Great Hope

"'The glory of this present house will be greater

than the glory of the former house,'

says the LORD Almighty."

Haggai 2:9

Oh man, I really blew it this time.  I'm not sure if there's any hope left for me.  I've thought this many times throughout my life, especially when I battle with the strongholds of sin in my life.  As a follower of Jesus, though, I always have hope.  His sacrifice on the cross covered all my sins, even those I haven't even committed yet.  

I constantly must remind myself that Jesus did not come into the world to condemn me, but to save me and that in Him I  no longer have to carry the responsibility for my own sins.  I don't have to worry that I will get what I deserve for my rebellion and inability to meet God's standards.  Instead, I have a hope through faith in Jesus Christ that never fades.

It's not only my own sin, however, that taints my life.  Many times, I suffer the consequences of others' actions.  I need not lose hope during these times, either, for Jesus has covered those sins and given me the ability and power to forgive.  

When I let go of the hurt and anger that results from being wounded by others, I am allowing Jesus to bear the brunt of the pain.  If, however, I stubbornly cling to my bitterness, I will suffer a slow and painful kind of death as I bear a load I was not meant to carry.  My heart will not be at peace and my body will break down under the pressure.  The consequence of living in a fallen world means I will come in contact with sin on a regular basis.  Life here is not as God originally designed it to exist: there is pain and anguish.

When I do come into contact with difficulties, whether it be as a result of my sin or someone else's, it should not, then, be a surprise.  As Oswald Chambers said, "Sin and sorrow and suffering are, and it is not for us to say that God has made a mistake in allowing them."  

The glory I can look forward to after the trials, however, is greater than I could ever imagine.  I do have a great hope through faith in Jesus Christ!

Testing

It was one health problem after another: pain wracked her body and her limbs would not cooperate in even the simplest of tasks.  Try as she might, she just couldn't bring herself to eat: There seemed to be no end to her suffering.  Even though her life looked to be filled with pain and affliction, my friend refused to turn her back on God.  There is no denying that He had allowed this and He could easily take it away.  

Like Job, however, she maintains that God has given her many good things in her life and it is up to Him if He wants to take some things away.  My friend is looking at God as the Sovereign head of all creation and she refuses to give up on Him.  She has God in the correct perspective.  

Jesus reminded us in Matthew 6:26 of what is important.  He asks, "What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?"  It is easy for me to give myself and my comfort, dreams and expectations the most important position in my life. I can go after these things instead of pursuing my relationship with God. When I do this and things go differently than I planned, I feel frustrated, upset and even betrayed.  This is not how my life is supposed to turn out!  

If, however, I give God the top honor and position of authority in my life, I can be like my friend and accept whatever comes my way; good or bad.   No matter what the outcome, I will be at peace because my relationship with God will remain intact.  At the end of time, Jesus "will reward each person according to what he has done." (v27)

If I stay true to God through the trials and testing times of life, He will not forget my wholehearted devotion to Him.

Persecution

Earlier this month, a Hindu man named Manesor Rabha who lived in India accepted Jesus as his Savior, immediately putting his life at risk.  Consequently, he went into hiding but a mob of forty Hindu radicals broke into his home and severely beat his wife and two Christian men who were guarding her because of their refusal to recant their faith in Jesus.  One was left barely breathing and all three were left with serious injuries that required hospitalization. 

Although this kind of violence is rarely seen in America, it is commonplace in other parts of the world.  The Apostle Paul warned us that, "In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted." (2 Timothy 3:12)  Persecution like what Daniel suffered under Babylonian rule is to be expected.  

Daniel drew the scorn of many in high places because of his refusal to bow down to any god but the One True God.  As a result, Daniel was thrown into the lions' den but God was faithful to not only protect him but to actually deliver him from all harm.  Even more miraculous, however was the witness Daniel gave of the One and Only God's power and sovereignty.  The Babylonian king Darius afterwards acknowledged Him as the Living God.

In a similar way, Jesus warned me that some may target me for my faith in Him.  Just as Mr. Rabha discovered, taking a stand for Jesus will bring the wrath of evil down upon me, but He said not to worry.  He Himself will give me the words and wisdom that no one can withstand.  I should expect that even those closest to me may betray me and that many will hate me because of Jesus.  "But not a hair of your head will perish.  By standing firm you will gain life." (Luke 21:18) In this way, many who otherwise would never know the gospel will hear the message of the cross.

There is a reason men like Mr. Rabha can stand up under persecution.  God's Spirit empowers me to take a stand as I remember that this life is not all there is.  Jesus said, "Blessed are you when men hate you, when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil because of the Son of Man.  Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven." (Luke 6:22-23)

Even though I naturally avoid harassment and maltreatment like the plague, Jesus almost makes it sound like something I should desire.  Since it comes with a great reward in heaven, it must be important to God.  Maybe my comfort and protection here on earth should not be my uppermost focus.

If I disregard my own safety and security and instead take a stand for Jesus, my suffering will be rewarded in heaven.

Object of Ridicule

Faithfully, day after day, he walked the halls of the school, placing his hand on each locker and praying.  He lifted the students, faculty and staff up to God and asked for revival.  For years he dependably and anonymously performed this act of love.  Finally, the people in the community began realizing a renewing of their faith in Jesus.  Many gave their lives to Him and were transformed.  The harvest had come!

Walking the halls of any school in this country and praying openly is just the kind of thing that could make me the laughing stock of the community.  Mordecai was another faithful, humble man of God who stood as a silent beacon of God.  He lived in a foreign, pagan society in which every kind of belief system was tolerated, except the truth.  Each day he stood at the king's gate in a silent show of support to his cousin and adopted daughter, Queen Esther.  To Haman, the second in command to the king, he was, however, an object of ridicule.

Everyone bowed to Haman and quivered at the very sight of him. . . everyone, that is, except Mordecai.  It is easy to cave into peer pressure or especially to the demands of a godless government.  If I don't toe the line, who know what could happen to me?  

But just like Mordecai humbly and quietly refused to compromise his beliefs, I can continue on the path God has called me, even in the face of ridicule.  Even if no one around me supports me.  Even if I'm the only one who understands why I'm doing what I'm doing.  God knows.  Fittingly, He sent these words of encouragement to me when I am ready to give up.  "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."  (Galatians 6:9)

If I keep on keepin' on even in the face of ridicule or rejection, God has promised a great harvest.

This life is filled with suffering, persecution and scorn, but if I stay true to God and the calling He has placed on my life there will be much celebrate once I make it to my true home in heaven!

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I will stay true to God's calling on my life.

How do I cave into the pressure around me and fail to take a stand for Jesus?

When is it easiest for me to take the safe road instead of the way that reveals the Gospel? 

Reputation

"The king said to Daniel,

'May your God,

whom you serve continually,

rescue you!'"

Daniel 6:16b

Christian musician Bill Gaither tells the story of when he and his then newlywed wife, Gloria, approached a retired banker for a few acres of land where they could build a house.  The landowner had promised the land to the local farmers for cattle grazing.  When he realized the young man standing before him was the grandson of one of his former employees, however, he changed his mind and sold the young couple 15 acres for a price that was a fraction of what it was worth.  

What caused the retiree to revise his opinion?  The hardworking, honest reputation of Bill's grandfather.  The book of Proverbs says, "A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold." (Proverbs 22:1)  

While it is good that Grandpa Gaither earned a good name through hard work and integrity, I want people to think of God when they think of me.  I don't so much want others to tie my name to good things for my own sake.  Rather, I'd hope that I earn a reputation much like that of some men found in the pages of the Bible who truly lived out their faith in a way that impacted the world around them.

Continually Serving God

His name was linked to the One True God from the moment he set foot in the Babylonian palace for training.  God's ways were always more important to him than the customs and traditions of the new culture in which he was placed.  Even though it meant he'd look as out of place as a snowman would in July, he stayed true to the Lord. 

Due to Daniel's faithful loyalty to the God he loved, the kings he served and no doubt others he came in contact with couldn't help but take note of the greatness of his God.  Pagan kings Nebuchadnezzar and Darius both came to an acknowledgment of the One True God's sovereignty and power through Daniel's life example.

Maybe this is what Jesus meant when he said, "You are the salt of the earth."  (Matthew 5:13)  Salt is a preservative, flavor enhancer, antiseptic and cleanser among a myriad of other uses.  As a jar of clay holding the precious and powerful Spirit of God, my presence in this world makes it a better place.  The scattering of His Spirit among all of humanity helps to add His characteristics and especially His love to a world that is lost without Him. 

Daniel inspires me to live each moment for Jesus, making the most of every opportunity and not being afraid to look different than everyone else as I obey His calling on my life.

Devoted to God

If anyone needed help, they went to the most influential man in the East.  Everyone knew they could trust him both in the way he conducted business as well as in his personal affairs.  If he said he would help, he could always be counted on and the animals in his flocks and herds were the best in the region.  Making a purchase from him was always a wise decision.  One thing he had no tolerance for was dirty dealings or cruel or unseemly ways.

There was no doubt about it; Job was a man devoted to God.  His reputation was one of honesty and integrity and everyone knew it.  My life is also a billboard for something.  Whether I know it or not, I am either advertising for God or for myself.  When people observe my life and the way I conduct my affairs, they either notice the characteristics of God and His fruit, or they just perceive my own flesh.

How much of God's love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control are evident in my day-to-day existence depends upon how much of my own will and flesh I have turned over to Jesus.  When He died on the cross, He provided a way for me to cast my own natural tendencies upon Him, leaving more room for His Spirit to show through.  As I die to myself, I can live for Christ.

Job inspires me to live a life of Godly devotion in which His characteristics are most evident to all with whom I come in contact.

Trusting God     

They hated him.  He was the favored one.  In fact, their father even gave him a special coat to wear making him an even bigger target among his brothers.  He always got away with everything and their father gave him fewer chores and responsibilities.  Needless to say, his brothers were jealous of his position in the family.

Joseph ended up being sold into slavery by the very ones who despised his existence.  Once a servant, he was thrown into jail for a crime he didn't commit.  Through it all, however, Joseph maintained his faith in God.  And the favor of the Lord was upon him.  Consequently, everything he put his hands to succeeded and he was given much responsibility.  

Once he finally came into the presence of the Pharaoh himself to interpret a dream, his reputation as a man of wisdom and good judgment had grown.  As the Egyptian leader placed Joseph into the position of second in command of the entire nation, he said, "Since God has made all this known to you, there is no one so discerning and wise as you."  (Genesis 41:39)

Pharaoh knew it was God who made Joseph special, not the young man's own effort, upbringing or heritage.  Joseph had made the source of his abilities abundantly clear.    When Pharaoh said he had heard that Joseph could interpret dreams, Joseph said, "I cannot do it. . .but God will give Pharaoh the answer he desires."  (Genesis 41:16)

I, too, can point to God as the giver of all good things in my life.  How easy it is, instead, to take credit myself.  I worked hard to earn that position, or I deserve a nice vacation.  But if I give God the honor and the glory, then I am truly acknowledging Him as the source.  "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows."  (James 1:17)

Joseph inspires me to always give credit to God as the one who dispenses blessings, gifts, talents and all other good things in my life.

My reputation is important, but not as it reflects on me.  Rather, the way others perceive me says a lot about Who I follow.  Daniel reminds me to persevere, Job to live uprightly and Joseph to give God the credit for any gifts He has given to me.  These are the kind of reputations that are worth their weight in gold.

As I begin this day, it is my prayer that my life will point others to Jesus.

How do I tend to draw attention to myself instead of to God?

When do I forget that I'm Christ's ambassador to a fallen world?

The Tables are Turned

"When Daniel was lifted from the den,

no wound was found on him,

because he had trusted in his God."

Daniel 6:23

I came home from a busy night of teaching at the Vacation Bible School our church was hosting.  There were a couple of bills I needed to pay so I logged onto our bank's website.  As I  scrolled down the recent activity log, I noticed a few entries that did not look familiar.  

"My Love, did you go shopping at Marshall's last week?"  I asked my husband.  

"No, I've never even been there."

I noticed that all the suspicious charges were from my debit card and were transacted at merchants located in Chicago, Illinois.  Someone had stolen my card information, made a fake debit card and was walking around the Windy City pretending to be me and spending money that belonged to me and my husband.  Of all the nerve!

My mind went back to our theme that day at VBS: "When you're in trouble, God is with you."  Taking the lesson to heart, I put it all in God's hands, calling the bank to report the problem.

"Don't worry, Mrs. Boose," the fraud specialist told me. "You are not liable for those charges.  Our bank will reimburse you for all the money the thieves spent."

While I do hope they catch those responsible for this crime, I can rest in the knowledge that not only will God take care of me, but He will make sure that justice is served.  I can trust Him to, "judge the world in righteousness; he will govern the peoples with justice.  The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.  Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you."  (Psalm 9:8-10)

As I walk this path of faith, I can look to many examples of how God has turned the tables on those who were trying to bring His people down.  The LORD knows how to take care of His own.

Delivery from the Den of Death

He was highly respected in the kingdom of Babylon.  After serving in the king's palace under three administrations, his reputation over the years had grown to epic proportions.  God had placed great favor upon him, so much so that the present ruler, King Darius, planned to put him in charge of the whole government. . . much to the chagrin of the rest of the governors and administrators.  

None of his peers really liked Daniel.  They were, in fact, jealous because he had risen from the position of a lowly Jewish exile to a powerful leader.  Why should he get all the glory when he wasn't even a Babylonian?  

The plan was simple, really; maybe too straight-forward.  The governors would get together all the officials and advisers to present a new decree for approval by the king that would require no prayer except to the king himself for the next month.  Anyone caught defying the edict would be thrown into the lion's den.

As expected, Daniel did not bow in worship to the king because he only prayed to the One True God.  He was headed to his death.

Although I've never faced death, I know how it feels to have people out to get me.   It hurts to know that I'm the target of their hatred.  I can take on the same attitude as Daniel, letting God protect and defend me.  Just as God protected Daniel from tragedy in the mouth of a lion, He can shield me from the assaults launched by others.  

The part of the story of Daniel that I never really liked was how those who had falsely accused Daniel were then thrown into the lions' den along with their wives and children where their met their doom.  (Daniel 6:24)  It seems so mean that the women and children suffered such a cruel death because of the actions of their husbands and fathers. But God is a righteous God and I have to trust Him to do what is perfectly just.

In this way, I know He will take care of me.  Even when accusations are made, court orders are issued, false witnesses are called and it seems the cards are stacked against me, God is greater than anything a mere human can dish out.  

And as He delivers me from my accusers, I will do as David did and, "give thanks to the LORD because of his righteousness and will sing praise to the name of the LORD Most High."  (Psalm 7:17)

Liberation from the Gallows

He hated the man with passion.  Argghh!  He ruined a perfectly fine day!  Look at him sitting there, refusing to rise out of respect for me and my position.  The gall of him!  Haman had hated him the moment he set eyes on him.  There was something about the man that got under his skin.  His eyes never betrayed that flicker of fear as most other subordinates did.  Instead, he held his head high and bowed to no man.  

Later, as he raged to his wife and friends, they gave him a great idea; Build a gallows 75-feet high and have Mordecai the Jew hung in the morning.   And that is just what he planned to do!  But God is a righteous God and He has a way of giving credit where credit is due.  

You see, Mordecai had saved the king from an assassination attempt a while back but had never been recognized for his valor.  As the king lay sleepless that night, he listened to the reading of the record of his reign and learned of this lapse.  Immediately, he put into motion a plan to honor and recognize Mordecai for his act of heroism.  

Of course, this infuriated Haman even more as he was the one to carry out the tribute.  Shameful that this dirty Jew is honored in such a way.  It should be me!

There are times when I've been looked over for recognition or honor.  I work my tail off, doing my very best only to be treated with disdain.  As 1 Peter 5:6-7 reminds me, "Be content with who you are, and don't put on airs.  God's strong hand is on you, he'll promote you at the right time.  Live carefree before God; he is most careful with you."  (MSG) 

It could be that I'm not ready for accolades; most likely it would go to my head, working to build my ego.  Or perhaps God is breaking me of my people-pleasing habit and teaching me to work for Him and Him alone.  Or maybe I just need to learn to humble myself and be content with a job well done.  Whatever the reason, God will lift me up if and when the time is right.

As for Haman; he got what was coming to him.  As only God can orchestrate, the tables were turned and Haman was hanged on the gallows he had built for Mordecai. . . and the Jewish man who had never wavered in His faith took Haman's position. 

As I live my daily life, I can focus on all the injustice and rail against those who try to bring me down.  Or, I can do as Mordecai did and hold my head high, serving in the position God has placed me to the best of my ability.  When the time is right, God will act.

When I trust God to protect me from evil schemes, I can say, "My shield is God Most High, who saves the upright in heart." (Psalm 7:10)

Provision of an Unlikely Leader

He was a hard man in a position of power against those belonging to a cult called "The Way."  He worked hard to protect the integrity of his father's faith, preserving God's laws and rooting out those who preached about Jesus as if He were the Messiah. . . .saying He was God Himself.  Blasphemy!  How dare they profane the name of the Most High God in such a ridiculous way.  

Saul made it his life's mission to persecute the members of the early Christian Church.  He was there at Stephen's stoning as everyone looked to him for approval, issued warrants for the arrest and incarceration of anyone professing Jesus as Savior and threatened death to the Lord's disciples.  In short, he made the first Christians' lives miserable.  

But God had a plan for this young man's life.  Not only would he become a follower of Jesus Christ through a miraculous encounter on the road to Damascus, but he also became the writer of much of what we today call the New Testament.  

There are times when I've felt like my life could be of no use to God.  I think there is nothing worth salvaging within me; I'm a hopeless mess!  But as witnessed in Saul's transformation, he can use anyone to glorify His name. 

When Jesus died on the cross, He made it possible for anyone to become white as snow through simple faith in Him.  As my sins are covered in the blood of Jesus, God only sees the righteousness of Christ.  By giving my life to Him, it's no longer me who lives, but Christ who lives within me.  I am a new creation created in Christ Jesus to do good works that He had prepared in advance for me to do!


I am not bound by the limitations of my past behavior, my weaknesses or my lack of skills.  Instead, I am made new by a Savior who gives me the strength to do anything He calls me to do!


God has a way of turning the tables; saving me in the face of insurmountable odds, enacting justice when the time is right, and using even a wretch like me to glorify His Name.  I agree with what King Darius said after witnessing the miracle of Daniel's protection from the mouths of the lions:


"For he is the living God and he endures forever; his kingdom will not be destroyed, his dominion will never end.  He rescues and saves; he performs signs and wonders in the heavens and earth."  (Daniel 6:26-27)


As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can put all my faith in the God who is able to rescue me and save me.


How do I take matters into my own hands and fail to allow God to protect me?


When do I fail to believe that God can use even me?

Resolved

"But Daniel resolved not to defile himself

with the royal food and wine,

and he asked the chief official 

for permission not to defile

himself this way."

Daniel 1:8

Luxuriant riches surrounded him: luscious, rich cuisine and lavish furnishings the likes he'd never seen.  His feet felt the coolness of the smooth tile, his skin the velvety touch of the silky linens, his eyes feasted on the rich tapestries and vibrant vases.  There's no doubt Daniel was far from home; far from the simple life in which he had been raised.  Far from the land of his people and God.

Just as Daniel found himself as a foreigner in a strange land, I, too, am not at home.  My heavenly dwelling awaits as the place where I truly belong.  Meanwhile, God has placed me here, as a foreigner in this strange land.

While I'm here, I can either melt into the background, becoming like the native inhabitants, or I can make up my mind to stay true to my God and His Kingdom.

Abstain

Surrounded by such a luxuriant atmosphere, it must have been quite a temptation for Daniel to succumb to the lure of the culture in which he found himself.  Since his one great desire was to please God, he found a way to remove himself from those things that were considered to be unclean or dishonoring in God's eyes. 

Daniel understood a couple of things that I haven't truly digested.  He knew that as a child of God, he is a "treasured possession."  As such, he understood and followed the teaching of God through his contemporary, Ezekiel, when God said the priests were, "to teach my people the difference between the holy and the common and show them how to distinguish between the unclean and the clean." (Ezekiel 44:23)  Daniel knew that there were some things God's people just shouldn't do out of respect and reverence for a holy God.

As one of God's children, I am called to live in a way that is holy as God is holy.  There are many ways in which I resemble the world around me.  I listen to the same music without a second thought, watch the same movies without flinching, and read the same books without blinking an eye.  The culture in which I find myself is abhorrent to God in many ways.  It is steeped in sex, violence and disregard for His sovereign ways.  It is a culture in which pleasure reigns supreme.  It is a culture where self is god.  In a nutshell, I live in Sodom and Gomorrah.  

As a young man who found himself in a similar setting, Daniel also seemed to understand the workings of his own flesh.  If Daniel had stayed with the rest of the group and been exposed to all the strange, unclean food of his pagan host, he may have succumbed to the temptation and joined in with the regimen this king required.  Instead, he knew the best way to stay true to God's ways was to completely remove himself from the source of temptation.

There are many temptations with which I am faced on a daily basis:  Images on television, the Internet and magazines that dishonor God.  Belief systems that place myself in the position of importance instead of God.  Ways of life that appeal to my sense of comfort and cravings yet do not show reverence for a holy God. 

If I want to please God, I would be wise to resolve to remove myself from those things that lure me into activities and thoughts that dishonor Him.

Honor God's Ways

It's hard to stick out like a sore thumb.  Everyone else was taking part in the 3-year period of training required in preparation for their service to serve King Nebuchadnezzar himself.  They were learning the ways of the Babylonians: adapting to their food, dress, language, literature and even religion.  Daniel, however, could not live with himself if He didn't honor God and the ways he had been taught to live as one of the people of the One True God.  It's not easy doing things God's way when no one else is making that choice.

It's not easy, but it is possible.  Mordecai, cousin and father figure of Queen Esther, was able to live as a follower of God in a place that not only worshiped their own gods, but also despised those who followed the Creator of heavens and earth, the God of his forefathers.  He had a reputation of honesty and forthrightness, even when it came to the King who was so easily led to destroy his people.  When a plot was discovered to kill the king, Mordecai exposed the evil plan, thus saving the leader.

When it came time to bow to the king's second-hand-man, however, Mordecai refused. All the other men around him knelt but Mordecai the Jew would give this honor to only One.   How easy it is to follow the crowd, compromising values, beliefs or commands in an effort to blend in with everyone else.  I will even go so far as pretending I do not know the Truth in order to keep from drawing attention to myself.

Jesus, however, said that, "Whoever acknowledges me before me, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven.  But whoever disowns me before men, I will disown him before my Father in heaven."  (Matthew 10:32-33)  When do I keep silent when my Lord's name is defiled?  How do I deny Jesus in the harsh way I treat those who irritate me?  In what ways do I fail to acknowledge God in the dishonest way I conduct business?  

If I want to please God, I would be wise to resolve to stand apart by honoring God's ways in the midst of the evil going on around me.  

Blessing from God

The sacrifices Daniel and three of his fellow exiles made did not go unnoticed. "To these four young men God gave knowledge and understanding of all kinds of literature and learning.  And Daniel could understand visions and dreams of all kinds."  (Daniel 1:17)

While there is no indication that God blessed them because of their obedience, He has said time and time again that if we do things His way, it will go well with us.

Take Joshua, for instance.  When he was the new leader of the Israelites after the death of his beloved leader, Moses, God took him aside.  He encouraged him by saying, "Be strong and very courageous.  Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go.  Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it.  Then you will be prosperous and successful." (Joshua 1:7-8)

Making a special effort to live my life the way God is teaching me to live as I study His Word and learn more about Him will result in blessing.  The favor of God is on me when I am living according to His ways.  He decides what that will look like, but of this I can be sure: "He blesses the home of the righteous."  (Proverbs 3:33)

If I want to please God by resolving to abstain from evil and adhere to His ways, my life will be blessed with the favor of God.

It's not easy to live in a material, shallow and godless world, but if Daniel can do it, so can I.  It is my heart's desire to please God by making up my mind to stay away from things that corrupt and keep close to things that honor God, resulting in a life blessed by Him.

As I begin this day, it is my prayer that I will honor God with my thoughts, words and actions.  

How would making a resolution to keep myself pure of evil change the choices I make on a daily basis?

Is it possible to honor God with my life when I am partaking of so much corruption?