As we begin our journey we must humbly bow down and recognize the Presence of God in our lives and live from that awareness moment by moment.

Have an honoring, reverential fear of the Lord. To walk in humility we must live from a stance of reverential fear of God always. Not fear in the sense that we are afraid. But fear in the sense that we have a deep abiding respect for God’s authority in our life.

Keep self-worth in a proper perspective. By not putting ourselves down for our weaknesses or puffing ourselves up because of our strengths we can better see ourselves as God does. When we can have a balanced view of our flaws and gifts we come closer to the reality of who we are.

A foundational step for all the rest to come. Starting with a firm foundation of reverential fear of God will help the future step to be a little easier. As we recognize God’s Presence and give Him reign over our daily lives, we will find the freedom that comes from accepting our proper place in the universe.

God is always present in our lives. Whether we realize it or not, God is always present. He is present to our every thought and every action. It’s not hard to imagine God with us when we are being good. But to think of Him being present when we are doing something bad is uncomfortable.

Guard yourself at every hour. If we stay aware of God’s Presence moment by moment following the Holy Spirit’s lead we are promised to be blessed.

The third Friday of each month in 2019 we are studying my favorite life verses: 2 Corinthians 4:15-18. This section of Scripture has proven a solid resource of faith for me through many challenges over the last decade.

In the midst of struggles it’s hard to imagine how this could be for our benefit.

We may never know why some things happen. If God tried to explain why He’s allowing something to happen in our life our mind wouldn’t be able to grasp it.

For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. ~ Isaiah 55:9

God is a Mystery. It requires faith for us to follow God and trust His ways. That’s why we are called believers and not doubters. Believing means we believe!

It is the Lord who directs your life, for each step you take is ordained by God to bring you closer to your destiny. So much of your life, then, remains a mystery! ~ Proverbs 20:24 (The Passion Translation)

It’s not always about us. The struggles we are going through may not be only about us. God may be growing us through this trial so that we can comfort another person one day going through a similar situation.

What a wonderful God we have—he is the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the source of every mercy, and the one who so wonderfully comforts and strengthens us in our hardships and trials. And why does he do this? So that when others are troubled, needing our sympathy and encouragement, we can pass on to them this same help and comfort God has given us. ~ 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (The Living Bible)

Endure hardships with a good attitude. God is more concerned with our character than our comfort. As we press through our struggles with a good attitude, doing everything as unto the Lord, we will grow stronger in Christian character and virtue. But most importantly God will be glorified as others around us see how we walk out life.

So I am willing to endure anything if it will bring salvation and eternal glory in Christ Jesus to those God has chosen. ~ 2 Timothy 2:10 (New Living Translation)