“But [as for] you, teach what is fitting and becoming to sound (wholesome) doctrine (THE CHARACTER AND RIGHT LIVING THAT IDENTIFY TRUE CHRISTIANS) (AMP) (Titus 2:1).

We are supposed to be easily identified as Christians by how we live. In verse 10 of that same chapter we are exhorted to be loyal, faithful and reliable; Paul tells Titus our lives should adorn or be ornaments to the things of God. In verse 12 Paul teaches us that God’s grace has trained us to have nothing to do with ungodliness and worldly desires and to be self-controlled and upright. This does not allow us to cheat, be dishonest, tell white lies, gossip etc.

In 2 Timothy 2:22 Paul further preaches that we should grow up as far as sin is concerned and aim at being like God in our thoughts and actions. We should aggressively seek to walk in faith, love and peace with all of our brothers and sisters in Christ. This is kingdom living, this is aiming for perfection (Matt 5:48). I know it seems almost unattainable, but notice it says “aim at and pursue” It’s good to have something to aim at; we’ll miss the mark from time to time but that’s better than aiming at nothing.

Remember that God is always with you and that His word and power will always enable you to do what he expects of you (Phil 1:6).

Sometimes we can be overawed or intimidated by the glory and power of God and feel inadequate or unworthy of Him as we walk our walk upon this earth. It is important for us to realize that Jesus gave up the advantages and privileges of Heaven and came to earth as a man, with flesh and blood (Phil 2:5-8). He had to be filled with the power of the Holy Spirit to minister on this earth just like you and I have to be (Matt 3:13-17).

In Hebrews chapter 4, verse 15, we are told that Jesus can identify with us as He was tempted in all the same ways as we are, while He was on this earth, but He did no sin. Do you get the picture? Jesus came here as a man with flesh and blood and walked in our shoes just like us! He knows our state, our weaknesses and temptations, our trials and tribulations. He dealt with the same things while He was here.

Jesus knows where we are at and the word still says: “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me” (Phil 4:13; KJV). Nothing is impossible if we have Jesus inside us!

Be encouraged today, Jesus will never leave you nor forsake you (Hebr 13:5).

Isaiah 40:31 is a wonderful verse: “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint” (KJV).

One spring Jean and I were parked in our car on the south end of Waskesiu Lake in Prince Albert National Park, Saskatchewan, Canada, having our prayer time. There were 6 or so golden eagles feasting on dead fish out on the melting ice. After a while the eagles took off and gave us 30 minutes of the most glorious flying and gliding display right in front of and over our car. What amazing, powerful and graceful creatures; such colors and majesty, such strength. Isaiah 40:31 truly came alive for us.

God is so obvious to all in His creation (Rom 1:20). This is the strength He has for us. "Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteous." (Isa 41:10). It's God that does the strengthening and holds us with His hand. God tells us not to fear, He is the one who fights our battles for us (Deut 31:6).

And, yes, this is New Testament as well: "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me" (Phil 4:13). Did you notice that was all things, not some things! Trust God, cast your cares on Him and lean on His strength today. We can't do it on our own; my, how we need our God. Pass this on to someone.

In Ephesians 5:18 we are encouraged to be filled with the Holy Spirit and then in verses 19-21 we are told of ways that demonstrate this. One of those things is: "Giving thanks all ways for all things".

We are all very familiar with the fact that we are supposed to be thankful; however, it is easy to go through our day without remembering to do this! If we want to live a spirit led and spirit controlled life, then we need to develop this attitude of thanksgiving because apparently there is a connection.

In 1 Thesalonians 5:17 we are told to: "pray without ceasing" and then right after that, in verse 18, we are told again to thank God in everything, despite the circumstances. According to these two verses then, giving thanks is as important as praying. (by the way, please note, it says to thank God in everything not for everything).

Colossians 4:2 says almost the same thing, that we should continue in prayer and be vigorous with thanksgiving. Let's not forget Philippians 4:6, which tells us not to be anxious but to pray with thanksgiving. There seems to be a definite connection here between prayer and thanksgiving. Finally, Psalms 100:4 and 95:2 tell us to come into His presence with thanksgiving.

When we pray we are coming into God's presence, so what better way to begin our prayer times each day than with praise, worship and thanksgiving.

Our bible is God’s word to us as Christians; it was written down under God’s inspiration: - “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works” (2 Tim 3:16-17; KJV).

The bible is the Christians manual or handbook, just like a new car comes with an operator’s manual. The bible tells us how to live to please God, what He has for us and how He wants to use us.

God’s word is truth (John 17:17) and in John’s Gospel we are also told that the truth will set us free (John 8:32); free to live an abundant life as God lives it (John 10:10). In Proverbs we are told that God’s word brings life and health (Prov 4:22). God’s word is powerful (Heb 4:12); God spoke the word over creation and there was light (Gen 1:3).

The Bible is not a book to be read as literature but prayer fully, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit (John 14:26) The Holy Spirit will reveal God’s truths to our spirit; we call this revelation and not just head knowledge. The word will guide us through all the challenges of life (Ps 119:105).  

Meditating the scriptures (Ps 119:15) causes our faith to grow (Rom 10:17); faith to receive from all God’s promises found in His word. To meditate is simply to dwell on parts of the bible and roll then around in our minds.

We can rely on God’s word; it is settled in heaven (Ps 119:89) and it will never return to us void (Is 55:11). It will never let us down. Spend time in the Bible and God’s presence today: “My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings. Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart; for they are life unto those who find them, and health to all their flesh" (Prov 4:20-22; KJV).