Welcome to An Inquisitive Mind – Illumination through Christ.

In my last post, I reflected on two heart postures I believe some of us can relate with: Hiding vs Seeking. Alongside, the impact this can have on our relationship with God. If you haven’t had a chance yet to read, feel free to catch up on it:

Hide or Seek?,

Ok, so let’s begin with today’s post.

What are you going to do about it?

James 1:22 notes that we shouldn’t be passive listeners of the word and inactive from what we have read. We are instead encouraged to inscribe the word in our hearts which should be meditated on a daily and consistent basis.

I then asked myself well…

What am I – what are you – what are we doing?

What action is being taken once we have read the word?

Is it just a one-off read with no real action or takeaways? Then meaning we are likened to people who stare at themselves in a mirror and forget what they look like once they leave? (James 1:23-24).

We are blessed !

In Mark 10:28, Peter highlighted that he and the other disciples had given up ‘everything’ to be Jesus’ followers. In Jesus’ response it is noted he reassures them that anyone who gives up their lives for him need not worry. They will surely be rewarded, and so will we as we give unto Him all He has blessed us with (Mark 10:29-30 and Psalm 24:1).

In Proverbs 20:7, we are reminded that God blesses those that live righteously : demonstrating humility, kindness, honesty and integrity. This remains the case irrespective of if other’s are following suit or not. We are also encouraged with the fact that the path of the righteous is likened to a shining light whereas the wicked are likened to a thick darkness (Proverbs 4:18-19). This means that those who choose to do the right thing will continue to remain blessed in their endeavours.

This calls for us to examine ourselves and see how genuine our faith actually is. To look closely and reflect on our actions, thoughts and reasons behind the things we do.

How do you reflect Him?

In Genesis 39: 6-23, we can see that despite the lies told by Potiphar’s wife God blessed Joseph for doing the right thing.

For context, Joseph refused Potiphar’s wife’s advances towards him resulting in her making up a lie. She had falsely accused Joseph of having ill intentions towards her (Genesis 39:18). Due to her position of power, Joseph was sent straight to prison. Yet, I love how in verse 21 differing translations highlight : ‘Yahweh was with Joseph’, ‘The Lord helped him’ and/or ‘The Lord was with him’. Despite being imprisoned God’s favour remained upon him, and his obedience was not wasted as God saw him and remained with him.

With this we can remain encouraged to do the right thing and be assured that even if no one acknowledges this – God sees.

He is the most important ! and He will surely vindicate us (Exodus 14:14) as we follow the leading of the precious Holy Spirit we can be guided aright (Psalm 143:10).

It is interesting to see how Joseph’s story didn’t end there though. This being as in the later parts of Genesis we can see how through his good choices his generations were also blessed (Genesis 45:3-11). His story changed from someone who was pushed into a pit and was then elevated to the palace (Genesis 37:23-24 and Genesis 41:40). This same transformation, elevation and peace is available for us as we look to God and remain humble.

What do you stand for?

Is it money? fame? power? control? status? or acknowledgement?

As noted above we have to lay down everything and give this to Him as He is the one that gives the increase and can also take away (Mark 10:21-3).

There is the reminder that as He is Holy, we are called to walk in Holiness too (1 Peter 1:14-16, Leviticus 11:44-45 and 19:2).

For He is Yahweh Tsidkenu – The Lord our righteousness and the ‘I am that I am’.

He is the standard and calls us to reflect Him in all things but we must remember that there is nothing He calls us to do or be that He himself is not (Exodus 3:14 and Jeremiah 33:16).

Practically though?

Scripture notes that those who walk in humility will be brought forward whereas those that think themselves more highly will be put last (Mark 10:31). This encourages us to refrain from seeking revenge and putting matters into our own hands. We can instead surrender and serve Him.

In 1 Timothy 4:12 , we are reminded that irrespective of our youth we must set the right example for others. This being in what we say and do, as well as by our love, faith and purity. For ‘In His Light, we see light’ (Psalm 36:9).

Tips

• Like the Bereans in Acts 17:11-12, it is noted that they accepted the message, read scripture and diligently sought after the Lord. As we read the word we are called to not grow tired but rather remain consistent in this.

• When we read the word it is important to reflect on quality over quantity. This will allow us to take our time to take in , digest and reflect on how to apply into our lives instead of rushing scripture with no understanding of what has been read.

• We must remind ourselves that we can pray and seek comfort from God who is our burden bearer (Matthew 11:28), even when things appear unfair.

With the knowledge that the Lord sees all we do in public and in private we need to think about what we are doing and the implications of this (Ecclesiastes 12:14). This being because one day we will stand before the King of Kings, no one else just us before Him to give an account of our lives (Romans 14:10-12).

Prayer

I pray that we will not just be hearers of the word but that scripture will be inscribed in our hearts. May it make a difference to our lives and cause others to stand for good. Amen !

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God bless you x