Scriptural readings:
Hebrews 13:20-21, Romans 12:1-2
“Show me your friend and I will tell you who you are.” This timeless Spanish proverb accurately captures the essence of the very nature of humankind. It suggests that the inner circles we belong to are embedded in our innermost qualities and values. Self-assessment at times is a burden, but undoubtedly, we see the thoroughness of ourselves in the end.
The saying “actions speak louder than words” highlights the idea that our behavior can uncover our true character. It is essential to be conscious of how our actions communicate our intentions and values. Our views and efforts create a unique definition of us. They confine us, shaping our boundaries. Together, they accent our role in the twenty-four-hour trade of this realm. By this time, this idiom should not be an alien to us.
Hebrews 13:20-21
King James Version
V 20 “Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant,”
New Living Translation
V 20 “Now may the God of peace—
Who brought up from the dead our Lord Jesus,
The great Shepherd of the sheep,
and ratified an eternal covenant with his blood—
Let us see something.
The concept of starting with God is central, as it emphasizes an everlasting covenant established through Jesus Christ. This covenant serves as a foundation for endeavors that are aligned with His purpose. It confirms His will or purpose for us. Our initiative, which is not of His will, won’t work, nor will it prosper. ...Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Please reread this paragraph. But before doing so, say a momentary prayer. Ask for His mercy to cleanse you from your sins. Then pray for the Holy Spirit for enlightenment. He will always give this richly.
King James Version
V 21 “Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.”
New Living Translation
V 21 may he equip you with all you need
for doing his will.
May he produce in you,
through the power of Jesus Christ,
every good thing that is pleasing to him.
All glory to him forever and ever! Amen.
Then the Lord said to Moses, “Look, I have specifically chosen Bezalel son of Uri, grandson of Hur, of the tribe of Judah. I have filled him with the Spirit of God, giving him great wisdom, ability, and expertise in all kinds of crafts(Exodus 31:1-3). God knows us from the inside out, how many hairs we have, and what our next plans are. Keep in mind that God has a plan for all of us. We do not see the bigger picture, but we are a part of it. Every second that we breathe now has a meaning, and this is for the glorification of God. Again, our success does not come from our hard work. Instead, it results from God’s power working within us. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning (James 1:17).
Romans 12:1-2
King James Version
V. 1 “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.”
V. 2 “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”
New Living Translation
V 1 And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him.
V 2 Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.
Verses 1 and 2 are now necessarily to be seen as prophetic verses. The word beseech in Greek is “parakaleō” (παρακαλέω). It is pronounced as (par-ak-al-eh’-o). The meaning is to call to or for. This can be accomplished in the way of exhortation, entreaty, comfort, instruction, etc.; consequently, resulting in a variety of senses. It is now more fitting to understand the context. We have to put our acts together (to be holy). Jesus Christ is on his way to pick us up.
Evil lurks in every corner, slipping into our lives the moment we let our defenses falter. It’s impossible to overlook; its presence is a constant reminder of the fragility of our peace. It’s why we have to trust God, the Holy Spirit, to work in us. He tells, confirms, and instructs us.
At this time, God, the Holy Spirit, must have jolted every Christian. They realize that what is happening around the world perfectly matches what the Holy Bible tells us. We are at the end of times. God wants us to prepare. We should not be scared of the arrival of His Son, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
The outlook and emphasis of our daily living must be focused on our spiritual side. Our attitude has to be the total opposite of what is normal in this world we are living in. There has to be a clear-cut definition of what is of Godly and what is evil. Prayer and seeking God’s will are the main components of an unmistakable effort of a holy life. We should not be distracted by whatever challenges we face. What should matter most is the declaration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Satisfaction is defined by a lifestyle that involves sacrifices and challenges, ultimately leading to spiritual fulfillment. This is the definitive and absolute state of God’s promise of holiness. This is particularly true in a world filled with elements that are deemed abominations to the Lord.
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, if this article somehow enlightened you, please share it. Do the work of an evangelist. (II Timothy 4:5) Our job living in these end times is to bring to Jesus Christ those who are lost. We will not get our reward on earth. Yet, it is gratifying when we hear God Himself speak to us. He says, “His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant. Thou hast been faithful over a few things. I will make thee ruler over many things. Enter thou into the joy of thy lord.” (Matthew 25:21).
From bondage to Freedom then ETERNITY