My conscience is clear, but that does not vindicate me. It is the Lord who judges me. 1 Corinthians 4:4
“So, don’t make judgments about anyone ahead of time, before the Lord returns. For he will bring our darkest secrets to light and will reveal our private motives; then, God will give to each one whatever praise is due. God will judge us for everything we do, including every secret thing, whether good or bad. For nothing is concealed that will not be uncovered, or hidden that will not be made known”.
For we are not like so many others, who peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, as men sent from God. 2 Corinthians 2:17
My brothers and sisters in Christ, if we strive to speak before God with sincerity, let us do so in all good conscience. Let us therefore, renounce secret and shameful ways. Let us refrain from practicing deceit, let us not distort the word of God. On the contrary, by open proclamation of the truth, let us commend ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.
Therefore, if food makes my brother stumble, I will never again eat meat, for I do not want to cause my brother or sister to stumble. 1 Corinthians 8:13
It is better not to eat meat, or drink wine, or to do anything else that will cause your brother or sister to fall. We should live in such a way, that no one will stumble because of us, and no one will find fault with our ministry. Therefore, in everything we do, we must show that we are true ministers of God; patiently enduring troubles and hardships and calamities of every kind.
As many as I love I rebuke and chasten, therefore, be zealous and repent. Revelation 3:19
“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come into him and dine with him and he with Me. To the one who overcomes, I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne”.
Then Peter continued preaching for a long time, and with many other words he bore witness and continued to exhort them, saying, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation.” Acts 2:40
“Those who embraced his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to the believers that day; and they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers”. If we would continue to share God’s word, we may not win thousands, but for each soul saved we could claim the victory.
The rich man said, “Then I beg you, father Abraham, send Lazarus to my father’s house, for I have five brothers. Let him warn them so they will not also end up in this place of torment”. Luke 16: 27-28
My brothers and sisters in Christ, who have been sent to warn you about the lives you have been living apart from God? How many more messengers must be sent to warn you of that place of torment, prepared for those who do not walk with God? Who have ears to hear, let them hear! God forbid, that because of itchy ears and stubborn wills, we end up in a place of torment.
But, the following night, the Lord stood by him and said, “Be of good cheer Paul, for as you have testified for me in Jerusalem, so you must also bear witness at Rome”. Acts 23:11
Then he said, “The God of our fathers have chosen you, that you should know his will, and see the just One, and hear the voice of his mouth; for you will be his witness to all men of what you have seen and heard. And now, why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord”. Heavenly Father, use us as your witnesses to what we have seen and heard, let us continually testify to your goodness and mercy to those who have not yet seen or heard.
Father, I want these whom you have given me to be with me where I am. Then they can see all the glory you gave me, because you loved me, even before the world began! John 17:24
“Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I know you, and they know that you have sent me. I have revealed you to them, and I will continue to do so. Then your love for me will be in them, and I will be in them.” My brothers and sisters in Christ, we who have come to know Christ must continually share the good news, so that others will come to know Christ, so that we will all be with him where he is.
I am the true grapevine, and my Father is the gardener He cuts off every branch of mine that doesn’t produce fruit, and he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more. John 15:1
Heavenly Father, I am so thankful that you are continually pruning me and that I have been purified by the message you have given you. “Remain in me, and I will remain in you; for a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me. Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing. Anyone who does not remain in me is thrown away like a useless branch and withers. Such branches are gathered into a pile to be burned. But, if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted! This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love”. Thank you, Lord!
Search me, O God, and know my heart, Try me and know my anxious thoughts. Psalm 139:23
I have sought your favor with all my heart; be gracious to me according to your promise. I pondered the direction of my life, and I turned to follow your laws. Psalm 119: 58-59. Lord, we understand, that you know us intimately, and we have thought about the way we are living, and we are ashamed and are willing to turn back to you. Search us O God, and point out anything in us that offends you, and lead us along the path of everlasting life.