Three Tips For A Better Life

As I was praying and seeking God as to what to write about tonight, I looked at my Bible sitting open on my desk. It was open to Romans 12. I started reading the chapter, and was floored when I got to verse 12. "Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer. (KJV)" These three tips for a better life, provided by the Apostle Paul, is exactly what our world needs today. Let's explore.

Rejoicing In Hope
Rejoicing means to feel or show great joy. We need to be joyful in the things we hope for. Our hope should be in our eternal home with Jesus in Heaven. We need to be joyfully expectant of what Heaven will be like. Have you seen Heaven? Neither have I. But, I have read about it, and I can't wait to get there. Are you joyful in what the future holds?

Patient In Tribulation
Let's be honest here for a moment. None of us enjoys times of trial and tribulation. Just the thought of God testing my faith brings a sense of fear. Not because I am insecure in my faith. James tells us consider trials and the testing of our faith pure joy (James 1:2). Paul is teaching us to be patient in it. Why? Because, according to James, it brings about perseverance. Perseverance to continue when the going gets tough. In our society today, we need to develop perseverance if we are going to make it to the end.

Instant In Prayer
 How often does someone come to you with a prayer request, and you say that you'll lift it up in prayer, and then you forget when you get home. I've done that. Paul teaches us here that we need to be instant in prayer. We should always be praying. Praying doesn't always involve a bowed head and knees. You can talk to God at any time. I talk to Him while I'm driving to work and at other times. Is your prayer life something you build your faith upon, or does prayer seem more like a chore. In all things, we should be in prayer.

I've only looked briefly at these three tips for a better life. Use these tips that Paul gives us, and the others found in Romans 12 to shape your conduct. I've been writing alot about your attitude towards things this week. I think that if we apply the principles and tips that Paul provides in this chapter, we'll find our faith growing in God. Think about it.