“For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile: Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it.” 1 (Peter 3:10-11)

The battle between good and evil has been around since time began. Ever since Satan rebelled against God his goal has been to deceive as many people as possible and turn them against God. It’s up to us individually to choose to do good and eschew evil. When Peter wrote the above words he was quoting from Psalm 34, which David had written during a time of trouble in his life. He could have made the choice to let his troubles guide his actions, but he chose to not allow evil to rule his life. He chose God.

“What man is he that desireth life, and loveth many days, that he may see good. Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from peaking guile. Depart from evil, and do good, seek peace, and pursue it. The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous and his ears are open unto their cry. The face of the LORD is against them that do evil, to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth.” Psalm 34:12-16.

We all face troubles and situations in life that can turn us to bitterness and make us contemplate doing evil. For instance if someone does wrong to you, you may want to get even. That’s a choice that is wrong for anyone to make, especially a Christian.

“Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:21)

Doing evil should never be a choice that a Christian makes. If you choose to do evil then you turn against God and will become angry and bitter. Evil never makes a person happy and always is against God’s will.

There is much evil around us and it’s easy to get discouraged. If we keep our hearts turned to God and choose to follow Him we will not be overcome by the wickedness around us.

“Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.” (Romans 12:9)

All evil and wickedness comes from Satan; he is a liar and deceiver. On the other hand good comes from God and the closer we walk with God the less evil can affect us. I’ve heard many people try to justify why they choose to participate in the wickedness of sin by blaming what other people have done to them. Some have been abused as children and use that to justify promiscuity.

Some will say they are alcoholics or drug addicts because of emotional pain caused by others. Some can justify bad attitudes and backbiting because they are just trying to repay what a certain person has done to them. None of this can be justified. We all have a choice in the way we react to life. If you have been walking the path of wickedness, Jesus offers His love and forgiveness to you. Jesus will heal your wounds, whether they are physical or emotional. Come to Him just as you are and let Him forgive you and begin to heal you.

The Bible is clear about what is good and what is evil, so the best way to learn to discern between the two is to study God’s word. Satan is the god of this world and would have us believe that there is no such thing as right and wrong. He convinces people that sin is acceptable and if someone loves you enough to bring your sin into question, well they’re just intolerant. Satan is a liar. The apostle Peter says that through His power, God has given us everything that pertains to life and godliness.

“Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, according as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.” (2 Peter 1:2-4)

If we have knowledge of God we shouldn’t lust after evil. The Bible presents us with lists of evil behavior and one is found in Galatians. We shouldn’t overlook these sins when we study because it’s important to learn what we need to change in our way of life.

“Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envying, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.” Galatians 5:19-21.

Stop and check the choices you make against this list. When you make the choice to eschew evil, these things will disappear from your lifestyle. Many times we act out of habit. If we make it a habit to choose to do good things then we will be very aware of when we slip and do something that comes from evil.

“A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.” (Luke 6:45)

The words we speak are a good indication of our moral character. A person who continually slanders others, uses foul language, and spews anger speaks what is in their heart. What comes out is ugliness and the treasure of their heart is corrupt and evil. On the other hand, a person who has encouraging words for others and speaks with love to all people shows a kindhearted person who probably has made choices based on Biblical truth. It’s easy to slip into sin if we keep company with those who embrace wickedness. A goodhearted person can be easily influenced to embrace evil if friendships are forged with wicked people.

“Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.” (1 Corinthians 15:33)

The word “communications” means the companions we choose. So, when you make a choice of friends be sure that they don’t mock God and turn your heart to evil. Make sure you are firmly grounded in God’s truth and be the type of friend who encourages others to eschew evil. Lead by example.

The entertainment we look at and listen to is also a choice. The vast majority of television shows, movies, and music promote evil and make it look good. “Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!” (Isaiah 5:20)

Woe to the people who produce such evil entertainment and woe to those who take pleasure in it. Companies pay a lot of money to advertise their products on television because they know that advertising influences those who watch or listen. It’s more than just the commercials that influence our ways. If you watching soap operas, MTV, or some other depraved programming, you are being influenced by the god of this world…Satan.

All things that are evil, the entertainment industry would have us think are good; they put darkness for light. Rather than waste your time participating in satanic “entertainment”, read your Bible or go out and do some good deeds in the name of Jesus. Turn from the evil that you are inviting into your life.

“Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God.” (3 John 1:11)

We all have choices as to what we allow into our hearts and minds. Evil can look appealing, but only following God is good. There has never been anyone as good as Jesus. He is our example for living a good life. One day a young man ran up to Him and asked how to inherit eternal life.

“And when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life? And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? There is none good but one, that is, God.” (Mark 10:17-18)

Jesus’ question to him was interesting. Jesus was God incarnate, so He was either trying to make the young man think about what he said and not just throw words around idly, or He was making a point to everyone within earshot. We all need to think about our words. We can say that we believe in Jesus, but do we live our life to reflect Him or do we embrace the wickedness around us? Truly there is no one good except for God.

We might be good by human standards, but when it comes to being good by God’s standards we fail. Jesus shed His blood at Calvary in order to make available to us the only way for anyone to be good enough to enter Heaven. We cannot stand before our perfect God by the standards of good based on human thinking. It’s only Christ’s righteousness that makes us able to enter Heaven upon death. He shed His blood for everyone, but that gift of salvation has to be accepted in order for His righteousness to be imparted.

“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:10)

Accept His free gift now and begin walking in His ways. Do good works in His name so the wicked world around you can see His light shining through you.

“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” (Philippians 4:8)

Do good and eschew evil.

God bless you all,

Nathele Graham
twotug@embarqmail.com

“To the end that my glory may sing praise to thee, and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever.” (Psalm 30:12)

When we think of giving thanks to the Lord, it’s hard not to think of the Psalms. The men who wrote those psalms loved God and were very thankful and their joy in the Lord spilled out into songs of praise. Reading them makes my heart swell with gratitude to the Lord.

“O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever. O give thanks unto the God of gods: for his mercy endureth for ever. O give thanks to the Lord of lords: for his mercy endureth for ever…O give thanks unto the God of heaven: for his mercy endureth for ever.” (Psalm 136:1-3)

This psalm lists many reasons that the psalmist was thankful and he gave thanks to God for all His mercy and all He has provided. It’s important for everyone to stop and think about what God provides, then thank Him. Make your own list of the blessings that you receive from God each day and you’ll be amazed at how much He deserves thanks.

When children first learn to talk, a good parent will teach them to say please and thank you, but are they taught to thank God for His provisions? As adults we often take God’s blessings for granted and we neglect to thank Him. Gratitude and praise should always be in our heart and on our lips.

“Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)

Recognize His gifts and rejoice.

When things are going smoothly and we have no problems in our lives it’s easy to be grateful. Those are the times we smile and are filled with peace and joy. Then when things aren’t so smooth we either blame God or get so wrapped up in our problems that we ignore Him. God’s blessings are still there, but our troubles often blind us to those blessings.

Daniel was a man who never forgot to thank God. As a young man he had been taken captive to Babylon where pagan practices were all around. Daniel never faltered in his faith and always put God first. People around him were often offended by his faith and did what they could to stop him.

In one well known incident a group of men petitioned King Darius to “…make a firm decree that whosoever shall ask a petition of any God or man for thirty days, save of thee, O king, he shall be cast into the den of lions” (Daniel 6:7b).

Daniel wasn’t ashamed of God and continued in his regular habit of openly praying. He would rather face the lions than compromise his faith.

“Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime.” (Daniel 6:10)

Evil men had talked the king into signing the decree specifically to come against Daniel, but he honored God, not men. Daniel did end up in the lion’s den, but God protected him. When the den was opened Daniel still didn’t change his habit of prayer and he took that opportunity to give glory to God.

“My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions’ mouths, that they have not hurt me: forasmuch as before him innocent was found in me; and also before thee, O king, have I done no hurt.” (Daniel 6:22)

Daniel’s life was a strong witness for God Almighty. Because his testimony and faithfulness King Darius wrote another decree in which he declared that everyone within his kingdom tremble and fear the God of Daniel “…for he is the living God, and stedfast for ever, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed, and his dominion shall be even unto the end” (Daniel 6:26b).

Faith cannot be legislated, but anyone and everyone who knows the Lord can be a witness like Daniel. Stand firm upon God’s word, pray openly, and give thanks to God. We all have much to be thankful for, so don’t be ashamed to openly praise God for all He gives.

Christians should be the most thankful people in the world. We are saved from our sins through our faith in Jesus Christ, but how often do we really stop and think about what He accomplished on the cross? No matter what challenges we face in this life, God’s gift of salvation is a blessing beyond words. Spend some time thanking Him for His sacrifice. In the gospels many examples are given of the miracles by which Jesus demonstrated His love and compassion. It’s surprising how people reacted to those miracles.

One day as Jesus was on His way to Jerusalem He passed through a village where ten men who were lepers saw Him. They knew who He was and that He was able to heal them. They stood far away but called out to Him and asked for His mercy.  Jesus healed them and they hurried to the priests to be examined. What joy they must have felt, but did they thank the Healer?

“And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God, and fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan.” (Luke 17:15-16)

Leprosy was a terrible disease that robbed people of their life and separated them from loved ones. It’s used symbolically in the Bible as sin, which also robs us of a full life and separates us from loved ones. Sin also separates us from God. Ten men were healed of leprosy, but only one said “Thank You.”

Are you grateful for the healing from sin that you received through Jesus? Have you fallen down before Him giving Him thanks? Jesus does notice.

“And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine? There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger.” (Luke 17:17-18)

What’s stopping you today from praising God for your salvation? A day is coming when we will be gathered around the throne of God and we will praise Him for His holiness. Don’t wait until then; thank Him now.

“Sing unto the LORD, O ye saints of his, and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness.” (Psalm 30:4)

It’s His righteousness that will allow you to stand before the throne of God not your own. Give thanks to Him now.

Most of us don’t thank God enough for all He has done. In fact, many Christians mock Him by not recognizing that He is the Creator of all that exists.

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God…All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made that was made.” (John 1:1, 3)

Jesus is the Word. The smallest molecule and the entire universe were created by Him and we need to be thankful. Science would have us believe that everything came from nothing billions upon billions of years ago. Somehow they would have us believe nothing exploded and from that imagined explosion life evolved.

God takes His creation seriously and holds us responsible to recognize Him as the Creator. In his letter to the Romans, Paul says that there is no excuse for not recognizing God because the invisible things of the creation are evidence of Him.

“Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools.” (Romans 1:21-22)

If there is no God, then there are no rules. If there are no rules then sin abounds. As more people buy into the lie of evolution, there is less feeling of accountability to God. We see that sin is growing by leaps and bounds. Christians should be leaders in standing firm on God’s truth and thank Him for creating life in all of its complexity, and providing the way for life to be sustained with food, water, and air. Don’t neglect to thank Him for creating you and providing for your needs. He loves you.

There is humility involved in being thankful and God wants us to be humble. Most people find it hard to humble themselves before God and say “Thank You.” Children look to their elders as examples of how to behave, so if a parent shows thankfulness for all that God provides, it’s easier for children to also be thankful.

“So we thy people and sheep of thy pasture will give thee thanks for ever: we will shew forth thy praise to all generations.” (Psalm 79:13)

If we, as Christians, don’t show our gratitude to our Redeemer, who will? He is our Shepherd and we are His sheep. Without Him we would be forever condemned by our sin, but through His shed blood we are forgiven. Your list of things that you’re thankful for should be very long, and salvation through Him should top the list. It’s a free gift but is a treasure that never should be taken for granted.

“And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.” (Colossians 3:15).

Be thankful for all that He provides. If you can only afford to eat peanut butter and jelly rather than lobster tail or if your clothes come from a discount store rather than having name brand labels on them, be thankful that your needs are met. We can show our gratitude by sharing with others. If you happen to be able to afford that lobster tail, you might want to consider sharing God’s blessings by donating to a soup kitchen in the name of Jesus.

“O give thanks unto the LORD; call upon his name: make known his deeds among the people.” (Psalm 105:1)

When we lift Him up by sharing His blessings we show our thanks for what He provides and give testimony of our salvation. He is worthy of all glory, honor, and praise.

There is no better way to thank God than putting selfish pride away and living for Him. That way others will see Him shining through your life and want the joy you have. David praised Him in song and lived openly to please Him. Daniel never allowed anyone to govern his faith. He prayed openly and gave thanks.

Brothers and Sisters, be unashamed to thank our Creator for all He has provided. Be sure to thank Him for His sacrifice on the cross that purchased salvation for everyone who accepts His gift. He notices those who are grateful.

Thank You, God, for everything.

God bless you all,

Nathele Graham
twotug@embarqmail.com