Daily Engagement

Jeremiah 13:23

Can the Ethiopian change his skin, or the leopard his spots? then may ye also do good, that are accustomed to do evil.

2 Peter 2:19

While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage.

A huge danger of some routines is that bad habits and sinful lifestyle choices can become controlling and overwhelm the good things we are doing.

Ezekiel 33:31

And they come unto thee as the people cometh, and they sit before thee as my people, and they hear thy words, but they will not do them: for with their mouth they shew much love, but their heart goeth after their covetousness.

Matthew 6:5-7

And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. [6] But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. [7] But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.

Simply going through the motions of worshiping God is dangerous.

Genesis 3:12-13

And the man said, The woman whom thou gavest to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I did eat. [13] And the LORD God said unto the woman, What is this that thou hast done? And the woman said, The serpent beguiled me, and I did eat.

Genesis 16:5

And Sarai said unto Abram, My wrong be upon thee: I have given my maid into thy bosom; and when she saw that she had conceived, I was despised in her eyes: the LORD judge between me and thee.

Exodus 32:22-24

And Aaron said, Let not the anger of my lord wax hot: thou knowest the people, that they are set on mischief. [23] For they said unto me, Make us gods, which shall go before us: for as for this Moses, the man that brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we wot not what is become of him. [24] And I said unto them, Whosoever hath any gold, let them break it off. So they gave it me: then I cast it into the fire, and there came out this calf.

Matthew 27:24

When Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing, but that rather a tumult was made, he took water, and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this just person: see ye to it.

Pilate saw that he wasn’t getting anywhere and that a riot was developing. So he sent for a bowl of water and washed his hands before the crowd, saying, “I am innocent of the blood of this man. The responsibility is yours!”

An honest and humble assessment of your behavior may turn up some things that you really are responsible for. Shifting blame to others will never go well.

1 Chronicles 21:7-8, 17

And God was displeased with this thing; therefore he smote Israel. [8] And David said unto God, I have sinned greatly, because I have done this thing: but now, I beseech thee, do away the iniquity of thy servant; for I have done very foolishly. [17] And David said unto God, Is it not I that commanded the people to be numbered? even I it is that have sinned and done evil indeed; but as for these sheep, what have they done? let thine hand, I pray thee, O LORD my God, be on me, and on my father's house; but not on thy people, that they should be plagued.

Sometimes it seems like God punishes innocent people for the sins of the guilty. But in reality, the natural consequences of sin almost always affect others, even innocent people.

Numbers 14:20-23

And the LORD said, I have pardoned according to thy word: [21] But as truly as I live, all the earth shall be filled with the glory of the LORD. [22] Because all those men which have seen my glory, and my miracles, which I did in Egypt and in the wilderness, and have tempted me now these ten times, and have not hearkened to my voice; [23] Surely they shall not see the land which I sware unto their fathers, neither shall any of them that provoked me see it:

The the Lord said, “But as surely as I live, and as surely as the earth is filled with the Lord’s glory, not one of these people will ever enter that land.”

Joshua 7:1, 4

But the children of Israel committed a trespass in the accursed thing: for Achan, the son of Carmi, the son of Zabdi, the son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, took of the accursed thing: and the anger of the LORD was kindled against the children of Israel. [4] So there went up thither of the people about three thousand men: and they fled before the men of Ai.

Deuteronomy 21:1-9

If one be found slain in the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee to possess it, lying in the field, and it be not known who hath slain him: [2] Then thy elders and thy judges shall come forth, and they shall measure unto the cities which are round about him that is slain: [3] And it shall be, that the city which is next unto the slain man, even the elders of that city shall take an heifer, which hath not been wrought with, and which hath not drawn in the yoke; [4] And the elders of that city shall bring down the heifer unto a rough valley, which is neither eared nor sown, and shall strike off the heifer's neck there in the valley: [5] And the priests the sons of Levi shall come near; for them the LORD thy God hath chosen to minister unto him, and to bless in the name of the LORD; and by their word shall every controversy and every stroke be tried: [6] And all the elders of that city, that are next unto the slain man, shall wash their hands over the heifer that is beheaded in the valley: [7] And they shall answer and say, Our hands have not shed this blood, neither have our eyes seen it. [8] Be merciful, O LORD, unto thy people Israel, whom thou hast redeemed, and lay not innocent blood unto thy people of Israel's charge. And the blood shall be forgiven them. [9] So shalt thou put away the guilt of innocent blood from among you, when thou shalt do that which is right in the sight of the LORD.

Often the whole community shares responsibility for what an individual or group of individuals has done.

Deuteronomy 24:16

The fathers shall not be put to death for the children, neither shall the children be put to death for the fathers: every man shall be put to death for his own sin.

Parents must not be put to death for the sins of their children, nor the children for the sins of their parents. Those worthy of death must be executed for their own crimes.

Ezekiel 18:1-4

The word of the LORD came unto me again, saying, [2] What mean ye, that ye use this proverb concerning the land of Israel, saying, The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children's teeth are set on edge? [3] As I live, saith the Lord GOD, ye shall not have occasion any more to use this proverb in Israel. [4] Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine: the soul that sinneth, it shall die.

In terms of judgment before God, a person is held responsible only for his or her own sins. God will not judge us eternally for someone else’s sins. But unfortunately, sin has consequences that affect others. Sin almost always hurts others and not just the sinner.

Numbers 14:24

But my servant Caleb, because he had another spirit with him, and hath followed me fully, him will I bring into the land whereinto he went; and his seed shall possess it.

Those who are clearly innocent should not be intentionally punished with the guilty.

Deuteronomy 29:29

The secret things belong unto the LORD our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law.

Romans 16:25

Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began,

Ephesians 1:9

Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself:

Colossians 1:15

Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:

Hebrews 1:3

Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;

God reveals himself through his Son, Jesus Christ, as the fulfillment of his salvation plan for all people.

Psalm 119:160

Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever.

Isaiah 45:19

I have not spoken in secret, in a dark place of the earth: I said not unto the seed of Jacob, Seek ye me in vain: I the LORD speak righteousness, I declare things that are right.

Isaiah 48:6

Thou hast heard, see all this; and will not ye declare it? I have shewed thee new things from this time, even hidden things, and thou didst not know them.

Daniel 2:22

He revealeth the deep and secret things: he knoweth what is in the darkness, and the light dwelleth with him.

God knows every secret and every lie, but he only speaks the truth. He has shared many great and important truths with us. The question is, are we listening?

John 18:19-21

The high priest then asked Jesus of his disciples, and of his doctrine. [20] Jesus answered him, I spake openly to the world; I ever taught in the synagogue, and in the temple, whither the Jews always resort; and in secret have I said nothing. [21] Why askest thou me? ask them which heard me, what I have said unto them: behold, they know what I said.

Ephesians 1:9-10

Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: [10] That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:

God does not hide himself from us. In fact, he has revealed his grand plan to us. The purpose of this plan—the gospel—is to restore our relationship with him so we can live with him eternally.

Deuteronomy 4:29

But if from thence thou shalt seek the LORD thy God, thou shalt find him, if thou seek him with all thy heart and with all thy soul.

1 Chronicles 28:9

And thou, Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind: for the LORD searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts: if thou seek him, he will be found of thee; but if thou forsake him, he will cast thee off for ever.

Psalm 27:8

When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, LORD, will I seek.

Matthew 7:7-8

Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: [8] For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.

God wants us to know him and uses a variety of ways to reveal himself to all who seek him. When we try to hide from God, we often blame God for the distance between us, claiming that he is the one doing the hiding. God is always trying to reveal himself to us—but do we really want to find him? To find him means facing a radical life change. Many of us are afraid of that. Sometimes, we may need to ask ourselves if we are honestly searching for God.

Romans 1:20

For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:

God reveals himself through his creation. The evidence of an all-powerful God is all around us.

John 16:13-14

Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. [14] He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you.

1 Corinthians 2:10

But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.

God reveals himself and his wisdom through his Spirit. When we fail to understand the Word of God, perhaps it is because we have failed to respond to the voice of the Holy Spirit.

Ephesians 3:9

And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:

God reveals his messages to us through one another.

Psalm 78:2

I will open my mouth in a parable: I will utter dark sayings of old:

Matthew 11:25

At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.

Matthew 13:35

That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things which have been kept secret from the foundation of the world.

Luke 8:10

And he said, Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to others in parables; that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand.

Luke 9:45

But they understood not this saying, and it was hid from them, that they perceived it not: and they feared to ask him of that saying.

Luke 10:21

In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit, and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes: even so, Father; for so it seemed good in thy sight.

John 16:25-30

These things have I spoken unto you in proverbs: but the time cometh, when I shall no more speak unto you in proverbs, but I shall shew you plainly of the Father. [26] At that day ye shall ask in my name: and I say not unto you, that I will pray the Father for you: [27] For the Father himself loveth you, because ye have loved me, and have believed that I came out from God. [28] I came forth from the Father, and am come into the world: again, I leave the world, and go to the Father. [29] His disciples said unto him, Lo, now speakest thou plainly, and speakest no proverb. [30] Now are we sure that thou knowest all things, and needest not that any man should ask thee: by this we believe that thou camest forth from God.

God both hides and reveals his truth through parables, teachings, and his own Word. Whether his truth is revealed or hidden lies not with the sender or the message but with the heart of the receiver.

Deuteronomy 31:17-18

Then my anger shall be kindled against them in that day, and I will forsake them, and I will hide my face from them, and they shall be devoured, and many evils and troubles shall befall them; so that they will say in that day, Are not these evils come upon us, because our God is not among us? [18] And I will surely hide my face in that day for all the evils which they shall have wrought, in that they are turned unto other gods.

Job 23:1-10

Then Job answered and said, [2] Even to day is my complaint bitter: my stroke is heavier than my groaning. [3] Oh that I knew where I might find him! that I might come even to his seat! [4] I would order my cause before him, and fill my mouth with arguments. [5] I would know the words which he would answer me, and understand what he would say unto me. [6] Will he plead against me with his great power? No; but he would put strength in me. [7] There the righteous might dispute with him; so should I be delivered for ever from my judge. [8] Behold, I go forward, but he is not there; and backward, but I cannot perceive him: [9] On the left hand, where he doth work, but I cannot behold him: he hideth himself on the right hand, that I cannot see him: [10] But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.

Psalm 10:1

Why standest thou afar off, O LORD? why hidest thou thyself in times of trouble?

Psalm 27:9

Hide not thy face far from me; put not thy servant away in anger: thou hast been my help; leave me not, neither forsake me, O God of my salvation.

Psalm 69:17

And hide not thy face from thy servant; for I am in trouble: hear me speedily.

Psalm 89:46

How long, LORD? wilt thou hide thyself for ever? shall thy wrath burn like fire?

Lamentations 3:44

Thou hast covered thyself with a cloud, that our prayer should not pass through.

Luke 18:1, 7

And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint; [7] And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them?

Hebrews 11:27

By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible.

There are many reasons why God may seem far away. Sometimes (such as with Israel), living lives of sin makes God unwelcome. In that case, we should repent and seek God’s forgiveness. But sin is not the only reason we may feel this way. Sometimes (such as with Job), we experience great tragedy, and God doesn’t answer our prayers when we expect him to. This may leave us feeling ignored or unloved by God—but that doesn’t mean those feelings are truly justified. Jesus tells a parable of a widow who kept begging a corrupt judge for justice. In time, the judge relented, if only to get the widow to leave him alone. Jesus says that if an unrighteous human judge would eventually give justice, how much more will God give justice to those who keep crying out to him?

Romans 10:14-15

How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? [15] And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!

Paul quotes the first half of Isaiah 52:7 to point out that telling others about Jesus is itself a beautiful action.

Exodus 35:25-35

And all the women that were wise hearted did spin with their hands, and brought that which they had spun, both of blue, and of purple, and of scarlet, and of fine linen. [26] And all the women whose heart stirred them up in wisdom spun goats' hair. [27] And the rulers brought onyx stones, and stones to be set, for the ephod, and for the breastplate; [28] And spice, and oil for the light, and for the anointing oil, and for the sweet incense. [29] The children of Israel brought a willing offering unto the LORD, every man and woman, whose heart made them willing to bring for all manner of work, which the LORD had commanded to be made by the hand of Moses. [30] And Moses said unto the children of Israel, See, the LORD hath called by name Bezaleel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah; [31] And he hath filled him with the spirit of God, in wisdom, in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship; [32] And to devise curious works, to work in gold, and in silver, and in brass, [33] And in the cutting of stones, to set them, and in carving of wood, to make any manner of cunning work. [34] And he hath put in his heart that he may teach, both he, and Aholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan. [35] Them hath he filled with wisdom of heart, to work all manner of work, of the engraver, and of the cunning workman, and of the embroiderer, in blue, and in purple, in scarlet, and in fine linen, and of the weaver, even of them that do any work, and of those that devise cunning work.

Don’t overlook the reality that God often chooses to equip some people with special abilities intended for godly use. As we develop skills and abilities that we can use to serve God, we may hone those gifts by producing beautiful things for others. Consider how God has gifted you, and then imagine ways you might use your gifts to serve him.

1 Timothy 2:10

But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.

Beautiful conduct is the fruit of godly thoughts and character. Others are far more likely to pay attention to what we say about our relationship with God if they can see how it positively shapes our relationships with them. Godly actions have a wider and longer effect than mere words.

1 Timothy 4:7-8

But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness. [8] For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.

1 Timothy 2:9-10

In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; [10] But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.

1 Peter 3:3-6

Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; [4] But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price. [5] For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands: [6] Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement.

Don’t be concerned about the outward beauty that depends on fancy hairstyles, expensive jewelry, or beautiful clothes. You should be known for the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God. That is the way the holy women of old made themselves beautiful. They trusted God and accepted the authority of their husbands. For instance, Sarah obeyed her husband, Abraham, when she called him her master. You are her daughters when you do what is right without fear of what your husbands might do.

Isaiah 52:7

How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!

Proverbs 19:22

The desire of a man is his kindness: and a poor man is better than a liar.

Loyalty makes a person attractive. And it is better to be poor than dishonest.

Proverbs 3:3

Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart:

Living out our inner beauty makes us more attractive. Outer beauty makes a good first impression, but inner beauty makes a lasting impression.

Genesis 2:25

And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed.

1 John 4:11-19

Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another. [12] No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us. [13] Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit. [14] And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world. [15] Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God. [16] And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him. [17] Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world. [18] There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. [19] We love him, because he first loved us.

For those who are married, the next most vulnerable relationship (next to our relationship with God) should be with our spouse. There should be nothing hidden between two people who are married. The description of Adam and Eve’s original intimacy takes us back before the Fall, but their trust and vulnerability toward each other was complicated by their sin. Sin separates us from God and the people closest to us; it leads us to fear and distrust others. But John informs us that God’s Spirit and love move us away from fear (of judgment and rejection) toward transparency and responding with unselfish love.

Psalm 139:23-24

Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: [24] And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

2 Timothy 3:16

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

Hebrews 4:12-13

For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. [13] Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.

It is essential to open our hearts and lives fully to God and let him do his work in us to help us become all he created us to be. This includes being confronted, reproved, and corrected by God through his Word. If we pull away from God and don’t allow him to help us, we will never reach our God-given potential.

Matthew 5:11-12

Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. [12] Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.

Hebrews 10:33

Partly, whilst ye were made a gazingstock both by reproaches and afflictions; and partly, whilst ye became companions of them that were so used.

We are to allow ourselves to be vulnerable enough to experience humiliation and ridicule for believing in Jesus.

2 Corinthians 11:27

In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness.

We must make ourselves vulnerable enough to be willing to accept difficulty and danger in order to serve God.

Leviticus 26:6

And I will give peace in the land, and ye shall lie down, and none shall make you afraid: and I will rid evil beasts out of the land, neither shall the sword go through your land.

Psalm 91:11

For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.

Isaiah 41:10

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 righteousness.

Exodus 20:3

Thou shalt have no other gods before me.

If we are putting anything in God’s place—even a good career, hobby, or avocation—then we are violating this first of the Ten Commandments, are guilty of idolatry, and should feel guilty.

Matthew 6:33

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Even if the pursuit is positive and life-giving, it should not be our top priority—seeking God’s Kingdom and living his way should be above all else.

Philippians 4:8

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

This is a good checklist for anything that occupies our time and attention. Is it true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy?

Ecclesiastes 9:10

Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.

1 Corinthians 10:31

Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.

If our pursuits are not sinful, and we have the right values, putting God first, we should do them well “for the glory of God.” Then we can rejoice that God has provided these opportunities to give us feelings of fulfillment and satisfaction.

Then came to Jesus scribes and Pharisees, which were of Jerusalem, saying, [2] Why do thy disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? for they wash not their hands when they eat bread. [3] But he answered and said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition? [4] For God commanded, saying, Honour thy father and mother: and, He that curseth father or mother, let him die the death. [5] But ye say, Whosoever shall say to his father or his mother, It is a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me; [6] And honour not his father or his mother, he shall be free. Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition. [7] Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying, [8] This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. [9] But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.

Jesus confronted those who wanted to appear sincere in keeping the law while twisting it to their own purposes. Superficially, they appeared obedient but under the surface they were committed to disobedience.

1 Corinthians 3:13-15

Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. [14] If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. [15] If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.

1 Corinthians 10:12-13

Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall. [13] There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

Hypocrites can sound like and look like sincere people, but under the heat of life or in the light of God’s judgment, their true nature will be revealed.

Acts 2:46

And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,

Romans 12:9

Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.

2 Corinthians 6:6

By pureness, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned,

1 Timothy 1:5

Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned:

Hebrews 10:22

Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.

Genuine sincerity is humble and doesn’t point to itself, but to that which is truly important. A sincere faith highlights the God in whom our faith rests.

Job 19:25

For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth:

1 John 3:2

Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.

Healthy confidence is a realization and an assurance that God loves you, that he has given you talents and gifts and the ability to use them for him, that he has offered you salvation and eternal life in heaven. Knowing this gives you complete certainty that your life can have meaning now and forever.

2 Chronicles 26:16

But when he was strong, his heart was lifted up to his destruction: for he transgressed against the LORD his God, and went into the temple of the LORD to burn incense upon the altar of incense.

Pride is the ingredient that causes our confidence to become arrogant and cocky. When we think we can do it ourselves and then we stop seeking God’s help—these are the warning signs that confidence has has turned to arrogance.

Does it really make a difference if I live a consistent life or not?

Deuteronomy 8:1

All the commandments which I command thee this day shall ye observe to do, that ye may live, and multiply, and go in and possess the land which the LORD sware unto your fathers.

1 Thessalonians 4:12

That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing.

Titus 2:7

In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity,

People may not accept your faith, but if your lifestyle is consistently kind and helpful, more often than not they are compelled to trust and admire you. In addition, your life will benefit from the wisdom of God’s commands.

How does God respond to my grieving?

Psalm 10:17

LORD, thou hast heard the desire of the humble: thou wilt prepare their heart, thou wilt cause thine ear to hear:

Psalm 34:18

The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.

Psalm 119:76

Let, I pray thee, thy merciful kindness be for my comfort, according to thy word unto thy servant.

Psalm 147:3

He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.

Isaiah 51:12

I, even I, am he that comforteth you: who art thou, that thou shouldest be afraid of a man that shall die, and of the son of man which shall be made as grass;

Lamentations 3:32

But though he cause grief, yet will he have compassion according to the multitude of his mercies.

Matthew 5:4

Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.

Over and over, the Bible emphasizes God’s special compassion for those who grieve. He comforts the brokenhearted by his presence, his listening, his love, his healing, his encouragement, and his blessings.

Isaiah 53:4

Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.

Romans 6:6

Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.

Hebrews 2:14

Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;

God does not merely offer us sympathy from a distance. He doesn’t sit idly by while sin and death cause incredible grief and pain on earth. Instead, he came down among us and experienced the same griefs we do—the loss of loved ones, rejection and abandonment by close friends, public humiliation, and worse. And through his suffering, he bought us freedom from death, freedom from sin, and eternal life with himself.

2 Peter 3:9

The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

Sometimes it feels as though Jesus is waiting too long to return, but even that is meant to spare us grief. God wants to offer every tribe, people, and nation a chance to know him and receive him—his delay is not out of inaction, but out of patience and love.

Romans 12:15

Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.

1 Corinthians 12:27

Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.

2 Corinthians 1:3-4

Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; [4] Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.

2 Corinthians 7:6

Nevertheless God, that comforteth those that are cast down, comforted us by the coming of Titus;

God works through the church, his hands and feet here on earth, to comfort us in our grieving.

Psalm 89:2

"For I have said, Mercy shall be built up for ever: thy faithfulness shalt thou establish in the very heavens."

Amos 5:4-6

"For thus saith the LORD unto the house of Israel, Seek ye me, and ye shall live: [5] But seek not Beth–el, nor enter into Gilgal, and pass not to Beer–sheba: for Gilgal shall surely go into captivity, and Beth–el shall come to nought. [6] Seek the LORD, and ye shall live; lest he break out like fire in the house of Joseph, and devour it, and there be none to quench it in Beth–el."

Zechariah 1:3

"Therefore say thou unto them, Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Turn ye unto me, saith the LORD of hosts, and I will turn unto you, saith the LORD of hosts."

Romans 8:39

"Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."

2 Peter 3:9

"The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance."

God pursues us much farther and longer than any of us deserve. God’s love relentlessly calls everyone to turn from sin and into an eternal relationship with him. While his desire is that none would perish, he allows us the freedom to return his love or to reject him and spend eternity apart from him and his love. The choice is ours.

Matthew 12:31-36

"Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men. [32] And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come. [33] Either make the tree good, and his fruit good; or else make the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by his fruit. [34] O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. [35] A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things. [36] But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment."

Mark 3:28-29

"Verily I say unto you, All sins shall be forgiven unto the sons of men, and blasphemies wherewith soever they shall blaspheme: [29] But he that shall blaspheme against the Holy Ghost hath never forgiveness, but is in danger of eternal damnation:"

Hebrews 9:27-28

"And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: [28] So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation."

Death marks the stopping point of God’s pursuit of us by his Spirit. The blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is ultimately expressed when we refuse to admit our sinful condition before God and accept his remedy. The possibility of repentance is always there until the point of death, but then comes judgment and no other opportunities.

Jeremiah 23:24

"Can any hide himself in secret places that I shall not see him? saith the Lord. Do not I fill heaven and earth? saith the Lord."

What you withhold now is likely to be exposed at a later time. So why not seek advice now? Besides, God knows all the secrets in our hearts. If you’re going to take accountability seriously, you cannot hide anything from the one who you are accountable to.

Jeremiah 3:20

"Surely as a wife treacherously departeth from her husband, so have ye dealt treacherously with me, O house of Israel, saith the LORD."

The opposite of betrayal is loyalty. Anyone who has become a Christian has pledged loyalty to God—Father, Son (Jesus Christ), and Holy Spirit. We are disloyal to God when we allow something else to become more important than him, or when we look to something or someone else to help us without even acknowledging God or asking for his help first.

Romans 7:21-23

"I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me. [22] For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: [23] But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members."

Despite all his theological training and his success in carrying the gospel all over the world, the apostle Paul never lost sight of his own flawed humanity. He was still capable of sin. Sin always betrays God. We see in Paul’s description of his own sin that our sinful human nature causes us to betray God even when we don’t want to. Our sin also betrays us, lying to us that we can get away with it or that it will actually make our life better. As a human race, we are infected with unfaithfulness. Unless we acknowledge that we are prone to wander, we will never honestly repent or ask God to help us do better.

Nehemiah 9:26

"Nevertheless they were disobedient, and rebelled against thee, and cast thy law behind their backs, and slew thy prophets which testified against them to turn them to thee, and they wrought great provocations."

Like the people of Jerusalem in Nehemiah 9, we can benefit from reflecting on the past from time to time. Honesty about the past can be painful; our former disobedience to God was a betrayal of him. And when we betray others who are representing God in our lives (as the Israelites did who turned on and killed God’s prophets), this action is also a betrayal of God (see Acts 9:4).

Numbers 5:6

"Speak unto the children of Israel, When a man or woman shall commit any sin that men commit, to do a trespass against the LORD, and that person be guilty;"

Harming others is the exact opposite of keeping the second part of the great commandment: to love our neighbors as ourselves. Doing wrong to another person is also an act of betrayal to God, because we are called to do what is right toward all people created in God’s image—and that’s everyone!

2 Timothy 2:11-13

"It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him: [12] If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us: [13] If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself."

This passage seems to indicate that there are two levels of betrayal: denial and unfaithfulness. The first describes a settled rejection of God; the second, a momentary and regrettable failure. The first seals our fate, but the second may be reversed by God’s own faithfulness. God knows how prone we are to fail in keeping our promises, yet still he is utterly dependable. 

Hebrews 13:2

"Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares."

Matthew 25:35-36

"For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: [36] Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me."

Luke 14:28-30

"For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it? [29] Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him, [30] Saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish."

In talking to the crowd about the cost of being his disciple, Jesus used this illustration about a builder running out of money. We should work hard to finish all the work assigned to us, but we should always count the cost before undertaking any project, so we won’t fail to complete the work and look foolish.

Philippians 1:6

"Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:"

The most important tasks will never be finished before we die because they are lifetime callings. And with some, we will not know the result during this life for a variety of factors. But God knows, so we should trust him and the good work he is doing in us and in the world.

Proverbs 22:6

"Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it."

The most important task for Christian parents is to instruct, train, and guide their children to follow Christ and do what is right. We won’t know the ultimate result of our work here, but we must do what we should and trust God for the outcome.