Change Your Life in 40 Days

Every man dies. Not every man really lives. William Wallace

Over the next 40 days, the articles will consist of a passage of Scripture that will change your life, if you will let it. The underlying goal of these articles is to have a thought provoking message from the Bible that will lead us to change the way we think and the way we live. We are here for a purpose, and God's word reveals that purpose. Will you listen to those words and then live them, or will you run your eyes over them and then forget them? 

Take to heart all the words I have solemnly declared to you this day, so that you may command your children to carefully obey all the words of this law. They are not just idle words for you - they are your life. Deuteronomy 32:46-47, NIV

 

Day 2: The Truth Will Set You Free

Truth will ultimately prevail where there is pains taken to bring it to light. George Washington

If we really want to let God change our lives with His truths, we will have to earnestly and honestly seek those truths. All too often, we search the Scriptures in an attempt to have them prove what we already believe rather than have them to lead us to what God wants us to know. The promise by Jesus that we can know the truth and that this truth will set us free is one of the greatest gifts God has set before man. If we desire change that matters, we will seek God's truths with an open mind, a determined will, and a pure heart that is unencumbered by self-interest or bias. Freedom from the burden and penalty of sin will change your life.

To the Jews who had believed Him, Jesus said, "If you hold to my teaching, you really are my disciples. Then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free". John 8:31-32, NIV

The Bright Side

“In spite of everything I still believe that people are really good at heart.” Anne Frank

Do you tend to lean toward the negative side at times? If so, you might consider the words of Anne Frank, who was forced into hiding for two years and then held in a slave labor camp until her death.

Usually, people who live in hiding and prison do so because of some terrible crime that they have committed. But Anne Frank’s only crime was being a Jew in a time when the Nazis were in power.

So she lived in a secret room (really, no more than the inside of a wide wall) with a handful of other people who were also Jews. When they were found, they were arrested for not having voluntarily gone to prison. Then, she lived in deplorable conditions within a Nazi slave camp.

Anne Frank died before her 16th birthday.

Yet, after being subjected to years of terror, persecution, and hate, this young lady concluded that people were really good at heart. And, while I might be tempted to argue with her on some counts, I cannot help but admire this sweet young girl who, while living in such darkness, looked to the bright side of life.

Would that help you? I think it would greatly enhance my life, should I choose to stop looking at the petty differences I have with people and start looking for the good in their lives.

After all, God has done just that… for you and me.

“But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”Romans 5:8, NKJV

Day 3: Whoever Believes

Faith without works is dead. James, the brother of Jesus

The problem with genuine belief is that it takes more than lip service: It requires action. It's like believing that flipping on a light switch will turn on the lights. This is true enough, but until we act upon that belief and turn on the switch, we will remain in the dark. In a similar manner, if you and I are to change our lives in a meaningful way, then we will have to live like we truly believe. When you think of the love They have for us, as well as the gift of eternal life They have promised, living the life of the belief that we profess is the least we can do. "Why?", you might ask. Because God so loved the world...    

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16,NKJV

Day 4: Amazing Grace

And now let me address all of you, high and low, rich and poor, one with another, to accept of mercy and grace while it is offered to you. George Whitefield

When we are finally ready to change our lives for God, we must remember that it is only by His grace that we are able to do so. The Scriptures are clear: "All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" and, "The wages of sin is death". So, how can we who have made so many mistakes, who have fallen short of the glory of God, and who clearly deserve death start afresh? Grace!

But because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in our transgressions - it is by grace you have been saved. Ephesians 2:4-5, NIV