Tag: God

For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come.
‭‭I Timothy‬ ‭4:8‬

In ancient Greek and Roman cultures physical exercise was very important. Most adult men participated in competitive sports and would devote themselves to staying fit. Paul writes to the young pastor, Timothy, and says the same work and commitment that people put towards physical exercise should be put toward pursuing godliness.

The word godliness means to have the character and attitude of God. It is a task to be godly but it is attainable. It is a worthy goal, much more worthy than the potential attainments of physical exercise. It takes effort, strength, and determination to achieve godliness which is comparable of how an athlete trains to be the best.

Spiritual development and physical development share some similarities. Both require exertion and proper nutrition. Feeding our mind, heart and soul is just as important, if not more, than feeding our body. Jesus was tempted by the devil to turn stones into bread but replied, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.”‭‭ (Matthew‬ ‭4:4)

Do you exercise towards godliness? Do you put forth an excellent effort to keep yourself pure and holy? It takes a great deal of strength and will power but it’s worth the effort. God is very pleased when we reflect the image of His character and attitude.

Pray

Lord, I pray Your Word feeds me and satisfies me more than anything else. Help me to know You more so I can be who You want me to be.

As he sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign of Your coming and of the end of the age?”
Matthew 24:3

People have been predicting the Rapture and the end of the world for centuries. However, none have ever come true.

The disciples asked two critical questions: “When will this happen (the destruction of the temple), and what will be the sign of Your coming and the end?” Jesus never instructed how to calculate the day of His return but emphasized the need to be ready.

Jesus’ teachings encourage us to be faithful, watchful, and prayerful. Jesus is coming soon and we can see the signs from Heaven. God is preparing this world for the return of Jesus. We must not only encourage ourselves, but we must encourage others as well.

Paul, writing to the Christians in Thessalonica said, “For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words.“ I Thessalonians 4:16-18

We must tell others that Jesus is coming with words of comfort. Encourage someone today that Jesus is coming soon.

How we live is reflected by what we believe. Do you believe that Jesus could return at any moment? Are you ready?

Pray

Lord, encourage me to be Your witness today. Let people see the hope and love that I have in Jesus. Help me to prepare myself and others for what is to come.

…and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor…
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭9:6‬ ‭

The prophet Isaiah spoke of Jesus over 700 years before He was born unto man. Isaiah said His name shall be called “Wonderful Counselor”.  And what a Wonderful Counselor Jesus is.

There are times in our life when we need to turn to wise counsel. Sometimes we have to make hard decisions not knowing what the outcome or impact might be. This is when we trust the Lord for His infinite wisdom.

We should always turn to the Lord first and seek His counsel when we need answers or just need someone to talk to. He is always available. There is no appointment needed and there is no charge for His services. Why would we seek any other counsel?

Jesus has everything we need. If we need financial help He is our Financial Advisor. When we need marriage advice, He is our Marriage Counselor. If we need help deciding a career, He is our Guidance Counselor. He is a Counselor of all things. We need to turn to Jesus first before we turn to anyone else or to anything.

As a Wonderful Counselor, He will not condemn you. He will listen as One who cares and understands what you feel. He is there to support you and help you every step of the way.

He is a friend in time of need. Not only will He give you the truth you need to hear but He will supply the needs that you have. There is only One who can do all things. There is only One who knows all things. He name is Jesus and we call Him “Wonderful Counselor”.

Do you need to talk to the Wonderful Counselor today?

Pray

Lord, You are my help in time of need. You are my rock and salvation. Help me to talk to You about all my troubles and I will listen for Your advice.