Lightening Up Life

I have often heard that we should not associate ourselves with people who would only bring us down. In fact, it is encouraged that we should surround ourselves with those who could help us improve and have a positive outlook in life.

It is indeed a nice and wise advice. Not only have I seen it given in TV, I have also heard it uttered by many pastors. Hence, I looked up in the Word of God to determine if it has a biblical basis. And this is where I was led:

2 Timothy 3

 ¹ But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. ² People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, ³ without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, ⁴ treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— ⁵ having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.
 

⁶ They are the kind who worm their way into homes and gain control over gullible women, who are loaded down with sins and are swayed by all kinds of evil desires, ⁷ always learning but never able to come to a knowledge of the truth. ⁸ Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so also these teachers oppose the truth. They are men of depraved minds, who, as far as the faith is concerned, are rejected. ⁹ But they will not get very far because, as in the case of those men, their folly will be clear to everyone. (Online Source: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Timothy+3&version=NIV)

I cannot digest this in one seating. I think I will dwell on this for quite some time.


Happy Tuesday!

Simply,

Dyes

Anger

James 1:19-21 (New International Version, ©2011)

  ¹⁹ My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, ²⁰ because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. ²¹ Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.

Online Source:  http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=James%201:19-21&version=NIV

What captures my attention from the above verses is the phrase "humbly accept the word planted in you". Planted. Past tense. Meaning, it has already been done. Hence, even the most upright is not spared from falling into anger. And this anger may be righteous, but not the kind that is acceptable or desirable to God.
As long as we are humble enough to ask God for forgiveness, we will always be saved.

Simply,

Dyes

Strength

2 Corinthians 12:9-10 (New International Version, ©2011)

⁹ But he said to me, “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. ¹⁰ 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.


Online Source: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Corinthians%2012:9-10&version=NIV


Looking at someone who has great faith in God, like a pastor, minister, or missionary, makes it appear that it is so easy being strong and staying in God's will. However, they have constant struggles to overcome everyday; battles that we could not even imagine. But, I guess, they have mastered to depend solely on God. Which is why they are very successful.

What does these verses currently mean to me? How does it speak to me?

Weaknesses are the times that we fall and fail. Yet, we regain our strength when we fall on our knees, put our hands together and look above. It is then the time to acknowledge who should run the course of our life. Thank you Lord for your grace.


Simply,
Dyes

Day By Day

2 Corinthians 4:16-18 (New International Version, ©2011)

 ¹⁶ Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. ¹⁷ For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. ¹⁸ 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.

Online Source: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Corinthians%204:16-18&version=NIV

Being in the middle of the events in our lives, we sometimes do not get the whole picture. I have to admit that there were times when I asked God why He would let some things happen despite my obedience. Some had whispered that it was just a waste to remain sticking to the rules inasmuch as many perceived otherwise.

But then, troubles come to us to make us stronger emotionally and spiritually, because during these times that the non-physical muscles are flexed, stretched, and tested. Eternal Glory --- that is what we should always aim for.

Simply,

Dyes

It's All Part Of The Plan

Romans 8:28 (New International Version, ©2010)

 ²⁸ And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who^[a] have been called according to his purpose.

Footnotes:

1. Romans 8:28 Or that all things work together for good to those who love God, who; or that in all things God works together with those who love him to bring about what is good—with those who

Online resource: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=romans%208:28&version=NIV


Special Agent Oso is one of the characters my son loves. When Oso commits mistakes, he would say that it is all part of his plan even though we know otherwise. However, as believers and followers of Christ, we know that all the events in our life, no matter how drastic they may be, are part of God's plan. Remember how Job endured his sufferings? The devil may have asked God to touch Job, but there were numerous reasons for God's permission. One of which is to inspire us who have read the story to pursue, persevere, and continue with utmost sincerity our faith in Him. Isn't it reassuring that amidst the storm, we know that our life is still in God's hands?

Simply,

Dyes

Faithfulness

Deuteronomy 31:6 (New International Version, ©2010)

⁶ Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” 

Online source: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=deut%2031:6&version=NIV

It is not a suggestion or encouragement. Rather, it is a COMMAND to be strong and courageous, and not be afraid or terrified. I have encountered fear many times. It does nothing but paralyze my being: physically, emotionally and spiritually. Further, it eats up MY joy! Instead of having fun and enjoying the blessings in life, I find myself worrying and waiting for an evil thing to happen which will deprive me of my joy, not knowing that in that process, it has already snatched away the very same thing I was trying to protect. Henceforth, and due to sound reason, I will obey this commandment as often as I could until it becomes a habit and an attitude.

Have a good day everyone!

Simply,

Dyes

Unconditional Love

 

Romans 8:38-39 (New International Version, ©2010)

³⁸ For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,^[a] neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, ³⁹ neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Footnotes:

1. Romans 8:38 Or nor heavenly rulers

 

Online Source: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=romans%208:38-39&version=NIV



It truly is comforting to know that whatever life may bring, God's love remains in and with us.

Simply,

Dyes