (Genesis 1:27), and this is why God has loved us so much that He sent His only Son into the world to be crucified.

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)

Secondly, in order to transform our desires and passions from worldliness into godliness, God has poured His Spirit into us (John 14:15-27; 2 Peter 1:3-11). “For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.” (1 Timothy 4:8) In fact, everything that we do, plan to do and what we will do in the future happens to be the will of God since He is the Creator of everything (Proverbs 16:9;19:21). However, He does not force us to believe in Jesus Christ, for He is humble and gentle (Matthew 11:28-30). This means that we have to decide whether we are going to follow Christ until the end of the age and enter the eternal kingdom of heaven by taking hard and narrow road, or take easy and wide road, then enter to the eternal death and destruction (Matthew 7:13-14). Nonetheless, the advantage of following Jesus Christ until the end of the age is that He is going to guide us with the power of the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:28), for all of us actually have been made to be the temple of the Spirit of God (1 Corinthians 3:16). Thus, for this reason, the word of God declares, “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) Nevertheless, if we are going to take easy and wide road, then we are on our own throughout our lives, and we cannot get fully saved because the word of God states, “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)

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)

Jesus Christ, the True Salvation!

“Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved. For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” – Acts 4:12, Romans 6:23 NIV

We ought to know that true salvation comes only from Jesus Christ (Acts 4:12), for He proclaims that He is the way, the truth and the life (John 14:6). This is because He was crucified on the cross as atonement of our sins (Colossians 2:13-15), and has given us eternal life instead of death (Romans 6:23). The main reason for this is that God has still loved us so much when we are sinners (Romans 3:23;5:12), due to the fact that we were still part of God’s creation (Genesis 1:27). Thus, for this reason, 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. (John 3:16-17)

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, since Jesus Christ is the true salvation to the eternal kingdom of heaven (Philippians 3:20-21, 2 Corinthians 5:1-5)—we ought to crucify our worldly desires and passions, and we also ought to abide in the Spirit of God (Galatians 5:24-25). This is because the Spirit of God (John 14:15-27) leads to eternal life (Romans 8:1-13). The reason why we have to crucify our worldly desires, in order to fully abide in the Holy Spirit is that both of their desires seems to contradict each other (Galatians 5:17). This is the reason why the word of God states, “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.” (Matthew 6:24) In fact, the word of God strongly points out that we have to be overcomers of the world in 1 John 5:1-5 and 1 John 2:15-17, for the word of God says, “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 4:4-5)

For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good. (Titus 2:11-14)

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 on 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)

Love of God in Christ Jesus!

“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 4:11-12 NIV

First of all, we have to know that we have to love one another since God, the Creator and our heavenly Father has loved us first (1 John 4:19). “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) This means that loving one another creates perfect unity in Christ Jesus (Colossians 3:14). In addition to this, all of us are members of Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 12:27) Because of this, the word of God states, “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) In fact, Jesus prayed to God before He was crucified that all of us may become one, as God and Jesus are one (John 17:20-23). Thus, for this reason, loving one another is the law of the Spirit (Romans 13:8-10), due to the fact that it is our call from Jesus that we may become one, just as God and He is. The another reason for this is that God is love (1 John 4:7-8).

If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. (1 Corinthians 13:1-7)

Secondly, loving others can be one of the most effective way to show that God lives in us, just like what 1 John 4:12 says. Therefore, every true believer and follower is called to love one another, for they are meant to be the light of Jesus Christ to the world (Matthew 5:14-16). However, the world prompts us to love others back who has loved us, and hate our enemies and revenge them at some stage. Nonetheless, since God is love, we have to forgive (Colossians 3:13; Matthew 6:14-15) and love our enemies as well. This is because our heavenly Father wants us to be holy, just like Him (1 Peter 1:14-16 NLT). This means that He has still loved us so much, even though we became sinners. This is why Jesus Christ was crucified on the cross for us. (1 John 4:9-10).

You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. (Matthew 5:43-48)

The Great Peace of the Law of God!

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

Many of us think the law of God burdens us  that we cannot cope and have no peace. However, today’s devotional verse reminds us that there is great peace for those of us who love the law of God, even though we cannot feel it (Matthew 11:28-30). This is because abiding not only the Spirit of God (John 14:15-27) but the Word of God leads us to become the righteousness of God (2 Timothy 3:16-17; Romans 1:17). “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) We know that changing our hearts more purely and holy really matters (Matthew 5:8; 1 Peter 1:14-16) because of 1 Samuel 16:7, which states, “… The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” In addition to this, the word of God assures us that we have been saved through faith in Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:8). This is because all of us can only be justified through faith in Jesus (Romans 5:1-2), due to the fact that He was crucified on the cross as an atonement of our sins (Colossians 2:13-15). Thus, we may have eternal life through Him (John 3:16-18; Romans 8:1-13; John 11:25-26). “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23) Thus, for this reason, Apostle Paul declares that the word of God is the word of salvation that we cannot live without (Philippians 1:27-29). In addition, because of the word of God is so important, Jesus Christ emphasizes,

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. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash. (Matthew 7:24-27)

Just like what Jesus Christ has said in Matthew 7:24-27, the word of God is like our foundation on how to live righteously before God. Nevertheless, we first ought to abide in the Spirit of God before we read and listen to the message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. This is because the Holy Spirit can change our hearts and minds in the kingdom perspective (Romans 12:2). Furthermore, the word of God states, “Christ is the culmination of the law so that there may be righteousness for everyone who believes.” (Romans 10:4) The Psalmist knew these very well so he declares,

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)

Although I know that Christ is the highest law that nobody can beat or compete with, I have not been spending much time with the word of God. Therefore, I really need to fix my time-management to get in the Word and spend some time with God, for He is my priority than anything else. Another fact of mine is that it is so difficult to choose which verses I should choose for my devotional topic, that I can spend an hour choosing. Today, for example, it was hard decision whether I should choose Psalm 119:165 or Galatians 6:10. This is because they both are so important verses that everybody should meditate on. Psalm 119:165 talks us about the law of God and Galatians 6:10 declares us about the work of God.

The Law of the Spirit!

“Christ is the culmination of the law so that there may be righteousness for everyone who believes.” – Romans 10:4 NIV

First of all, we have to know there are two laws—the worldly law and the law of the Spirit. However, the law of the Spirit was too weak because of the worldly law. Because of this, Jesus Christ came down from heaven into the earth as an image of God (John 1:14) to fulfill the law of the Spirit (Matthew 5:17) and to weaken the worldly law by crucifying Himself on the cross as a sin offering (Colossians 2:13-15). To be more specific, Christ Jesus was crucified on the cross as an atonement of our sins, so that we are able to be the righteousness of God (2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Peter 2:24) by following the law of the Spirit through the Spirit of God. This is because God wants us to have eternal life instead of death from the end of the age (Romans 8:1-13). “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23) The main reason for this is that all of us belong to God, due to the fact that we have been created by Him to be His images (Genesis 1:27) in the kingdom of heaven (Genesis 1-2). Thus, for this reason, 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)

Therefore, we ought to repent before God about everything that we have been sinning against Him, due to the fact that all of us are sinners because of the world (Romans 5:12). We also have to thank Him for the forgiveness of our sins (1 John 1:9) and for the presence of the Lord and the Spirit of God to nurture us to become the righteousness of God (Acts 3:19-20;2:38-39). Once we feel like we have been forgiven by God and choose Jesus Christ to be our Lord and Saviour, then we ought to believe in Him and do the will of God until the age, even though it is hard (Matthew 16:24-27). This is because Jesus proclaims that He is the way, the life and the truth (John 14:6) and He affirms, “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) In addition, the word of God states,

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. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. (Ephesians 2:8-10)

Nevertheless, we have to read and listen the word of God daily to learn how to become the righteousness of God (2 Timothy 3:16-17; Romans 1:17) and to confirm ourselves, if our spirits go in the right direction and are controlled by the power of the Holy Spirit. “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 is why Apostle Paul declares,

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)

Moreover, Jesus Christ states,

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. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash. (Matthew 7:24-27)

Although, I know that no law can beat the law of God for He is smarter than all of us (Romans 11:33-36), I have not been reading the word of God much recently in the way I have used to reading them before. This is because I have been trying to fix my time management and trying to read Christian books more to gain more knowledge of God. Therefore, I need to get in the word  of God more than reading Christian books and devotionals, for they cannot match the knowledge and the wisdom of God, compared to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

The Presence and the Power of God!

‘But he [God] said to me [Paul], “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 NIV

The context, 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 was for Apostle Paul when He pleaded three times with the Lord to take the thorn away from Him (2 Corinthians 12:1-10). However, 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 can be applied to us as well, for the Lord wants us to be weak for Him. This is because the word of God states, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” (Matthew 5:3-4) The main reason for this is that the Lord wants us to feel His presence and His power that nothing would be able to match them. To be more specific, He wants us to depend on Him for everything like a little child (Matthew 19:14), for all of us meant to be His children (John 1:12-13). This is why God allows others to throw insults at us and persecute us (Matthew 5:10-12). Furthermore, the word of God declares, “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. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” (James 1:2-4)

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)

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. Meanwhile we groan, longing to be clothed instead with our heavenly dwelling, because when we are clothed, we will not be found naked. For while we are in this tent, we groan and are burdened, because we do not wish to be unclothed but to be clothed instead with our heavenly dwelling, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. Now the one who has fashioned us for this very purpose is God, who has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come. (2 Corinthians 5:1-5)

Therefore, we must hold on to hope of God (Romans 15:13) that we are achieving every kind of hardship/difficulty/persecution/trial for eternal kingdom of glory that will be revealed In us (Romans 8:18). In fact, the word of God assures us that there will be a day that we  have to experience them in our last times before we enter the eternal kingdom of glory and heaven (Jude 1:17-23). However, Jude 1:24-25 affirms, “To him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy—to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.”

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)

Faith and Deeds in Christ Jesus!

“… faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” – James 2:17 NIV

All of us ought to know that faith and deeds have to work together (James 2:14-26), when we are living out our ordinary lives. Otherwise, we are considered to be obsolete people on the earth. However, this can affect our spiritual lives as well, especially when we want to follow Jesus Christ. This is because the word of God states, “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. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Ephesians 2:8-10) This means if we have only faith in Christ Jesus, we are saved but not fully saved and at the end of the age, we cannot enter the kingdom of heaven. 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)

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)

Secondly, if we only have deeds, we are possibly feel like we are living in the truthful way but we are completely dead spiritually. This is because it is based on religion. In addition, religious activities cannot make us to be saved and take us into the eternal kingdom of heaven (Matthew 7:22-23). The word of God urges many times to us about believing in Jesus Christ until the end of the age, such as John 3:16-18 and John 11:25-26 since He proclaims to be the way of the truth and the life (John 14:6). Furthermore, Jesus declares:

The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent. (John 6:29)

Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. (John 17:3)

Therefore, God, our heavenly Father (Ephesians 4:6) has given us His Spirit to abide, in order to transform our desires and passions into godliness (2 Peter 1:3-11). “For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.” (1 Timothy 4:8) He also has given us His Word so we may abide in it and know how to become righteousness of God (2 Timothy 3:16-17; Romans 1:17) “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) Thus, for these reasons, the Spirit (Romans 8:1-13) and the Word of God (Matthew 7:24-27) are extremely important for us, especially for those of us who want to be intimate with Jesus Christ and follow Him until the end of the age (Philippians 1:27-29). Hence, He have said,

My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. I and the Father are one. (John 10:27-30)

The Requirements in Christ Jesus!

“He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you?

To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” – Micah 6:8 NIV

First of all, we have to know that we are sinners because of the world (Romans 5:12). Because of this, God had sent His only Son, Jesus Christ as an image of Himself into the world (John 1:14) to be crucified on the cross as an atonement of our sins (Colossians 2:13-15). This is because He wants us to become righteous of God through Him (2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Peter 2:24) so we are able to enter the eternal kingdom of heaven at the end of the age (Matthew 7:21), where we are supposed to belong (Genesis 1-2). The main reason for this is that all of us have been created in images of God (Genesis 1:27). “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23) For this reason, God has poured His Spirit (John 14:15-27) into us to transform our desires and passions into godly ones (2 Peter 1:3-11). “For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.” (1 Timothy 4:8)

At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. 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 3:3-8)

Furthermore, God has created His Word for us so that we may know how to become the righteousness of God (Romans 1:17) and teach others to be same (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) Thus, overall, the word of God can be our guidance book on how to live for God through Jesus Christ properly. This is because faith and deeds have to work together to live our ordinary lives, but this combination is crucially needed when we are living for Him through Jesus. Otherwise, we are considered to be dead (James 2:14-26).

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. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash. (Matthew 7:24-27)

Secondly, God, our heavenly Father (Ephesians 4:6) requires to be merciful to others. This is because He has been merciful to us first and He wants us to be holy, just like Him (1 Peter 1:15-16). “For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.” (Romans 8:29) Therefore, the word of God declares, “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) This means that we have to love one another, for this also is the second greatest commandment of God (Matthew 22:39; Mark 12:31) and the law of the Spirit (Romans 13:8-10). In addition, the word of God commands, “Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:1-2)

You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. (Matthew 5:43-48)

Lastly, if we want to follow Jesus Christ until the end of the age truthfully, then we desperately need to overcome the world (1 John 5:1-5), even though it is hard (Matthew 16:24-27; Matthew 7:13-14). 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) In addition to this, “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) This is why the word of God states, “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 4:4-5) Furthermore, Jesus proclaims, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really know me, you will know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.” (John 14:6-7) This explains us that in order to live for God and His eternal kingdom, we need to surrender our lives, and then abide in the Spirit of God (Galatians 5:24-25) and the word of God (Matthew 7:24-27; Philippians 1:27-29) until the end of the age.

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)

But 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)

The Forgiveness in Christ Jesus!

“For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” – Matthew 6:14-15 NIV

The world prompts us not to forgive others when they sin against us, and it also tells us to revenge them at some stage. However, God, our heavenly Father (Ephesians 4:6) repeatedly urges us to forgive others regardless of circumstances. This is because we have been created to be images of God (Genesis 1:27), which means we are supposed to be children of God. “For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.” (Romans 8:29) This means we have to love them, for loving others is the second greatest commandment of God (Matthew 22:39; Mark 12:31). In addition, 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) “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 4:11-12)

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. (Matthew 5:43-48)

Therefore, since 1 John 4:7-8 and Matthew 22:39 or Mark 12:31 explains us that loving one another is extremely important—loving others is considered as the law of the Spirit of God (Romans 13:8-10). This means that if we do not love others, the way we should be, we cannot produce any fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) and then we get thrown away into eternal fire and death at the end of the age. “For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.” (1 Timothy 4:8) This is because John 15:1-17 tells us that we are the branches that meant to stick to Jesus Christ, the true vine and God is the vinedresser (ESV) and the gardener (NIV). Thus, overall, not forgiving one another can be considered as sin (Mark 3:28-29).

God, the Creator!

“Be still, and know that I am God!

I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world.” – Psalm 46:10 NLT

The world and religion makes us so busy with priorities that we have to do. This because they are trying to makes us depart away from faith in Jesus Christ. To be specific, the world and every kind of religion except Christianity are “work-orientated,” and they are striving to manifest within us the only way to approach to our heavenly Father is by doing good deeds. However, the word of God states, “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. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Ephesians 2:8-10) In addition, we ought to know that “Christianity” is faith-orientated, even though it is part of religion. This means that every Christian has to work out their faith of Jesus Christ before they do good deeds, as Ephesians 2:8-10 says. Otherwise, they would sin and experience the eternal death at the end of the age (James 2:14-26). “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23). This is because the word of God  states, “If we say that we have no sin, we are fooling ourselves, and the truth is not in us. But if we confess our sins, God will forgive us. We can trust God to do this. He always does what is right. He will make us clean from all the wrong things we have done. If we say that we have not sinned, we are saying that God is a liar and that we don’t accept his true teaching.” (1 John 1:8-10)

… 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. He will glorify me because it is from me that he will receive what he will make known to you. All that belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said the Spirit will receive from me what he will make known to you. (John 16:7-15)

Second of all, we have to know that God, our heavenly Father (Ephesians 4:6) is the Creator of everything, including us (Genesis 1-2). This is the reason why the word of God declares, “The earth is the LORD's, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.” (Psalm 24:1) Because of this, sometimes we have to be still and concentrate on the Spirit of God to do God’s will, especially when we are busy (Galatians 5:24-25). The main reason for this is stated in Romans 8:28-30 that proclaims,

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.