Luke 11:28 But He said, “More than that, blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it!”

Recently, I visited an art supply store to purchase colored pencils. The shop was filled with a variety of art supplies including different pens, pencils, markers, art brushes, watercolor, and other art related products. This year, I bought myself a new one-year bible which includes ready to color drawings and margin space for journaling purposes. For the drawings, I didn’t want to use regular crayons, so I decided to go to an art store to look at professional artist tools. Walking down the aisle where the colored pencils were stocked was very overwhelming. There were more than half a dozen brands to choose from. A store associate was kind enough to offer his assistance. He graciously explained to me the features and benefits of each brand while making a suggestion on which set will work best. This helped my decision on which brand of colored pencils to purchase.

As believers, we can sometimes pick and choose what bible passages are applicable and non-applicable to us. We may follow God’s commandment which states, “You shall not steal”, but then we turn around and gossip about someone and think it’s ok. We may not use filthy language, but in the same token, we covet what someone else may have. And so forth. Personally, I struggle with showing the love and kindness of God to those who mock my faith or people who may rub me the wrong way. But the Lord calls me to live out Romans 12:14: Bless those who persecute you, bless and do not curse. I’m essentially to view and love them through the eyes of Jesus!

We shouldn’t live by a double standard nor take certain parts of the Bible and believe that they don’t apply to us. God calls us to live by the whole counsel of His Word! None of us are exempt. Trying to live a godly life in today’s culture isn’t easy. We are surrounded by temptations and other ungodly influences. But, God has given us His Holy Spirit Who will enable us to live for Him and follow all of His commands.

Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

We are not alone! Our God is Faithful and He will help us to do so. Rely on Him and His strength only (not your own); the Lord will give you His grace to live in faithful obedience to Him and His Word.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.