God’s word is so full of…well, everything! Drama, comedy, tragedy, etc., and so much wisdom! When I read the verse-for-the-day the past two days, I just couldn’t stop at one. It was like the bag of Lays chips slogan, “Bet you can’t eat just one!” Nope…I couldn’t. God’s living word is addicting.
Today’s entry doesn’t come from any “life lesson learned” by Stephanie. Today’s entry comes straight from our life instruction book, the Bible. Enjoy these beautiful words and I pray that you will allow them to wash over you, get down into your marrow, and live for God.
Always be filled with joy in the Lord. I will say it again. Be filled with joy. Let everyone see that you are gentle and kind. The Lord is coming soon. Don’t worry about anything, but pray and ask God for everything you need, always giving thanks for what you have. And because you belong to Christ Jesus, God’s peace will stand guard over all your thoughts and feelings. His peace can do this far better than our human minds. Brothers and sisters, continue to think about what is good and worthy of praise. Think about what is true and honorable and right and pure and beautiful and respected. Philippians 4:4-8 ERV
So all of you should live together in peace. Try to understand each other. Love each other like brothers and sisters. Be kind and humble. Don’t do wrong to anyone to pay them back for doing wrong to you. Or don’t insult anyone to pay them back for insulting you. But ask God to bless them. Do this because you yourselves were chosen to receive a blessing. The Scriptures say, “If you want to enjoy true life and have only good days, then avoid saying anything hurtful, and never let a lie come out of your mouth. Stop doing what is wrong, and do good. Look for peace, and do all you can to help people live peacefully. The Lord watches over those who do what is right, and he listens to their prayers. But he is against those who do evil.” If you are always trying to do good, no one can really harm you. But you may suffer for doing right. If that happens, you have God’s blessing. “Don’t be afraid of the people who make you suffer; don’t be worried.” But keep the Lord Christ holy in your hearts. Always be ready to answer everyone who asks you to explain about the hope you have. But answer them in a gentle way with respect. Keep your conscience clear. Then people will see the good way you live as followers of Christ, and those who say bad things about you will be ashamed of what they said. It is better to suffer for doing good than for doing wrong. Yes, it is better if that is what God wants. Christ himself suffered when he died for you, and with that one death he paid for your sins. He was not guilty, but he died for people who are guilty. He did this to bring all of you to God. In his physical form he was killed, but he was made alive by the Spirit. 1 Peter 3:8-18 ERV
Wasn’t this some good stuff? Can I get an Amen? Do you agree that these are words we need to strive to live for? Oh, precious friend, let’s tackle these words with great vigor. May the life you live for Christ be addicting.
Blessings to you and yours,
Stephanie
(The above photo has nothing to do with today’s entry, but when I was searching for a photo with an arrow I saw this picture of my great niece and just cracked up. I asked my niece if I could use this one instead, and she agreed. Doesn’t it just make you smile?)