Figuring out what to do with Jesus is a world-wide problem to solve. Sooner or later, all people have to decide and we see this played out in countries around the world, in governance structures, in academia and in our personal lives. Major religions have had to decide what to do with Jesus as well.

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We should study the Word of God as if our very souls depended on what it says. Because, of course, they do. We are betting everything on the fact that Jesus is who the Word says He is. We are placing ALL of our hope in Him. Our beliefs, as Christians, require that we embrace no other way to salvation except through Him. No other God but Yahweh. No other spirit than the Spirit of God. No other Savior, but Jesus.

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Basic morality is a hallmark of a saved person. It is one of the things that we should actually consider frequently and pay attention to in our daily lives. We should be attentive to not only the “big” things, but even the smallest things that might ruin our witness and set us back. No cheat days!

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If we live long enough, we will find that there are some folks who just don’t like us. This may be the case for several reasons. First, we could have very well given them a legitimate reason to not care for us. Next, they could have a misunderstanding about something that causes them to turn away from a relationship or otherwise not care for us.

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Paul knew that only sharing the Gospel was not the fullness of his work. He knew that it was critical to see to the growth and development of believers so that they became mature followers of Christ. He spent the majority of his life after conversion in this pursuit. His visits to churches on his 3 missionary journeys were largely for this purpose. His letters to individuals and local churches were as well.

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The Word of God is our True North. It allows us to see all things in light of the design of God. Without this grounding standard, we would simply wander through life, unwilling and unable to avoid destruction. We would never be able to truly thrive in the lives our God has given us. We would never really know the answers to life’s questions. We would not have the motivation to move in the right direction. We would not be able to seek purpose and meaning. We would not know how to direct our children or support our community.

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So, it seems simple to see that Jesus affirmed that Children of God are those who seek peace. We are not only called to desire peace, but to work to see it come on earth. This is the desire of our God. Our enemy desires conflict, sin, brokenness, war and sadness.

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Contrived fears are one thing. Real fear is something altogether different. It isn’t enjoyable for anyone at all. It seeps in or leaps in. It takes over. When you get the news about the diagnosis. When your boss schedules a meeting at 4:30 on a Friday afternoon. When you get the phone call from one of your kids or family members late at night. When the tornado sirens go off at 1:30 AM…

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Communication is key. How many times have you heard this said? It is often pointed out when it has broken down between parties. In the workplace and in the home, many times. Between nations who are in conflict and in business dealings. The nature and effectiveness of communication are absolutely essential to human interactions. Until and unless we become able to actually read each other’s minds (and this thought horrifies me a bit,) communication is critical to interaction with all kinds of people in all places.

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Lucas Lunsford encourages us to maintain vigilance as we listen for God and obey.

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