Am I prepared to defend the faith?

But you, dear friends, must build up your lives ever more strongly upon the foundation of our holy faith, learning to pray in the power and strength of the Holy Spirit. Stay always within the boundaries where God's love can reach and bless you. Wait patiently for the eternal life that our Lord Jesus Christ in his mercy is going to give you. Try to help those who argue against you. Be merciful to those who doubt. Save some by snatching them as from the very flames of hell itself. And as for others, help them to find the Lord by being kind to them, but be careful that you yourselves aren't pulled along into their sins. Hate every trace of their sin while being merciful to them as sinners. - Jude 1:20-23 (Living Bible)

Live Purposefully

...build up your lives ever more strongly upon the foundation of our holy faith, learning to pray in the power and strength of the Holy Spirit.

And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. - Deuteronomy 6:5 (NASB)

This command seems to be impossible to obey. That's because, in the natural state of man, it is impossible. No human being with a fallen nature can possibly love God with all their heart. That is why Jesus came to this world as our Savior, a sinless sacrifice, to equip us with the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit and enable us to fulfill this command in His power. We realize this power as we purposefully yield our lives to His will. As in any relationship, if you want true love to grow, you must commit to the other person through selfless giving. Growing in a loving relationship is an "on purpose" priority, not a "when I have time" or "when I remember" activity. Success in the Christ-followers most important relationship starts with quality time alone in God's Word and prayer every day.

Am I living purposefully by prioritizing my time to nurture my most important relationship?

Do I love God more today than I did yesterday?

Live Expectantly

Keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting anxiously for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to eternal life. - Jude 1:21 (NASB)

In the future there is reserved for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing. - 2 Timothy 4:8 (NASB)

The supreme expression of God's mercy on one to whom Christ's righteousness has undeservedly been imputed is an eager anticipation of Christ's return to provide eternal life in its ultimate, resurrection form.

Do I live each day with an eager expectation of Christ's return?

Live Proactively

Try to help those who argue against you. Be merciful to those who doubt. Save some by snatching them as from the very flames of hell itself. And as for others, help them find the Lord by being kind to them, but be careful that you yourselves aren't pulled along into their sins. Hate every trace of their sin while being merciful to them as sinners.

Rescue the perishing,

Care for the dying,

Snatch them in pity from sin and the grave;

Weep o'er the erring one, lift up the fallen,

Tell them of Jesus the mighty to save.

Though they are slighting Him,

Still, He is waiting,

Waiting for the penitent child to receive;

Plead with them earnestly, plead with them gently;

He will forgive if they only believe.

Down in the human heart,

Crushed by the tempter,

Feelings lie buried that grace can restore;

Touched by a loving heart, wakened by kindness,

Chords that were broken will vibrate once more.

Rescue the perishing,

Duty demands it;

Strength for thy labor the Lord will provide.

Back to the narrow way, patiently win them;

Tell the poor wanderer a Savior has died.

Rescue the perishing,

Care for the dying;

Jesus is merciful,

Jesus will save. - Fanny Crosby

Am I proactively seeking to rescue the lost?

Be Encouraged to live Purposefully, Expectantly, and Proactively. Live with PEP in each step!

-Jeffrey Thornton