This week Michael writes that we have a moment by moment decision to do “the right thing”. In these memorable moments we find out what we're really made of and like. These are life incidents that reveal our true heart. The word “right” in morals and religion is defined as: just; equitable; accordant to the standard of truth and justice or the will of God. That alone is right in the sight of God, which is consonant to his will or law; this being the only perfect standard of truth and justice. People often feel inadequate and unworthy on spiritual turf. However, God has given us His Holy Spirit so that we can walk in His righteousness to do the right thing.
After Pentecost, there was a
great revival in the early Church. In Acts 3 Peter and John passed by a
lame man asking for alms at the gate of the temple. In Acts
3:6 Peter said to him, "silver
and gold have I none but such as I have give I thee, in the name of Jesus of
Nazareth, stand up and walk." The man leaped up praising
God. The people of the town knew this man who was lame from birth. They
were astounded at this miracle. The crowd flocked around Peter and John.
Peter delivered an inspired message about salvation by grace alone through
faith alone in Christ alone after.
We're encouraged to keep our
minds in the Word of God. There are several ways to allow the Word of God
to renew our hearts and minds. One is by hearing. Romans
10:17 says, "Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of
God." The second way is by reading. Those hungry for the Word
of God take notes and review them faithfully. Writing and review put the
Scriptures to memory. The third way is by studying. 2 Timothy 2:15 says, “Study to show yourself approved unto God,
a workman who needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of Truth.” A
workman of “the Word” is not ashamed of his workmanship by rightly dividing or
correctly handling of the Word of truth. The third way is by memorizing holy
Scripture. The fourth and final way of growing in the Word is by meditating
on it. Psalm 1:1-2 “Blessed is the
man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of
sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful; But his delight is in
the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night.”
Memorizing Holy Scripture is
a discipline. Jesus said, "if
you continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed." A disciple
is a disciplined follower. 1 Corinthians says, bad company corrupts good
morals. You're most like the ones you spend time with. Jesus had an intimate
circle of three: Peter James, and John. In Acts 3, the town’s people knew Peter
was a lowly Galilean fisherman. hen they took note that he had been with
Jesus. God gives us opportunities to "put one on the scoreboard for
Christ." He has made us able ministers of the New Testament. The
story of Peter and John continues In Acts 4:1-3 “As they spoke to the people, the priests, and the captain of the
temple, and the Sadducees, came upon them, being grieved that they taught
the people, and preached through Jesus the resurrection from the dead. And
they laid hands on them, and put them in hold unto the next day: for it was now
eventide.”
In Matthew 5:11-12a,
Jesus said, “Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all
kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be
exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven.” Most people
fear the sneer. The fear of people will make cowards out of men and women who
nominally claim to be followers of Christ. God encourages us to make
decisions based on faith instead of fear. God never honors fear ... He
always honors faith. Faith-based decisions will honor God and make an
impact in your testimony for the Lord.
2 Timothy 3:1-8 is a
description of people in the last days: 2 Timothy 3:1-5 says. “But know this, that in the last days perilous
times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money,
boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving,
slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors,
headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having
a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn
away!”
Let's continue Michael's message on "Righteousness" in the next post.
In Christ, Brian
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