failure – The Scriptural Truth

Living Life As God Intended

Psalm 90:10 “As for the days of our life, they contain seventy years, Or if due to strength, eighty years, Yet their pride is only trouble and tragedy; For it quickly passes, and we disappear.”

Psalm 90:10 really got me reflecting about life. I’m turning 65 in a few weeks and the Psalm says that the days of our life are seventy years and maybe eighty years if we are in good health. Now, you can see how it got me thinking, 5 years from seventy, I’m getting close to the finish line here on earth. Five to fifteen years to go, that’s a short time. So, you can understand why it made me ask myself the question “Am I living life as God intended?” Folks, think about that question. Your answer is probably same as mine “I’m trying”!

Thoughts From Philippians 4:8

“And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.”
Philippians 4:8 NLT

You’ve probably noticed that thinking about certain things upsets you. While a violent or scary movie may not frighten you while you’re watching it, it may well lead you to think disturbing thoughts after the movie is over. Or while you might find a certain friend fun, spending time with them might leave you feeling uncomfortable with what you’ve been talking about or doing.

God knows this and has given us instructions to help us protect ourselves. When we think thoughts that are pleasing to God, we are happier, healthier and better able to live for God and get his work done.

God tells us to think about what is true. Don’t focus on the world’s lies: that you’re not beautiful enough, that money will make you happy, that you have to follow the crowd. Instead, focus your thoughts on what is noble, pure, lovely and admirable. Think about what is excellent and praiseworthy.

Folks, your thoughts affect your life. God has given you the power to live a better life just by steering your thoughts toward Him.

Is There Help?

Sometimes our burdens seem more than we can bear, and we wonder how we can go on.

We all carry some type of burden, whether it’s the heavy burden of sin, the burden of not being able to handle the concerns, problems, worries that life throws at us, the burden of excessive demands of religious leaders, the burden of oppression and persecution, or the burden of weariness in the search for God.

Yes, when we are burdened or mistreated, we may feel defeated, but we don’t have to be defeated. God can help us carry burdens!

Why Do People Abandon God?

“But when Rehoboam was firmly established and strong, he abandoned the Law of the LORD, and all Israel followed him in this sin.”

2 Chronicles 12:1 NLT

Have you ever wondered why some people, once they are aware of God, ever consider abandoning Him? There are many reasons why we abandon God. At the height of his popularity and power, the king abandoned the Lord. What happened? Often it is more difficult to be a believer in good times than in bad. Tough times push us toward God; but easy times can make us feel self-sufficient and self-satisfied. When everything is going right, guard your faith.

Thoughts From Psalm 60:11-12

Oh, please help us against our enemies, for all human help is useless. [12] With God’s help we will do mighty things, for he will trample down our foes.
Psalm 60:11-12 NLT

When King David wrote this Psalm he was a new king and had inherited a sinful Israel from King Saul and was in battles with Aram Naharaim and Aram Zobah, you can read about this time in David’s life in 2nd Samuel 8 and 1st Chronicles 18. David knew well that God was the only one who could help him with his enemies. Folks, it is the same today, even though our enemies are not physical but spiritual,

“For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.”
Ephesians 6:12 NLT

Folks, When we are attacked by the powers of darkness, God has given us everything we need to win the battle.

Ephesians 6:11,13-18 NLT
Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.
God is the only one who can deliver us.