Friends know you well enough to recognize your need for cheer and company.

My thoughts and comments today are about our “God of all comfort.”

A lot of things, and even some people, will make life less comfortable – the conversation you would rather not have, the difficulty you would rather not face, the change you would rather not make, the mistake you would rather not correct, the problem you would rather not solve. Those qualifying words, “rather not,” aptly describe things we prefer to avoid, if possible. A person’s natural instinct is to avoid discomfort, but that is not really possible. Learn to take life as it comes and make it better.

Your external comfort is God’s agenda,  but not His first agenda. His desire goes much deeper – your spiritual maturity by the continual development of Christ-likeness. See Ephesians 4:13 NKJV/1 John 3:2 NIV. One measure of spiritual maturity is learning to be at peace in disconcerting moments and growing by productive responses rather than destructive to yourself and others. Learn from uncomfortable situations, not just live through them; it is far more productive.

The Apostle Paul described a distressing time, “. . our bodies had no rest; we were troubled on every side. Outside were conflicts, inside were fears. Nevertheless God who comforts the downcast, comforted us . .” 2 Corinthians 7:5-6 NKJV. God comforts the downcast; how very descriptive. You know the feeling. Never despair; God will be there.

You find comfort in God. “[God] comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When others are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.” 2 Corinthians 1:3-7 NLT. God is the great recycler; don’t waste your sorrows. He redeems the worst that happens to you and transforms it into blessings for others. Ministry flows from your sincere empathy with another’s pain, then shares comfort from your experience of God’s grace. When you suffer troubling times or hurtful people – and experience God’s sufficiency, faithfulness, and comfort – you are better able to empathize with others. “I feel your pain,” becomes more than words.

You find comfort in the company of friends. “God comforted us by the coming of Titus, and not only by his coming but also by the comfort you had given him.” 2 Corinthians 7:6 NIV. Titus was comforted by his reception by the Corinthians; he brought their comfort, as well as his, to Paul. The arrival of Titus refreshed Paul’s spirit. That’s what friends can do; that’s what friends are for. A shared journey is a more comfortable journey. Friends should know you well enough to recognize when you need their cheer and company. Be the kind of friend you want to have. Solomon learned, “Two people accomplish twice as much as one . . if one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But people who are alone when they fall are in real trouble.” Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 NLT.

You find comfort in good news. Paul wrote,“[Titus] told us about your longing for me, your deep sorrow, your ardent concern for me, so that my joy was greater than ever.” 2 Corinthians 7:7 NIV. Stop reciting every disappointment; stop rehearsing every mistreatment. God’s Word is wise counsel: “Whatever is true . . noble . . right . . pure . . lovely . . admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things . . and the God of peace will be with you.” Philippians 4:6-9 NIV.

My prayer for you today is that you know where to find true comfort when needed.

God doesn’t always speak the word you want, but He will speak the word you need.

My thoughts and comments today are, “in God we trust.”

In uncertain times and events, you need people in your life whose words you can trust explicitly; if you do, you are fortunate. There are times you will need others with broader life-experience, with Godly wisdom, lovingly honest, and truly considerate. Everyone needs friends who will be honest with them, even when truth is uncomfortable. Value that kind of friendship; be that kind of friend. In life, I have found you usually get what you give.

God will always tell you the truth, even if you would rather not hear it. The Apostle Paul was prisoner on a ship bound for Rome, to be charged before Caesar. Read Acts 27:6-44 NIV. In a savage storm, the crew and their human cargo, “[after] many days . . finally gave up hope of being saved.” They did everything experienced sailors knew to do – strengthened the hull with ropes, dropped an anchor, lightened the ship’s cargo – but to no avail.

In a desperate situation, Paul did not lose hope. The weather was adverse; their ship and skills were overwhelmed; their future safety was doubtful. The demoralizing forecast from others was clear, but Paul waited for a clear word from God. God sent an angel to Paul with a promise, “Not one of you will be lost; only the ship will be destroyed . . God, whose I am and whom I serve, stood beside me . . Take heart. I believe God will do exactly what He told me.” Vs. 22-26 NIV/MSG.

That is more than belief; that is strong and settled conviction. Paul reasoned with the Christ-followers in Rome, “Some . .  were unfaithful; but just because they broke their promises, does that mean that God will break His promises? Though everyone else in the world is a liar, let God be true.” Romans 3:3-4 NLT. Jesus said, “Heaven and earth will pass away but My Words will never pass away.” Luke 21:33 NIV. Paul knew his relationship with God was secure and God’s character was sure, so God could be trusted to be truthful. Read Proverbs 3:5-6 NKJV.

While others’ forecast their fears, God foresees the conclusion accurately. When life gets stormy you need time to hear from God. God doesn’t always speak the word you want, but He will always speak the word you need. God may not promise to save your ship, but He will do what He says. Don’t try to put words in God’s mouth; listen to God, then believe what He tells you. “My Word . . will accomplish all I want and prosper where I send it.” Isaiah 55:11 NLT.

The Bible says, “Wherein God, willing more abundantly to show unto the heirs of promise the immutability of His counsel . . in which it was impossible for God to lie . . which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast . . “ Read Hebrews 6:17-19 NKJV. You can trust God; He always tells the truth.

My prayer for you today is that you will trust God even when you don’t understand.

You possess the power to bless or curse; you can do either but you cannot do both.

My thoughts and comments today are about “words.”

Words have a longer life span and far greater importance than you may realize. The Bible says, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue.” Proverbs 18:21 NKJV. James gave good advice when he wrote, “Be swift to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger.” James 1:19. I always thought that a strange pairing of words, until I observed how anger fuels how you hear and what you say before you realize the havoc and hurt your words can cause. Choose words well; use words wisely.

You possess the power to bless or curse; you can do either, but you cannot do both. Choose words wisely. James wrote, “No one can tame the tongue . . sometimes it praises our Lord and Father, and sometimes it breaks out in curses against those who have been made in the image of God. So blessing and cursing come pouring out of the same mouth – this is not right!” James 3:10.

Every time you use words positively you enhance their power; used improperly, you devalue their meaning. Sometimes slang and definitely profanity or vulgarity devalue the importance and strength of everything else you say. Their destructive power touches the one who speaks them and those who hear them – long after their sounds fall silent. That is true of the words you hear and read, as well as the words you speak. See Matthew 15:18 NLT. You live in a vulgar culture, increasingly profane. Civility and propriety are discounted as unimportant. Promises are defaulted; truth is compromised. Be decidedly different from the culture surrounding you.

Words have power. They strengthen or harm friendships, inspire or dishearten, encourage or discourage. Words of affirmation empower dreams in the heart. Words of doubt and disbelief predict fear and failure. All words have power; the more important you view person speaking them, the deeper and more lasting their effect on you. Jesus said, “The words that I speak unto you, they are spirit and they are life.” John 6:63. Let that be your objective as well. There is unimagined authority within your spoken words. John writes of those who “overcame the devil by the word of their testimony.” Revelation 12:11.

My fourth grade teacher, Mrs. Cook, taught me appreciation for words in a book about the origin of words. My Dad taught me the practical integrity of words, “A man is only as good as his word. Don’t say something you don’t mean.” The words of my Mom and Dad influence my life long after they were spoken; words can endure beyond lifetimes. The Bible taught me the enduring quality of Godly words, “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but My words will not pass away.” Matthew 24:35.

Life taught me the double-edged potential in words, “A gentle answer turns away wrath; but a grievous word stirs up anger.” Proverbs 15:1-2 NIV. Make every word count; weigh them carefully; share them gently. Here’s how God says this should work, “God wants you to grow up, to know the whole truth and tell it in love – like Christ in everything . . watch the way you talk. Let nothing foul or dirty come out of your mouth. Say only what helps, each word a gift.”  Ephesians 4:15/29 MSG. Each word can be a gift from God through you. My prayer is as David’s, “Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength, and my Redeemer.” Psalm 19:14. See Ecclesiastes 5:1-7 NIV.

My prayer for you today is that your heart will be pure and your words pleasing.

Longing to be important opposes your learning to be significant.

My thoughts and comments today are about “significance.”

When our first grandchild was a preschooler, she tried to unravel the mystery, “Who is the boss of me?” She asked my wife, Gayle, “Nana, if Mommy is my boss, is Daddy her boss?” From there she worked her way to the assumption of Nana being her Dad’s boss, and my being Nana’s boss. After momentary reflection and a bit puzzled, she finally asked, “Who’s Poppa’s boss?” I think her real concern was about how and when she would get to be “boss.” From early years, we have a driven need to be first. People often confuse their inherent desire to excel with a need to exceed.

John warned of the attitude of “Diotrephes, who loves to have the preeminence . . who likes to put himself first.” 3 John 9 NKJV/ESV. Longing to be important opposes your learning to be significant. Let others give you promotion and prominence as recognition for contribution. Jesus addressed the spiritual and moral etiquette of this, teaching His disciples that when one comes to a dinner, take a “lower seat” until and unless invited to a place of prominence by another. See Proverbs 25:6-7 NIV/Matthew 23:5-6 NKJV.

The disciples were rightly concerned with greatness, but they misunderstood the path and process. “He that is greatest among you shall be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” Matthew 23:11-12 NIV. To our world, Jesus’ Kingdom seems upside down but actually is right-side-up. Jesus asked the clarifying question, “Who is greater, he that sits, being served, or he that serves? But I am among you as one who serves. He that is first is he who serves!” Luke 22:24-27. Being first to serve requires patience and trust in God’s times and ways.

It is common to want to be first. People push others aside in order to be first. If being first is an obsession that compels you, your desire has become misdirected. Being first can become a compulsion that causes you to expect advantages that would not have been yours, mistreat and disregard others, excuse compromises to get ahead, and eventually become more concerned about appearance than accomplishment. Bettering yourself might increase your importance; bettering the lives of others multiplies and extends your significance.

Self-importance is momentary; significance can be lasting. My friend, Kenny, taught me a practical exercise to counteract self-importance. “Take a bucket of water. Stick your finger into the water and pull it out; then notice how long you leave a hole!” In the broader scheme of life, no one is as singularly important as we would hope to be. Significance comes from contribution not competition.

It’s simple; to be first, you put others before yourself. Be recognized for having a heart and hands employed in serving others. “Don’t push your way to the front . . put yourself aside and help others get ahead. Don’t be obsessed with getting your own advantage. Forget yourself long enough to lend a helping hand. Think of yourself the way Christ Jesus thought of Himself.” Philippians 2:3-5. MSG.

My prayer for you this day is that you will be first to serve and bless others.

To be real, your confidence must have a strong foundation in the Word of God.

My thoughts and comments today are about “confidence.”

Life is better when you live with confidence. That doesn’t mean that everything will always be well or that everything goes as you expect. Confidence rests on a broader context than the moment at hand. Most people try to live in the immediate, which is ever changing. Therefore, they are ever changing also – changing moods, vacillating feelings, shifting plans, strained relationships, lessened expectations, and wavering confidence. “Do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward.” See Hebrews 10:35-36 NKJV. Everything in your life is better with confidence.

Better that your reliance is upon what is eternal, unchanging, and enduring. “In quietness and confidence shall be your strength.” Isaiah 30:15 NKJV. God wants you to live confidently – secure in God, strong in His Word, settled in your salvation, and safe in your faith. Confidence has to be about something more than the moment. “Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.” Philippians 1:6 NKJV.

The context for enduring confidence is a real faith in truth that endures; such truth is found in God alone. Paul concluded, “Therefore, we do not lose heart . . For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things that are seen, but at the things that are not seen. For the things that are seen are temporary, but the things that are not seen are eternal.” Read 2 Corinthians 4:13-18 NKJV. Take your focus off anything that is “but for a moment,” and rest on what both precedes and succeeds every moment – the character of God, the Word of God, and the grace and goodness of God. Read Isaiah 40:28-31 NIV.

Real confidence begins with right living. “We are confident that we have a good conscience, in all things desiring to live honorably.” Hebrews 13:18 NKJV. Confidence rests secure on truth that is eternal not with facts of the moment, with what God says rather than what is happening presently. “God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.’ So we say with confidence, ‘The Lord is my Helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?’” Hebrews 13:5-6 NIV. To be real, confidence must have an unchanging foundation, the Word of God. “God has said . . so we say with confidence . .” Confidence strengthens by the truth of God’s words to your heart.

“The Lord is my Helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?” Confidence is a strong affirmation, a clear choice, and an obvious conclusion. You won’t worry about what anyone can do to you when confident of what God has done and will do for you. Read Psalm 118:8 NKJV. What concerns you today? What worries you about tomorrow? Solomon wrote, “Keep [these] words always in your heart . . Wherever you walk, their counsel will lead you. When you sleep, they will protect you. When you wake in the morning, they will advise you. For these commands and this teaching are a lamp to light the way ahead of you.” Proverbs 6:21-23 NLT.

My prayer for you today is that your confidence rests securely on God and His Word.

Christ is duly exalted in your life when you seek to excel in all you do.

My thoughts and comments today are about “excelling.”

Today’s popular culture espouses an egocentric philosophy that, “Winning isn’t everything; it’s the only thing.” The intention itself is not wrong. You were created with an inner sense of destiny to achieve and succeed, but your reason for doing so and the means of accomplishing that may unknowingly misdirect your course in life. People may buy into a wrong philosophy without considering the price paid, compromises made, or the disregard of loss to others.

But the spirit of Kingdom culture is higher and purer. The character and currency of every Kingdom accomplishment are these: clear objectives, right focus, pure motives, sure directions, and best efforts. Paul often used athletic analogies to describe aspects of our spiritual journey. See 2 Timothy 2:5 NKJV. “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes on the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly . .” 1 Corinthians 9:24-26 NIV.

Let nothing or no one distract you from your singular goal of winning the eternal prize. Read Philippians 3:10-14 NKJV. Mediocrity is not an option. You will truly excel when your perspiration exceeds your inspiration to do so. In Paul’s analogy, he contrasts the casual contestant with the serious competitor who has trained diligently and prepared to give their best effort to compete successfully.  Paul also contrasts those who will train, sacrifice, and expend every effort merely for a temporal achievement and reward, unlike those whose training regimen and personal sacrifice are with the sole purpose of achieving Christ’s reward, eternal and incomparable. “I have fought a good fight; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that day, and not to me only but to all who have loved His appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:7-8 NIV.

Christ is duly exalted in your life when you seek to excel in all you do. “Whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” 1 Corinthians 10:31 NKJV. Listen to Paul’s prayer, “I pray, that your love may abound more and more and extend to its fullest development . . so that you may surely learn to sense what is vital, and approve what is excellent and of real value [recognizing the highest and best, and distinguishing the moral differences].” Philippians 1:9-10 AMP. Life deserves your best because God deserves your best – because on the cross, He gave you His best. Half efforts are unworthy.

An application of Paul’s words – “Run in such a way as to get the prize” – could be this simple; what you do in your pursuit of God’s service should be done with every intention to succeed, sparing no effort to fully achieve God’s will for your life. “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.” Colossians 3:23 NIV. My Dad’s reminder to me was, “Allen, good enough is not good enough.” Your best effort and the Spirit’s empowering and blessing are always good enough.

My prayer for you today is that you will expect God’s best and give Him yours.

Example works better than empty exhortation.

My thoughts and comments today are about “spiritual legacy.”

A lifetime is just not long enough for the investment poured into any individual or single generation. I have benefited vastly from the example and encouragement of family and friends. Because others freely shared their lives and examples of faith with me, I am a better man, husband, father, and friend than I would have been. “Each generation goes further than the generation preceding it because it stands on the shoulders of that generation.” Ronald Reagan. On whose shoulders are you standing? Imagine the costly waste of social, financial, educational, intellectual, and spiritual capital if every generation were left to learn the necessary life lessons without benefit of the experience and knowledge of previous generations.

Allow me to narrow the focus. Lessons of life and vital faith practices should be faithfully handed from generation to generation. Amid growing secularism and misapplied political correctness about religious pluralism, Christian families and churches must be vigilant to guard a vital practice of faith that is a transferable experience while its application is contemporary, personal, and individual.

I see a dynamic, spiritual principle in the letter of Paul to his young protégé, Timothy, “I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother, Lois, and in your mother, Eunice, and I am persuaded now lives in you also.” Read 2 Timothy 1:4-7 NIV. Timothy was the beneficiary of a multi-generational, spiritual heritage of incomparable value. A Godly legacy is never coincidental; spiritual legacy is produced by clear and Godly intentionality. The transmission of your personal faith and Biblical convictions must not be left to chance.

The origin of EveryDay Life and the required discipline of its writing were an attempt to faithfully transfer to our children and grandchildren a proper understanding and practical application of the Bible’s wisdom, real faith, clear convictions, eternal values, and vital, spiritual practices entrusted to us from Gayle’s and my parents, grandparents, pastors, mentors, and Godly friends. Your life serves God’s purpose and your faith fulfills its promise when the lives of family, friends, and others embrace your faith and know your God. Be assured; it is never too late for that to be possible.

The faith was personal and practical that captured young Timothy’s heart; “. . a sincere faith which first lived in your grandmother and mother.” Sincere faith alive in one’s heart ignites spiritual life in others. Here’s how they accomplished such a transfer of faith; “. . from infancy, you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus . . thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:14-17 NIV. God’s Word works in real life. It is never too early to teach the truth of God’s Word. Be sure you model its truth.

Example works better than empty exhortation. “You know how we lived among you for your sake. You became imitators of us and of the Lord . . and so you became a model to all the believers . . your faith in God has become known everywhere.” 1 Thessalonians 1:5-8 NIV. See Jude 3 NKJV.

My prayer for you today is that you will cherish the heritage of faith others labored to preserve.

Being a Christ-follower is simple, not complex; just follow Jesus.

My thoughts and comments today are about “taking responsibility.”

When religious leaders accused Jesus before Pilate, the Roman Governor questioned Him and announced, “I find no fault in this man.’” Matthew 23:4 NIV. He could have set Jesus free with a single word, but he did not. Instead, “He sent for a bowl of water and washed his hands, saying, ’I am innocent of the blood of this man. The responsibility is yours.’” Matthew 27:24 NLT. There was enough blame for everyone. In washing his hands Pilate thought he was through with the matter, but is more remembered for that single act than anything else he ever said or did. Washing his hands became a symbolism for every attempt to deflect blame onto another by deferring individual responsibility.

Who hasn’t heard a child’s self-justifying excuse for misbehavior, “He hit me first; well, she started it.” There is always an excuse for one’s own behavior if willing to blame someone else. Taking responsibility does not come naturally; it has to be taught and learned. Never confuse excuses with reasons. If you are looking for someone or something to blame for your shortcomings or failures, you can always find an excuse for why you did not do what you should or why you are not what you are supposed to be.

Shifting blame is a cowardly practice, but one as old as the human race. The practice began at creation and continues uninterrupted yet today. Deferring personal responsibility by assigning blame is nothing new. In Eden, Eve was tempted and readily included Adam. Read Genesis 3:1-13 NIV. When their disobedience was exposed, Eve blamed the temptation; Adam blamed Eve, then even blamed God. “’The man said, ‘The woman You put here with me – she gave me some fruit from the tree, and I ate it.’ Then the Lord God said, ‘What is this you have done?’” Genesis 3:12-13 NIV.

God who is always just – and always right – addressed individual responsibility and assigned fitting consequences to the Deceiver, then to Eve, and finally to Adam. God will hold each person responsible for our own thoughts, feelings, words, or actions. Read Romans 14:12-13 NKJV. And thus the die was cast in human hearts and history. By choice, you bear your spiritual heritage, whether of Adam or Christ.

Godly Character requires that you accept personal accountability, in order to change and mature. Others will carry their own guilt for their choices; for your choices, you bear your own responsibility. See Romans 2:6-11 NIV. When Peter questioned how God would handle John, Jesus’ response was clear and to the point, “What is that to you? You follow Me.” John 21:18-22 NKJV.

Being a Christ-follower is simple, not complex; just follow Jesus. Your responsibility before God is singular, just as your response to Him must be. Leave the moral frailties and spiritual failures of others for God to sort out, while you keep your heart clear before Him. Read Matthew 7:1-5 NLT. On a cross, the One who had no sins of His own took full responsibility for your sins and mine. 2 Corinthians 5:21 NIV. The Righteous One will deal with each of us with grace and truth. “For the Law was given through Moses; grace and truth came though Jesus Christ.” See John 1:14-18 NIV.

My prayer for you today is that you will keep your eyes on Jesus alone.

A forgiving heart offers love undeserved and unmeasured.

My thoughts and comments today are about “a forgiving heart.”

There will not be a shortage of offenses, nor a lack of opportunities – really necessities – to have and express a forgiving heart. “It is impossible that no offenses should come . . “ Luke 17:1 NKJV. Your personal experience will confirm that reality, and the Bible’s counsel is, “Get rid of all bitterness . . Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Ephesians 4:30-32 NIV.

Relationships create an emotional proximity that occasionally results in misunderstandings, minor and major. When someone hurts or fails you, remember your own need for grace. When disappointed in a relationship, the grace of God is readily available to you; don’t depreciate God’s provision and nor delay claiming it. Pay attention to the Bible’s warning: “See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.” Hebrews 12:15 NIV. The bitter fruit of an unforgiving heart is a disposition that colors your life, interpreting the past and projecting the future.

The time immediately following an offense is precarious. Don’t let moments become minutes which soon extend to hours, days, and longer until the hurt grows bigger in your thoughts and settles deeper in your feelings. Forgiveness, or unforgiveness, is not as complicated as people make them to be; it’s simple really. Jesus said, “If you forgive those who sin against you, your Heavenly Father will forgive you. If you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.” Romans 12:21,Matthew 6:14-15 NLT.

The Kingdom of God sets a high standard but not an impossible one. An unforgiving heart imposes self-inflicted wounds to one’s spirit. “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Romans 12:21 NIV. It has helped me to differentiate between forgiveness and pardon. Forgiveness is honest about hurts while releasing to God all rights of either retribution or pardon. People can forgive; only God can pardon. Only God has perfect knowledge and sufficient grace to pardon.

Forgiveness does not claim wrong to be right, nor does it deny guilt. A forgiving heart offers love undeserved and unmeasured, neither self-imposing consequences nor demanding God withholds mercy and grace. Such a benevolent act of grace releases God to pardon, if He wills. Paul understood the purpose and extent of grace; “God’s kindness leads you toward repentance.” Read Romans 2:1-11 NIV.

My prayer this day for you is that you will trust God to set wrongs right with others.

A Godly life is the living application of eternal truth.

My thoughts and comments today are about “a living Word.”

There is a difference when you are “into” something, in contrast to being casual or curious. You can browse some books and that is sufficient, while another book so piques your interest that you carefully read every sentence, hardly moving to the next chapter without processing what you have read. The Bible is like the latter. See Psalm 1:1-3 NKJV.

Unlike other books, the Bible is not read merely for an intellectual grasp of its information. Life is not an academic process; a full and successful life is found in what you do and who you are. Be as those Christ-followers who, “. . received the Word with readiness . . and searched the Scriptures daily.” Acts 17:11 NKJV. The Bible is God’s Word to conform hearts, rather than inform heads. The power of Scripture is found in its living application to your daily life. That’s why Jesus said, “Be doers of the Word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” James 1:22 NKJV. To do that, you must choose to get “into” the Word, prizing its truth, seeking its meaning, and applying its principles in your life consistently.

A Godly life is the living application of eternal truth – God’s truth. “For the Word of God is living and powerful . .” Hebrews 4:12 NKJV. Paul warned young Timothy about those who have “a form of godliness but denying its power . . always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.´ 2 Timothy 3:5/7 NKJV. The power of true Godliness is found in the life that reflects God’s Word in practical ways. Job explained the process, “My feet have closely followed His steps; I have kept His ways and without turning aside. I have not departed from the commands of His lips. I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my daily food.” Job 23:11-12 NIV.

When you treasure His words in your heart, God permits circumstances that provide opportunity to practice the truth that He is building into your life. It takes time to change ingrained, character traits. Old habits are not broken easily, nor are new habits formed in a day. Reading a truth does not produce instant change. Change and growth come as you learn to apply truth in practical ways – when your thinking, choices, and reactions are shaped by truth. You become a living word to others; “You are our letter, written in our hearts, known and read by everybody.” 2 Corinthians 3:2 NIV.

You learn to love by loving people not easily loved. You develop patience by accepting delays and irritations with grace, trusting the Lord’s timing. You learn peace by choosing tranquility in God’s rest, even in troubling moments. You discover joy when you learn that real joy is in God’s care, not your circumstances. Truth that you read becomes living truth as you encounter situations, and people, where you choose to do the right thing instead of your natural inclinations. As you search God’s Word, ask yourself, “How can this Scripture help me be a little more like Jesus today?”

My prayer for you today is: have a hunger for God’s Word that nothing else can satisfy.