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Reflect
We are to reflect Christ, but we can also reflect on what we read about Him.
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God’s good pleasure
“for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.”Philippians 2:13, YouVersion Bible Link ESV Paul is talking about the Church in Philippi, but I should be able to read it more personally. As I was trying to wrap my head around this verse, I began to reorder the words in another way and swapped the pronouns from “you” to “me”, so the verse looked like this: God works in me for his good pleasure—both to will and to work. So God works in me to will? What does that mean? Also, God works in me to work? Isn’t that repetitive? Since…
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Good conduct reflects wisdom
“Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom.” YouVersion Bible App ESV James 3:13 ESV This is an incredible verse. Opening with a question like this seems to be a trap. Anyone who answers, “I am,” could probably be seen as lacking in humility or meekness. No one can truly answer this question and be the one whom the question seeks to find. This draws a line in the sand between those who serve with a trumpet’s horn versus those who serve with stealth. Conduct can be done in private, but cannot be kept private. A person’s…
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Proverbs 4:23
I can guard my heart by being less focused on the things of this world. That means listening to God’s words without distraction while seeking things that edify my heart and my mind. When I bring all the things I hear and see together with prayer and meditation, I should be able to share Scripture that I’ve learned with others. Although doing this can protect my heart from the evils of the world penetrating my soul, the spring of life will truly flow meaningfully when I drink deeply from God’s own words. I think that when this happens, my own thirst will be satiated and I will still have plenty…
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Not all things are helpful….
Freedom. I have the freedom to do God’s will. But if I do someone else’s will, is it not my own anymore? Isn’t doing the will of another explicitly not doing my own will? No. Not if my actions are in alignment with what God wants me to do. I need to want to do what God wants me to do. 1 Corinthians 6:12 repeats, “all things are lawful for me,” twice. The first instance is followed by the response, “but not all things are helpful.” The second instance has a more pointed response, “but I will not be dominated by anything.” This is not in reference to man’s law.…
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Forgiveness cools the flames
Giving forgiveness is a spectacular thing because you can’t see it or touch it. You know it’s there and you can feel it—so it must be real. It seems almost impossible to give away something like this to someone else and have them receive it without being able to see it either. But they will also know that they received it—without a doubt. Getting forgiveness is also a very special thing. Many times, life goes on without realizing there is a need to be forgiven. Why would anyone who is innocent need to be told the slate is wiped clean? They don’t—but conviction can take hold of the heart and…
