For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
Hebrews 4:12 (KJV)
Have you ever read a Bible verse that it just stands out?
Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.
John 16:13 (KJV)
Matthew 6:33 (KJV)
But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
In verse 33, it says that if we put God first in our lives above everything else, Jesus promised us that he will take care of us.
1 Timothy 6:8 (KJV)
And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.
Our motives are wrong – why I am not content? God knows what is best for us. (Job 1:21, Matthew 6:20)
Matthew 7:21-23 (KJV)
21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? :23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
It should make us serious about:
- Giving time in learning His word.
- We must pray more.
- Desire to be in His presence. (Psalm 122:1)
- Desire that God will reveal Himself more and more.
In Philippians 1:21, Paul declared a purpose for his soul:
- A purpose to know as much of Christ as it was possible to know.
- A purpose to imitate Christ.
- A purpose to make his faith known, as far as possible, among mankind.
- A purpose to enjoy Christ.
He drew his comforts from Him. His happiness he found in communion with Him.
- Not in the works of art.
- Not in the pursuits of elegant literature.
- Not in the frivolous and fashionable world. But it was in communion with the Saviour and in endeavouring to please Him.
Romans 8:28 (KJV)
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
When trials and tribulation come and we encounter them, the first thing we should think now is what the Lord wants to show us, and then what He wants to teach us. As true Christians, we should not fear or worry any kind of hardships that we going to encounter in this world.
James 1:2-4 (KJV)
2 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; 3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. 4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.
It is hard because it goes against everything that our human nature wants us to feel and experience. We don’t want hardship, trials, and tribulations. Why? Because we do not know what the future holds. We do not have to know because God knows what we need. But sometimes, what we think we need is very different in what God knows we need.
2 Timothy 4:2 (KJV)
Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.
The challenge is that we need to take the word of God seriously. We need to start reading God’s word and grow in it.
Galatian 2:20 (KJV)
I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me
What a powerful truth is that we used to live in sin and do not care much about people. But Jesus came down, He died for us.
Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.
Jeremiah 33:3 (KJV)