In a day when new books, new fads, and new tools abound and yell at us in ads, emails, and social media, it’s always a good reminder that we have our roots in one book, one fad, and one tool: The Bible. Here are five scriptures that you can live by. They are powerful reminders in a world of chaos, divisiveness, and endless crazy.
There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every matter under heaven. ~Ecclesiastes 3:1
You should read the entire chapter on your own, but it’s wisdom to understand that you don’t need to experience every season all at once. John, Mary, and Susie may be killing it in one area, but you don’t have to keep up with the Joneses — at least not now. When it says there is an appointed time for everything, it means there is an appointed time for everything for you. You don’t have the same birthday as most of your friends and neighbors, and you probably won’t die on the same date. Moreover, you have a distinct fingerprint — there’s not another like it, now, in the future, or ever before. Live your life. Run in your lane. Enjoy the ride for your season.
Now, as they observed the confidence of Peter and John and understood that they were uneducated and untrained men, they were amazed and began to recognize them as having been with Jesus. ~Acts 4:13.
This scripture is fascinating, and I often remind people that training is good, but it’s not necessary. Focus on the four words “uneducated and untrained men.” Indeed, they had authority in the eyes of the people, but they had no degree and no letters behind their names. Their life stories were worth more than any formal education or training. They did have the training, though, as you can see in the final words of the verse. So, if you’re waiting for the proper training and education, you just got released. If not now, when?
So we fix our eyes not on what is seen but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but was is unseen is eternal.
~2 Corinthians 4:18.
Wow, is this ever a verse for our time? If you need more insight to understand, pick up The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis, This Present Darkness by Frank Peretti, or read Daniel 10 about the angel who was delayed coming to Daniel because of the commander of the Persian kingdom. Spiritual battles are a reality, and if we focus on what we see, we are drawn into temporary matters that don’t matter. Take a peek behind the veil if you want to see the real battle about things with eternal value. Don’t be distracted by what you see.
For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. ~Isaiah 55:8.
Are you asking God to bless your choices and decisions, or are you asking God what he wants to bless? Are you seeking what God can do for you, or do you want to know him personally? In Psalm 103:7, the Bible says, “He made known His ways to Moses, His deeds to the sons of Israel.” Many people today see the signs of the times, but God is not revealing his character and thoughts to them. There’s a huge difference. Everyone can see the signs. He reveals his character and personality and his thoughts to only a handful. Which one will you be?
For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. ~2 Timothy 1:7.
We live in a time of fear. Fear mongers abound today, but this scripture reminds us that God is not the author of fear (or confusion), but he has provided us with the ability to overcome obstacles and challenges through power, love, and self-discipline. That last phrase — self-discipline — is often overlooked and often gets us all bent out of shape. Know who you are. More importantly, know whose you are. Don’t get drawn into unnecessary conversations, sucked into avoidable temptation and useless schemes. Don’t get stopped by fear. Remember, everything you want and need is on the other side of fear. Separate yourself from the chaff and discipline yourself for the journey.
These are always good reminders. Then again, aren’t scripture and truth always good reminders? Take a few minutes to dust off your Bible and find some truth today.