Ephesians 6:13

Ephesians 6:13 – Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and when you have done everything, to stand.

          Paul paints a vivid picture of a knight getting ready to defend his castle. We are to put on the full armor of God, as he says. This is in the spiritual, though, not in the natural; for “our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”

          As we see this picture of a knight getting ready for battle we see that each piece of his equipment represents a different characteristic that we are to take on. We start with truth as a belt. For a knight everything hangs off the belt and so it is with us; everything hangs off the Truth of God. If not based on the Truth everything would come from a lie; so we must start with the Truth.

          Then we need righteousness which is the image of a breastplate. Our righteousness comes from Christ and because of Him we are called the righteousness of God. Next we have readiness, which is represented as a covering for your feet. This stems from the peace that comes with the gospel of Jesus. If we are living in fear or worry we will not be ready to do God’s calling.

          Now we come to faith. Faith is our shield; with it we believe God and therefore block all of the attacks of the enemy. Faith is also how we receive salvation, the next piece of the armor, which covers our heads and protects our thoughts. That is our defense. Most of our equipment is for defense, but last of all we take up the sword of the Spirit; the Word of God. This is our weapon. We use the Word to fight our battles. God’s Word has power and He has given us the authority to use it.

          And now that you have done everything, stand. Stand on all that God has done for you through Christ Jesus our Lord.

Galatians 6:2

Galatians 6:2 - Carry each others burden, and in this way you fulfill the law of Christ. What is the law of Christ? When asked what the greatest commandment was Jesus said, “Love the Lord your God.” He then continued by saying, “The second is like it, Love your neighbor as yourself.” Later Jesus was asked, “Who is my neighbor?” (Luke 10:29) Jesus did not answer this question directly, but told a story of a man who was traveling and got attacked by robbers. These robbers took everything from the man and left him on the side of the road beaten and bloody. A series of men walked by, most of whom avoided this man and walked by on the opposite side of the road. It wasn't until a Samaritan man came by that this man received any sort of help. Now you have to understand that in the eyes of the Jews Samaritans were like dogs. And this ‘dog’ was the only one who helped the dying man on the side of the road. After tending to his wounds the Samaritan carried this man to a nearby Inn and paid for him to stay there until he got better. Now Jesus returns the question, “Who was a neighbor to the man who fell among robbers?” “The Samaritan man,” they answered. Then Jesus left them with a simple, but powerful statement, ”Go and do likewise.” That is how you fulfill the law of Christ. “Go and do likewise.” If you see anyone who needs help follow the example of the Samaritan in Jesus story and help them. We are to carry each others burdens. Do you see someone hurting? Is there someone close to you that needs help? Of course there is. To deny it would be living in ignorance. It doesn’t take a detective to find someone who could use your help. There are people all around us. And here’s the beauty of it: it doesn't take much. God will never ask you to give what you do not have. Sometimes it is just befriending someone and talking to them. Other times it may be an act of service or a gift of money. Whatever it is, don’t hesitate to give it. As you follow God’s commands and give to those around you He will always take care of you as well. Paul says that God gives seed to the sower and bread for food (2 Corinthians 9:10). You can rest assured that God has given you what you need and given you what you need to give away. So, carry each others burdens. Help out those around you who are less fortunate than you. And in doing so you will be fulfilling the law of Christ.

Galatians 5:22-23

Galatians 5:22-23 - But the fruit of the Spirit is Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

In Galatians chapter 3 Paul tells us that “all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.” What does it mean, though, to be clothed with Christ? As we read through the Bible, particularly in the New Testament, we see how we are to imitate Jesus. We are to live like He lived and do what He did.
As Christians our actions ought to be like those of Jesus. Now, to be clear, it is not our actions or works that save us. It is faith in Christ that saves us. Our actions should, however, line up with our salvation. And what should these actions look like? This verse is a great place to start as we answer that question.

Our actions should look like the fruits of the Spirit. We should have Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness and self-control showing up in what we do. When we act in accordance with these, there will be no law that can come against us. That doesn't of course mean that the law will be gone, it just won’t have any hold on you.

When you sin and do things contrary to the law it will come against you and punish you according to what you have done. But when you live according to the fruits of the Spirit you will not break the law, because you will be holding yourself to a higher standard. Now the law will not be able to come against you, because you will not have broken it.

As you live your life be careful to watch what kind of fruit you are producing. You ought to be producing fruit that lines up with your salvation. In Christ we are a new creation, the old is gone, the new has come. If the fruit you are producing does not line up with Christ, then you need to take a look at what is inside you and make sure you have given all you are to Jesus.  

Galatians 4:4-5

Galatians 4:4-5 - But when the time had fully come, God sent His Son, born of a woman, born under law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive the full right as sons.

In yesterday’s blog we addressed how you know whether you are a son or daughter of Christ. In this verse we see how that is all made possible. Of course on our part it is by faith. We are to believe in Christ and all that He did, but what exactly did He do? How is it all possible?
This verse holds the answer. Paul breaks it down for us like this, “God sent His Son, born of a woman, born under law.” But why did Jesus have to come to earth as a man? What is the importance of those details? Wouldn't it have been easier for God to just save us?
In reality, God couldn't do that. Not because He didn't have the power, but because He cannot deny who He is. God is Holy and Just. Sin deserves death. In order for God to be God He couldn't allow sin to go unpunished. That is where Christ came in.
In order for Jesus to be able to pay the penalty for sin He had to walk as we walk. He had to come to earth through all the same ‘channels’ as we do, including ‘born of a woman’ and ‘born under law.’ By coming in this way Jesus was able to go through all that we have to, but He did it without sin. That allowed Him to be the perfect sacrifice and He could take care of sin once and for all.
Now, since Jesus has faced it all and won, we can become like Him. As Paul explains here we have full right as sons. Everything that Christ deserves we also have a right to. We have become joint-heirs with Him. Now we are redeemed and sanctified as God’s children.

Galatians 3:26-27

Galatians 3:26-27 - You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.

        Recently I watched the new movie ‘Left Behind’. This is a remake of an older movie and both are based on a book of the same name. The movie follows the experiences of a family that was divided in their religious views as they went through the rapture.
        In this movie the husband and daughter get ‘left behind’ as the mother and brother get taken to heaven. As the daughter runs frantically around trying to find answers to what has happened she finds herself at her mother’s church and finds the pastor still there.
        At first she is relieved because she thinks that there must be some other explanation other than Jesus returning. He assures her that it was indeed the rapture and he is still there because even though he knew all the right things to say, he didn't believe it in his heart.This, then, brings up the question, “If there could be a pastor who is not saved, how do I know if I truly am?”
        Of course this is just a movie, but Jesus did say, “Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’” (Matthew 7:22-23) So then, how can some people who say they are saved, not be?
        Some of the confusion I think comes from how we teach salvation. We will have an alter call and tell people that if they ‘pray this prayer’ they will be saved. Too often we base salvation on a prayer and whether or not you said it. “I said the prayer, that means I’m saved,” we might say. Does it though? When did Jesus ever tell anyone that their salvation was based on a prayer? Where is that in the Bible?
        As we look in God’s Word we see that salvation is linked to faith and confession (Romans 10:9-10). The reality of it is that it really doesn't matter how many times you’ve said ‘the prayer.’ What matters is what you believe in your heart.
        This verse in Galatians gives us a clear picture of our life with God through faith as it reads, “You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.” It is faith in Christ that brings salvation, and no one can say whether you are ‘saved’ or not, except you and God; no one else can see your heart and what you truly believe.
        I will say this, though, if you believe in Christ and are baptized into Him, then this verse also says that you have been clothed with Him. That means that if you are truly saved you will look like Christ. It is not works that saves you, but your works and actions ought to line up with your salvation. That’s just something to think about.

        The bottom line is this: besides God only you know if you are saved. And if you know it, then you have nothing to worry about; but if you don’t know it, you better figure it out.

Galatians 2:20

Galatians 2:20 - I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who Loved me and gave Himself for me.



        Who are you living for? This world would have us believe that we need to live for ourselves. If you look out for yourself who else will, right? In this way of thinking we will always be looking to meet our own wants and needs. It won’t matter who we hurt along the way, as long as we benefit from it. If you live this way you will lose a lot of relationships and will find yourself alone and uncontent, because even if you achieve your goals you find them unfulfilling.
       Then there are others who have decided relationships are more important and they focus on serving another. Sometimes they will serve their spouse or family. At first glance this seems like a noble cause. A person committing his or her life to their family; it is a good cause. What happens, though, when you have given all you have to give? You've spent so much time giving that you have grown weary and exhausted. Then you begin to grow bitter, and the very people you committed your life to serving become a source of pain.
       Unfortunately, both these mindsets will leave you wanting. There has got to be a better way! And that is where Christ come in. He gives us a better way to live; a way that our needs can be met while meeting the needs of others, and we can find fulfillment and contentment. I know, it sounds too good to be true, but it is not.
       If you give your life to God through Jesus Christ this life is possible. As we look at this verse we see the course of action that we need to take. “I have been crucified with Christ.” That is the start, and it can be painful, but after that comes the good part, “I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.” Now we can join with Christ in everlasting life as we allow Him to work through us.
       This is how it all becomes possible. Matthew 6:33 promises that if we seek Him first everything else will be added back to us. See, if we focus on and give all we have to God, we actually will have more to give to those around us, and God will meet our needs in the process. He fills us and refreshes us when we seek Him so that we will not grow weary or burdened. And our Love for others will be everlasting because it will come from God, who Loves you more than you know.
       So I challenge you. Find God. He is the only one worth committing your life too. Giving yourself to Him and living to fulfill His plan for you is the only way you can have lasting contentment in your life.

Galatians 1:11-12

Galatians 1:11-12 - I want you to know, brothers, that the gospel I preached is not something man made up. I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ.

In Paul we see a man who committed his whole life to furthering the gospel in the known world, but it was not always that way. When we first see him in the book of Acts we see him as a well trained Pharisee. He had learned everything there was to know about serving God, or so he thought. At that time he was preaching and enforcing a gospel that had man’s fingerprints all over it. It wasn’t until he was on his way to Damascus that he realized he was wrong.
Paul knew the difference between a religion made up by man and a religion that came from God. He had lived in both worlds. As a child he learned all of the rules and regulations of being a Pharisee. When he became a man he was committed to following the religion that he had been taught. Then Christ came in and he received a revelation of God that changed his life forever.
That’s the amazing thing about the gospel we preach. You could spend your whole life studying and know the bible inside and out and it will do nothing for you. It doesn’t matter how many sermons you have heard, or for that matter, preached. Without revelation of God through Jesus it will all be for nothing.
Like the old saying, “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know.” It is important to know God’s Word, but without knowing Him it is just another book. If you commit your life to knowing all about God, you will grow weary. But if you commit your life to knowing God and following His plan for your life you ‘will soar on wings like eagles; run and not grow weary, walk and not be faint.’ Surrender yourself to God and trust Him to give you revelation of the gospel.

2 Corinthians 13:4

2 Corinthians 13:4 - For to be sure, Christ was crucified in weakness, yet He lives by God’s power. Likewise, we are weak in Him, yet by God’s power we will live with Him to serve you.

         In order to live on earth and be like us Jesus was made weak. He was made like us in every way, yet He was without sin. How did He do it? He surrendered His life completely to God. Christ did not find His own strength to make it through everything; He had to rely on God’s strength and power.

        When Jesus went to the cross it showed His weakness; it showed His human side. He was crucified in weakness, but then God’s power was made complete in Him through resurrection. Now He lives by God’s power.

        We too must recognize that we are weak. In our own power and ability there is nothing that we can do. Yet just as Christ was able to live by God’s power, we also can live by God’s power through Him.

        For the last couple of chapters Paul has been talking about weaknesses. He tells us that if he is going to boast, then he will boast in his weak areas. See, Paul understood that it is only when we see ourselves as we truly are that God can use us. When we see ourselves as weak it allows us to completely rely on God, because we know that we cannot do it on our own.

        Let me explain it this way, if we think we are strong enough to handle something on our own, we will never ask for help. And without God’s help in an area His glory will not be able to shine through us. When we are trying to do things in our own ability we will ultimately fail. Even if we make it for a while, it will not last. Surrender to God and find your ability through Him.

2 Corinthians 12:9

2 Corinthians 12:9 - But God said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.

By nature we are complainers. Our complaining stems from our selfish nature. In our selfishness we think that everything should go as we think it should, and when it doesn't we complain. When we get saved and turn our lives over to God this selfish nature does not just disappear. It takes work to get past it.
We still want life to be easy and anytime something does not go our way it can be a struggle not to complain. As we draw closer to God our selfish desires begin to leave, but it takes awhile.

Often times we look inside ourselves and see areas where we struggle or face temptation. In an effort to make our lives easier we pray that God will take the temptation or struggle. “Lord, help me not to struggle in that area,” we might say.

It is not wrong to want to overcome a struggle, but we need to remember that Jesus never told us that life would be easy. So often we are asking God to make life easy for us when really He just wants us to come to Him and be totally reliant on Him.

Don’t misunderstand me, I am in no way saying that we shouldn't pray to God for help to face temptation. Paul prayed that prayer and as we look at this verse we see him getting an answer that we usually don’t want to hear, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”

God is telling us that He has already given us what we need to make it through our situation. It’s already been done. Really that’s good news, but if that is the case why is this ‘thing’ still a problem? I've asked myself that question many times over the years.

Here’s my thoughts on the matter. Most of the time when we are asking God to help us in a situation we are still thinking we can take the lead as we go through it. We are asking for God’s help when really we need to be surrendering that area to Him completely. The problem lies in the fact that we do not want to let it go.

If God’s power is made perfect in weakness then that means in order for His power to be made perfect in us then those ‘things’ are still our weaknesses. Paul doesn't pray that God turns his weaknesses to strengths. Instead he says that he will boast in his weaknesses, because only through them can Christ’s power rest on him.

If we want God’s strength to shine through us we must first admit we are weak and then surrender ourselves to God. Then we must trust Him to carry us through whatever we face. Only then can His power be made perfect in us.

2 Corinthians 11:30

2 Corinthians 11:30 - If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness.

It is only when we are weak that we can truly be made strong. Paul tells us that the only thing he will boast about is his weakness. What we must understand is that Christ cannot work in our lives until we admit we are weak. If we don’t think we need help we will never ask for it. And Jesus will never come into our life until we ask Him.
This applies to our life as a whole, but also to each individual area. Sometimes we ask Him to come into our life because we see that we need salvation, but then we keep certain things from Him. For some reason we think that we have certain things under control (or just aren’t ready to give them up) so we don’t surrender those areas to Him.
We must understand that even in our strongest moment we are still weaker than God’s weakest moment. If we really look at our life we will see there are not any areas that we can handle on our own and we need His help. Until we admit that we will never truly be strong. That is why Paul says, “If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness.”
Paul understood that in His own ability everything he did showed weakness and he needed help. When he brought light to his weakness it allowed God’s power and glory to shine through him all the more.
For us we must stop thinking that we can do things on our own and give all we are to God. It is only when we surrender to Him that His power can shine through us..

2 Corinthians 10:5

2 Corinthians 10:5 - We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

In this verse we see Paul addressing our thought life. Everybody has a secret thought life that only they know about. In our minds we have all entertained thoughts that have not been glorifying to God. Whether it be unforgiveness, fear, lust, we have all had something.

This is the area of our minds that we have ‘quarantined’ off and are ashamed is even there. But here’s the clincher, Jesus told us that if we think it then we are guilty of doing it. If in your mind you have hated someone, then you are guilty killing that person. Or if you have thoughts of lust toward someone then you are guilty of adultery.

I could go on and make examples of all sorts of things that we are guilty of in our thought life, but I won’t. You know your area of struggle and you know you need to fix it. This verse holds the key.

We are told to “take captive every thought and make it obedient to Christ.” What we must remember is that just because a thought enters our head it is not sin. A thought becomes sin by what you do with it. That is why we must take every thought captive. Any that do not line up with Christ must be thrown out, do not entertain them.

One of the best ways to get your thought life under control is to control what goes in there. You must fill your mind with thoughts that are pleasing to God. In this world it is inevitable that you see things that encourage sin, make sure you are counteracting that with things of God. Read the Word, pray and make sure every thought is obedient to Jesus.

2 Corinthians 9:10

2 Corinthians 9:10 - Now He who supplies see to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness.

God desires us to be generous. All through Proverbs we see verses about how we are to help others and share what we have with those in need. Jesus whole life screamed generosity, which extended all the way to Him giving up His life for us, and we are supposed to live by His example. Now Paul is talking to the church in Corinth about giving and being generous.
Notice in this verse Paul references to different aspects of us receiving from God. First we see that God provides seed to the sower and then we see that ‘bread’ is provided for food. There are a couple of things that I want you to see here.
First, understand that God gives everyone see to sow. There are things in your life that God has given you so that you can bless others. We all have these things, whether it be money, gifts, talents or something else.
Notice also that Paul mentions that God provides bread for food. God is going to give you what you need to live. That is always reassuring, but what I want you to see is that these two things are separate. God takes care of our needs and gives us seed to sow.
It is easy to get these two things confused. I have been in a place where I would say, “I don’t even have enough for myself, how can I give to others?” In looking at this verse we see that God is giving us ‘bread for food,’ in other words He is providing for our needs, but He is not telling us to give this away. We are to ‘eat’ it.
What we are to give away is the seed. It is an entirely different thing. And it doesn't have to be much. Whatever God gives you to sow, sow it. Then it can grow as God determines it to grow.
Think about it this way: If you have one seed to start with, what good will it do to eat it? Not much, it wouldn't even count as a snack and wouldn't be worth mentioning. But what if you planted it? That one seed could turn into thousands.
In looking at this illustration of seeds we can see that it doesn't matter what we start with, what matters is that we start. Sow your seed. Give to someone in need. Start small and before you know it you will be able to give more.

2 Corinthians 8:7

2 Corinthians 8:7 - But just as you excel in everything - in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your Love for us - see that you also excel in the grace of giving.

“See that you also excel in the grace of giving.” This is very important for us to take hold of, but so easily forgotten. It is our nature to be selfish and thinking of others does not come naturally. As we can see from this verse those in Corinth were doing well working on their walk with God, but they were forgetting about their ministry to each other.
This happens with us as well. We will try so hard to work on aligning our lives with God and making sure these other things are in order that we forget about people. Jesus gave us the command to Love God and Love people. By doing this He said that we would be fulfilling all of the law and the prophets.
So, it is important that we excel in all these things: in faith, in speech, in knowledge and earnestness, but we must also remember to Love others through the grace of giving. Giving is a big part of Loving people. We give of ourselves, our time and our possessions. By giving to them we are telling them that we value them more than what we gave up.
There are always people to help, just look around. It won’t take long to find someone that needs something that you can give. God put you there for a reason, bless them. Proverbs tells us to be generous and refresh others.
So in this season of giving don’t let getting become your focus. The old saying, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” is true, but you won’t see it until you give.
Even though Christmas is technically past it is not too late. Find a person or a family and do something for them. Do it for someone who won’t expect it and won’t be able to return the favor. Giving to those who cannot repay you is especially rewarding. I challenge you, don’t end this year without blessing someone.

2 Corinthians 7:1

2 Corinthians 7:1 - Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.

God has promised us so much. He Loves us and wants the best for us. We are His children and He will do whatever He can to help us succeed, but we must make the choice to receive the help. As parents we understand that there comes a point in every child’s life when they have to start making their own decisions. We still want to help them, but now it becomes their choice whether they will receive that help.
Often times we are too stubborn. We get to a certain point and we feel like we need to ‘make it’ on our own. Even if we are struggling we find ourselves refusing help when we really need it. Too often that is how it becomes with us and God. We feel like we need to achieve righteous living on our own. In our struggle to do things on our own we inevitably fail and end up falling back into sin.
This verse speaks of us purifying ourselves from everything that contaminates us. If we want to live right with God this is something we must do. We make the mistake, however, in thinking that we can do this in our own ability. It is only with God, through Jesus, that we can achieve this.
Just like our kids have a choice, we also have a choice to make.  God wants to help you, but He will not force you to live for Him. You must surrender yourself to Him and allow Him to work through you to perfect holiness in your life.

2 Corinthians 6:1-2

2 Corinthians 6:1-2 - As God’s fellow workers we urge you not to receive God’s grace in vain. For He says, “In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.” I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.

God showers His grace on us everyday. Do not let it be for nothing. God gives His grace to us so that we can be found worthy to live for Him.

We are His workers, which obviously means that He has work for us to do. What does He have for us? First and foremost we are to reflect His glory in all that we do. That is an overall goal for us, but the specifics are more personal.

As far as the work God has for you on a day to day basis it depends on you. We all have different lives and different people that we are put here to influence for Him. What we must understand, though, is that we have no time to wait.

Once we have received our salvation we know we are OK, but what about those around us? What are you doing to have a positive influence on the people in your life? It is time that we start fulfilling the plan God has for us.

For many of us I think we put off working for God thinking that ‘someday’ He will use us for His glory. Well, I want to tell you that ‘someday’ has come! “Now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.”

We are walking in God’s favor everyday and must spread the message of salvation. There is no time to waste. Do not receive God’s grace in vain. Make the most of everyday and every opportunity. Let your life and actions reflect God’s glory as you minister Love to those around you.

2 Corinthians 5:17

2 Corinthians 5:17 - Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!

“Who am I?” We all come to a point in our lives when we ask ourselves this question. Sometimes the question comes after we have gone through a hardship, other times it comes as a result of reaching our goals and finding them empty.
Most of us have been raised to think of who we are in relation to what we do. We base our identity on our job or hobby, or something else that is temporary. Then we lose either lose that thing or finally realize that whatever it was, it does not hold the value that we thought it did.
It does not have to be this way. You are more than the job you possess, or the things you do. God values you as you are, no matter what it is you do. And when you come to Him, He will give you a value beyond what you could ever give yourself.
As Paul explains here, “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” Whoever you thought you were is no longer important or relevant. You are now a new creation, created in Christ.
When you find your identity in Christ it will change your life and the way you look at the world. For one, your identity will be based on a Loving, eternal God. He will never change or fade away.
This will change the way you look at your work as well. Instead of basing your identity on what you do you will base what you do on your identity. Now your actions will be in regard to an eternal mindset; you will look at your action based on how they will affect eternity.

2 Corinthians 4:18

2 Corinthians 4:18 - So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

God has been talking to me a lot lately about having an eternal perspective. That is what this verse is talking about as well. There are so many things in our lives that want to steal our time. So many of us are guilty of living from one moment to the next and not budgeting our time as we should. When we do this we end up spending most of our time satisfying our own selfish wants and not doing what God has called us to.
If we are not careful every free moment we have is filled up with things that have no lasting significance such as TV, video games, phones or something like that. Eventually we hit a point where we ask ourselves what it is all worth, and wonder if we have done anything that has lasting significance.
As we look at this verse we see Paul making the statement, “We fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen.” He then explains that we do this because what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
How many can honestly say that their focus is completely on the unseen? I try, but more often than not I find myself focusing on the temporary things of this life. To follow this statement we have to transform our way of thinking and figure out what is eternal.
Really, it’s not all that hard to figure out what our focus should be on. Jesus answers that question when He says, “Love God and Love people, in this you will fulfill all the law and commandments.” God is of course eternal, and people are eternal.
If we re-focus our life so that God is our primary focus with people as number two we will be working towards an eternal perspective. This is how we will make a difference that will last. Really, nothing else matters. All the other stuff in our lives should be a means to this end and not our goal.

2 Corinthians 3:18

2 Corinthians 3:18 - And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into His likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.

Do you Love God? Have you accepted Christ in your life and do you live by His example? If you answered yes then the truth in this verse is for you. You are a reflection of the glory of God; you are being transformed into His likeness.

Our number one goal on this earth should be to reflect God’s glory. That is why in the beginning we were created in His image, so that we would reflect His glory. We were created to be like God. Sure, we messed up and let sin come into the world and into our lives. Sin stained the perfect image that God had created us to be, but now things are returning to their original state. At least with you and me.

See, Christ came and took our sin, and now as we draw closer to Him, we are becoming more like Him. Then, as we grow more like Jesus we reflect God’s glory more and more.

Do you feel like your life does not reflect God as it should? Then you are in a good place. If you actually thought you had arrived, then you would have a lot more work to do.

When you come to the knowledge that you are not perfect yet, it shows you are ready to start or well on your way. They say that knowing you have a problem is the first step to solving it.

When you acknowledge that you do not reflect God’s glory as much as you should, then you are in the perfect place for God to start working in your life. When you get down to it, the only thing we can do anyway is seek God. Seek God and let Him transform you into His likeness.

2 Corinthians 2:14

2 Corinthians 2:14 - But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of Him.

We have so much to be thankful for. Sometimes it is really easy to lose sight of those things. As life gets hard and we get overwhelmed with all the busyness we forget all that God has done.
I know that life as a Christian is not easy. There are times that standing up for what is right is harder than anything else you will have to do. When you are in one of these moments it is hard to see beyond it and be thankful, I know this. But I also know that during these times it perhaps the most important time to give thanks. It’s not about being thankful that you are in a hard time, but that God is leading you through it.
That is one of the great things about being found in Christ. When you give your life to Him you are born into His life. From that moment on you are never alone. God is always with you. Through every trial and hardship He will lead the way. And as we can see from this verse, He is not just leading you to get through. God always leads us in triumphal procession. We are triumphant. Even before we have actually made it through the trial we know that we will triumph over it.
Now that is something to be thankful for. Follow God and you will always triumph over your hardship. And as you do triumph, God will show others through you that knowing Him is amazing. They will see your thankfulness in the hardship and then your triumph over it and will want to know what, or rather who you know. God will use your hardship to bring others to know Him.

2 Corinthians 1:20

2 Corinthians 1:20 - For no matter how many promises God has made, they are ‘Yes’ in Christ. And so through Him the ‘Amen’ is spoken by us to the glory of God.

What has God promised you? All throughout His word we see promises that He gives to those who do His will. He promises life, health, prosperity and the list goes on. Like any good father wants the best for his children, God wants the best for you.

If you believe the Bible, then this verse is a confirmation to you that all God has said will come to pass. And what is our part in this? We must speak the ‘Amen’ through Christ to glorify God.

Amen means ‘so be it’ or in other words, “let it be done as you said it would.” That is why we end our prayers with it, and that is why we are to say it in response to the promises God gives us. We are saying ‘Amen’ to acknowledge our faith in the promise.

Another thing that we need to understand about the promises of God is how they come to us. It is only through Jesus Christ that we can receive what God has freely given. As He gave His life for us we must also give our lives to Him. He is the Way, the only way. Through Him and through faith in Him we are able to come before God.

Jesus took our old lives and all our sin and washed us so that we can stand before God. Now, as long as you keep Him as the focal point of your life you will receive all that He has promised to you. It starts with forgiveness and eternal life and gets better as you draw close to Him.