The Bible calls believers in Jesus to be thankful in our hearts to God. Christ followers are ever thankful for their salvation, always keeping in view that Jesus has redeemed us from every lawless deed. Christians are thankful for God’s continual provision. As we seek first His kingdom and righteousness, He has promised to always provide for our every physical and material need. We are also thankful for the stormy seasons through which God sustains our soul in the midst of pain and trial. Do you know the Lord? Are you ever thankful for all He has done and continues to do?
The Bible tells us that the path of the righteous is marked by wisdom. A wise person, first and foremost, fears the Lord. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of the wisdom that leads to salvation. A wise person has a teachable spirit. Their ears are open and their heart is receptive. A wise person receives their wisdom from the Lord. The Bible tells us that anyone who lacks wisdom can ask of God, who gives generously to all who ask of Him. Do you have this wisdom from above?
The Bible tells us that the path of the upright is blessed of the Lord. When we come to Jesus by faith, He changes our heart from the devastating effects of sin, to that which is upright and honors the Lord. When we are given a new heart, we are given a new mind, which leads us to new and life giving speech as well as new deeds that are honoring to God. The house, name and memory of the upright are blessed. Is your path one that is upright?
The Bible tells us that the path of the righteous is a diligent one. Christ-followers are called to be diligent in their work. Our work is to be found reliable, trustworthy, free of negligence. We are to be diligent in our relationships. Disciples of Jesus work hard to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace, whether in the home, the church, or the world. We are to be diligent in our faith. We are diligent to know and observe the Word of God. Is the path of your life one marked by diligence?
The Bible tells us that we will all encounter various trials in this life. Perhaps you are currently going through a storm and wonder if there is any purpose to it. In the Scripture, we can see that trials come upon our lives for different reasons. Some trials are for the purpose of training us for a future moment that we have yet to encounter. Without proper training, we'd never get through what awaits us. Other trials are because of our sin or someone else's. All trials are in one way or another for the glory of God. Whatever your trial may be, there is a reason for it. Have you embraced your trial?
As King Josiah begins his reign, he seeks the Lord and begins removing the idols of worship from his kingdom. As he rebuilds the temple, a great discovery is made, which had been missing from the kingdom for two generations – The Word of God. We can all be lured in by the world's promises of happiness, satisfaction, and the latest trend of finding joy. But nothing has the real power of the very voice of our creator. God’s Word has stood the test of time and offers truth that can pierce the soul, encourage a broken heart, convict us of sin, and ultimately offer mankind the gift of salvation. As Josiah reads the very Words of God, he tears his robes and realizes how far his kingdom has drifted from the Lord.
When King Josiah had identified the idols of the land, he purged them from the high places, the land, and the house of the Lord. As the temple of the Holy Spirit, we must also cleanse our lives from idols. Idols must be clearly named, then removed through humble repentance. Upon repenting of idolatry, we must then replace them with righteousness. Do you have idols? What are their names? Will you tear them down and place the Lord upon the throne of your life?
When King Josiah surveyed the land of Judah, he saw many idols. While we may not build the same kind of statues and false deities today, our lives can be just as full of idols. The Bible tells us that the idolatry of this world will appear as the lust of the flesh, the eyes, and the pride of life. Ultimately, all idolatry comes back to one common false god. Ourselves. As Satan tempted Eve to be like God, we too desire to be a god of our own making. Idolatry will leave us empty and unsatisfied. Only the true and living God can bring authentic joy and peace to the soul. What are your idols?
Josiah ascended to the throne at the age of 8. Like many people, he came from a family line of sin and destruction. His sinful father was assassinated by conspirators at the age of 22. His grandfather before him led God's people into witchcraft, sorcery, and evil. Everybody has light and dark in their family tree, but we all must face the reality of God alone. Josiah, at the age of 16, began to seek the God of his father, David. This would have a lasting and profound effect on his life. When did you truly begin to seek the Lord?
Love bears all things as Christ bore the weight of our sin. We demonstrate Jesus when we bear the load on behalf of others. The Bible calls the bear with the weak in faith, spirit, and circumstance. Much like the Samaritan stopped on the side of the road for the beaten-down man, so does the love of God. Love believes and hopes all things. The Christian has a hope without end. We believe in the power of the gospel to save the most vile sinner. We believe with all hope in the restoration of broken relationships, and the healing of fractured unity. Love endures in that it perseveres under trial. Love never fails. Do you know and live the love of God?
Love is not jealous, does not brag or seek its own. When we walk in the love of God, we are happy for the blessings and success of others. Love does not act unbecomingly. God's people are not rude, abrasive, or crass, but rather wholesome, encouraging, and dignified. Love is not provoked and does not keep a record of wrongs. The Lord does not hold us hostage to our past sin and as Christians, we ought never to hold others to such things. Love does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices in the truth. Are you living in the truth of God's miraculous love?
Love is patient and kind. For those who follow Jesus, we are empowered by the Holy Spirit to have a patient spirit about us. We are not of those who lose their temper, seek revenge or are easily offended. Additionally, Christians are called to exhibit patience with one another and with all people. Our loving patience is not approval of sin, but rather the door through which our testimony to others may enter. Does your life and conduct demonstrate a love that is patient and kind?
The Bible says that no matter how many gifts or abilities we have, we are nothing without love. The love described in the Word of God is impossible to obtain and demonstrate by any act of human will or effort. True love comes only from God. The world will offer us counterfeit versions of love through entertainment, therapy, emotion, pleasure, and material goods, but it is all hollow. God alone is able to empower us to love. This can only happen by first putting our faith in Jesus Christ for salvation. Do you know this love?
One day the sky will split apart like a scroll and the Lord Jesus will descend from Heaven on a white horse as the conquering king. He will judge evil, rescue believers, and establish His eternal kingdom. The Bible says he will separate the righteous from the unrighteous as a shepherd separates the sheep and the goats. Only those whose names are found written in the book of life will be saved from eternal judgment. Is your name written the book of life?
