Succeed at Being Yourself
…the Spirit helps us in our weakness…
— Romans 8:26
— Romans 8:26
Are you tired of playing games, wearing masks, and trying to be someone other than who you are? Wouldn’t you like the freedom just to be accepted as you are, without pressure to be someone you really don’t know how to be? Would you like to learn how to succeed at being yourself?
God wants you to accept yourself, to like who you are, and to learn to deal with your weaknesses. Everyone has weaknesses, but God doesn’t want you to reject yourself because of them.
If you base your value on your weaknesses, you will underestimate your value. Your worth is not based on anything you do but on what God has already done.
So, if Satan has been trying to convince you that you don’t measure up to the proper standard, remind him that everyone is imperfect and that God loves you just the way you are.
Prayer for Being Yourself: Father, You knew me and had a great plan for my life before I was ever born. Help me to view my weaknesses in a balanced way and truly love the person You created me to be. Today, help me to see myself the way You see me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
God wants you to accept yourself, to like who you are, and to learn to deal with your weaknesses. Everyone has weaknesses, but God doesn’t want you to reject yourself because of them.
If you base your value on your weaknesses, you will underestimate your value. Your worth is not based on anything you do but on what God has already done.
So, if Satan has been trying to convince you that you don’t measure up to the proper standard, remind him that everyone is imperfect and that God loves you just the way you are.
Prayer for Being Yourself: Father, You knew me and had a great plan for my life before I was ever born. Help me to view my weaknesses in a balanced way and truly love the person You created me to be. Today, help me to see myself the way You see me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Just Do It!
Because of laziness the building decays, and through idleness of hands the house leaks.
— Ecclesiastes 10:18 (NKJV)
— Ecclesiastes 10:18 (NKJV)
Do you truly believe that love can change the world? I do. But I also know the events and accomplishments that have brought lasting change to the world have not been accidental; they have been things people thought through and acted on deliberately. The Bible is filled with instructions for us to be active.
Wishing for something does not produce the results we desire, but we must aggressively do what needs to be done to achieve them. We will never find a successful man who spent his life wishing for success and attained it. The same principle applies to loving God, loving ourselves, and loving others. If we want to love people as Jesus instructed, we will have to do so on purpose. It will not happen by accident.
If we seek opportunities to love people, we are sure to find them, and that will protect us from being idle and passive. We must ask ourselves if we are alert and active or passive and inactive? God is alert and active! I am glad He is; otherwise, things in our lives would deteriorate rapidly.
So much good can happen in your life and in the lives of those around you if you'll simply decide not to be passive, but to follow the Holy Spirit as He leads you. God-inspired, balanced activity will keep you from being idle and bless many people in the process.
Prayer Starter: Lord, help me today to be active and intentional, not passive or idle. Each day, help me to take steps and make progress as it pertains to my dreams, responsibilities, and loving others in my life. In Jesus’ Name, Amen
Wishing for something does not produce the results we desire, but we must aggressively do what needs to be done to achieve them. We will never find a successful man who spent his life wishing for success and attained it. The same principle applies to loving God, loving ourselves, and loving others. If we want to love people as Jesus instructed, we will have to do so on purpose. It will not happen by accident.
If we seek opportunities to love people, we are sure to find them, and that will protect us from being idle and passive. We must ask ourselves if we are alert and active or passive and inactive? God is alert and active! I am glad He is; otherwise, things in our lives would deteriorate rapidly.
So much good can happen in your life and in the lives of those around you if you'll simply decide not to be passive, but to follow the Holy Spirit as He leads you. God-inspired, balanced activity will keep you from being idle and bless many people in the process.
Prayer Starter: Lord, help me today to be active and intentional, not passive or idle. Each day, help me to take steps and make progress as it pertains to my dreams, responsibilities, and loving others in my life. In Jesus’ Name, Amen
Think Big
Enlarge the place of your tent, and let the curtains of your habitations be stretched out; do not hold back; lengthen your cords and strengthen your stakes.
— Isaiah 54:2
— Isaiah 54:2
God’s Word teaches us that He can do much more than what we can dream, imagine, or think (see Ephesians 3:20), so why not think big?
Surely, we don’t believe that God wants us to live narrow lives with barely enough to get by in life. He is a big God and wants to provide more than enough of all that we need.
Always be content with what God is providing, but at the same time, think big about your future. God wants to use you in a big way, bless you in a big way, and help you in a big way! Don’t let your own small thinking keep you trapped in a little life.
Prayer for Thinking Big: Father, thank You for reminding me to think big! Let me think Your thoughts and dream Your dreams. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Surely, we don’t believe that God wants us to live narrow lives with barely enough to get by in life. He is a big God and wants to provide more than enough of all that we need.
Always be content with what God is providing, but at the same time, think big about your future. God wants to use you in a big way, bless you in a big way, and help you in a big way! Don’t let your own small thinking keep you trapped in a little life.
Prayer for Thinking Big: Father, thank You for reminding me to think big! Let me think Your thoughts and dream Your dreams. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Attitude of Gratitude
Do all things without grumbling and faultfinding and complaining [against God] and questioning and doubting [among yourselves].
— Philippians 2:14 (AMPC)
— Philippians 2:14 (AMPC)
You and I have many opportunities to complain on a regular basis. But complaining doesn’t do any good; all complaining does is open the door for the enemy. It doesn’t solve problems; it just creates a breeding ground for greater problems.
Instead of complaining, let’s choose to respond to the Lord each day by developing an attitude of gratitude. This is not just an occasional expression of thanks, but a continual lifestyle of thanksgiving.
The person who has developed an “attitude of gratitude” is one who is thankful and grateful for every single thing that God is doing in his or her life day by day.
Instead of complaining, let’s choose to respond to the Lord each day by developing an attitude of gratitude. This is not just an occasional expression of thanks, but a continual lifestyle of thanksgiving.
The person who has developed an “attitude of gratitude” is one who is thankful and grateful for every single thing that God is doing in his or her life day by day.
Prayer for Gratitude: Father, thank You for the way You provide for every area of my life. Instead of complaining about what I want or about what I don’t have, I choose to be grateful for everything I do have. You have been good to me—thank You for Your goodness. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Leading
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. Psalm 23:1-2
In order to reach our goals, you and I must follow God’s leading. People will offer us a lot of advice, and some of it may be good, but some of it may not. Or it may be good advice, but simply not what will work for us.
It’s important that we always look to God first and listen for His guidance and instruction.
God has created us as unique individuals, and He does not lead us all in the same way. So, if you want to win your race, you will need to find your own running style or your own way of doing things.
Of course, we can learn from other people, but we dare not try to copy them at the cost of losing our own individuality. Appreciate the advice and example of others, but follow God’s leading in your life.
In order to reach our goals, you and I must follow God’s leading. People will offer us a lot of advice, and some of it may be good, but some of it may not. Or it may be good advice, but simply not what will work for us.
It’s important that we always look to God first and listen for His guidance and instruction.
God has created us as unique individuals, and He does not lead us all in the same way. So, if you want to win your race, you will need to find your own running style or your own way of doing things.
Of course, we can learn from other people, but we dare not try to copy them at the cost of losing our own individuality. Appreciate the advice and example of others, but follow God’s leading in your life.
Prayer for Leadership: Lord, I know You have a great plan for my life, and You desire to lead and guide me every step of the way. Help me to seek and follow Your leadership in my life more than anyone or anything else.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Bear Fruit, Not Just Leaves!
And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.
— Colossians 1:9-10
— Colossians 1:9-10
People who want to be leaders must have character in their dealings with others. They must keep their word. They must be people of integrity. In Matthew 21:18-19, we read about an incident in the life of Jesus:
In the morning, as he was returning to the city, he became hungry. And seeing a fig tree by the wayside, he went to it and found nothing on it but only leaves. And he said to it, "May no fruit ever come from you again!" And the fig tree withered at once.
I used to feel sorry for that fig tree. I didn't understand this story at all. I thought, "It wasn't the fig tree's fault that it didn't have any figs on it. Why did Jesus curse it?"
Some time later, God showed me the reason. As this verse in The Amplified Bible (Classic Edition) notes, on a fig tree the fruit appears at the same time as the leaves. So, when Jesus from a distance saw the fig tree with leaves on it, He went to it expecting to find fruit on it. When there was none on it, He cursed it. Why? Because it was a phony; it had leaves but no fruit.
In the body of Christ, we must be very careful that we don't have just leaves and no fruit. We are not going to win the world with only a bumper sticker on our car, a Jesus pin on our lapel, a big Bible and a bunch of Christian teachings. We must have fruit because Jesus has said that it is by our fruit that we will be known.
In the morning, as he was returning to the city, he became hungry. And seeing a fig tree by the wayside, he went to it and found nothing on it but only leaves. And he said to it, "May no fruit ever come from you again!" And the fig tree withered at once.
I used to feel sorry for that fig tree. I didn't understand this story at all. I thought, "It wasn't the fig tree's fault that it didn't have any figs on it. Why did Jesus curse it?"
Some time later, God showed me the reason. As this verse in The Amplified Bible (Classic Edition) notes, on a fig tree the fruit appears at the same time as the leaves. So, when Jesus from a distance saw the fig tree with leaves on it, He went to it expecting to find fruit on it. When there was none on it, He cursed it. Why? Because it was a phony; it had leaves but no fruit.
In the body of Christ, we must be very careful that we don't have just leaves and no fruit. We are not going to win the world with only a bumper sticker on our car, a Jesus pin on our lapel, a big Bible and a bunch of Christian teachings. We must have fruit because Jesus has said that it is by our fruit that we will be known.
Prayer to Bear Fruit: Father, help me to represent You well and show others more than just “leaves.” Help me to go deeper in my relationship with You so I can bear fruit and be a representative of Your love, character, integrity, compassion and goodness everywhere I go. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Hanging Tough
And let us not lose heart and grow weary and faint in acting nobly and doing right, for in due time and at the appointed season we shall reap, if we do not loosen and relax our courage and faint.
Galatians 6:9 (AMPC)
Galatians 6:9 (AMPC)
In Galatians 6:9, “losing heart” and “fainting” refer to giving up in the mind. The Holy Spirit tells us not to give up in our mind, because if we hold on, we will eventually reap good things.
Think about Jesus. Immediately after being baptized and filled with the Holy Spirit, He was led into the wilderness to be tested and tried by the devil. He did not complain and become discouraged and depressed. He did not think or speak negatively. He did not become confused trying to figure out why this had to happen. He went through each test victoriously (Luke 4:1–13).
Can you imagine Jesus traveling around the country, talking with His disciples about how hard everything was? Can you picture Him discussing how difficult the Cross was going to be...or how He dreaded the things ahead...or how frustrating it was to have no roof over His head, no bed to sleep in at night?
Jesus drew strength from His heavenly Father and came out in victory. We have His Spirit dwelling in us and the strength available to make it through whatever we are facing.
We can handle our situations the same way Jesus did—by being mentally prepared through “victory thinking” rather than “give-up thinking.”
Think about Jesus. Immediately after being baptized and filled with the Holy Spirit, He was led into the wilderness to be tested and tried by the devil. He did not complain and become discouraged and depressed. He did not think or speak negatively. He did not become confused trying to figure out why this had to happen. He went through each test victoriously (Luke 4:1–13).
Can you imagine Jesus traveling around the country, talking with His disciples about how hard everything was? Can you picture Him discussing how difficult the Cross was going to be...or how He dreaded the things ahead...or how frustrating it was to have no roof over His head, no bed to sleep in at night?
Jesus drew strength from His heavenly Father and came out in victory. We have His Spirit dwelling in us and the strength available to make it through whatever we are facing.
We can handle our situations the same way Jesus did—by being mentally prepared through “victory thinking” rather than “give-up thinking.”
Prayer for Victory Thinking: Father, I thank You for the power of Your Holy Spirit that strengthens me to keep pressing on. Please help me to not “faint” in my mind when things get difficult. Thank You that I will reap a reward if I keep moving forward and refuse to give up! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
You Don't Have to Burn Out
And he said to them, "The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.
— Mark 2:27
— Mark 2:27
Are you excessively tired all the time, and even after sleeping, do you wake up feeling tired all over again? You may be experiencing some of the symptoms of exhaustion, or what is commonly called “burnout.”
Long periods of overexertion and stress can cause constant fatigue, headaches, sleeplessness, gastrointestinal problems, tenseness, a feeling of being tied in knots, and an inability to relax.
Some other signals of “burnout” are crying, being easily angered, negativity, irritability, depression, cynicism (scornful, mocking of the virtues of others), and bitterness toward others’ blessings and even their good health.
“Burnout” can cause us to not exercise self-control, and when this happens, we will no longer produce good fruit in our daily lives. “Burnout” steals our joy, making peace impossible to find. When our bodies are not at peace, everything seems to be in turmoil.
God established the law of resting on the Sabbath to prevent “burnout” in our lives. The law of the Sabbath simply says we can work six days, and rest one day. We need to rest and worship and play. Even God rested after six days of work. He, of course, never gets tired, but gave us this example so we would follow the pattern.
In Exodus 23:10–12, we find that even the land had to rest after six years, and the Israelites were not to plant in it the seventh year. During this rest, everything recovered and prepared for future production.
Today in America, almost every business is open seven days a week. Some of them are even open twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. When we make ourselves available at all times, we are in danger of “burnout.”
People today are quick to argue that they cannot afford to take a day off, but I say they cannot afford not to.
Some people feel guilty anytime they try to rest, but that guilty feeling is not from God. God wants us to live balanced lives, and if we don’t, we open a door for Satan to bring some kind of destruction (see 1 Peter 5:8). Trust God that your resting time is just as valuable as your working time.
Long periods of overexertion and stress can cause constant fatigue, headaches, sleeplessness, gastrointestinal problems, tenseness, a feeling of being tied in knots, and an inability to relax.
Some other signals of “burnout” are crying, being easily angered, negativity, irritability, depression, cynicism (scornful, mocking of the virtues of others), and bitterness toward others’ blessings and even their good health.
“Burnout” can cause us to not exercise self-control, and when this happens, we will no longer produce good fruit in our daily lives. “Burnout” steals our joy, making peace impossible to find. When our bodies are not at peace, everything seems to be in turmoil.
God established the law of resting on the Sabbath to prevent “burnout” in our lives. The law of the Sabbath simply says we can work six days, and rest one day. We need to rest and worship and play. Even God rested after six days of work. He, of course, never gets tired, but gave us this example so we would follow the pattern.
In Exodus 23:10–12, we find that even the land had to rest after six years, and the Israelites were not to plant in it the seventh year. During this rest, everything recovered and prepared for future production.
Today in America, almost every business is open seven days a week. Some of them are even open twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. When we make ourselves available at all times, we are in danger of “burnout.”
People today are quick to argue that they cannot afford to take a day off, but I say they cannot afford not to.
Some people feel guilty anytime they try to rest, but that guilty feeling is not from God. God wants us to live balanced lives, and if we don’t, we open a door for Satan to bring some kind of destruction (see 1 Peter 5:8). Trust God that your resting time is just as valuable as your working time.
Prayer Starter: Lord, thank You for the examples You have given us in Your Word about rest. I ask for Your help to live a truly balanced life and do whatever it takes to have the proper time to relax and recharge. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Living Large
And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.
— 2 Corinthians 9:8
— 2 Corinthians 9:8
When I feel like my “get up and go” has got up and gone, I purposely stir myself up through aggressive expectation!
God is the God of abundance, the one who wants us to live a large, free, and full life.
Dare to have big faith, big plans, and big ideas, because God is able to do exceedingly, abundantly, above and beyond all that you can ever dare to hope, ask, or think (see Ephesians 3:20 AMPC).
It is time to start asking God to do greater things! Have great expectations!
Don’t be afraid to ask God for big things. The truth is that you cannot ask for too much as long as your heart is right and you are willing to not only be blessed by God, but also be a blessing everywhere you go.
The Bible says God is searching for those in whom He can show Himself strong (see 2 Chronicles 16:9), and it can be you if you are willing to believe. You don’t need a perfect performance to qualify for God’s best; just love Him with all your heart. Don’t settle for less than the best life that you can have.
Prayer For Living Large:: Amazing heavenly Father, I am humbled that You want to offer me an abundant life. I know that I don’t deserve Your goodness, but I do ask in faith that You would do great things for and through me. Thank You! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
There's Great Value in Variety
Behold, here is what I have seen to be good and fitting: to eat and drink, and to find enjoyment in all the labor in which he labors under the sun during the few days of his life which God gives him—for this is his [allotted] reward.
— Ecclesiastes 5:18 (AMP)
— Ecclesiastes 5:18 (AMP)
If we do the same thing over and over, sooner or later we’re going to get bored. We don’t have to wait for something nice to happen to us; we can be aggressive and do something nice for ourselves. For many of you, I know this is a new thought that may seem foreign and even unspiritual. But I can assure you that it is part of God’s plan. You can create variety, and it will keep your life more exciting.
I sat with my computer on my lap for about four hours this morning and then stopped for a while to do some other things I needed to do. When I went back to my writing, I decided to sit in a different part of the house just for variety. I chose a place that had plenty of light where I could look out the window. Simple little things like this cost nothing, but they are very valuable.
No day needs to be ordinary if we realize the gift God is giving us when He gives us another day to live and enjoy. An extraordinary attitude can quickly turn an ordinary day into an amazing adventure. Jesus said He came so that we might have and enjoy life (see John 10:10). If we refuse to enjoy it, then it’s no one’s fault but our own.
I would like to suggest that you take responsibility for your joy and never again give anyone else the job of keeping you happy. Add a little variety to your life—break up your routine, do something different, and so on. When you do, expect God to meet you and help make your ordinary...extraordinary!
Prayer for Variety: Father, thank You for Your joy. Please help me to approach my life with adventure, choosing to enjoy each and every day...and adding variety all along the way. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
No More Self-Doubt
And David was greatly distressed, for the people spoke of stoning him, because all the people were bitter in soul, each for his sons and daughters. But David strengthened himself in the LORD his God.
— 1 Samuel 30:6
— 1 Samuel 30:6
If we don’t believe in ourselves—in the talents and abilities God has given us—who is going to? God believes in us, and it’s a good thing too; otherwise, we might never make any progress. We cannot always wait for someone else to come along and encourage us to be all we can be.
When David and his men found themselves in a seemingly hopeless situation, which the men blamed on him, David encouraged and strengthened himself in the Lord. Later on, that situation was totally turned around (see 1 Samuel 30:1–20).
When David was just a boy, everyone around him discouraged him concerning his ability to fight Goliath. They told him he was too young and too inexperienced, and he didn’t have the right armor or the right weapons. But David was close to God and had confidence in Him. David believed that God would be strong on his behalf and give him the victory.
Self-doubt is absolutely tormenting, but we can rid ourselves of it. Like David, we can learn to know our God—about His love, His ways, and His Word—then ultimately we can trust that He will provide us with the strength we need.
Prayer For Self-Doubt: Father, You know everything about me—every insecurity, weakness and fear. Help me to be sufficient in Your love and strength today. Help me to grow stronger and more confident as I continue to know You in a greater way. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Be Proactive
O turn to me and have mercy and be gracious to me; grant strength (might and inflexibility to temptation) to Your servant….
— Psalm 86:16 (AMPC)
— Psalm 86:16 (AMPC)
Jesus warned His disciples about all that He was to go through, because He knew it would be difficult for them too.
He said, “Pray that you won’t be tempted” (see Matthew 6:13; Matthew 26:41). He didn’t say, “Wait to pray until you have been tempted, or until you have given in to temptation.” Jesus teaches us to be proactive, which Webster defines as “acting in anticipation of future problems, needs, or changes.”
Many Israelites had already died from snake bites before the rest of them finally said, “Pray for us, Moses, for we have sinned” (see Numbers 21:4–9). They should have recognized their need for God’s help much sooner than they did!
Don’t wait until you are in trouble to seek God. Ask Him to keep you from being tempted to sin today.
Prayer to be Proactive: Father, I need Your help in every single area of my life. Please strengthen me so I can handle everything that comes my way today. Help me to be proactive when it comes to my relationship with You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
He said, “Pray that you won’t be tempted” (see Matthew 6:13; Matthew 26:41). He didn’t say, “Wait to pray until you have been tempted, or until you have given in to temptation.” Jesus teaches us to be proactive, which Webster defines as “acting in anticipation of future problems, needs, or changes.”
Many Israelites had already died from snake bites before the rest of them finally said, “Pray for us, Moses, for we have sinned” (see Numbers 21:4–9). They should have recognized their need for God’s help much sooner than they did!
Don’t wait until you are in trouble to seek God. Ask Him to keep you from being tempted to sin today.
Prayer to be Proactive: Father, I need Your help in every single area of my life. Please strengthen me so I can handle everything that comes my way today. Help me to be proactive when it comes to my relationship with You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Cross the Finish Line
Beginning something is easy but finishing takes courage. In the early stages of something new, we get all excited about it. We have a lot of emotions to support us.
However, when the emotions wear off and all that's left is a lot of hard work and the need for patience, that's when we find out who really has what it takes to reach the goal and truly succeed.
In God's mind, we aren't successful if we abandon what He's called us to do. He wants us to finish and do it with joy!
If you have been tempted to give up—don't. If you don't finish the thing you're currently involved in, you will face the same challenges with the next endeavor. Some people spend their entire lives starting all kinds of new things and never finishing any of them.
This happens for various reasons. Sometimes people lose interest or get distracted. Sometimes they aren't willing to press through obstacles that arise as they move toward their goal.
God doesn't promise that finishing everything we start will be easy. In fact, most of the time things don't go smoothly because we need to learn the lessons that come from resolving problems.
But we cannot let ourselves quit; we must rely on God's grace and keep moving toward the finish line until we cross it in victory.
Prayer to Follow Through: Lord, I ask for a renewed strength and determination today to press toward my goals and everything You have called me to do. When things get difficult or I am tempted to give up, help me to see the value of remaining patient and finishing what I started. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
However, when the emotions wear off and all that's left is a lot of hard work and the need for patience, that's when we find out who really has what it takes to reach the goal and truly succeed.
In God's mind, we aren't successful if we abandon what He's called us to do. He wants us to finish and do it with joy!
If you have been tempted to give up—don't. If you don't finish the thing you're currently involved in, you will face the same challenges with the next endeavor. Some people spend their entire lives starting all kinds of new things and never finishing any of them.
This happens for various reasons. Sometimes people lose interest or get distracted. Sometimes they aren't willing to press through obstacles that arise as they move toward their goal.
God doesn't promise that finishing everything we start will be easy. In fact, most of the time things don't go smoothly because we need to learn the lessons that come from resolving problems.
But we cannot let ourselves quit; we must rely on God's grace and keep moving toward the finish line until we cross it in victory.
Prayer to Follow Through: Lord, I ask for a renewed strength and determination today to press toward my goals and everything You have called me to do. When things get difficult or I am tempted to give up, help me to see the value of remaining patient and finishing what I started. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Four Principles for Successful Daily Living
For let him who wants to enjoy life and see good days [good—whether apparent or not] keep his tongue free from evil and his lips from guile (treachery, deceit). Let him turn away from wickedness and shun it, and let him do right. Let him search for peace...and seek it eagerly....
— 1 Peter 3:10-11 (AMPC)
— 1 Peter 3:10-11 (AMPC)
I enjoy just reading over this passage and soaking up the power from its principles for successful daily living. It gives four specific principles for those who want to enjoy life:
1. Keep your tongue free from evil. God’s Word states clearly, the power of life and death is in the mouth. We can bring blessing or misery into our lives with our words. When we speak rashly we often get into arguments, so choose your words carefully.
2. Turn away from wickedness. We must take action to remove ourselves from wickedness or from a wicked environment. The action we must take could mean altering our friendships; it could even mean loneliness for a period of time. But you can always trust God to be with you.
3. Do right. The decision to do right must follow the decision to stop doing wrong. Both are definite choices. Repentance is twofold; it requires turning away from sin and turning to righteousness.
4. Search for peace. Notice that we must search for it, pursue it, and go after it. We cannot merely desire peace without any accompanying action, but instead we must desire peace with action. We need to search for peace in our relationship with God and with others.
When I started living by these principles, not only did my relationships improve, but so did my health, my attitude, and all areas of my life. The same will be true for you.
1. Keep your tongue free from evil. God’s Word states clearly, the power of life and death is in the mouth. We can bring blessing or misery into our lives with our words. When we speak rashly we often get into arguments, so choose your words carefully.
2. Turn away from wickedness. We must take action to remove ourselves from wickedness or from a wicked environment. The action we must take could mean altering our friendships; it could even mean loneliness for a period of time. But you can always trust God to be with you.
3. Do right. The decision to do right must follow the decision to stop doing wrong. Both are definite choices. Repentance is twofold; it requires turning away from sin and turning to righteousness.
4. Search for peace. Notice that we must search for it, pursue it, and go after it. We cannot merely desire peace without any accompanying action, but instead we must desire peace with action. We need to search for peace in our relationship with God and with others.
When I started living by these principles, not only did my relationships improve, but so did my health, my attitude, and all areas of my life. The same will be true for you.
Prayer Starter: Father, Your Word has all of the answers for a great life. Help me to put Your principles into practice, today and every day. I can’t do it alone—I can only do it through Your strength. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.