Genuine faith is tested faith. Does your faith survive a loss? Or does it turn to bitter accusation or doubt? Job’s faith, like Paul’s, had learned to worship in plenty and in lack. Will you worship today no matter the circumstance? Will you say, “Blessed be the Name of the Lord!”
Make the Lord the source of your great pleasure and joy, the center of your satisfaction. And He will bring your desires into alignment with His, fulfilling them as He does. Focus on pleasing God and your desires will be met.
Esther won a beauty contest to become queen of Persia. God used her position to save her people. Why have you come into your position? Is it for your edification or is it a platform from which to announce the coming King?
For what human tongues were meant. A mouth full of worship cannot chew others up with worldly chatter. No gossip, no lies, no accusing, no filthy joking. Just speech salted with thankfulness and praise. That’s a daily diet that could change human hearts.
Paul does not say, as some parents, “Do as I say, not as I do.” Instead, he says, “Follow my example.” Are you willing to be an example to those whom God has put under your care? This is authentic discipleship — Watch me. Follow me as I follow Him. Then, you follow Him, leading others.
We’re not promised a trouble-free life, but we are promised an ever-present Lord to call on. Are your troubles too big for you? Good. The Lord loves to deliver us from God-sized troubles that grow our faith and prove His faithfulness.
The exiles who returned and rebuilt the wall also renewed their commitment to giving. We cannot say we have given everything to God and exclude our finances. The mark of trusting God for all things is the giving-back of the firstfruits He has given us.
How the people of God should always respond at the opening of His Book. Do you take it for granted? What a miraculous blessing to have the written Word to read!
Every generation needs to write songs of worship. It expresses the passion that their hearts feel in following Jesus. Be careful not to judge based on your personal tastes. If the words express true worship, then clap and shout and be glad that the Spirit is moving your children.
Paul is concerned about our priorities. Those overly concerned about worldly things become entangled and unable to focus their attention on serving the Lord. Is there anything or anyone that you have put before following Him? He is either Lord of all or not Lord at all.