“For our exhortation was not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile” – 1 Thessalonians 2:3
As we continue in the Christmas season, I encourage all of you to put Jesus Christ at the centre of your life.
Matthew 6:33 urges those who follow Christ to seek above all else God’s kingdom and His righteousness. The verb ‘seek’ implies being continually absorbed in search for something or making a strenuous and diligent effort to obtain something. And in Proverbs 3:5-6, we are reminded that in all our plans, decision-making and activities, we should acknowledge God as our Lord and His will as our supreme desire.
Every day we must trust and live in a close relationship with God, always looking to Him for directions, by prayer and supplications with thanksgiving – Philippians 4:6 (KJV) . Friends, we will endure suffering in this life but God will bring good out of all afflictions, trials, persecution and suffering; the good that God works in conforming us to the image of Christ and ultimately bringing about our gratification – Romans 8:28.
Romans 12:2 speaks of the will of God and having a transformed mind in Christ where we are able to test, prove and affirm that the will of God is good, desirable and perfect; whereas satan attempts to slander God’s will as being not good, undesirable and imperfect. Transformed believers know and embrace God’s Will as the highest and best way of life. This is the reason Jesus came, to dispute satan’s attempts at slander.
Hebrew 13:8 states that Jesus Christ is the same, He does not change. Thus, He provides a sure anchor for our faith. It means that we as present day believers must not be content until we experience the same salvation and reach eternity with Jesus.
Prayer
Dear Father, my prayer today is that You will become Christ in our heart. Take control of our life, forgive us where we have failed You and did not walk in Your Word. Strengthen us where we are weak, we ask, in Jesus’s name. Amen.
Read: Mark 8:34; Luke 5:11
Bible Reading Guide: Psalms 149; Revelation 20; Nehemiah 9:38; Nehemiah 10; Nehemiah 11:1-21
