Examine your own work and conduct

"But let every person carefully scrutinize and examine and test his own conduct and his own work.  He can then have the personal satisfaction and joy of doing something commendable [in itself alone] without [resorting to] boastful comparison with his neighbor." Galatians 6:4 AMPC 

If you find that you spend a lot of time focusing on the faults of others, then some gear shifting is in order.  For instance, do you look down on those who make less than you?  Do you think of how your boss doesn't have a clue how to run his department?  Do you look down on those who are overweight, or underweight, don't wear nice clothing, or those that don't drive nice cars or live in nice homes?  The questions can go on and on, but what I'm really asking is, Do you spend more time thinking and worrying of what others are, or aren't doing, (or what others can, or cannot do),  or do you spend more time working with God to change you, and help strengthen your relationship with Him?  

Personally, I have many issues with comparing myself to others, but everyday, I get back up and start my day over with God, asking Him to change me and my thoughts, rather than to change anyone else; the more I do this, the easier life seems to get for me - I'm not living for the world, anymore, I'm now living everyday, more and more for God. 

If you haven't already, take my advice and start working on yourself, with the help of God.  Soon, you too will notice that the world seems to get easier and easier to deal with, you sleep better at night, and the truly important things in life because more and more special to you everyday.  Yes, we may have made some mistakes, but if we focus on God more and more in all things, then life just keeps getting better; life becomes something meaningful to live for, and our thoughts, actions, and mistakes will become learning experiences that will shine through with God's amazing glory.

Practices of the flesh

“Now the doings (practices) of the flesh are clear (obvious): they are immorality, impurity, indecency,

Idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, anger (ill temper), selfishness, divisions (dissensions), party spirit (factions, sects with peculiar opinions, heresies),

Envy, drunkenness, carousing, and the like…”

Galatians 5:19-21 AMPC

Re-read this list.  Are you living out any of these actions/characteristics?  If so, ask God to change and remove them from within, and around, you.  The Bible is perfectly clear: when you live by the flesh, you will not inherit the Kingdom of God. Therefore, it is utterly important that the characteristics in these verses be removed and changed for the good and God-like characteristics in line with Christ Jesus : love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, kindness, goodness, humility, self-control.  It’s not only a matter of your quality of life, it’s a matter of your eternal life… or death – the choice is yours, based on the practices you wish to pursue.

 

You are the heir of God through Christ

“Therefore, you are no longer a slave (bond servant) but a son; and if a son [it follows that you are] an heir by the aid of God, through Christ.”

Galatians 4:7 AMPC

Thanks be to Jesus, our chains,  bondages, fears, and set-backs have been taken away.  We are free to live blessed, full, joy-filled, loving, and honorable lives.  So, step out of the past; break free from the chains that are holding you back – they are yours no more.  Now, you have the arms of Jesus holding you, and He, my friend, is all you need to live an amazing, blessed, loving, fulfilled, and prosperous life that has been awaiting you – awaiting for you to take hold and run with it.

 

People of faith

"So then, those who are people of faith are blessed and made happy and favored by God..." Galatians 3:9 AMPC

Faith in Christ equals happiness - joy.  Faith in Christ equals blessed - overflowing and filled with the goodness of God.  Faith in Christ equals supernatural favor - miracles filled with God's glory.  Faith equals a great life - joy unspeakable.  And, most of all, faith in Christ equals eternal life  - darkness and destruction are no more.

God is not impressed...

“… God is not impressed with the positions that men hold and His is not partial and recognizes no external distinction…” Galatians 2:6

No matter your nationality, gender, race, creed, job title, financial status, community you live in, church you go (or don’t go) to, mistakes you’ve made, challenges you’ve faced, or mountains you’ve climbed, you are God’s child, and that is all that matters.  My friend, you are a conqueror, winner, victor, prized possession, and you are loved beyond comprehension - live like it!  God has an amazing future for you, and until you remove the defeat and darkness from within you, you will never be able to experience it.  So, remember Whose you are, kick the dust off of your heels, and walk into your future.  It is going to amazing, it is going to be blessed, and it is going to be glowing with God’s glory – all because He loves you so very, very much.

 

God or man? Who do you choose?

^" Now am I trying to win the favor of men, or of God? Do I seek to please men? If I were still seeking popularity with men, I should not be a bond servant of Christ (the Messiah)." Galatians 1:10 AMPC

Let me ask you, Are you trying to win favor of God or of man?  Are you trying to be popular in the world with man, or are you focused on winning God's favor?  If God isn't your answer to either, then changes are in order, priorities need to be set, and different choices need to be made.  God needs to be first and foremost in our lives.  If He isn't, blessings will be lost and darkness will consume your life.

Choose God - choose life!  Choose God - choose light!  Choose God - choose eternity.

Test and prove yourselves

"Examine and test and evaluate your own selves to see whether you are holding to your faith and showing the proper fruits of it.  Test and prove yourselves [not Christ].  Do you not yourselves realize and know... that Jesus Christ is in you - unless you are [counterfeit] disapproved on trial and rejected?" II Corinthians 13:5 AMPC

There's not a better way to put it: Examine and test and evaluate yourselves daily to see if there is anything, (sin, wrong thinking, darkness, depression, etc.), in you that needs to be removed.  If there is, and as humans we usually have something dark within, then we need to repent, and ask the Lord to remove it from us; ask the Lord to change our thoughts and actions.  I believe that it is so important for us to stay on our toes when it comes to sin and darkness that we hold on to.  In my opinion, it is what we hold on to that leads us to, or away, from God, so consistent accountability to God of our thoughts and actions is a must.  

Remember, God lives within you!  You are so unique, and so special - you have so much to offer this world.  So, don't let the dark-side of life get the best of you - don't let go of God, not even for a second.  Soon, your inner Light and beauty will come out naturally, you will have more confidence because of the Spirit within you, and the devil will stay further and further behind you, knowing that you are getting too strong for him to even want to deal with.

Power in weakness

"... My grace (My favor and loving-kindness and mercy) is enough for you [sufficient against any danger and enables you to bear the trouble manfully]; for My strength and power are made perfect (fulfilled and completed) and show themselves most effective in [your] weakness..." II Corinthians 12:9 AMPC

Weaknesses are not weakness when it comes to the Spirit of Christ.  No, they are strengths that are deeper than human knowledge can understand.  Therefore, try not to change who you are, (unless God is commanding), nor think too deeply into the why of your weaknesses.  Instead, think of the Power that lies within them.  That Power is Jesus, and not only will He perform amazing feats and miracles through your weaknesses (if you allow Him to), He will be more magnified and glorified in your life, leaving you closer and closer to the victories and blessings that are so patiently awaiting with your name written all over them.

Peace

“… for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light; so it is not surprising if his servants also masquerade as ministers of righteousness.  [But] their end will correspond with their deeds.” II Corinthians 11:14-15 AMPC

Satan is an expert in deceiving the human race.  Therefore, be on guard at all times; if you do not have peace about a choice to make, step to take, or direction to follow, then don’t make a move until you do.  When peace comes, then it is from God and that’s your queue to move forward.  As well, when you move forward in peace, not only are you making a God-blessed decision, you are stopping Satan in his tracks, leaving him incapacitated and incapable of stopping you in this next chapter of your life.

Lead every thought and purpose captive.

"[Inasmuch as we] refute arguments and theories and reasonings and every proud and lofty thing that sets itself up against the [true] knowledge of God; and we lead every thought and purpose away captive into the obedience of Christ (The Messiah, the Anointed One)." II Corinthians 10:5 AMPC

Every thought you think, every purpose you embark on, should align itself with God's Word.  If they don't, then what you are thinking, and what you are embarking on is not right, not true, and isn't worth your time.  Therefore, dig deep into God's Word and make His thoughts your thoughts, make His purpose your purpose, and know that every time you do you will crush Satan further and further into the ground, disabling his action plan of ever trying to hurt you.

Sowing and reaping

“[Remember] this: he who sows sparingly and grudgingly will also reap sparingly and grudgingly, and he who sows generously [that blessings may come to someone] will also reap generously and with blessings.” II Corinthians 9:6 AMPC

The same goes for finances, as well as, actions, attitudes, words, deeds, and thoughts - you will reap what you sow.  

 

God's Word speaks much of this, such as Luke 6:38, reading, "Give and it will be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, will be poured into your lap.  For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." 

 

So, friends, whether it be finances, actions, attitudes, words, deed, or thoughts, it is important that you reap what you would like to sow, because no matter what, what you sow is exactly what you will reap. 

For our sakes He became poor.

"... He was [so very] rich, yet for your sakes He became [so very] poor, in order that by His poverty you might become enriched (abundantly supplied). II Corinthians 8:9 AMPC

Self defeat, poverty and lack, fear, destruction, hurt, pain, anger, torment, and death aren't for children of God's to have, so, as children of God's, we need to stop focusing on them as though they are.  My goodness, God sent His only Son to die for us, to take all of the death, poverty, and defeat away, and to give us abundance in all good and God-approved things in life, so, for that reason we must focus on the abundances He has given us. Therefore, call things that aren't as though they are and walk it out as such, because before our lives will change, our thoughts and attitudes need to change.  And, until we recognize God for Who He is, and what He can do for us, we are never going to get very far! 

Choices

"For godly grief and the pain God is permitted to direct, produce a repentance that leads and contributes to salvation and deliverance from evil, and it never brings regret; but worldly grief... is deadly [breeding and ending in death]." II Corinthians 7:10 AMPC

Wrong choices can go one of two ways: deliverance and salvation, or regret and grief; blessings and abundance, or destruction and destitution. So, be aware of your choices, for no matter how big or small they may be, your choices are gateways to your future; gateways to life or death.

You ARE God's temple!

"What agreement [can there be between] a temple of God and idols?  For we are the temple of the living God; even as God said, I will dwell in and with and among them and will walk in and with and among them, and I will be their God, and they shall be My people.  So, come out from among [unbelievers], and separate (severe) yourselves from them, says the Lord..." II Corinthians 6:16-17 AMPC

I know I've posted similar verses before, but I cannot exaggerate enough that, YOU ARE GOD'S TEMPLE.  Yes, you!!!  Therefore, treat, act, and love yourself like it.  Yes, you may pray and love unbelievers, but you do not have to come in close relationship with them, unless you are influencing them, and them not influencing you.  If you have no choice, and you are currently in close relationship with someone, or with an entire family, then it is up to you to stand strong in Christ; dive into His Word daily, get the help of fellow believers for prayer and support, and make up your mind that you will not bow down to their unbelieving habits, hang-ups, attitudes, and injustices.  Love them with all of your heart, but let them not change you, or your spirit.  I believe, and have experienced, that the more you love someone on the verge of belief or unbelief; that the more your actions show you are truly a believer in Christ, then that person will begin want what you have, and soon, they will give their life over to the One and Only, Christ Jesus.  

So, remember who and Whose you are.  You are God's beautiful temple.  You are strong, beautiful, bold, courageous, and loving - you are a life changer.  Yes, it can be difficult, but remember, with God, nothing is too difficult.  Keep walking the good walk of faith, and make this life of yours mean something ~ something life-changing.

What do your actions say about you?

"For the love of Christ controls and urges and impels us..." II Corinthians 5:14

So, let me ask, What do your actions say about you?  Do they show that you love and live for Christ, or do they show that you love and live for self?  I believe if we all work on changing the selfish actions into actions that show our love for Christ, then all of our selfish wants and desires (that are God-approved) will come to pass all on their own.  So, throw yourself into works and actions that glorify God, and see if your life doesn't become more blessed than anything you could ever make happen in your own self.

Into His likeness

^"18 And we all, with unveiled face, continually seeing as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are progressively being transformed into His image from [one degree of] glory to [even more] glory, which comes from the Lord, [who is] the Spirit." 2 Corinthians 3:18 AMP

Look in the mirror!  You, yes you, are being made, more and more, into the likeness of God everyday; you are being transformed and renewed with His miraculous glory.  Therefore, you are amazing, beautiful, bold, unique, loved, and you are truly a blessing.  So, put your shoulders back and live this life of yours - the Spirit has mighty works to do through you, His precious, chosen child.

Comfort in every trouble

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of sympathy... and the God of every comfort... Who comforts... us in every trouble..." 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

At every turn, in every moment, whatever the circumstance, wherever you're at, God is there for you.  You are never alone, you always have a friend, and never will you have to mourn alone, God is there for you.  When life hits you hard, when the bad news doesn't seem to end, when nothing is going your way, remember, God is there for you.  So, grab on to God - this part of your life will soon prove to be one of the most blessed times of your life.

Let everything be done in love.

"Let everything you do be done in love (true love to God and man as inspired by God's love for us)." 1 Corinthians 16:14

Living life outside of love isn't living life at all. 

So, are you living?  If not, it's time to start.  Love others, love yourself, love your life, and, most of all, love God.

The last trumpet call.

"... we shall all be changed (transformed) 

In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the [sound of the] last trumpet call. For a trumpet will sound, and the dead [in Christ] will be raised imperishable (free and immune from decay), and we shall be changed (transformed)." 

1 Corinthians 15:51-52

So, let me ask, Are you ready; are you focused on God, or are you focused on doing what you want, when you want, and how you want to do it?.   

Remember, not everyone will hear the trumpet call - make sure you are not one of those.  How?  By staying focused on God, and His plan for your life; by staying focused on love and sharing it; by giving your life to Christ, daily, and continually kicking the dust off your heals; by, and most importantly, loving with every ounce of your being, and affecting even the most ungodly of ungodly's, so that they too will be able to experience the eternal power and love of our Lord and Savior, Christ Jesus.

Eagerly pursue and seek...

"Eagerly pursue and seek to acquire [this] love [make it your aim, your great quest]; and earnestly desire and cultivate the spiritual endowments (gifts)..." 1 Corinthians 14:1

Living life by simply pursuing, sharing, and acting out the love of God, as well as, using our unique gifts and talents to encourage and strengthen others, will bring every good and Godly desire and blessing come to pass in our lives.  So, let's make life simple: live in, and become love, and use every gift for the edifying and building-up of those around us.  I believe if we focus on those two things, God will focus on the million other things we would like to receive and accomplish in this walk of life that we are so blessed to have.

What does love do?

Love endures long and is patient and kind; love never is envious nor boils over with jealousy, is not boastful., conceited, rude (unmannerly) and does not act unbecomingly. Love (God's love in us) does not insist on its own rights or its own way, it is not touchy or fretful or resentful; it takes no account of the evil done to it.  Love does not rejoice in injustice, it bears up under anything that comes, is ever ready to believe the best of every person, its hopes are fadeless, and it endures everything.

Lastly, and most importantly, love never, ever, fails.

Adapted from 1 Corinthians 13:4-8

Friends, that is what love does.

Love is...

"And yet I will show you a still more excellent way [one that is better by far and the highest of them all - love]. 1 Corinthians 12:31 Everyday Life Bible

Love is healing, love is light, love is joy.  Love lifts the lowly, takes away the pressure, and destroy fear.  Love conquers the unconquerable, and stops Satan in his tracks.  Love knows no end, love is free to all, it makes the world go around, and soothes the soul.  Love wins!  Love forgives!  Love is forever!  

Moreover, and most importantly, God is love, and His love is free to all.

Made for each other.

^"Nevertheless, woman is not independent of man, nor is man independent of woman." 1 Corinthians 11:11 AMP

Men and women are made for each other, to stand together as a team, in equality; together, the two glorify and magnify God - life is blessed and beautiful.  However, when one acts superior to another, pride and racism are magnified and glorified - life is dark and destructive.  

Therefore, stand together, and God will bring blessings and beauty to the two, which no one man or woman, nor pride or racism, can ever experience alone.

Do it all for the honor and glory of God

"So then, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you may do, do all for the honor and glory of God." 1 Corinthians 10:31 AMP

Ask yourself, what actions and behaviors of yours God is proud of.  Then, ask yourself, what actions and behaviors of yours is He not proud of.  Whatever is on the list of the latter, ask God help you change; remove them. Then, spend your life working on the list that God is proud of, the list that God is glorified through.

I truly believe that if we hold ourselves accountable to actions and behaviors God is proud of, we will glow with His glory.  Then, no man, woman, or beast, will ever be able to deny that we are truly blessed children of the one and only - Most High God.

If you talk the talk.

"But (like a boxer) I buffet my body [handle it roughly, discipline it by hardships] and subdue it, for fear that after proclaiming to others the Gospel... I myself should become unfit [not stand the test, be unapproved and rejected]." 1 Corinthians 9:27 AMP

If you are going to talk the talk, then, you too, must walk the walk!

Oh, the power of Love.

"... but love (affection and good will and benevolence) edifies and builds up and encourages one to grow [to his full stature]." Romans 8:1 AMP

Love builds, love revives, love encourages, love heals, and, above all, love destroys the devil!  

Oh, how awesome the mighty power of Love - Oh, how awesome, the mighty power of God.

Paid for in full.

"You were bought with a price [purchased with a preciousness and paid for, made His own].  So then, honor God and bring glory to Him in your body." 1 Corinthians 6:20 AMP

Treat and take care of yourself as if your body, mind, and soul are God's Holy Temple, because, His Holy Temple is exactly what you are.  Therefore, immorality, torture, addiction, pain, and illness needs to be addressed - if it isn't something Jesus would do, then it isn't something you should do either. 

Purge the darkness from within

7 Get rid of the old yeast that you may be a new batch without yeast--as you really are. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed.¹

8 Therefore let us keep the Festival, not with the old yeast, the yeast of malice and wickedness, but with bread without yeast,² the bread of sincerity and truth.

1 Corinthians 5:7-8 NIV

 

Let’s make it a point to continually purge the dark, wicked, sinful thoughts, deeds, wishes, etc., from within by holding ourselves accountable to God and His Word.  I think one of the best things that we can ask ourselves on a continual basis is, “Is this something Jesus would say, do, or think?”.  If He wouldn’t, then we need to immediately begin to replace those wrong thoughts with His Word, and ask Him to help cleanse us of the unrighteousness we hold. Not only will our outlook on life be enlightened, but it will make Satan bow his head in defeat, and that, my friend, is something that can’t be passed up.