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What It Means To Be Wise
Listen to advice and accept discipline, and at the end you will be counted among the wise. Proverbs 19:20, NIV Wise people know how to listen. Sometimes, others would only consider someone as wise if they could figure things out on their own. They somehow believed that wisdom only comes from within. But according to proverbs, people who are counted as wise are those who listen to advice and accept discipline. This means they don’t just rely on their own understanding. Instead, they treat other people’s advice as important to them. We are living in a world where people would rarely listen. It is sad to say that some of…
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The People That Jesus Treated As Family Are Those Who Obey God’s Word
He replied, “My mother and brothers are those who hear God’s word and put it into practice.” Luke 8: 21, NIV Jesus said these words when His mother, Mary and His brothers came to see him. Someone told him that his earthly family was there waiting for him, but then Jesus said that those He considered as family are the ones who hear God’s word and put it into practice. Many of us would think that Jesus would give special privileges for His earthly family but in His eyes, the people that He treated as family are those who would obey God’s word. Being close to God isn’t just about…
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When The People Around Us Experience The Consequences Of Our Bad Decisions
“Pick me up and throw me into the sea,” he replied, “and it will become calm. I know that it is my fault that this great storm has come upon you.” Jonah 1:12, NIV Jonah was a prophet who once disobeyed God’s instruction. He was commanded to go to the city of Nineveh and preach against it. But Jonah ran away and went to another place. He tried to flee from the Lord by riding a boat. But then, God sent a great wind on the sea and a violent storm. The sailors were so afraid. And then, they cast lots to know who’s responsible for the calamity. And the…
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Life Is Hard, But Living Life Without God Is Even Harder
Living in this imperfect world will make you realize that life is not easy. There are days when you need to do your best to survive. Trials and storms will be there. There may be joy and excitement, but pain and tears are also present. This is the reality that we are living in. We just can’t get everything we want. Sometimes, we need to work hard for it. This is why we need grace. If we will just rely on what we can do, then the time will come when we will be exhausted. In the end, we need God’s blessings to sustain us throughout the journey. Living without…
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Romans 14:10, NIV
You, then, why do you judge your brother or sister? Or why do you treat them with contempt? For we will all stand before God’s judgment seat. Romans 14:10, NIV Don’t quickly judge the people around you. Don’t focus on the negative things that they did. Give them the space to grow and become a better person. Find a way to live in peace with others. Treat them just like how God treated you. Let His kindness lead you to love and serve others. Remember that one day, we will all stand before God’s judgment seat. We will give an account of the things that we did to our brothers and…
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Romans 13:8, NIV
Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law. Romans 13:8, NIV Love fulfills the law. When you choose to share God’s love with the people around you, then it means that you won’t do anything that could possibly harm or destroy them. If you only knew how much God loves His people, then you will also learn to respect and serve them the way God loves and respects you. Do not allow your selfish desires to reign. Because when you do, there’s a tendency that you will compromise your relationship with other people. The temporary fleshly desires…
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Romans 13:1, NIV
Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience. Romans 13:1, NIV God purposely gave authority to some people. He allowed them to manage and lead certain institutions. That’s why it is necessary for you to submit to them. Do it out of your conscience. Sometimes, it’s hard to do this, especially when you recognize their bad behavior but respect them as God’s chosen leaders. Do not focus on the negative things that you experienced. Instead, let God’s light shine in your life. Let His love overflow so that people may know that you are not just…
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Romans 12:14, NIV
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Romans 12:14, NIV You can never please everyone. No matter how much you try to do good things and speak the right words, there will be instances when you meet people who will persecute you and question your faith. When you receive painful words from them, then remember this verse. Choose to bless and stay kind to them. Do not curse them. Instead, pray that God will fill their hearts with His love. Lift them up to Jesus because He knows what to do with them. Your only job is to extend His love to them. Do not focus on…
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Romans 12:9, NIV
Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Romans 12: 9, NIV Do not choose to love just because God asks you to do it. Instead, be sincere. Serve other people, especially those who hurt and mistreat you. That’s what separates you from the world. Choose to do good even in moments when you are challenged and in pain. Hate what is evil. Follow God’s commandments, and let His instructions be your guide. Hold on to what is good. The enemy may tempt you to take the shortcut and focus on the temporary pleasures but remind yourself that seeking the Kingdom of God is always…
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Romans 2:6, NIV
God “will repay each person according to what they have done.” Romans 2:6 Do what’s right in the eyes of God. Don’t just follow your own will. Stop treating yourself as if you are the ruler of your life. Acknowledge the sovereignty of God and learn to honor His Name. Love Him with all your heart, mind, and soul. Let His goodness inspires you to abide by His instructions. Remember that He will repay you according to what you have done. So sow good seeds in your life, and you will reap the harvest. Let go of the negative things and stop listening to the lies of the enemy. Release…
