Tag: Righteousness

November 1, 2023 Devotional Post a Comment

Beyond Temptations

“Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.” – John 17:17 (NKJV)

Introduction:

We live in a world with constant pressures, distractions, and temptations. But what does it truly mean to live a life of purity, righteousness, and sanctification in today’s world?

Key Point Summary:

To sanctify is to make holy or set apart. For believers, it’s about living in purity, righteousness, and being focused on God’s wisdom. This journey is an active effort to resist external pressures and temptations and remain committed to doing what’s right in the eyes of God.

Devotional Story:

Mark was a promising athlete, expected to compete at the national level. However, the pressures surrounding him were immense – peers indulging in shortcuts like performance-enhancing drugs, and the temptation of overnight fame. Yet, Mark remembered his grandfather’s advice, “Your body is a temple, and your character, its foundation.” Choosing the harder path, Mark abstained from any shortcuts, staying true to his training and principles. Years later, not only did he excel in his sport, but he also became a role model for many, showcasing the strength that comes from purity and righteousness.

“A discerning person keeps wisdom in view, but a fool’s eyes wander to the ends of the earth.” – Proverbs 17:24 (NKJV)

Contextual Insight:

In biblical times, being ‘set apart’ or ‘sanctified’ was a tangible concept. Priests had specific rituals for cleanliness, and certain objects were sanctified for holy purposes. In today’s context, sanctification is more about our hearts and actions than external rituals. It’s a daily decision to live according to God’s standards.

Personal Reflection:

Am I maintaining purity and righteousness in my daily life? When faced with temptations, do I stand firm in my beliefs, or do I waver?

Practical Application:

1. Dedicate time daily for self-reflection and prayer, seeking guidance on maintaining purity.
2. Surround yourself with a supportive community that upholds the same values.
3. Whenever faced with a dilemma, consult scripture or trusted spiritual leaders for guidance.

Prayer:

Lord, grant me the strength and wisdom to live a life of purity and righteousness. Let me not be swayed by the world’s temptations but remain steadfast in Your truth. Sanctify my heart and actions daily. Amen.

Conclusion:

Purity, righteousness, and sanctification aren’t mere words but a way of life. In a world filled with distractions, it’s our conscious choice to stay true to these principles that brings us closer to God.

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” – Matthew 5:8 (NKJV)

Further Reading:

Psalm 24, 1 Thessalonians 4:3-6

Faith Notes:

The journey of sanctification is ongoing. It’s not just about avoiding wrong actions but actively seeking to do good and uphold God’s principles in every aspect of our lives.

Reader Participation:

Have you faced a situation where you had to choose between external pressures and doing what’s right? Share your stories of how you upheld purity and righteousness in your life.

“Who may ascend into the hill of the LORD? Or who may stand in His holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart.” – Psalm 24:3-4a (NKJV)

October 14, 2023 Devotional Post a Comment

Finding the Good in the Chaos

“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” – Matthew 6:33 (KJV)

Introduction

Imagine life as a wild, fast-paced video game, where making good choices seems tough because everything around is in a whirlwind of chaos. Picture being Diego, navigating through a virtual world that swings between challenging and tempting situations.

Devotional Story

Diego found himself in a confusing and chaotic virtual world – a place filled with lots of wrong and negative things, much like the world can sometimes feel to us. But he made a bold choice: he wouldn’t go along with the bad stuff. Instead, he would look for the good and stick to it, just as we strive to find and hold onto the positive in our everyday lives.

As he steadfastly chose what’s right, even within the chaotic game, a beautiful change happened. The negativity and bad choices around him began to transform into good, positive, and uplifting experiences. Diego’s persistent search for good amidst the chaos mirrored our own journeys – avoiding the wrong and always seeking the right and the good.

“Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.” – Romans 12:21 (KJV)

Conclusion

Diego’s journey from being surrounded by negativity to finding and choosing positivity mirrors the choices we face daily. It’s a gentle reminder that even when negativity surrounds us, our personal choices to pursue goodness can guide us toward positivity and uplift our spirits.

Choosing good, even when it’s tough, is key to finding peace and positivity in our chaotic worlds.

Faith Notes

In life, just like Diego in the game, we’re often presented with situations that challenge our choices and test our integrity. Even amidst all the chaos and negativity, consistently choosing the path of righteousness and good can transform our journey into one of positivity and spiritual enrichment.

May your journey be speckled with choices that lean towards goodness and righteousness, allowing you to navigate through life’s chaos with a heart steadfast in virtue and positivity, finding peace and spiritual wealth along the way.

“Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil.” Proverbs 4:27

October 9, 2023 Devotional Post a Comment

The Illusion of Darkness

“Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.”
– Revelation 22:14 (KJV)

Introduction

The dilemma of choosing between the allure of darkness and the lifelong commitment to walking in the light is a struggle we all encounter. Whether consciously or subconsciously, every decision we make leans us towards one or the other. The story of John and Mark illustrates this eternal struggle and shows us that the choices we make have profound implications on our spiritual well-being.

Devotional Story

John and Mark were lifelong friends, but each had chosen a different path. John reveled in worldly pleasures, seeking the next thrill without much thought about its impact on his soul. Mark, however, valued his spiritual journey and treaded carefully, guided by God’s word.

As time passed, John’s life began to unravel. His moments of pleasure left a hollow feeling in his soul, a spiritual emptiness that seemed to grow with every indulgence. Mark watched his friend’s deterioration with a heavy heart.

He approached John one day and shared the words of wisdom:

“For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?”
– Mark 8:36 (KJV)

This scripture hit John like a ton of bricks. He realized the cost of his choices and felt the weight of the emptiness within him. It was a difficult realization, but also a turning point.

Determined to change, John began his tough journey back to the light. With Mark’s support and the strength found in God’s word, he was able to break free from the shackles of his previous life. And as he did, he found himself not only spiritually rejuvenated but also a beacon of light for others lost in the darkness.

“The path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.”
– Proverbs 4:18 (KJV)

Conclusion

The story of John and Mark serves as a stern reminder that the allure of darkness may seem rewarding in the short term, but ultimately leaves us spiritually bankrupt. Darkness can lift us, yes, but only up to a point. It gives us the illusion of elevation while placing a low ceiling above our heads. We may climb, but we never reach the heights we were destined for. Even worse, we become isolated, separating ourselves from the true Source of all LIGHT and TRUTH. True fulfillment and spiritual growth are only found in walking in the LIGHT, following God’s commandments, and being mindful of the impact of our choices.

In making these choices, we not only lift ourselves but also serve as beacons guiding others towards God, fulfilling our role as the salt and light of the Earth.

“Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.”
– Romans 13:13 (KJV)

Faith Notes

The verse from Romans 13:13 is a call to moral and ethical living, typically attributed to the Apostle Paul in the New Testament. The verse serves as a moral compass, urging people to adopt a lifestyle of integrity and righteousness.

“Walk honestly, as in the day”:

The metaphor of walking “in the day” suggests living openly and transparently, with nothing to hide. Daylight is often associated with visibility, truth, and goodness.

“Rioting and drunkenness”:

These terms refer to behaviors marked by excess and a lack of self-control, specifically regarding substance abuse and unruly behavior. They symbolize the abandonment of rationality and virtue.

“Chambering and wantonness”:

These archaic terms point toward sexual immorality and unrestrained indulgence in sensual pleasures. They serve as warnings against behaviors considered detrimental to spiritual growth.

“Strife and envying”:

These words refer to social and relational disharmony, resulting from selfishness or jealousy. They act as reminders to avoid toxic emotions that sow discord.

The verse implores us to live in a way that is harmonious with others and pleasing to God, emphasizing the importance of moral choices and their impact on our spiritual well-being. It invites us to shift our focus from worldly vices to a higher, spiritual calling.

May we continue to push back the darkness and illuminate the world with the Holy Light of our Eternal Creator.

“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” (KJV)

Like in the illustration below, If we trust in the LORD with all our hearts and push back on our own flesh, push back on our own will, then God will collapse the darkness and His light will make our paths straight! Trust God, be the co-pilot, and let Him take control!