John 20:31(AMPC), "But these are written in order that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ (the Anointed One), the Son of God, and that through believing and cleaving to and trusting and relying upon Him you may have life through (in) His name [through Who He is]."

As born again believers, it's essential we understand that being in Christ Jesus encompasses every aspect of our lives. It's simply unscriptural to think our spiritual lives are separate from our business ethics, our political views, our family values, or our personal attitudes and actions. When we accepted Jesus as Lord, we accepted His Lordship over every part of us. In Galatians 2:20 Paul placed great emphasis on the truth that our old, individualistic nature that lived according to our own will, independent from God’s has been crucified with Christ. Now it's no longer our own ideals or opinions or desires that reign, but rather Christ's! We have chosen His Spirit and the truth from His Word to govern and influence every part of our lives. We only have one life, and it's in Christ Jesus! Let this truth dominate everything you do today, and be aware of the fact that to live this way is really not something that is done in our own strength. It's done by faith. When we adhere to and rely on and completely put our trust in Jesus, yielding to His Holy Spirit, His Word becomes life and practical wisdom to us. This will light the way for us to walk in His perfect and good will for us - in every area of our lives. In every decision you make, remember it's no longer you that lives, but Christ Who lives in you!

Matthew 5:44 (NKJV): “But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you,”

 

In this life, there’ll always be people who don’t agree with you, or even dislike you.  There will be those who persecute and despise you because of what you believe.  The Bible makes it very clear we are not to become offended, but rather respond to them in love.  You see, in most cases, it’s not actually you they are angry at.  The light of Jesus shining in you exposes the darkness in them that brings them shame.  Their actions or attitudes should never cause you to act contrary to your true nature, which is love. God is love, and anyone who loves is of God, and knows God.  Our responsibility is to correctly represent the One we carry by walking in love.  It would be foolish to think in our journey of faith there won’t be anyone who’ll test us.  It’s our reaction to them that shows up the maturity we have in our relationship with Jesus. The way they treat you doesn’t stop God’s plan concerning you. Let your walk of love be the most significant quality people see in you, because love never fails, it always endures and covers over a multitude of sins. Today, choose to love others the way Christ loves you.

1 Corinthians 10:13 (NLT): “The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, He will show you a way out so that you can endure.” 

 

If you ever feel temptation to fall into bad habits, to step back into fear, or to doubt God’s promises concerning you, has got the better of you; or the struggle to gain control of the tug-of-war between your flesh and spirit is too tough - it’s time to rejoice! Why? Because God has made a way out for you! If we choose to get in the habit of daily building up our spiritual strength by spending time in the Word, taking its truth to heart and letting it take root in our minds - it will cause our faith to become stronger and louder than any temptation that tries to lure us away from having victory in Christ. God’s Word will teach you that problem you’re facing is no problem at all when you stand strong in faith and firm on God’s promises because He is faithful to fulfil His Word! Temptation has no power over a believer who is rooted and grounded in the Word and full of the power of the Holy Spirit! So pursue the things of God and see how temptation can never compete with the power that flows from you.

Revelation 3:17 (TPT): “For you claim, ‘I’m rich and getting richer—I don’t need a thing.’ Yet you are clueless that you are miserable, poor, blind, barren, and naked!”

 

There’s a vast difference between how we measure success and how God measures it. We tend to build our standards on comparisons. To us, whatever appears bigger, grander, and more beautiful - must be better. Yet God’s standard for greatness reaches past what is outwardly displayed. It goes deep into what is not seen by others - into the motives and intents of our hearts. If they measure up to, and reflect His own, He considers them more valuable than all the wealth and riches this world has to offer. The way we think and act when others aren’t watching holds more weight to Him than our outward displays of generosity and excellence - when they are based on incorrect or insincere motives. Being honest, pure, and completely dependent on Him at the core of who we are, is what makes us rich. Unless this is the foundation of the good works we produce, our efforts - no matter how grand - are of little value to God’s Kingdom. When they go through the fire of adversity, they will have nothing to sustain them. Only things birthed from, and built on the heart of God will remain vital and true. Let the Lord be the master builder in your life - He’ll produce fruit that is truly rich, according to His heavenly standards.

Genesis 15:6 (NIV): “Abram believed the LORD, and He credited it to him as righteousness.”

Abram was a man in a seemingly impossible situation. He had been commissioned by an unseen God who was foreign to his people, to leave his father’s house and journey to an unknown destination. The commission came with a promise: God would bless him exceedingly and bless his seed immensely. As wonderful as this promise was, it was just as impossible as the commission. Abram was advanced in years and his wife was barren. Yes, against all odds, Abram decided to believe the Lord.  Abram took a leap of faith, trusting the Word of an unseen God Who made a never-ending covenant with him. This is the kind of faith that pleases God. Faith isn't faith if we can do what we are called to do relying on our own ability, or natural resources. Our covenant God wants to back you with His power and all the resources of heaven - so step out in faith, obey His call, and believe!

John 14:26 (NKJV): “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.”

 

Ignorance is not bliss. Jesus is coming back soon. The Day of Judgment is at hand; and we will stand face-to-face before the Son of God, giving account for the lives we chose to live. We will be held accountable according to the victory of the cross. But we can never know this victory unless we choose to cultivate an intimate relationship with the Holy Spirit. It’s the Holy Spirit Who teaches us every part of living the victory of the cross. He reveals the Person of Jesus to us. He brings God’s Word that we already know to remembrance whenever we need it. He constantly communicates the atmosphere of heaven with us and shows us how to live each moment of each day in victory. The Holy Spirit remains in us; He works in our hearts and leads us into truth. So embrace the relationship you have been given – to know the Spirit of victory Himself, and live in Him. This way we will be more than ready for the day we are called to give account. This way we will confidently say, “As He was, so were we in this world!”

 

Day 29

 

#FaithDailyLive in The Spirit of Victory!

 

John 14:26 (NKJV): “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.”

 

Ignorance is not bliss. Jesus is coming back soon. The Day of Judgment is at hand; and we will stand face-to-face before the Son of God, giving account for the lives we chose to live. We will be held accountable according to the victory of the cross. But we can never know this victory unless we choose to cultivate an intimate relationship with the Holy Spirit. It’s the Holy Spirit Who teaches us every part of living the victory of the cross. He reveals the Person of Jesus to us. He brings God’s Word that we already know to remembrance whenever we need it. He constantly communicates the atmosphere of heaven with us and shows us how to live each moment of each day in victory. The Holy Spirit remains in us; He works in our hearts and leads us into truth. So embrace the relationship you have been given – to know the Spirit of victory Himself, and live in Him. This way we will be more than ready for the day we are called to give account. This way we will confidently say, “As He was, so were we in this world!”

 

 

Day 30

 

#FaithDailyLine Up with the Truth!

 

John 14:6 (NKJV): “Jesus said to him, I am the Way and the Truth and the Life; no one comes to the Father except by (through) Me.”

 

When we keep our eyes constantly and consistently fixed on Jesus, we follow His way of living. It’s the way of truth, and it stands out in a world of ever-changing opinions. Even when people are well-meaning, and have good intentions, they can be sincerely wrong. There is absolutely a way that seems noble, right and good, but unless it is God’s way – backed by the wisdom of His written Word – it will not lead to life. It will however lead to death – death of purpose, of passion and even of our lives. If we look to people, or popular opinion instead of God’s wisdom, we will only end up in confusion and lose our way. This is why it’s crucial we live in constant fellowship with the Lord… Where we’re crystal clear on Who He is, and who we are in Him. His faultless Word says He will never forsake us, and that He can be trusted. And so, the responsibility lies with us to remain in Him. Today, irrespective of the source of your conviction, or your plan of action, be sure it matches up against the Truth that is Jesus. Whatever doesn’t line up, simply has to go.

 

 

Day 31

 

#FaithDailyGood Character Paves the Way For Victory!

 

 

Genesis 41:43 (NLT):“Then he had Joseph ride in the chariot reserved for his second-in-command. And wherever Joseph went, the command was shouted, “Kneel down!” So Pharaoh put Joseph in charge of all Egypt.”

 

Joseph’s story is certainly inspiring! Yet, we have the privilege of reading the story from the perspective of ‘hindsight’. We read about his tribulation and trials, but we know that in the end everything will work out perfectly. For Joseph, living in ‘real time’ must have felt as though he always seemed to find himself in the wrong place, at the wrong time. In spite of every challenge he remained steadfast in his faith. Every setback was actually a setup for greatness. When we walk in obedience to the Spirit of God, the goodness and mercy of the Lord locates us and turns everything around for our favour. In hindsight we discover we have always been at the right place, at the right time, with the right people when we walked by faith in obedience to the will of God. When Joseph’s character was strong and sound enough to suit his call, promotion came. Wherever you find yourself today, and whatever circumstances you face, remain steadfast in your faith. Let the Lord develop your character as you diligently learn to follow and obey His voice too. In the perfect time, your faithful character will cause you to step into the destiny He has called you to.