Don’t envy sinners,
but always continue to fear the Lord.
You will be rewarded for this;
your hope will not be disappointed.
--- Proverbs 23:17-18 (NLT)
... View MoreDon’t envy sinners,
but always continue to fear the Lord.
You will be rewarded for this;
your hope will not be disappointed.
--- Proverbs 23:17-18 (NLT)
How easy it is to envy those who get ahead, unhampered by responsibility to God’s laws. For a time they do seem to prosper without paying any attention to what God wants, but they have no future, to those who follow him, God promises, a hope and a wonderful future, even if they don’t achieve it in this life.
--- Life Application Study Bible notes
“If your brother or sister[a] sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over.
--- Matthew 18:15
When someone wrongs us, we often do th... View More“If your brother or sister[a] sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over.
--- Matthew 18:15
When someone wrongs us, we often do the opposite of what Jesus recommends. We turn away in hatred or resentment, seek revenge, or engage in gossip. By contrast, we should go to that person first, as difficult as that may be. Then we should forgive that person as often as he or she needs it (18:21-22). This will create a much better chance of restoring the relationship.
--- Life Application Study Bible notes
14 Then the women of the town said to Naomi, “Praise the Lord, who has now provided a redeemer for your family! May this child be famous in Israel. 15 May he restore your youth and care for you in you... View More14 Then the women of the town said to Naomi, “Praise the Lord, who has now provided a redeemer for your family! May this child be famous in Israel. 15 May he restore your youth and care for you in your old age. For he is the son of your daughter-in-law who loves you and has been better to you than seven sons!”
---Ruth 4:14-15 NLT
God brought great blessings out of Naomi’s tragedy, even greater than “seven sons.” Throughout her tough times, Naomi continued to trust God. And God, in his time, blessed her greatly. Even in our sorrow and calamity, God can bring great blessings. Instead of asking, “How can God allow this to happen to me?” trust him. He will be with you in the hard times.--- Life Application Study Bible notes
Make every effort to respond to God’s promises. Supplement your faith with a generous provision of moral excellence, and moral excellence with knowledge, 6 and knowledge with self-control, and self-co... View MoreMake every effort to respond to God’s promises. Supplement your faith with a generous provision of moral excellence, and moral excellence with knowledge, 6 and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with patient endurance, and patient endurance with godliness, 7 and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love for everyone.
8 The more you grow like this, the more productive and useful you will be in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 But those who fail to develop in this way are shortsighted or blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their old sins.
--- 2 Peter 1:5-9
V5-9 - Faith must be more than belief in certain facts; it must result in action, growth in Christian character, and the practice of moral discipline, or it will die away (James 2:14-17). Peter lists several of faith’s actions: learning to know God better, developing perseverance, doing God’s will, loving others. These actions do not come automatically; they require hard work. They are not optional; all of them must be a continual part of the Christian life. We don’t finish one and start on the next, but he also gives us the responsibility to learn and to grow.
V6 - False teachers were saying that self-control was not needed because deeds do not help the believer anyway (2:19). It is true that deeds cannot save us, but it is absolutely false to think they are unimportant. We are saved so that we can grow to resemble Christ and serve others. God wants to produce his character in us. But to do this, he demands our discipline and effort. As we obey Christ, who guides us by his Spirit, we will develop self-control not only with respect to food and drink but also with respect to our emotions.
--- Life Application Study Bible notes
“No eye has seen, no ear has heard,
and no mind has imagined
what God has prepared
for those who love him.
--- 1 Corinthians 2:9 NLT
... View More“No eye has seen, no ear has heard,
and no mind has imagined
what God has prepared
for those who love him.
--- 1 Corinthians 2:9 NLT
We cannot imagine all that God has in store for us, both in this life and for eternity. He will create a new heaven and a new earth (Isaiah 65:17; Revelation 21:1), and we will live with him forever. Until then, Holy Spirit comforts and guides us. Knowing the wonderful and eternal future that awaits us gives us hope and courage to press on in this life, to endure hardship, and to avoid giving in to temptation. This world is not all there is. The best is yet to come.
--- Life Application Study Bible notes
PRAYER
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank You for Your generous mercy and grace that gives us the blessed hope.
Thank You for the wonders of our eternal future and Your desire to spend eternity with us.
Your great plan is beyond my imagination and beyond my biggest dream.
Though I can’t see it, help me trust You and Your promise.
Thank You, Jesus, for going back to heaven and preparing a place of glory for me in heaven.
I anticipate the day that Jesus returns to take us home to be with You, Father.
I will rejoice in Your love and goodness forever and ever.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen
page=2&profile_user_id=188049&year=&month=
Load More
