Posts Tagged ‘ Lifestyle ’

VerseD: Psalm 90:12

So teach us to number our days, That we may present to You a heart of wisdom.
Psalm 90:12, NASB

While I have used this to justify birthdays, the greater meaning is that we should remember our lives are short, but we should remember how much God does for us in our lives.

VerseD: Proverbs 16:9

The mind of man plans his way, But the Lord directs his steps.
Proverbs 16:9, NASB

We make plans and set our own expectations, but we truly follow God’s ultimate plan according to His perfect expectations, fulfilled in Christ.

VerseD: 2 Corinthians 5:17

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.
2 Corinthians 5:17, ESV

In Christ, you start over. “Born again” means your soul is cleaned and renewed, and God is changing the way you think, feel, and act.

You are no longer the old you. Walk in the new.

VerseD: Luke 6:35

But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil.
Luke 6:35, ESV

Life is not about “me”. Life is about “them” to the glory of God.

The early Christians were known for their sacrifices for others.

VerseD: 1 John 2:6

whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked.
1 John 2:6, ESV

How did Jesus walk?

He was a servant, was a teacher and defender of God’s Word, and gave sacrificially to the point of death, and all through the power of the Holy Spirit to the glory of the Father.

How are we to live?

The same way.

VerseD: Romans 1:16

For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.
Romans 1:16, ESV

Do not be intimidated with sharing the gospel or that you believe.

You should be ready to explain why you believe, but it is okay (as a young Christian, at least) to admit you are not entirely sure of all of the reasons.

Just share how you came to faith.

VerseD: Isaiah 26:9

My soul yearns for you in the night; my spirit within me earnestly seeks you. For when your judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world learn righteousness.
Isaiah 26:9 ESV

Do you yearn for and earnestly seek the Lord?

One of the reasons we see unpleasant things happen in this world is that He allows or even orchestrates them for our righteousness.

Case in point: Jesus was born to die on a cross.

VerseD: Luke 6:38

“give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.”
Luke 6:38 ESV

God’s grace and joy will flow over you as you forgive, show grace, and generally love on others.

VerseD: Ephesians 6:12

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.
Ephesians 6:12, ESV

People are not your greatest enemy. The forces behind them – demons, the Devil, evil spirits – are your enemy.

Do not lash out at those who wrong or hurt you. Love and pray for them, pray against the spiritual forces of evil, in Jesus’ name.

VerseD: Matthew 5:14

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.”
Matthew 5:14, ESV

Your love and service for God in the name of Christ should make it evident you are a Christian.

Sure, not everyone you ever meet will know, but those you meet regularly probably should be able to tell by your life.