“that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (1Peter 1:7). 

Faith is tested by the fires of adversity. It is often difficult to understand the challenges and interpret them as working together for our good, but each that we are allowed to face has significance in relation to our future. God tempers the fire and regulates each challenge so that none is beyond their usefulness to Him. Even though Satan meant it for evil, God transforms what would be evil and uses it for our good. It is not the external pressure that is His major emphasis, but our faith in the midst of it that matters most to Him. Can faith withstand all and remain faith or does it disintegrate under pressure? All false perceptions are burned away in the fire and nothing remains but the genuine. Then He reveals Himself as being the same yesterday, today, and forevermore. He was there, He is there, and He will remain with us through all that comes and goes. Our praise is genuine because our faith is the catalyst behind every expression that we may offer. Can you see Him even through your tears? He is there working in you that which pleases Him. 

“Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others” (Philippians 2:4).

There is an interest that ought to be equal to our own. There is no way for one to know this because there is none that is able to tell what makes sense to our intellect. Why should we not know this truth that defines us as humans in the likeness and image of God? It is because we are fashioned to consider our own needs and war to make good on what our own heart desires. Self-interest is the path of least resistance. But to resist selfishness without strength, will lead to a loathing within the soul with the feeling of neglect.  One will feel as if he is forced to deny himself merely because of a legal standard, but deep within his soul he feels it is not fair. One can only be deeply concerned about the interest of others as much as his own with help from above. It is only when the love of God is accepted is he be empowered to release His love. He has a selfless love to give as evidence that His presence is with us. As we have received the Spirit of Christ, we must allow His mind to govern our every thought; thoughts that include the interests of others.

“He was supreme in the beginning and — leading the resurrection parade — he is supreme in the end. From beginning to end he’s there, towering far above everything, everyone” (Colossians 1:18 MSG).

Jesus Christ is supreme over all. His supremacy did not evolve over time, nor was it necessary for Him to usurp authority from others. He was there from the beginning. All things were brought forth from Him, by Him, and for Him. There were saints who have stood as witnesses of His preeminence. They did not defend their personal lives or dignity. What mattered most to them was to bring to the forefront the truth concerning Christ to whom they were willing to suffer the loss of all things. Those who have come to know what they had known stand today in defense of the faith. While this current trend may be to raise issues in defense of common interests, compromises are reached to settle arguments. There remains a standard raised from the foundation of the world that will crush to powder anything that competes with absolute truth. He will reign supreme over all created things.

“And though this world, with devils filled, should threaten to undo us, We will not fear, for God hath willed His truth to triumph through us: The Prince of Darkness grim, we tremble not for him;
His rage we can endure, for lo, his doom is sure, 

One little word shall fell him.” __Martin Luther

“No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue which rises against you in judgment you shall condemn” (Isaiah 54:17).

The objective of Satan is the formation of weapons that may be used to attack areas of apparent weaknesses against the saints of God. The alluring factions that seem to appear out of nowhere were skillfully planned with precision to wear down even the strongest among us. If we ever become careless in our defense or unaware that we are in the battle of our lifetimes, his fiery darts will attach themselves to us and dispense the poisonous venom that slowly produces death. Much of what is used are words that plant within our hearts the seed of discontent and doubt. What God has done, and is currently doing in the life of the believer, is establishing him in righteousness. Whatever is not of faith is sin. Our eyes must constantly be fixed upon the object of our faith, Jesus Christ that we might be established in His righteousness. Every trial, every challenge that comes can either be used as a means of establishing us in the faith, or providing evidence against the One in whom we have placed our trust. We must be reminded that righteousness and faith to believe, in spite of circumstances, is from the Lord. Stand in faith and God will be our defense to judge as impotent whatever weapons may be used against us. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is from Me, Says the Lord.

“Your people shall be my people, and your God, my God” (Ruth 1:16).

Naomi and Ruth were joined together in a God honored covenant. They became one family with bonds of love that could not be broken. It is the same with members within the Body of Christ. We are joined to Christ by the Spirit to be with Him in order to go wherever He goes. We are also joined to one another as one people. No longer are we divided by race, class, or any other division. There is a kindred spirit among those who have come to know the Lord. As we walk together with a resolve to remain together, we learn things concerning Christ and the love of the Father demonstrated through Him. It is a journey that takes us beyond our current location as we grow in both grace and knowledge. Time does not cause our commitment to fade, but we are further strengthened in our resolve. “Your God is embraced as my God. Therefore your people that serve under Him are my people as well!” I must be with my people and be concerned about their welfare. This is the Body of Christ and members in particular.

 “Then He appointed twelve, that they might be with Him and that He might send them out to preach” (Mk 3:14).

The series of events are in sequential order. First, they were appointed that they might be with Him; then they were sent out to preach. If they had not come to Him when He called them to be with Him, they would not be in position to be sent out. They learned from Him how to live and what to preach by being with Him. It is not enough to merely hear about Him from a book or word of mouth, the experience must be personal. We are called to an intimate relationship with Him. His life is an open book to those who will to know Him, but to the casual inquirer, He is misunderstood and often maligned. They accuse Him of things that are not part of His character because they only know Him from a distance. John, the beloved disciple, laid His head upon His breast; Peter the Zealot stepped out of the boat in order to join in on what Christ was experiencing while walking on the water. Intimacy includes both the emotional and experiential connection. Then we are sent out as His representative so that His Presence is wherever we may go

”Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity” (1Timothy 4:12). 

Youthful lusts do not automatically translate into wantonness. There are temptations that come in our youth to channel our energies in the direction of our newfound passions. It takes forethought to consider the outcome of decisions that so many peers make. The admonition is to think ahead and consider what your life would be like in the future. Decisions now have far reaching consequences later. The wise and mature, as result of years of trial and error, have much to teach the young and immature. They have walked the paths that the young have yet to take. Unfortunately, we only have one life to live. If it were possible, the warnings to the young would be their precautionary actions now. Since this is impossible, they can only speak wise words borne from experience and observation. Listen to wise and godly advice. It will spare you from many failures and heartache as result of snares set by the enemy. 

“Cultivate your own relationship with God, but don’t impose it on others. You’re fortunate if your behavior and your belief are coherent” (Romans 14:22-23 MSG). 

Every relationship worthy of preserving requires cultivation. Silence and inactivity signifies disinterest and unconcern. When one’s heart is aligned with God’s heart, we are blessed with the will to do things that would cultivate our relationship with Him. We cannot impose on others what has become uniquely our own; it is personal and intimate between us and God alone. Our response to Him is our response to what we have come to know of Him. He loves each of us, but loves each of us differently. We are loved into the destinies to which we have been called as He empowers us with His own strength. Our uniqueness ought to translate into a unique expression of worship and praise that only we are capable of expressing. Whether one is poetic, artistic, or oratorical, it will be to the praise of the glory of His grace. The most important matter is that both belief and behavior are cohesive. With this, you are most fortunate as we give head, heart, and hand to Him. 

“I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well” (Ps 139:14).

Even in our physical frame is evidence of the mysterious wonders of the Lord. He has so made us and equipped our bodies to function in amazing ways. Intricate details were taken into account, most of which we ourselves do not understand. It is a synergised work of art giving expression of cooperation of every part doing its share. If one part fails to operate as it ought, other parts will do their best to compensate. Yet all parts are affected by the wound suffered by even that little part that once appeared to be insignificant. Then we have a soul that animates the body and feels the emotions of both pain and pleasure. All that we will or will not to do originates from the deep recesses of our soul. The knowledge of our Creator is deeply imbedded there though there may be pressures brought to bear against us to deny Him. But our soul knows very well that things do not happen without an initiative to activate the process. Therefore, it is our choice to praise the One who has so skillfully, wonderfully, and lovingly made us for His glory. We were made to glorify Him and make His glory known. 

“What wonderful advice you’ve given to a mixed-up man! What amazing insights you’ve provided!” (Job 26:3 MSG). 

We need advice that can straighten out the crooked places in our lives. We cannot allow the advice of those who may have abused their liberties, by spewing out carnal and worldly advice, to close us off and draw us in too closely to ourselves. Yes, there are some who have not explored deeply into the reasons behind the actions, and hurt more than help the situation. But then, there are others who have been sent by God to speak words of edification, exhortation, and comfort. When we turn a deaf ear to all counsel because we cannot trust anything that may come our way, we rob ourselves of one of God’s greatest gifts. It is in a multitude of counselors that safety dwells. Somewhere hidden beneath criticisms and encouragements, lies the insights we so desperately need. God has so equipped us to be sensitive to the human touch and our ears are attuned to human voices. Even among the hypercritical, we must examine if there is even a small element of truth contained in their criticism. As we listen to both God through man and God through much prayer, we will develop and become wiser.