For whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all

James 2:10
For whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all.

The Law is complete and perfect. Mankind is fallen, and is not perfect. No one can be completely sinless except for one Yshua Massiach. Even the very good people will fail to obey God completely throughout their lives. The perfect law means that breaking any part of it is enough for God's righteous condemnation. So how is anyone going to live up to this. Admission of our inability to get right with God on our own is the first step. The next step is of course to except Yshua as our Lord, because He has paid the penalty for our sins when He went to the cross and gained victory over death.

But by the grace of God I am what I am

1 Corinthians 5:10
But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.

There are various things that Paul said in the Scriptures that may sound arrogant. Looking closely at those statements, instead of arrogance, it is actually confidence. And instead of self-confidence those statements are a reflection of his confidence in God. The thing to be most confident about is salvation and the fact that it is purely through grace. As Paul said, this is important for two reasons, so that no one can boast that they are good enough so they earned their salvation, also a gratitude towards God that it is given to us knowing that there is no way we can achieve that on our own. So we can claim confidently that we are saved and that we can do all things through Christ Yshua.

He will glorify me

John 16:14
He will glorify me

To ignore the death of our Lord Yshua and to ignore the meaning and significance, is not the kind of faith that will be useful. It is at the Cross, that His death and Resurrection reveal the power and glory of God Almighty. The work of salvation is finally done at the cross and nowhere else. This has enormous meaning for us because that is the only way that we can be saved. It is what makes the Christian faith real, not just wishful thinking.

Being justified freely by His grace

Romans 3:24
Being justified freely by His grace

The salvation we are given is by grace, meaning it is totally free. More so, we are incapable of earning or working toward it. It is something not easily accepted even at the subconscious level by some people. When people earn and work hard, they feel some sense of achievement and deservedness. However, salvation belongs to God and the only way is to come and accept it with the innocence of children.

But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ

Galatians 6:14
But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom[a] the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.

Again to continue with this verse, the focus is on our Lord Yshua. He is the best example of how we should live. He called us to be in this world but not be part of it. He showed us this by example, as He has no hesitation being involved with people whom society dislikes such as prostitutes, lepers, tax collectors and criminals. However, inwardly He is totally disconnected from all their sins. The religious people of all ages concentrate on what is good and who can join their group. Our Lord looks at all people and brings the message of God's Kingdom to all people, except those who deliberately choose not to hear Him. So we are to consecrate ourselves to God meaning live a God focused life, preach the Cross and His Kingdom and the miracle of salvation is God's gift.

Our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom[a] the world has been crucified

Galatians 6:14
But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom[a] the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.

Continuing with the same verse, the focus therefore is not on ourselves. Various modern sermons tend to concentrate on how believing and submitting to Jesus will enrich our lives. This has drawn large crowds of people back to the church - which is a good result. However, to produce true life-changing experience, the account of the Cross and the story of redemption by our Lord and Saviour must never be diminished. The focus of preaching should not be merely on the people's spiritual condition, but rather on the Cross because we are commanded to preach "Yshua Massiach and Him crucified".

But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ

Galatians 6:14
But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom[a] the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.

Paul has a deep understanding of Scriptures before he came to know Christ. When he encountered the Lord, all his doctrines made complete sense especially the work of our Lord on the Cross. This sacrificial work is a stumbling block to some and foolishness to others. Yet, when we go out and preach the gospel, the preaching of the work of the Cross must not be diminished in any way. To ignore what was accomplished at the Cross is to rob the Salvation message of its power and the whole reason that our Lord came to die for our sins.

Behold, as the eyes of servants look to the hand of their masters

Psalm 123:2
Behold, as the eyes of servants look to the hand of their masters,
As the eyes of a maid to the hand of her mistress,
So our eyes look to the Lord our God,
Until He has mercy on us.

This is a message about our reliance on God as we look to Him expectantly for help. The analogy used is between a maid and her mistress to show the case between us and God. The maid is looking upon the confirmation or approval or guidance from her mistress. She could also be tired and weary and also in a state of submission to her mistress. So too we should be toward God, instead of planning everything ourselves.

Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God

1 Corinthians 10:31
Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

Every single thing is ordained or allowed by God - this follows from the fact that God is truly Almighty. So there may be many times and instances in life that we are doing mundane things but we cannot despise these simple things. We should not be glorifying church or mission work over the daily chores that people still have to do, including our own chores. Otherwise this can lead to spiritual pride or a sense of superiority by those who serve.

I have glorified You on the earth. I have finished the work which You have given Me to do

John 17:4
I have glorified You on the earth. I have finished the work which You have given Me to do.

The last few words of our Lord Yshua on earth summarises His mission. From the beginning, He was destined for the Cross, because that is the only way that God could redeem sinful people. God's love itself does not redeem us, but is the motivation of what Yshua had to go through for us. When the work on the Cross was completed, mankind can now be redeemed back to God, as the sins have been forgiven for people, and had been transferred to our Holy Lord on the Cross.

In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace

Ephesians 1:7
In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace. 

Forgiveness of sins by God must never be underestimated or made less relevant to anything else. We have forgiveness by God because of the terrible sacrifice of the Lord Yshua on the cross. The Lord Himself asked if there is any other way, knowing that terrible thing that He had to go through, yet there was no other way. It came at great price to God to redeem us. Keeping this in mind will help us not lose track in our walk with God.

He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment

John 16:8
And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment

The Holy Spirit convicts us of sin, He lives within us to tell us what is right and wrong in God's eyes. Before people receive the Holy Spirit, God has also built into man, a conscience knowing what God thinks is right and wrong. Having the Holy Spirit is much more because God Himself tells us and makes it clear His path. It is through the work of the Holy Spirit that makes it possible for us to renew our minds and renew our lives so that we live for the Glory of God.

John 8:36
Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.

Freedom is a much spoken and fought for right over the last few centuries. For most of human history, freedom had not been a universal right. During the times of occupation and subjugation of the Roman Empire, the time when our Lord Yshua lived, he spoke of freedom and promised true freedom for those who follow Him. How can He promise to deliver freedom, unless He is the true ultimate highest authority. And the freedom He promises, is the true ultimate freedom for a human being.

Have not withheld your son, your only son - blessing I will bless you, and multiplying I will multiply

Genesis 22:16-17
By Myself I have sworn, says the Lord, because you have done this thing, and have not withheld your son, your only son— 17 blessing I will bless you, and multiplying I will multiply your descendants as the stars of the heaven and as the sand which is on the seashore; and your descendants shall possess the gate of their enemies.

Incredible blessings has been bestowed upon Abraham when Abraham acted out his faith in allowing his only son, and through all God's promises would come, to be sacrificed. The extend of his faith is even more incredible when lokking at various circumstances. Firstly, the God he was serving, had never before asked for human sacrifice. Secondly, he knew somehow God would resurrect his son, even though that also had not been done before. Thirdly, all of God promises was based on Isaac and not any other son. So Abraham was a man shown to be totally trusting of his God. The promises of God came to pass for Abraham because he was obedient to God.

Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God

1 Corinthians 10:31
Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

Do everything for the glory of God. How exactly can we do this? Sometimes the things that God wants us to do would not result in something obvious that others would shout and cheer about. Sometimes God's assignments can mean that the things we do would not even be welcomed by others. The only motivation should be thinking about God and how pleased He would be, this would lead to His glorification whether others could see it or not.

What is that to you? You follow Me

John 21:21-22
Peter, seeing him, said to Jesus, “But Lord, what about this man?”
Jesus said to him, “If I will that he remain till I come, what is that to you? You follow Me.”

The risen Lord Yshua had just restored Peter and assigned him to "feed His sheep". Then Peter was concerned what would happen to another disciple. Sometimes we too may be concerned about the spiritual assignment that others have. Sometimes it may be due to unconscious envy or sometimes it is just curiosity and meddling in places that we should not have. God has assignments and plans which are different for everyone. It is enough to listen, obey and serve God the way that He intended, without wasting our thoughts on others unless God wants us to intervene.

As for me, being on the way, The Lord led me to the house of my master’s brethren

Genesis 24:27
... As for me, being on the way, the Lord led me to the house of my master’s brethren.”

This is a passage where Abraham was dependent on the leading of God. He has matured to the stage that he no longer questions or debate with God, rather he hears God's guidance and follow. We too are suppose to live this way, how much more so since we have the Holy Spirit living in us to guide us. If we belong to Yshua, then and wrong deeds would result in a conflict within our spirit. Another warning for us is to not fall into the trap of religious traditions, but in anything we do, do it unto the Lord.

The Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me

Galatians 2:20
...the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. 

This phrase is should be a big realization and motivation for us to a changed life. Thinking critically about the phrase, it consists of three parts. First, Jesus - Yshua is the Son of the Living God - who Himself is at One with God. Second - is the fact that Yshua loves us. Third, following from the first two facts, He gave Himself to us. Put together, these three facts should move us all to yield completely to Yshua. There is no other excuse, no other valid reason for anything else, no place for thinking about ourselves. This should be the reason to turn whole-heartedly to Yshua and abandon our rebellion and disobedience. And living a changed life, there should be nothing else that should lead us to fear and doubt.

If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation

2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.

Being in Christ means a new creation. This is what it means to be born again but more because we are meant to leave the old ways behind. Being a new person means we are no longer doing the same things or being tempted by the same things. This is difficult for some because we are living in the same world with the same circumstances. However the change is suppose to come from the inside, with the Holy Spirit.

Take now your son

Genesis 22:2
He said "Take now your son ..."

This is a great example of faith by Abraham of his God. For God asked him to sacrifice his only son (from his wife). What's more than just fatherly relationship is the fact that God has promised Abraham great blessings coming through this particular son. That would mean Abraham believed God that He can still fulfill His promise. It was written that God would be able to resurrect his son, even though such things was not recorded before. In essence, Abraham believed God greatly and did not question God or try to apply human logic.

Our fellow laborer in the gospel of Christ

1 Thessalonians 3:2
and sent Timothy, our brother and minister of God, and our fellow laborer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you and encourage you concerning your faith

Paul was sending Timothy to help with the establishment of an earlier church. Timothy was fully ready to be send out on God's work, just like Isaiah was when he responded to God's call to send him. Being in the service of God means yielding to His calling which may take us anywhere or anyhow He pleases. There is little room for our own plans. Unless we totally yield to the leading of the Holy Spirit, we may be lost in our own world of playing church.

For the sake of His body, which is the church

Colossians 1:24
I now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up in my flesh what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ, for the sake of His body, which is the church,

Paul the preacher, teacher, evangelist, apostle empties himself and preached wholeheartedly for Christ. He would point to the person of Yehsua Ha Masiach. This is the same way we should reveal the gospel to others as it is. It is not about telling others of just a transformed life or the benefits or blessings. The core message of the gospel in the person of Yeshua needs to be conveyed. Ultimately it is God who would bring this message to bloom within the hearer and establish the Kingdom in their hearts.

The Spirit Himself makes intercession for us[b] with groanings which cannot be uttered

Romans 8:26
Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us[b] with groanings which cannot be uttered

The Holy Spirit does prayer Himself in us, this is the unutterable prayers that can be manifested outwardly in tongue. This is indeed a glorious occasion that God can use us as a praying vessel, praying for us when we don't know what to prayer. The other aspect of this is to remember that the Holy Spirit is living in our bodies which are regarded as the Temple of God. This is more reason for us to maintain purity in our bodies and not forget that our physical body is also called to be holy.

All things work together for good to those who love God

Romans 8:28
And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. 

This verse has usually used to comfort believers when they are in difficulty, facing struggles and hardships. In a more general sense it says that God is in control of everything. It is His providence rather than any coincidence that we are placed in any situation. We can always make use of the current situation and be a blessing for others, as we yield to God's providence.

Do you believe this?

John 11:26
And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?”

Martha had believed who Jesus is and that He had power from God. However, she was still set in her way of thinking that if his brother was to be healed, then he cannot die first. This is obvious to anyone. It would strectch anyone's imagination that Yshua could heal his brother after he had passed on. Yet walking with Yshua is faith in Him, that we should let go of any preconceived ideas and accept that God can do anything that we have not even thought of.

Rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s suffering

1 Peter 4:13
but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. 

Yshua will show us various kinds of struggles in life and let us experience them sometimes. This may be for training us to deal with situations and to help people who encounter similar situations in future. This may be the opposite to the blessings that some believers are hoping for, but God has not promised us a trouble free life. In times of blessings, which there will be, thank the Lord, so that in times of trouble, we can also thank the Lord.

Draw near to God and He will draw near to you

James 4:8
Draw near to God and He will draw near to you

God has told us what we need to do on a personal level through the prophets, and then through His only Son, Yshua. No one can push us towards knowing God and establishing a relationship with Him, except Yshua Himself. Perhaps this is where faith really comes in. For those who overcome this faith barrier, the effects would be amazing. No longer will they be under the domination of the world, flesh and evil. Drawing to God will enable us to join with God and tap into His redemptive power.

Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me

Galatians 2:20
I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me

This passage shows what being a Christian is supposed to be. Usually people introduce others to Christianity with salvation, which is true and essential. Once we accepted Yshua as Massiach and our Lord, then we are crucified with Him. Paul explains this crucifixion of self as being that we need to live our lives for Him. In other words, it is about doing His will, not our own will based on our plans and desires.

If you love me, keep My commandments

John 14:15
If you love me, keep My commandments

God never forces us to obey. From the Old Testament times, He presented His people with clear choices: obedience leads to blessings, disobedience leads to curses. God does not have to actively curse us, all He needs is withold His favour and this cursed world will have its effect on us. Jesus too usually begins His sayings with "if". The choice is still ours. However, if we belong to Him, we will be doing the right thing, and if we disobeyed and belong to Him, then we will feel rotten about it.

Do you not know that ..... you are not your own

Corinthians 6:19
Do you not know that ..... you are not your own.

The man who says there is no God, usually thinks that he is his own man; or the other case is to think he is totally at the mercy of luck. However, those who know God, knows that He is sovereign. As such, all believers belong to God, and they are not their own anymore, but even this is difficult for believers to take on. It is only through surrender to God that we can become useful to Him. Situation may arise to cause inconvenience or problems, but knowing that we belong to Him, is a great way to get us through.