Discipline

02
Dec
2023
Rejecting Worldly Desires

Rejecting Worldly Desires

1 John 2:16 – For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world.

Examine the Heart’s Desires

Sinful cravings arise in us when we allow our hearts to be shaped by the world, rather than God’s truth.

This verse exposes three of the primary temptations we will encounter.

Bodily Passions

The lust of the flesh refers to sensual appetites and passions.

If we repeatedly indulge fleshly desires, they can rule us. We must crucify these tendencies by the Holy Spirit.

Superficial Pursuits

Lust of the eyes represents envying what we see and chasing after things that do not satisfy – wealth, beauty, status. We must look beyond the superficial.

Empty Pride

Pride of life shows up when we boast in our achievements, material acquisitions, and social status, rather than humbly stewarding God’s gifts. We must find identity in Christ alone.

Anchored in Christ

As the world’s enticements call, we must cling tighter to Christ our anchor.

He frees and transforms those enslaved by temporary pleasures and priorities.

Guard My Heart

Lord, protect my heart from adopting the fleeting values of this world. Keep my desires aligned with Yours. When I’m tempted, anchor me firmly in Your truths. Fill me with Your Spirit that I may find joy in that which lasts.

If you enjoy these daily devotionals, you may be interested in our short One Minute With God daily audio and visual thought provoking Scripture snippets to get your day started.

Check them out at @faithupsidedown on YouTube.

Posted by onthesolidrock in Daily Inspiration, Discipline, Faith
31
Jul
2023
Blameless

Blameless

As we delve into today’s Scripture, we encounter a profound message about leadership and character.

An elder must be blameless, faithful to his wife, a man whose children believe and are not open to the charge of being wild and disobedient (Titus 1:6)

It reminds us of the qualities that should be present in those who hold positions of authority and responsibility. It speaks to the importance of living a life of integrity and faithfulness, serving as an example to others.

The passage encourages us to examine the qualities of leaders, specifically focusing on the virtue of being “blameless.” This doesn’t mean perfection or never making mistakes, but rather a consistent commitment to living a life of righteousness and faith.

It challenges us to reflect on our own lives and consider whether we are modeling these qualities in our own spheres of influence.

In our world today, we often witness a lack of integrity and moral character among those in positions of power. But as followers of Christ, we are called to a higher standard. We are called to be people of integrity, displaying a character that reflects our faith in all aspects of our lives.

Our words, actions, and decisions should align with the teachings of Christ and demonstrate our commitment to truth, justice, and love.

Take this message to heart and endeavor to be blameless leaders, not just in formal positions of authority but also in our everyday lives. May our words and actions bear witness to the transforming power of Christ in us.

May our example inspire others to seek after righteousness and to follow in the footsteps of our blameless Savior.

Posted by onthesolidrock in Daily Inspiration, Discipline, Ministries
25
Jul
2023
Wisdom Begins Here

Wisdom Begins Here

Proverbs 9:10 presents us with a profound truth about the source of wisdom

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.”

This verse challenges us to consider the foundation of true wisdom and knowledge. It teaches us that it starts with a reverential fear of God, recognizing His holiness, greatness, and authority.

In our pursuit of wisdom, we often turn to various sources such as books, mentors, or life experiences.

While these can offer valuable insights, Proverbs 9:10 redirects our attention to the ultimate source of wisdom—the fear of the Lord.

This fear is not about being scared of God, but rather a deep reverence and awe for who He is. It is acknowledging His sovereignty and seeking to align our lives with His will.

When we approach life with a humble and teachable spirit, acknowledging God’s wisdom as the foundation of our understanding, we position ourselves to receive true insight and guidance.

The knowledge of the Holy One, as Proverbs 9:10 suggests, leads to understanding. It opens our minds to comprehend the ways of God and helps us navigate life’s complexities with discernment and clarity.

As we cultivate a relationship with the Holy One, seeking His wisdom and understanding, we grow in our ability to make wise choices and live in alignment with His purposes.

Ultimately, Proverbs 9:10 invites us to reevaluate the source of our wisdom. It urges us to prioritize the fear of the Lord and the knowledge of the Holy One above all else.

By doing so, we embark on a transformative journey of learning and growth, where true wisdom takes root in our hearts and guides our lives.

Seek after God with all our hearts, allowing His wisdom to shape our thoughts, actions, and decisions.

Posted by onthesolidrock in Daily Inspiration, Discipline
10
Jul
2023
No Greater Joy!

No Greater Joy!

Have you ever wondered what brings true joy and satisfaction in life?

In the third letter of John, the writer expresses his joy upon hearing about the spiritual growth and faithfulness of fellow believers. He writes,

“I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.” (3 John 1:4)

This verse highlights the deep joy that comes from seeing others live in the truth of God’s Word. It’s a joy that surpasses personal accomplishments or material possessions.

It’s a joy rooted in the well-being and spiritual progress of others.

As we reflect on this verse, we can draw a valuable lesson for our own lives. True joy is found in investing in the spiritual well-being of others, in walking alongside them as they grow in their faith.

It’s not about exerting control or imposing our beliefs on others, but rather about encouraging and supporting them as they seek to live in the truth of Christ.

Actively invest in the lives of others, nurturing and encouraging them in their faith journey. As you do so, you will experience a deep and lasting joy that comes from seeing others flourish in their relationship with God.

Posted by onthesolidrock in Daily Inspiration, Discipline, Faith, Prayer, Trust
04
Jul
2023
Aliens!

Aliens!

Have you ever felt like you don’t quite belong in this world? Maybe you’ve experienced a tension between living according to your faith and the values of the society around you.

It’s a common struggle for many believers, and it’s something the apostle Peter addresses in his letter. He writes, “Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul.” (1 Peter 2:11)

Peter reminds us that as followers of Christ, we are citizens of a different kingdom. We are like foreigners and exiles in this world, living by a different set of values and priorities.

This can create a tension within us, as we navigate the challenges and temptations of our surroundings. Peter encourages us to stand firm and resist the sinful desires that wage war against our souls.

It is important to remember that our true home is in the kingdom of God. Our identity is rooted in Christ, and our purpose is to reflect His character and values in everything we do.

This means making choices that align with God’s will, even when it goes against the grain of popular opinion.

It’s not always easy, but with the Holy Spirit’s help, we can overcome the pressures of this world and live as faithful ambassadors of God’s kingdom.

Posted by onthesolidrock in Daily Inspiration, Discipline, Trust