I often wonder how I am living today… Is it filled with love? Is it reliant on God’s power? Or am I just another failure? Well surprisingly, my life really is a failure compared to Jesus Christ. I fail Him daily but He is forgiving and comforts me in knowing I can still be used. I don’t know why so don’t ask. That’s just how God’s love works.
I left my last post with three phrases that are very important. Be strong. Love God. Love others.
Where is a good start to a God fearing life? Right here!
Be strong.
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
Ephesians 6:10
“Be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.”
We are commanded to put on the full armor of God. Our faith and strength must be in Him because otherwise we are unable to accomplish the tasks set before us. When the going gets tough, be strong. The Lord is on our side. I used to work at The Wilds Christian Camp where the summer drained every ounce of energy I had. That is a huge time of reliance upon God for strength both physically and spiritually. We need not get discouraged during those times because God has our best interest at heart. Are we going to trust Him?
Love God.
“Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?” And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment.
Matthew 22:36-38
“Love the Lord your God…”
Can it be any clearer? How can we love God if we can’t even see Him? That starts by knowing Him. Simple concept, really. A hard concept for us as sinners to live by. We are very selfish and self-loving. The first commandment given by God is to love Him. By doing so, we lay a solid foundation for living.
Love Others.
And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.”
Matthew 22:39-40
“You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
I already explained we are naturally self-loving people so this explains how we are to love others. Love people like we love ourselves. There really is no greater joy than being able get the focus off ourselves and serve those around us. Try it sometime. It really works! 1 Corinthians 13 is a great read for anyone looking for something to study. This is the love chapter that explains what true love is. Without love all things are pointless. Really though, this chapter is a great read. I read a quote one time that went something like this:
Serve out of love and you will love to serve.
Truth. How are our lives exemplifying the love of Christ? Surely there is no desire to love like Christ loves if we do not love Him first or seek the strength to love as we are commanded. So in short: Be strong. Love God. Love others.
Three truths to live by that can dramatically change our lives. Will we get off our throne and accept this challenge?
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Praise God for His truth. Being in the Marine Corps and having a solid foundation to stand upon is what makes any challenge I face a small thing compared to Christ. Today I continue to live in Greenville, SC where I work security full time. I am not currently attending any educational institution other than completing PME (Professional Military Education) classes through MCI (Marine Corps Institute). Working the second shift at my job is nice, but also very tiresome. I sadly do not get to see my friends often because while they are working or in school I am free, but while I am working all my friends are done with school or work. Tough life, but God is still good. By referring to one of my previous posts you can find out why I am not in school.
As far as Marine Corps is concerned… I am currently a Lance Corporal as of December and working hard at accomplishing my goal of ranking up to Corporal by the end of the year. Once a month I am still reporting to drill on a weekend and fulfilling training. My next drill is coming up on 13 April where I will be working a mud run and performing my annual PFT (Physical Fitness Test). Please pray that my PFT goes well and I accomplish my goal of getting a score of at least a 285. The PFT consists if three parts: dead-hang pull-ups, crunches, 3-mile run.
More recently I have had a desire to go into MARSOC (Marine Corps Special Operations Command). That is probably the biggest news I could announce. What all it entails I am not completely sure as of yet because I do not have all the information. As I discover what will be involved and how you can be involved in this new wild ride adventure I will keep you posted. Thank you to all who continue to pray for me. What a blessing you have been. I hope anyone new to the blog will read my previous posts would be willing to get involved by leaving feedback and praying with me. Thanks again and hope to update again soon.
Be strong. Love God. Love others.
rejoice.always
The Wild Ride 