Stay Focused on the Pioneer of Faith

Stay Focused on the Pioneer of Faith

 

Hebrews 12:2, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

God correctly emphasizes the significance of Jesus enduring the cross for a much greater purpose. The Lord Jesus faced immense suffering not merely as a duty but as a purposeful sacrifice—an act of obedience to God’s promises, motivated by the joy of redeeming humanity and reuniting with the Father in heaven.

Accordingly, faith…is not merely a private feeling. It is much more a loyal trust of God even under strain. Also, a believer even though he is righteous before God is not a person who has mastered life; he keeps leaning on God when the situation does not yet make sense. (See Holden Kirlin)

The Lord Jesus literally “endured the cross” signifying accepting the suffering and pain of crucifixion. This very notion encourages us to embrace our trials with faith and patience, viewing them as opportunities for obedience to God’s will and spiritual growth.

• Suffering and Sacrifice Go Together: Enduring the cross represents the ultimate sacrifice made by Jesus, highlighting His obedience to God’s divine plan despite immense suffering. Faith always has this element of placing our confidence in God’s obligation—taking his statements and promises seriously even if it requires our physical life.
• Spiritual Growth is One Outcome: We are encouraged to see our own struggles as means to deepen our faith and develop resilience. Faith involves intentional actions and practices like Scripture reading, prayer, church participation, practical holiness, and service that strengthen our relationship with the Lord. 

Remember, according to Hebrews 12:2, Jesus endured the cross for the joy that lay ahead, which included fulfilling prophecy and achieving salvation for humanity. This perspective, confidence or faith based on God’s actual statements, emphasizes that enduring difficulties leads to greater rewards and fulfillment in our heavenly future.

So, throughout life’s race, we must look away from every one else and keep our eyes riveted on the Lord Jesus, who is the foremost Runner of this race. A. B. Bruce comments:

One stands out conspicuous above all the rest … the Man who first perfectly realised the idea of living by faith …, who undauntedly endured the bitter suffering of the cross, and despised the ignominy of it, sustained by a faith that so vividly realised coming joy and glory as to obliterate the consciousness of present pain and shame.

Child of God, Jesus is the author, or pioneer, of our faith meaning He has provided us with the only perfect or complete example of what the life of faith is like.

Jesus is also the “finisher of our faith.” He not only began the race but finished it triumphantly. He did it all by faith! He kept His eyes fixed on the coming glory when all the redeemed would be gathered with Him eternally. This ‘kind of faith’ enabled Him to think nothing of shame and to endure suffering by crucifixion. “Today Jesus is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.”^[1]

Beloved, our supreme Model for real faith is Jesus! “He kept His eye on the joy set before Him, the “joy” alluded to in 1:9 wherein He obtained an eternal throne. The believers’ share in that joy must also be kept in view. After enduring (hypemeinen, the verb related to the noun hypomonē in 12:1; cf. vv. 3, 7) the cross and scorning its shame, Jesus assumed that triumphant position at the right hand of the throne of God (cf. 1:3; 8:1; 10:12) which presages His and the believers’ final victory (cf. 1:13–14).”^[2]

The faithful believer sees a powerful testimony of what faith looks like in action. A demonstrated trust in God made possible even in difficult circumstances. There is no rethinking, quitting, or giving up! We are encouraged to remove anything that hinders our spiritual growth and run the race of faith with serious perseverance.

Jesus stands alone as the ultimate example of faith and endurance. He endured suffering and rejection because He looked forward to the joy that would come through the redemption of humanity. Beloved, by focusing on Christ, we find strength and courage to continue forward even during our trials. (See Bible Remnant)

“This is where faith becomes practical rather than decorative. It changes how you handle guilt, how you respond to uncertainty, and how you make decisions that carry moral weight. It also reshapes personal growth, because growth in the Christian life is usually slower and less polished than people want it to be. The next challenge is that faith does not just need habits; it also needs endurance when the pressure is real.”—Holden Kirlin

Like yourself, I am deeply intimidated by this Bible claim, but the Lord Jesus, His apostles, the early martyrs, and many real believers down through history sealed their conviction with their own blood. I am not greater than they. After all, “the just shall live by faith.”

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^[1] William MacDonald, Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments, ed. Arthur Farstad (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1995), 2202–3.

^[2] Zane C. Hodges, “Hebrews,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 809–10.

When Our Desires Go Wild

When Our Desires Go Wild

GEN. 13:8-13

 

SUBJECT: Carnality/Emotional Orientation

THEME: the Believer persisting in carnality ignoring the leadership of our Lord is destined for spiritual failure.

RELEVANCE: So many people rely on their feelings, thoughts, intuition, families, and experiences far more than God, His Spirit, or Word for guidance and decisions. Consider the elements that make spiritual failure; they must be avoided to be successful in fulfilling God’s plan for our lives!

INTRODUCTION:

Lot was a failure because of his carnality…he remained a feeling dominated person and never became a Spirit and Word obedient person!  

Worldly oriented desires or motivations are the second major factor in Lot’s Wrong Choice to move closer to Sodom and his ultimate failure in life. This area has been more recently described as ‘getting what we feel we deserve’ or what we feel entitled to given the fact that we have been spoiled, brough up being over shielded and protected, or as a defense against neglect to compensate for our need for attention. So, whether overindulgence, helicopter parenting, or childhood or spousal neglect, people often resort to an overinflated or distorted perception of their value and worth. They often justify their warp actions by such failures consequently they don’t see life correctly.

Not only is this approach flawed because it is essentially self-centered, but Lot never stop to ask God or gain His direction in this matter. He has fallaciously sown the seeds of corruption, and He will face the unfortunate consequences of His desires. God’s truth has a way of correcting our misconceptions and correcting wrong motives and feelings. But we must faithfully consult it to enjoy this benefit. I know this dynamic far too well!

MESSAGE:

 THE EVIDENCE OF WORLDLY-WISE DESIRES

Gen 13:10, And Lot lifted up his eyes, and beheld all the plain of Jordan, that it was well watered every where, before the LORD destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah, even as the garden of the LORD, like the land of Egypt, as thou comest unto Zoar.

Because Lot was Weak in his Devotions, he was consequently Worldly in his Desires. He did not ask: “Is this a great place to raise children?”  He asked instead, “Is this a good place to raise cattle?”  He had two basic reasons from choosing Sodom and the well-watered Jordan Valley.

                    a) The Religious Reason for Lot’s Desires.

Vs 10, “...even as the garden of the LORD….

Lot looks out over the Jordan River plain after deciding to separate from Abraham to end a dispute between their herdsmen. He compares the lush, well-watered condition of the plain surrounding Sodom and Gomorrah…yes, the fertility and abundance to both “the garden of the LORD” (Eden) and “the land of Egypt”.

This little phrase discloses Lot’s awareness of the Garden of Eden and its majestic beauty before the Fall of man into sin. To Lot, the Jordan Valley reminded him of what he had heard about the Garden of Eden. So then, the ‘Garden of the Jehovah’ expresses a place of supreme divine beauty, life, abundance, and fellowship with God. Lot could point back to this earthly paradise where God placed Adam and Eve. A place designed as a sacred sanctuary to live in harmony with God, tend creation, and experience complete provision before the Fall.

Today it’s a metaphor for a life growing in the Holy Spirit—a protected, fruitful, and inviting place of spiritual growth and rest in Christ. 

Perhaps Lot also rationalized to himself, “I could be a good witness for the Lord there! After all, who is going to tell them about God?” while at the same time taking advantage of the opportunities availed there. Maybe he said, “God could really use me over there...”

Beware, often religious reasons afford us enough justification to operate in the flesh eventually!

This is a profound and honest observation about our human nature…our carnal behaviors. It highlights a common puzzle: we often use high-minded religious or moral frameworks to justify purely self-serving, ego-driven, self-worth perspectives, or harmful behaviors. —see Got Questions

When we wrap our personal desires, anger, or biases in religious language, it becomes easy to bypass our own conscience. This dynamic shows up in several plain behaviors:

• The “Righteous Anger” Trap: Believing that God or a higher law is on our side can make us feel entitled to mistreat, judge, or attack others while feeling entirely justified.
• External Rituals vs. Internal Change: It is much easier to follow outward rules, rituals, or doctrines than it is to do the hard, internal work of managing our ego, pride, and impulses.
• Weaponizing Grace or Freedom: Sometimes, knowing there is a mechanism for forgiveness can subtly become a license to slip back into destructive habits, rationalizing that we can just make amends later.

Essentially, when our ego or personality wears a religious mask, it becomes extremely difficult to identify. The Bible uses terms like pride, high-mindedness, double-mindedness, the flesh, or the old man to remove the disguise and warn us. Because the ego is inherently deceptive, it often disguises itself behind a mask of righteousness, false humility, or religious devotion.

• Luke 18:11 – “The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.” Notice the phrase “prayed thus with himself.”  The ego is talking to itself, using God as a prop to validate its superiority over the “publican” (tax collector).
• Colossians 2:18 & 23 – “Let no man beguile you of your reward in a “voluntary humility”... Which things have indeed a “shew of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body; not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh.” God calls this “will worship” and “voluntary humility.” It looks spiritual from the outside, but it actually feeds our ego (“satisfying of the flesh”) by making the person feel superior because of their strict self-denial.
• 1 Samuel 15:15 – “And Saul said, They have brought them from the Amalekites: for the people spared the best of the sheep and of the oxen, to sacrifice unto the Lord thy God; and the rest we have utterly destroyed.” King Saul disobeyed God’s direct command to destroy everything. When caught, his ego blamed “the people” and reframed the disobedience as a noble, religious act (“to sacrifice unto the Lord”).
• James 3:14-15 – “But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not... This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish.” Sometimes the ego disguises itself as wisdom, strategy, or "looking out for your best interests," when it is actually driven by envy or bitter rivalry. This person is creating division or conflict under the guise of speaking the truth.
• God links “strife” (factionalism/ambition) with a false wisdom. If the advice leaves a trail of broken relationships and self-exaltation (“glory not”), such actions are driven by the ego.

To spot a disguised carnal orientation in yourself or another, look for the “I” disease of self-centeredness. The ultimate example is Isaiah 14:13-14, which records the fall of Lucifer!

                    b) The Real Reason for Lot’s Desires

Vs 10, “...like the land of Egypt, ...”

Lot looks out across the Jordan Valley, sees its lush and well-watered fields, and chooses it for himself—a decision driven by material wealth and sight rather than spiritual discernment. Abram allows Lot to choose first out of generosity and trust in God’s promise. This highlights a worldly perspective: Eden represents ideal earthly comfort, while “Egypt” symbolizes material abundance (though also a place of spiritual compromise).

                           1) Lot Had Fallen in Love with the World “Egypt” (1Jn 2:15-17)

Lot left his heart in Egypt; he had acquired a taste for Egypt. At the very least, he had heard about life in the city of Sodom. He had heard fiery stories about this city of gross immorality and found them more intriguing. Today’s live-sex shows, adult live streaming, X-rated videos and movies, and other forms of pornography are mild compared with what was taking place in Sodom. The sins of these people arose like a stench in the nostrils of God. Cruelty, lack of kindness, violent extreme inhospitality, and same-sex intercourse were the dark sins of Sodom.

                           2) Lot Had Fallen in Love with Wealth Gen. 13:10-11 (Greed)

Lot chooses based purely on physical appearance and economic potential for his large flocks.

1 Tim 6:8-11, And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. 9, But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. 10, For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.  11, But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. (Prov. 23:1-8; 28:20; Jn 6:27)

We are encouraged to be content, warned of the dangers of the love of money, and we are to explore devout qualities! God views our basic needs (food and clothing/raiment) as enough. The desire for wealth and the love of money leads to temptation, ruin, and spiritual wandering. As Believers we are urged to flee these traps and pursue spiritual virtues like righteousness, faith, and love.  

“A DOLLAR SPEAKS”

“Money talks, we have been told since childhood.  Listen to this dollar bill speak: “You hold me in your hand and call me yours. Yet may I not as well call you mine. See how easily I rule you?  To gain me you would all but die.  I am invaluable as rain, essential as water.  Without me men and institutions would die.  Yet I do not hold the power of life for them; I am futile without the stamp of  your desire.  I go nowhere unless you send me, I keep strange company.  For me, men mock, love, and scorn character.  Yet I am appointed to the service of saints, to give education to the growing mind and food to the starving bodies of the poor.  My power is terrific.  Handle me carefully and wisely, lest you become my servant, rather than I yours.”—Ray O. Jones

                           3) Lot Had Fallen in Love with Number One (Selfishness) Gen. 13:11

                                   a) He Obviously Did Not Consider His Family’s Welfare

He did not wonder, “Is this a good place to raise my family?”  He did not say, “What are the Schools like in those cities of the plains.” No, he wondered, “Is it a good place for raising cattle?” Maybe he even felt that his children were just too sheltered, “I want my children to be able to live in the real world, they really need broader exposure to the world.”  He didn’t learn a thing about what Abraham’s selfishness cost him down in Egypt! Lot could not live in Jesus Name because he was too busy making a name for himself in this world.  His heart was set on personal distinction, and personal significance, he wanted to be a self-made man!

                                    b) He Obviously Did Not Consider His Kind Uncle Abraham

At some point Lot must have rationalized his decision. “Uncle Abe has more than I have anyway, so this move in my favor will make us even.” Or maybe he thought, “Ol’ Uncle Abe is kind of naive, he doesn’t really care. After all he did give me the choice.” Whatever Lot’s rational it was based on his own selfish desires. He certainly didn’t consult with God about it!

                        4) Why Are Desires So Important?

Desires are important because what you desire you will do!  It all originates with what you See, continues with what you Think is important, and escalates with what you Desire, and finally culminates with what you Do! If Satan can influence you to desire wrongly, he can get you to Doing Wrong! What you SEE will affect what you THINK, what you think will affect what you DESIRE, and what you desire will affect what you DO!

DAVID COMMITTED ADULTERY WITH BATHSHEBA BECAUSE HE FIRST SAW HER FROM HIS ROOF TOP.  Standing on the flat roof of his palace in Jerusalem one evening, David saw the beautiful Bathsheba bathing on the roof of a nearby house. With his passion aroused, David committed adultery with Bathsheba. Out of that union Bathsheba conceived a child. (2Sam. 11 & 12)

EVE IN THE GARDEN OF EDEN WAS INVITED BY SATAN TO LOOK AT THE FRUIT; SHE SINNED AND ATE THE FRUIT AFTER SHE CONCLUDED IT WAS “PLEASANT TO THE EYES.” Gen 3:4-7, And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die:  5, For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.  6, And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.  7, And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons.

CONCLUSION: 

Scripture expressly states this very real dynamic repeatedly to warn us against this miscalculation!

Lam 3:51, Mine eye affecteth mine heart (intellect, emotions, and will) because of all the daughters of my city.

Prov 4:23, Keep (guard) thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.

Deut 4:8-9, And what nation is there so great, that hath statutes and judgments so righteous as all this law, which I set before you this day?  9, Only take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently, lest thou forget the things which thine eyes have seen, and lest they depart from thy heart all the days of thy life: but teach them thy sons, and thy sons' sons;

Ps 139:23-24,  Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts:  24, And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

How do TV commercials boost sales? Why are magazine sales, and internet shopping effective?  Why is it that the commercial build boards us a beautiful young woman or a handsome young man to sell their products? Why is it so difficult to get out of debt and stay out? Because you are being bombarded every day with products, and gadgets! When you see it or hear about it the Eyes-Thoughts-Desires-Action process takes over and you’re spending more money you don’t even have.

This human audio-visual principle can work in a very positive way as well.  If you and I set our Spiritual EYES on Jesus daily, then before long we will begin to THINK about Him, then we will DESIRE to know Him and become more like Him.  Then finally we are DOING what He would do and living for God’s Will like He did! If you and I truly desire to be spiritual, we will become spiritual just keep your focus on Spiritual Characters in the Bible. Like Paul, Joseph, Moses, Abraham, the Lord Jesus, Daniel ect.

A Strong Anchor I

 

A Strong Anchor I

 

Lamentations 3:22-23, It is of the LORD’s mercies that we are not consumed, Because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: Great is thy faithfulness.

Theme: God’s loving mercies never run out, and He offers us a fresh start and renewed strength daily. 

Relevance: A ‘leaving of the old situations behind’ is reason to hope again, even in the middle of our seriously painful experiences God’s compassions reach out to us still (Lam. 3:21–23). We all have been tempted to ‘bottle up’ our experiences… ‘bottle up’ our emotions…suppress or hide our true feelings instead of expressing or processing them with God’s eternal truth.

Introduction:

Jeremiah, while mourning the incredible devastation of Jerusalem by the Babylonian army, describes his pain and misery. This season is marked by intense physical and emotional aching in his soul. However, right in the middle of total despair, Jeremiah pauses to remember God’s character is good! This never-changing dynamic provides an anchor of hope the prophet desperately needs.

Child of God, God’s steadfast love and mercy have no end, thus providing us fresh hope and a clean slate every single morning even during occasions when we are getting what we really deserve! Even while facing the devastation of divine chastening, and in times of deep misery, God provides us with undiminishing hope. This ‘anchor’ certainly does not remove the outcomes of our broken choices or those of our love ones, but we do have divine help to deal with the internal turmoil before us and the heavy accompanying emotions.

Lessons:

Accept These Concepts with All Your Heart!

God gives us several ideas to take in thoughtfully….

     1.    God’s Compassion Prevents Complete Annihilation! "It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed..."

o   We know people fail and deserve punishment. God’s grace stops total destruction; He could have been even more severe, but He chose not to. People survive only because God holds back His judgment.

• God’s love prevents complete destruction. The phrase "we are not consumed" shows that despite our faults or heavy trials, God’s enduring love shields and preserves us. 

     2.   God’s Tender Care Remains for Ever! "...because his compassions fail not."

• With a prayer to God to remember his bitter plight, yet with lingering depression over his misery (vv. 19, 20), the prophet gets his eyes off himself and onto the Lord. Hope is revived when he remembers that the Lord’s mercies and compassions … are new every morning, and that His faithfulness is great (vv. 21–24).^[1]
• God’s tender care does not quit or run dry. His pity and love stay strong, unchanged, and undiminished forever. 
• Mercies are renewed daily. God’s compassion does not run out or grow tired; His grace is freshly waiting for you when you wake up each day. 

3. God Is Able to Provide Comfort Even When We Have Made Serious Mistakes. "They are new every morning..."

• However, one thought (this I call to mind) crowded out the hopelessness that threatened to overwhelm him: Because of the Lord‘s great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. Judah was down, but not out. God was punishing Judah for her sin, but did not reject her as His covenant people. ^[2]
• God gives fresh grace for each new day regardless. Yesterday’s mistakes or heavy burdens do not use up today’s supply of mercy. He comforts us with the guarantee of a new start!
• We have Hope within sorrows. This passage proves that hope can survive the darkest tragedies because God’s character never changes—He is constantly good. 

4. God’s Faithfulness Affords Us Continual Comfort! "...great is thy faithfulness."

• “Faithfulness” points to God’s firmness, steadiness, steadfastness, and fidelity!
• Was Judah’s deliverance from such a fate due to something in them? No, it was all due to the faithfulness of God. He had promised Abraham that He would make a nation come from him—and this was the nation. He had promised Moses that He would put them into the land. He had promised Joshua that He would establish them there. He promised David that there would come One in his line to reign on the throne forever. The prophets all said that God would not utterly destroy this people but that He would judge them for their sin. God is faithful. He has judged them, but He will not utterly destroy them. A faithful remnant has always remained, and ultimately they will become a great nation again.^[3]
• God always keeps His promises. People can trust Him completely because His character never changes. 
• Truly faithfulness lays in God. Our security relies on God’s great faithfulness to His character and promises rather than our own strength or weakness.

We desperately need to embrace this view of God and never dismiss it ever again. God is faithfully compassionate and merciful! Life is hard, circumstances can be unforgiving, but He is our stability in any storm of life. The fault is never with God, but it is always enmeshed in our sinfulness and the hardness of the conditions we have allowed. Take this revelation of God to heart and allow it to be the way you evaluate life and not how you scrutinize God!

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^[1] William MacDonald, Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments, ed. Arthur Farstad (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1995), 1032.

^[2] Charles H. Dyer, “Lamentations,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 1 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 1217.

^[3] J. Vernon McGee, Thru the Bible Commentary, electronic ed., vol. 3 (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1997), 431.

Responding to God's Strictness

Responding to God's Strictness

 

Romans 11:22, Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off.

God’s balanced nature is set forth to grip our attention! The verse pairs severity with goodness, indicating God is both just to those who fall away and loving to those who trust Him.

 Message:

How Should We Respond Appropriately?

What does God require of us now that we’ve embraced the reality of His strict judgment and justice? What is an appropriate reaction to this truth?

Believers should respond to the severity of God with humble fear, avoiding spiritual pride, and continuing steadfastly in His goodness by faith. –Dr. Martyn Llyod-Jones

“Behold” again is one key word in this observation…. Romans 11:22, “Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God”. God wants us to ‘realize, perceive, know, experience, think about, and learn…His “severity”. 

Such insight and conclusions should control and influence us for righteousness! God wants us to ‘notice,’ ‘dwell on,’ and ‘linger’ on the truth that He deals with unbelief very severely…we of necessity must open our eyes of faith. Allow ourselves to sit with this grand insight about God….

Severity means "judgment and destruction", showing that God does not ignore sin or lack of faith. –Bible Gateway

God gives specific attitudes for us believers:

     1.    Avoid an Arrogant Attitude as if it were the Plague! Believers are warned not to look down on others, brag about being chosen by God or become arrogant about our standing. Paul explicitly states in Romans 11:20, “Be not highminded, but fear.” Beloved, our spiritual standing depends on faith rather than personal merit.  We are told to stay humble remembering the grace of God, and thankful rather than proud, knowing that faith requires continuing in God’s kindness.

o   In this verse, the Apostle Paul is writing to Gentile Christians, warning them not to become arrogant toward the Jewish people who rejected Christ. Paul explains that the unbelieving Israelites were metaphorically "broken off" from the tree, and the Gentiles were grafted in purely by faith, not because of any inherent superiority. –Bible Gateway

o   “It means people should not be proud or arrogant about their faith, but instead stay humble and respectful before God.” –Bible Gateway

Beloved, we must maintain a respectful, humble reverence for God’s strict holiness and recognize the serious reality of turning away from faith.  

2. Maintain a Healthy Respect for God’s Capacity to Judge Perfectly! You see recognizing “God’s judgment on unbelief and disobedience produces a sober, reverent awe that keeps a person from taking God’s mercy for granted.” –Desiring God

• To sustain a healthy regard, you must remember God’s supreme holiness, His fair justice, and His power over all life.
• God is holy: He cannot look at evil and He loves what is right and good.
• God is fair: He sees all hidden actions and judges every person with total truth.
• God has total power: He holds the power of life and death, and His word always comes true.
• To stay humble and trust that God sees and understands everything perfectly.
• Perfect sight: we only see a small part of a situation, but God sees the whole picture.
• Pure justice: our judgment can be unfair or biased, while divine judgment is always fair.
• Humility: this reminds us not to judge others harshly, since only God knows a person’s true heart and life story.
• Peace: this idea allows us to let go of anger, trusting that true justice is in hands higher than our own.

An everyday comparison is like watching a single replay of a sports game from a bad angle versus having a referee who can see the game from every camera angle at the exact same time. We have the bad angle, but God has the perfect view.

• What else should we do to Respect God’s Severe Nature?
• Humble your heart by admitting your mistakes quickly and asking for His forgiveness each day.
• Obey His word by following His commands closely because you know He sees everything you do. Knowing that judgment is inevitable helps us live responsibly. We are not just living for today but for eternity.  
• Do not judge others’ hearts by leaving the final judgment to God, since only He knows a person’s true heart. The lord shall brings every work in to judgement with every secret thing, whether good or evil. Ecclesiastes 12:14.
• Trust His timing by resting in the fact that God will make all wrong things right in the end.

In our eyes, these ideas might seem to be rather harsh and probably even cruel and uncompassionate acts of judgment. But this is perceiving God accurately.

3. Continue in God’s Goodness Rooted in Faith! Believers must remain rooted in faith rather than drifting into the hard-hearted unbelief that brings about God’s cutting off or discipline. Continuing in God’s goodness means staying close to Him, letting your life grow deep roots, and living each day with a thankful heart.

Conclusion:

God’s standards of absolute truth and righteousness must be regarded as unchanging and not subject to human negotiations or feelings.

• Absolute standards? The Bible presents God’s moral law as holy, just, and completely different from evil. Beloved, these are the principles we live by.
• What now for us Believers? We are encouraged to stand firm in our faith and avoid diluting biblical boundaries. Beloved, standing firm may be difficult in our cultural and at this moment, but we must not compromise for anyone.
• Remember the many scriptural warnings to never compromise with worldly ideas! The Bible frequently warns against adopting double standards or mixing godly principles with worldly corruption (2 Cor. 6:14; 1 King 18:21; Rom. 12:2; Jas. 4:4).

Refuse to compromise on right and wrong! When considering fundamental issues of right and wrong protect your moral integrity and avoid supporting situations you know to be unethical.

• It is advisable to preserve a godly character! Yielding on fundamental principles chips away at your perception of God as uncompromising, your self-respect, and the very foundation of your values (Matt. 6:24).
• Take a stand to avoid unscriptural and unethical choices! An unprincipled compromise is not just about feeling uncomfortable; it means agreeing to do something you know is wrong. Compromising with sin, false teachings, or worldly values is turning away from God’s holiness (Eph. 6:14). 
• Choose to exemplify stability and steadfastness! A person who refuses to break under pressure becomes a steady anchor for others in a confusing world (1 Cor. 15:58).  

Stay connected to the Lord on purpose! Keep your heart close to Jesus like a plant gets water from its roots. Trust God daily and habitually! Lean on His love when life is hard or confusing. Give thanks and cultivate a spirit of gratitude! Remember to thank God for His gifts all through the day.

Grow stronger in the Bible; learn God’s true words to keep your mind steady. Stand firm in the Lord no matter what comes. Do not let worries or bad choices move you away from your safe place in the Lord.

Beloved, God is both just to those who fall away and loving to those who trust Him.

Applying Faith to Life

Applying Faith to Life

Hebrews 11:1; James 1:2-4; 2 Corinthians 5:7

 

Theme: Biblical faith applies to daily life turning confident trust in God into practical actions, purposeful choices, and steady peace during hard times.

Relevance: Faith enables us to turn ordinary moments into conscious acts of prayer, kindness, and trust; we can apply our faith in everyday life. Our faith was meant to be practical, functional, useful, and constructive!

Lesson:

         I.             Consider what we are Dealing with—Biblical Faith!

1. Confident trust: Faith is not a blind guess nor merely something we crave deeply; it is an assurance, confidence, or guarantee rooted in God’s character and promises as revealed in His Word (Hebrews 11:1).
2. Active response: True faith requires action, practice, application, integration, and moving past mere ideas to living out what God teaches before seeing the final outcomes.  

        II.         Apply Faith in Everyday Areas of your Existence

1. Stay Aware of your mindset and emotions: Shift focus from worry to prayer, replacing fear with courage and complaints with gratitude.
2. Cherish your relationships: Practice humility, show mercy to others, and rely on community rather than trying to walk through life completely alone.
3. Manage wisely personal finances and work: Make career and financial choices based on generosity, honesty, and divine guidance rather than pure self-reliance.
4. Build faith and character by handling your trials: Treat hardships and pain as opportunities to build patience, character, and deeper hope (James 1:2–4). Scripture refines our character in hard times.   

        III.     Make Faith a Practical Daily Habits 

         A. Read scripture: Read the Bible daily to learn what God says and to see the example of Jesus firsthand.

1.    2 Corinthians 5:7, For we walk by faith, not by sight.

2.   Hebrews 11:1, Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

3.   Proverbs 3:5-6, Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

4.    Romans 10:17, So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

     B.  Pray consistently: Use prayer as a continuous connection to God to acknowledge your dependence on Him.

1.    Prayer for Strength

                                             i.          Mark 11:24 — Tells us that whatever is desired in prayer will be received upon believing it is already received.

                                          ii.          Matthew 21:22 — Affirms that whatever is asked in prayer with belief will be received.

2.   Prayer for Wisdom and Guidance! Ask God for wisdom and guidance by praying honestly, reading scripture, and surrendering your own plans. Approaching God with a sincere and humble heart fulfills the biblical promise to receive generous answers.

                                             i.          Pray directly: Tell God you need Him and His help. You can use a simple prayer like, “Dear, Father God, I need and want You; please give me wisdom and show me the right path, your way, today. Grant me courage to pursue your will.”

                                          ii.          Read the Bible: Go to books like Proverbs for daily choices or Psalms for comfort and direction.

                                        iii.          Be humble: Admit that you do not know everything and are willing to listen to the Lord and those He leads you to.

                                         iv.          Listen in silence: Quiet your mind so you can recognize inner peace or direction. Wait with patience: trust that answers come in God’s timing, not yours. Remember God’s guidance will always agree with the Word and rival the devil, flesh, and the world.

     C.  Engage in church fellowship: Join with other believers to serve, share, and support each other through life’s ups and downs. Put your faith into action—active service is one way! Stay connected by joining that church, participating in holy worship, reflecting on God’s truth through preaching, and introducing others to the life of faith in the living God.

      D. Pursue Other Activities that Integrate Faith Daily

1.    Devotion: Start your morning with a few quiet minutes of prayer, meditation, or reading scripture to center your mind.

2.   Prayer: Talk to God throughout the day by sharing quick, spontaneous thoughts or worries as they happen.

3.   Gratitude: Practice gratitude by pausing to thank God for small blessings like a good parking spot, a meal, or pleasant weather. –Focus on the Family 

4.   Worry: Another example of faith in daily life is turning a moment of intense worry or anxiety into a quiet prayer for guidance. 

                                             i.          Prayer and Reflection: Starting each day by thanking God or pausing during a stressful moment at work to ask for peace and wisdom. 

                                          ii.          Acts of Kindness: Helping a neighbor, feeding someone who is hungry, or giving to charity because you believe it is what God calls you to do. 

                                        iii.          Forgiveness: Choosing to let go of an insult or showing grace to a difficult person instead of reacting with anger.—Family Christian

                                         iv.          Trusting Decisions: Making major life choices—like a career change or financial decision—by seeking God’s direction and turning more frequently to the Word instead of relying solely on your own anxiety or control. 

   E. Trust God for Daily Guidance as an Act of Faith!

1.    Proverbs 3:5-6 — Encourages us to trust the Lord completely rather than rely on our own understanding, acknowledging Him in all ways for direct guidance.

2.   Hebrews 11:6 — States that pleasing God requires faith and belief in His existence and His reward for those who seek Him.

3.   Lamentations 3:22-23 — Speaks of the Lord’s unfailing mercies and compassions that are renewed every morning, highlighting His great faithfulness.

         IV.       Abide in Christ using Your Faith

Abiding in Christ is maintaining a continuous, trusting connection to Jesus as the source of spiritual life, much like a branch stays attached to a vine (John 15:1-8).

     A.  Consider What It Means to Abide

1.    Rooted in Faith: Abiding begins by believing in Jesus for salvation and trusting His grace rather than relying solely on human effort.

2.   Actively Remaining: The Greek word for abide (meno) means to stay, dwell, or persist firmly in a relationship.

3.   Bearing Fruit: Natural spiritual results—like love, joy, and Christ-like character—flow from staying close to Him.—Desiring God.  

     B.  Follow Proven Practical Steps to Abide Daily

1.    Read and Meditate on Scripture: Let God’s words dwell inside your mind and shape your daily choices. We are supposed to think about the Bible’s teachings. This requires reading the text carefully, understanding its historical context, and applying its core principles to daily life. It is correct to view scripture as the supreme guide for determining truth and right behavior. Regular reading and reflection help build resilience, provide guidance, and shape personal character.

2.   Pray Continually; Treasure Time with the Lord: Talk to God honestly and turn Bible verses into conversational prayers.

3.   Obey His Commands from the Heart: Show your love for Christ by following His teachings and loving others.

4.   Rely on the Holy Spirit to be Fruitful: Trust the Spirit to work inside you, especially during difficult or dry seasons. 

         V.           Continue Deeper to Explore Further the Subject of Faith and the many Practical Applications! 

           A. Read about how faith transforms historical and biblical figures in tough situations. 

            B. Explore practical ways to integrate biblical habits into your daily routines.  

Conclusion: We can learn even more ways to build consistent habits of faith. Focus on living by faith each day! Remember, biblical faith becomes a daily experience as we purposely turn confident trust in God into practical actions, focused choices, and steady peace while enduring tough stints. By turning ordinary moments into conscious acts of prayer, kindness, and trust, we are applying our faith to everyday life.