AS WE ENTER “AUGUST”

AUGUST, as a word means respected, impressive and distinguished. August is the eighth month in the Gregorian calendar that we use in the world today. August is a month of summer in the West; a month of harvest in some places; a month of holidays to some; and to us in India, it is the month of Indian independence from the British colonial rule. 

August was originally called “Sextilus” – the sixth month; but in 8 B.C. it was changed to eighth month, naming it August, to honour Emperor Augustus or more familiarly known as Caesar Augustus, because August is the time where he had several of his great military victories. 

The New Testament records three Roman Emperors – Augustus Caesar – Luke 2:1, Tiberius Caesar – Luke 3:1, and  Claudius Caesar – Acts 18:28. Augustus is popular among Christians because of the Christmas narrative of Luke 2.
– “​1 And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. 3 So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city. 4 Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child.” – Luke 2:1-5

Someone creatively used “AUGUST” as an acronym, and added relevant Bible verses to make it meaningful for us. Here under is the month of AUGUST for us, and I added a few words for our benefit.

A – ABIDE IN CHRIST EVERY DAY
To ABIDE is to be connected or stay in contact with someone or something. For a Christian, to abide in Christ our Redeemer, is absolutely essential for our life, our fruitfulness and our very survival of it.
– “4 Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.” – John 15:4

U – UNDERSTAND GOD’S WILL THROUGH HIS WORD
Understand or know what is in the heart of our God for the world, what His will is for our lives.
– “15 See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, 16 redeeming the time, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is.” – Ephesians 5:15-17

G – GIVE THANKS IN EVERY CIRCUMSTANCE
Thanking God our Creator and our Redeemer, for all what He has done for us, is a reflection of our hearts, and an unmistakable indication of our spiritual health, and the attitudes and intentions held in our heart.
– “16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

U – UPLIFT OTHERS WITH LOVE
Our care and concern for others is seen in the way we encourage, uplift and uphold others in their needs and tough times. Such a heart is led by godly compassion.
– “11 Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing.” – Thessalonians 5:11

S – STAND FIRM IN FAITH, NO MATTER THE TRIALS
Trials and tests are to be expected by every Christian. They are the most natural thing to happen to us, if we are walking as our LORD Jesus had commanded us in His Word, the Bible. Therefore, stand firm and walk by faith.
– “13 Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong. 14 Let all that you do be done with love.” – 1 Corinthians 16:13-14

T – TRUST THE LORD WITH ALL YOUR HEART
Whether sunshine or rain, we are called to trust God with all our hearts. For it is in God that we have our safety, provision, peace, progress and joy. Outside of God there is nothing worthwhile to look up to for a Christian.
– “5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; 6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. 7 Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the LORD and depart from evil. 8 It will be health to your flesh, And strength to your bones.” – Proverbs 3:5-8

AS WE ENTER “AUGUST” another new month, let us earnestly seek the LORD Jesus for His grace and goodness to be with us, and guide us through the thick and the thin of this month. Even so, the LORD help us.