"Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity" - 1Timothy 4:12 (NIV).
Setting a good example is a theme that runs throughout the Bible. When Moses was handing over the baton to his chosen successor, he shared, "Take to heart all the words I have solemnly declared to you this day, so that you may command your children to obey carefully all the words of this law. They are not just idle words for you—they are your life. By them you will live long in the land you are crossing the Jordan to possess” (Deuteronomy 32:46-7). Moses expected the Israelites who had seen him lead them through the wilderness draw from his life's lessons to live successfully.
Following the last supper and after washing the disciples feet, Jesus said, "I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you" (John 13:15). What is important here is to note that the actions of Jesus had always a message in them for the disciples to reflect on and possibly adopt.
This particular theme was equally expressed by the Apostle Paul who wrote to the Philippians, "Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do" (Philippians 3:17). A key point here is that Paul looked at his life as setting a good model for his followers.
When a life has no meaning or purpose it's lived carelessly, without minding of its actions and their impact on others. Many worldly people live just like that. They will say most anything and behave as carelessly, unmindful that others are watching and may adopt any destructive habits of theirs.
For the Christian it is different. As our lives are drawn from the example set by Jesus, we too have an obligation to live while setting a good example to draw others to Christ!
Prayer for today: Lord Father God of Abraham, maker of heaven and earth, as you set a good example for us may my life be lived while ever setting a good example for others to follow you, this I pray in Jesus's name.
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03/05/2024 - 04/05/2024 All day“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10)
Every now and then one could be gripped with fear because of certain events sweeping before one’s life journey. It could be the finances that are stretched and incomes are no longer certain. Perhaps it is one’s job under threat. Perhaps it is a dreaded health report card. There could be fear about outcome of a matter under judgment and what it might mean to one’s future.
Fear has been elsewhere described as “an unpleasant emotion caused by the threat of danger, pain, or harm.” Every life will experience fear at one point. Whenever we are faced with fear it is natural to look for something to grasp on. Sometimes we run for shelter wherever we can find. Perhaps we might seek out a friend for quiet confidence.
But there are those situations when there is no shelter in sight. There are also those cases where those we thought would understand our situation once we share our pain return only hurting and critical feedback. In such moments we might then turn and look within ourselves only to find the energy has all been sapped by this gnawing fear. We feel down and the urge to rise and move on all gone!
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand" (Isaiah 41:10) the word of God through prophet Isaiah assures us. But why? It is because the Lord has been there. He himself was faced with fear before his crucifixion but He looked to God.
Charles Spurgeon once wrote when faced with fear always remember, “Nothing is too hard for Him. He can find a way where there is no way. He can give us the idea that will make all the difference.” Psalm 91:2, says, “I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust!” So, when faced with fear, look to God to strengthen you. By looking to Him, the Lord will encourage and lift up your spirit, and make a way out of nowhere!
Prayer for today: Lord Father God of Abraham, maker of heaven and earth, today I surrender to you any fear that is in me for I know by looking up to you, you will always make a way out of nowhere, this I pray in Jesus’ name!
