Titus 2v6 Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled. 7 In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness 8 and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.

Oh how important it is to the outside world to live a life of righteousness. To live like we were saved and that our lives are truly transformed, with detailed attention to our words and self discipline. Give no one reason to slander Christ through our name by living a life of love striving to be the very image of Christ to all.

Matthew 21v21 Jesus replied, “Truly I tell you, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and it will be done. 22 If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.”

If we don’t believe God can do what we can’t, that he will satisfy our deepest desires which glorify Him then we are missing out on the power and privilege of prayer. Our prayers would then be without conviction and therefore rendered useless. We can not pray to God then sit back and expect next to nothing living with the, “Well maybe if it is according to His will” attitude. That is not true faith, that is fear. We know deep in our spirit through study of the word, when what we are asking God for is of His glory. If it is not then our motives need to be scrutinized and reevaluated. But if it is, live in faith! Walk on the waters with confidence toward that which you are seeking from God. He will keep you afloat and lead you right to where you want to be.

James 2v17 In same way, faith by itself if it is not accompanied by action, is dead

Romans 6v13 Do not offer any part of yourself to sin as an instrument of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer every part of yourself to him as an instrument of righteousness. 14 For sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under the law, but under grace.

An instrument of righteousness. God has built us as an instrument to sing His hope to the people. His craftsmanship is made evident as the one playing the song becomes a master. The Lord is making us all virtuosoes through faith, love, and prayer. Leaning on the word and seeking holiness strengthens our song to the world. Let us be a symphony of glorifying sound that can not be ignored for Christ is the beautiful reason we sing. We are no longer under the law but under grace!

1 John 4v11 Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 12 No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.

We may understand the fruits of the spirit but what about the fuel? What can strengthen that which has been given to us from Christ? The simple answer is love. Showing compassion to our world shows God to the world. Even though His evidence is vast upon this earth God chooses our lives, our actions to be the greatest instrument to preach His name, and we do that through love.

18 There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.

2 Corinthians 12v9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 10 That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

We have nothing to be afraid of. Even in our weakness Christ is working in us to bring a whole new truth, a whole new strength to life, for us to give testimony to His grace and glory in our lives. Speak proudly of our weakness for Christ is making Himself known.

Mark 4v40 He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?”