LEARNING DAILY

 

Psalm 96:2, Sing to the Lord, bless His name; proclaim the Good News of His salvation from day to day.

 

I am going to state the obvious this morning. Believers should be treating every day as if it was a celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. We should be celebrating every day that He took our place on the cross, forgiving our sins, and overcoming death through His resurrection. Our celebration should happen because without this victory our faith would be without power, without hope; it would just be thoughts that make us feel good about what happens after death.

 

Jesus told His disciples and all who would place their faith in Him to make disciples of all the nations and teaching them to observe all His teachings. This is known as the Great Commission found in Matthew 28:18-20.  It has not changed since He spoke the words. Christians are to do these things, not by their own strength or power, but by His power and through the Holy Spirit. “Too often Believers are slow to share their faith or help others because they do not take Jesus at His word, “I am with you always” (DJSB). A Christian does not have to be a speaker or teacher or a leader of people or a theologian to share their faith in what Jesus Christ has done for them. Demonstrating one’s faith by how they live often does more than the one behind the podium. I want to see what a person does in order to see if he/she lives the life they profess. The preaching of the Word is so important and I look forward to hearing those who preach; they inspire me to live closer to God’s Word. Can I tell you how much more I enjoy seeing or hearing about the acts of kindness or something others have done for those in need, for those who truly need the help others can give them. It is the application of our faith that brings so much joy to the heart of God.

 

God’s Word always says what we need, how we are to best live and act as Christians. Let me finish with words to encourage as we seek to live each day as a celebration for what the Lord Jesus Christ has done for us. This comes from Romans 12:9-21 in the New Living Translation.

 

Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Stand on the side of the good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. Never be lazy in your work, but serve the Lord enthusiastically. Be glad for all God is planning for you. Be patient in trouble, and always be prayerful. When God’s children are in need, be the one to help them out. And get into the habit of inviting guests home for dinner or, if they need lodging for the night. If people persecute you because you are a Christian, don’t curse them; pray God will bless them. When others are happy, be happy with them. If they are sad, share their sorrow. Live in harmony with each other. Don’t try to act important, but enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all! Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you as honorable. Do your part to live in peace with everyone, as much as possible. Dear friends, never avenge yourselves. Leave it to God. For it is written “I will take vengeance; I will repay those who deserve it.” says the Lord. Instead do what the Scriptures say: “if your enemies are hungry, feed them. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink, and they will be ashamed of what they have done to you.” Don’t let evil get the best of you, but conquer evil by doing good.

 

We are able to live this way because of the cross and the resurrection. As we believe in what Jesus Christ did for us, accept it, He comes to live in us, enabling us to live the way He desires us to live. We walk a narrow way, continuing to grow closer to Him; It is certainly a journey!

                   

From now on DJSB will be used to note information or quotes from the David Jeremiah Study Bible and LSSB will refer to information and quotes from the Life in the Spirit Study Bible.