Colossians 1:10  That you might walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to Him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.

 

The Word of God is for believers.  Well over 99% of the entire Bible is devoted to one subject:  “How To Live For God.”  If you do a search on what the Bible says about “how to be saved,” there are fewer than fifty passages of scripture on this subject.  Therefore, it is believed it is correct to say that the Bible is for believers.  

 

Once a person is truly born again, the Holy Spirit will place within them a yearning for the Truth found in the Word of God.  They will want to know how to live for God.  They want to learn more about God and His Word. They want to please God in their life.  

 

All the Old Testament stories are lessons in how to live for God.  They are examples of what to do and not to do, and what happens when we choose obedience or disobedience. The Psalms are songs of prayer, praise, repentance, obedience, faithfulness, and thanksgiving.  They teach us to depend on God in all circumstances.  The Proverbs are a set of God given principles by which we are to conduct our lives.  The Prophets are the foretelling of what was, and is to come. The New Testament tells of the Life, Ministry, Crucifixion, and Resurrection of Jesus, who is our example as to how to live for God in the Dispensation of Grace and what will happen in the End Times.  

 

When we see the word “walk” in the Bible, it refers to our behavior; how we conduct ourselves.  “Good fruit” is representative of the growth of the Kingdom and moving into the full righteousness of God.  The Apostle Paul’s instructions for the church at Colosse were for them to live their lives in a manner worthy of the Lord and pleasing to Him in every way; that everything they did would result in the people growing in faith, strength and knowledge of God.

 

This is the essence of “How to live for God.” Living for God is something we do every day, all day long.  It is not a hat we wear or a mask we put on to go to church once a week.  Christianity is a lifestyle that is pleasing to God based on our personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ.  Without faith in Christ, it is impossible to please God. "The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them.” (John 14:21)  

 

The Word of God will bring instruction and correction to our lives.  That is its purpose.  All Christians are in various stages of spiritual maturity and development.  As we grow, we are able to help others, and I praise God for those He has placed in my life who have been willing to help me. 

 

When a sermon or a passage of scripture brings conviction to your heart, praise God for it, because God is using that to bring you along in your walk.  This is the ongoing process called Sanctification.  Growing in spiritual maturity is a choice.  We either want to serve God and grow, or we don’t.  If we want to grow and mature, we will seek more of God and His Word.  

 

A person can proclaim that they are a believer and are saved, but not until they make the choice to put God first in their life will they really begin to grow.  I was a believer for many years before I chose to make God my first priority.  If I had it to do over, I would have done it years sooner.

 

The Apostle Paul wrote to Timothy and encouraged him to be a strong soldier for the Lord.  As you read this next Passage of Scripture, place your name in the blanks and accept it as written to you personally, from the great Apostle Paul.

 

You then, _____________, be strong in the Grace that is in Christ Jesus.  And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.  Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.  No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer.  Similarly, anyone who competes as an athlete does not receive the victor’s crown except by competing according to the rules.  The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops.  Reflect on what I am saying, _______________ for the Lord will give you insight into all this.

 

May the Lord give you insight into all this as you make Him your first priority and learn more about.....….. how to live for God.

 

The Lord God Almighty can……..​turn the tide

 

Learning more every day,      Doreen

 

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