Do not make God into your own image

Scripture

The LORD is slow to get angry, but his power is great, and he never lets the guilty go unpunished. He displays his power in the whirlwind and the storm. The billowing clouds are the dust beneath his feet. (Nahum 1:3 NLT)

the Lord is slow to anger and great in power, and the Lord will in no way acquit the guilty. In gale winds and a storm is His way, and clouds are the dust of His feet. (Nahum 1:3 MEV)

Observation

1. God is slow to get angry.

God is merciful.  It is his very nature to forgive.

2.  He must punish the guilty.

God's is merciful but he is also just.  God is fully both at the same time.  My mind cannot understand that, I think mercy and justice contradict each other, that you are either one or the other.  But God is above my ways and above my thinking.  He is merciful and just.  He is slow to anger but will not allow the guilty to go unpunished.

3. God is all powerful.

He controls nature and is a force.

Application

1. Do not take God's mercy for granted.  

He is a merciful God but he also upholds justice.

2. Leave my enemies and the evil people of this world into his hands.

God will choose how to deal with evil.  Trust him with my enemies.  Trust him with the injustices of the world.  

3. Don't put God in a box.

Do not make God into who I want him to be but accept him as He is.

He is a multifaceted God who is  above my comprehension.

Prayer

Forgive me for taking your mercy for granted.  May I mourn over and repent of my sins.

May. I not take vengeance on others.  I place the evil of this world into your hands.  I trust you to do the right thing.

How to approach God

Scripture

When God saw what they had done and how they had put a stop to their evil ways, he changed his mind and did not carry out the destruction he had threatened. (Jonah 3:10 NLT)

When God saw their actions, that they turned from their evil ways, He changed His mind about the disaster that He had said He would bring upon them, and He did not do it. (Jonah 3:10 MEV)

He prayed to the Lord and said, “O Lord! Is this not what I said while I was still in my own land? This is the reason that I fled before to Tarshish, because I knew that You are a gracious God and merciful, slow to anger, abundant in faithfulness, and ready to relent from punishment. (Jonah 4:2 MEV)

So he complained to the LORD about it: “Didn’t I say before I left home that you would do this, LORD? That is why I ran away to Tarshish! I knew that you are a merciful and compassionate God, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. You are eager to turn back from destroying people. (Jonah 4:2 NLT)

Observation

1. Repentance moves God.

When God saw the sincerity of the people, he changed his mind.

My actions can effect God's actions.

That is an amazing statement!

2. God's character

A. God is gracious.

B. God is merciful

C. God is slow to anger

D. God is filled with unfailing love

E. Eager to turn back from destroying people.

Application

1. True repentance moves the heart of God.

Nineveh heard and believed God's message.  They mourned over their sins.  They changed the way they lived.  

2. God does not want to bring judgment, God is a God of grace.

Judgment is a last resort for God.  It is in his heart to bless His children.  

3. I don't approach God based upon my character but His.

I can boldly approach the throne of grace because it is a throne of grace.  There I receive blessings I do not deserve.

Prayer

Father, today I ask for mercy and grace.  Do not treat me as I deserve but based upon your character.

Fear of God leads to freedom

Scripture

Fearing people is a dangerous trap, but trusting the LORD means safety. (Proverbs 29:25 NLT)

The fear of man brings a snare, but whoever puts his trust in the Lord will be safe. (Proverbs 29:25 MEV)

Observations

1. Fear of man is a snare, a trap.

Fear prevents me from action. Trying to please man or to impress someone hinders my judgment.  I cannot live life trying to please people or in fear of people.

2. Trusting God leads to safety,

Pleasing man leads to danger, living to please God means safety.

Application

1. Live to please God not to impress men.

2. Fear of man is a snare, fear of God is liberating.

3. Once God reveals His will to me, I must act, even in the face of opposition.

Prayer

Free me from the fear of men and free me from the desire to please or impress people.

May I fear and place my trust in you.  Fear of God leads to freedom.

Open and closed doors

Scripture

“Write this letter to the angel of the church in Philadelphia. This is the message from the one who is holy and true, the one who has the key of David. What he opens, no one can close; and what he closes, no one can open: (Revelation 3:7 NLT)

“To the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: These are the words of him who is holy and true, who holds the key of David. What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open. (Revelation 3:7 NIV)

Observation

1. God holds the keys in his hands.

2. What God opens no one can shut.

3. What door God shuts no one can open.

Application

1. Keys represents authority.  The person with the keys to the house has the power to provide or deny access.   He can let people in or can lock them out.  

2. When God opens a door no one can shut it.

When God provides access to a country no one can shut that door.  Governments are not sovereign only God is.  He can open doors to presently closed countries.

3. When God closes a door no one can force it open.

When Paul wanted to go to a certain place, the Bible says he was forbidden.  Paul could not force a closed door to open.

3. The lesson is I have to be spirit led.  God opens and shuts doors.  

A. I have to be willing to go through the open doors no matter how scary they may be.  I have to go forward in faith.  

B.  I do not try to force doors to open.  God's timing is perfect and he knows when a country is ready for the gospel.  I have to trust his timing.

4. Obedience is the key.  Like the old hymn I must trust and obey, there is no other way.

Prayer

Build my trust in you.  Produce in me the faith and courage to go through open doors and may I trust your timing.

The majesty of forgiveness

Scripture

LORD, if you kept a record of our sins, who, O Lord, could ever survive? But you offer forgiveness, that we might learn to fear you. I am counting on the LORD; yes, I am counting on him. I have put my hope in his word. (Psalms 130:3-5 NLT)

If you, O Lord, should keep track of iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand? For there is forgiveness with You, that You may be feared. I wait for the Lord, with bated breath I wait; I long for His Word! (Psalms 130:3-5 MEV)

Observation

1. If God kept a record of my sins, I could never stand.

My heart is deceitful above all else.  I overestimate my goodness and underestimate my tendency to sin.

2. God offers forgiveness and forgetfulness.

He forgives me of all sin and throws then into the sea of forgetfulness.  He remembers them no more.  

3. God's willingness to forgive me should produce fear in me.  

God's mercy is a scary thing, only God treats men in such a way.  He is above all.

4. I wait for God as a child on Christmas Eve not as a patient in a dentist office.

I am anxious for His appearing.

5. I long for His presence and word.

Application

1. Never take God's forgiveness for granted.

2. It should produce fear, wonder, and gratitude in me.

3. Long for his presence above all else.

4. Feed upon His word daily.

Prayer

I ask for your forgiveness.  I am in need of your presence.  Come to me today. 

Jesus will complete my sanctification

Scripture

Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, (Jude 1:24 KJV)

Now all glory to God, who is able to keep you from falling away and will bring you with great joy into his glorious presence without a single fault. (Jude 1:24 NLT)

Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, (Jude 1:24 ESV)

Now to Him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you blameless before the presence of His glory with rejoicing, (Jude 1:24 MEV)

To him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy— (Jude 1:24 NIV)

Observation

1. To Him- Jesus

2. Who is able

3. To keep me from stumbling, falling, falling away

4. To present me without fault, blameless, faultless, without a single fault.

5. In his glorious presence, presence of. His glory, 

6. With great joy, rejoicing, exceeds

King joy

Application

Jesus is able to keep me from falling into sin.  He will present me to the Father blames and faultless with great joy.  

Jesus will complete my sanctification.  He will make me pure and holy before The Lord.  He will do in my what I cannot do for myself.

Prayer

Father complete your work in me.

The most difficult verses to obey

Scripture

Do not repay evil for evil, or curse for curse, but on the contrary, bless, knowing that to this you are called, so that you may receive a blessing. (1 Peter 3:9 MEV)

Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to God’s wrath, for it is written: “Vengeance is Mine. I will repay,” says the Lord. (Romans 12:19 MEV)

But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, (Matthew 5:44 MEV)

Observation

1. Do not repay evil for evil.

2. Do not repay curse for  curse

3. Bless them

4. Do not avenge myself

5. Give place to God's wrath

6. Love my enemies

7. Bless those who curse you

8. Do good to those who hate you

9. Pray for those who spitefully use you.

10. Pray for those who persecute you.

Application

1. Do I have enough faith to allow God to take care of me in the midst of suffering and persecution?

2. Do I trust God to bring about justice?

3. Is this just for individuals or is there a corporate application?

4. Is there such a thing as a just war?  If yes, give New Testament proof.

5. How do I apply there verses in my life?

6. How do I teach these verses to American church without being judgemental?  

Prayer

Teach me to love my enemies and do good to those who hate me. 

Consider your life

Scripture

I pondered the direction of my life, and I turned to follow your laws. (Psalms 119:59 NLT)

I thought about my ways, And turned my feet to Your testimonies. (Psalms 119:59 NKJV)

When I think on my ways, I turn my feet to your testimonies; (Psalm 119:59 ESV)

I have considered my ways and have turned my steps to your statutes. (Psalm 119:59 NIV)

I consider my ways, and I turn my feet to Your testimonies. (Psalms 119:59 MEV)

Observation

1. I am to ponder, think about, and consider my ways, the direction of my life.

A. Ponder- to consider something deeply and thoroughly; meditate (often followed by over or upon ).  To weigh carefully in the mind

—verb (used with object)

B. Think- to have a certain thing as the subject of one's thoughts: I was thinking about you. We could think of nothing else.

C. Consider- to pay attention to; regard:

2. I am to turn my feet to follow your laws, your testimonies, and your statues.

Application

I am to consider my life deeply, to weigh my life in my mind.  To pay attention to my life and have it as the subject of my thoughts.

I, at times, need to evaluate my ways, the direction of my life.   Where I have strayed from God's word, I need to make a course correction, what I am following God's word, I continue forward.  

I do not live life aimlessly or directionless.  I consider my life and adjust it according to the word of God.  I do not adjust God's word to me, but me to it.

Prayer

Search me and see if I have strayed from your word.  Bring me into compliance to your ways.  I desire to walk a narrow road that leads to you.

Never be put to shame

Scripture

So prepare your minds for action and exercise self-control. Put all your hope in the gracious salvation that will come to you when Jesus Christ is revealed to the world. (1 Peter 1:13 NLT)

Therefore guard your minds, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. (1 Peter 1:13 MEV)

For also it is contained in the Scripture, “Look! I lay in Zion a chief cornerstone, elect, precious, and he who believes in Him shall never be put to shame.” (1 Peter 2:6 MEV)

As the Scriptures say, “I am placing a cornerstone in Jerusalem, chosen for great honor, and anyone who trusts in him will never be disgraced.” (1 Peter 2:6 NLT)

Observation

1. Guard my mind.

Don't allow for fantasies.  Guard the eye gate and mind gate.

2. Exercise self control

Self control is produced in me by the Holy Spirit.  He gives me the power to control my passions and appetites.

3. Put all my hope in Jesus.

I am inadequate to live a pure and holy life.  I cannot hope in my will power but in the power of the cross.  He is my enabler.

4. I put my trust in Jesus knowing I will never be put to shame.

He will not let me down.  He will give me the victory.

Application

1. Guard eye and mind gate.

2. Depend upon the Holy Spirit throughout the day.  Pray in the spirit continuously.

3. Believe that the one who died for me will bring me the victory.

Prayer

Father I desire to live in holiness and honor not for my pride but to be pleasing to you.  Sometimes I think my motives are wrong, I want to be able to say that I am somebody.  That the sin is all about me and what it does to me, but it is all about God and the grief in causes him.  May I truly mourn over my sin.  May I desire to please you above all.

Love, Learn, and Live the Word

Scripture

Open my eyes to see the wonderful truths in your instructions. (Psalms 119:18 NLT)

Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law. (Psalm 119:18 NIV)

Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law. (Psalm 119:18 ESV)

Open my eyes, that I may see Wondrous things from Your law. (Psalms 119:18 NKJV)

Observation

1. It is not automatic that I will understand the word.

2. I pray that God I will open my eyes to see.

My eyes can be closed or my eyes can be open but not see.

3. There are wonderful truths in God's word but I can miss them.

4. The Holy Spirit is my teacher, he teaches me the truths that are in God's word.

5. I can conduct my life according to the word.

Application

Bible study be more than a study but an encounter with God.  The Holy Spirit reveals truths from God's word that I live my life by.

1. Love

2. Learn

3. Live

The Word

Waiting on God

Scripture

Dear brothers and sisters, be patient as you wait for the Lord’s return. Consider the farmers who patiently wait for the rains in the fall and in the spring. They eagerly look for the valuable harvest to ripen. You, too, must be patient. Take courage, for the coming of the Lord is near. (James 5:7-8 NLT)

Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. The farmer waits for the precious produce of the soil, being patient about it, until it gets the early and late rains. You too be patient; strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near. (James 5:7-8 NASB)

Observation

1. Be patient until Jesus comes.

2. Example: farmer patiently waits for the harvest.

3. I must be patient.

4. Strengthen my heart and take courage

5. The coming of The Lord is near

Application

I want God of do everything now.  I do not like to wait but God does not operate in a microwave but a slow cooker.  Food in a slow Cooker tastes better and God 's will in God's time is best.

Prayer

Give me the patience to allow you to work in me.

Drawing near

Scripture

Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Lament and mourn and weep! Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up. (James 4:7-10 NKJV)

So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world. Let there be tears for what you have done. Let there be sorrow and deep grief. Let there be sadness instead of laughter, and gloom instead of joy. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honor. (James 4:7-10 NLT)

Observation

1. Submit to God.

He is the supreme authority over my life.  Lower myself before him.

2. Resist the devil

He will flee if I persist in resisting.  I have to take a stand against the devil's schemes.  Example is Jesus temptation, he resisted the devil with the word of God and satan fled.

3. Draw near to God and He will draw near to me.

Come close to God, go near him and he promises to respond to me.

4. Purify and cleanse my hands and my heart.

Truly mourn my sins.  This is more than guilt, it is repentance.  It is more than wanting forgiveness, it is wanting cleansing and transformation.

5. Humble myself before God and He will lift me up.

Application

Submission

Resisting

Drawing

Purifying

Humbling 

Prayer

I humble myself before you and submit to your authority over my life.  I resist the devil's advances but I come close to you, I respond to your wooing.  I repent of my sins and ask for your forgiveness and cleasning, I acknowledge my complete need of you.  

Wisdom

Scripture

But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere. (James 3:17 NLT)

But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. (James 3:17 NKJV)

Observation

The characteristics of God's wisdom:

1. Pure

2. Peaceable or loves peace

3. Gentle

4. Willing to yield

5. Full of mercy

6. Full of good fruits or deeds

7. Without partiality, does not show favoritism

8. Without hypocrisy, is sincere.

Application

I can distinguish the wisdom of God from the wisdom of the world by its characteristics.  God's wisdom will have his character in it. He  will never lead me to do something that is outside of his character.  So his wisdom is always gentle, God's emotions are always under control,  his wisdom always seeks peace because God is a peacemaker.  His wisdom never holds grudges because He is a God of mercy, etc.

I must evaluate the advice or wisdom I receive against the character of God.

Prayer

Father give me your wisdom. Give me a discerning spirit.  May I know the difference between the wisdom of God from the wisdom of the world.

Faith is not enough

Scripture

Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. (James 2:17 NKJV)

So faith by itself, if it has no works, is dead. (James 2:17 MEV)

Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself. (James 2:17 NASB)

In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. (James 2:17 NIV)

So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. (James 2:17 ESV)

So you see, faith by itself isn’t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless. (James 2:17 NLT)

Observation

1. Faith cannot be alone.  It is inadequate by itself.

2. My beliefs must produce action.

What I do reveals what I believe more than what I say.

3. Faith without action is dead.

It does not produce anything,

Application

I have to act in faith.  Faith is not inaction but acting based upon a promise of God.  I believe in God's character to keep his promise and I act on that belief.  It is not ask then wait and see but it is ask and then act.

Prayer

Father, build my faith.  May  I act upon your promises because I believe in your character.

Rest for my soul

Scripture

Let my soul be at rest again, for the LORD has been good to me. (Psalms 116:7 NLT)

Return to your rest, O my soul; for the Lord has vindicated you. (Psalms 116:7 MEV)

Return to your rest, O my soul, For the LORD has dealt bountifully with you. (Psalms 116:7 NASB)

Return to your rest, my soul, for the Lord has been good to you. (Psalm 116:7 NIV)

Return, O my soul, to your rest; for the Lord has dealt bountifully with you. (Psalm 116:7 ESV)

Return to your rest, O my soul, For the LORD has dealt bountifully with you. (Psalms 116:7 NKJV)

Observation

1. There is a state of rest for my soul.

2. My soul can be at rest.

3. Because God has been good to me. Has dealt bountifully with you.

A. Soul- the principle of life, feeling, thought, and action in humans, regarded as a distinct entity separate from the body, and commonly held to be separable in existence from the body; the spiritual part of humans as distinct from the physical part.

B. rest- 

the refreshing quiet or repose of sleep: a good night's rest.

refreshing ease or inactivity after exertion or labor: to allow an hour for rest.

relief or freedom, especially from anything that wearies, troubles, or disturbs.

a period or interval of inactivity, repose, solitude, or tranquillity: to go away for a rest.

mental or spiritual calm; tranquillity.

C. Bountifully- liberal in bestowing gifts, favors, or bounties; munificent; generous.

abundant; ample: a bountiful supply.

My soul can be in a state of rest, calm, and tranquility because God has dealt with me  bountifully, liberally, abundantly.

Application

Find rest for my soul.  Trust God for and in all things.  Do what he has called  me to do and no more.  Be comfortable being myself, be satisfied in my gifting.  Do not measure myself against others.

Prayer

Father give me rest for my soul, deal with me bountifully.

cross training

Scripture

But reject profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise yourself toward godliness. (I Timothy 4:7 NKJV)

But refuse profane and foolish myths. Instead, exercise in the ways of godliness. (1 Timothy 4:7 MEV)

But have nothing to do with worldly fables fit only for old women. On the other hand, discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness; (1 Timothy 4:7 NASB)

Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. (1 Timothy 4:7 NIV)

Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; (1 Timothy 4:7 ESV)

Do not waste time arguing over godless ideas and old wives’ tales. Instead, train yourself to be godly. (1 Timothy 4:7 NLT)

Observation

1. Train, exercise, discipline myself to be Godly.

A. Train- 

to develop or form the habits, thoughts, or behavior of (a child or other person) by discipline and instruction: to train an unruly boy.

to make proficient by instruction and practice, as in some art, profession, or work: to train soldiers.

to make (a person) fit by proper exercise, diet, practice, etc., as for an athletic performance.

to discipline and instruct (an animal), as in the performance of tasks or tricks.

B. Exercise

to put through exercises, or forms of practice or exertion, designed to train, develop, condition, or the like: to exercise a horse.

to put (faculties, rights, etc.) into action, practice, or use: to exercise freedom of speech.

to use or display in one's action or procedure: to exercise judgment.

C. Discipline

training to act in accordance with rules; drill: military discipline.

activity, exercise, or a regimen that develops or improves a skill; training: A daily stint at the typewriter is excellent discipline for a writer.

punishment inflicted by way of correction and training.

the rigor or training effect of experience, adversity, etc.: the harsh discipline of poverty.

Application

I am to train, exercise, and discipline myself to be like Jesus.  I do not try to be Godly but I train to be Godly.  Training is a process the Holy Spirit uses to accomplish something in me.  Trying is attempting to be like Jesus based upon My own effort,hard work, self denial, etc.  Trying leads to pride and failure. Training Leads to transformation.

Prayer

Make me more like Jesus.

Men sharpen men

Scripture

Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend. (Proverbs 27:17 KJV)

Iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend. (Proverbs 27:17 MEV)

As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another. (Proverbs 27:17 NIV)

As iron sharpens iron, So a man sharpens the countenance of his friend. (Proverbs 27:17 NKJV)

As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend. (Proverbs 27:17 NLT)

Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another. (Proverbs 27:17 ESV)

Observation

Right relationships can strengthen my spiritual growth.

Men need men in their life.  A man can challenge a man in ways woman cannot.

Application

I need strongmen who will speak into my life.

I need to be a strong man in the lives of other men,

Prayer

Give me men who will speak into my life.

May I be a man who speaks into the lives of other men.

Pursue peace and holiness

Scripture

Pursue peace with all men, and the sanctification without which no one will see the Lord. (Hebrews 12:14 NASB)

Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. (Hebrews 12:14 NIV)

Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord: (Hebrews 12:14 NKJV)

Work at living in peace with everyone, and work at living a holy life, for those who are not holy will not see the Lord. (Hebrews 12:14 NLT)

Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord. (Hebrews 12:14 ESV)

Observation

1. Pursue and strive for peace with all men.  Make every effort and work hard at living in peace with everyone.

2. Pursue and strive to be holy.  Work hard at and make every effort to be holy.

3. Without holiness I will not see God.

A. How does living at peace and being holy go together?

Sin destroys my relationship with God and people.

Living a self centered life destroys my relationship God and people.

B. what does it mean to pursue any strive to be holy?  Isn't that a work of the Holy Spirit?  How do I strive to be Holy?

My efforts must be empowered by the Holy Spirit.  It is He who begins and completes the work in me.  I am not absolved of responsibility,  I can choose to cooperate with God or rebel against him.  I must submit myself to the leadership and authority of God in my life.

Application

A. Do everything I can to live at peace with others.  That does not mean allowing then to abuse or take advantage of me but to does mean to live dead to self.  It also means speaking the truth in live and confronting when necessary.

B.  Do everything. I can to live a holy life.  I am unable to do this on my own will power but I can remove websites, bounce eyes, etc.  I need to work out my salvation.

Prayer

Enable me to live at peace either others.

Enable my to live in holiness and  honor.

The danger of praise

Scripture

The crucible is for silver, and the furnace is for gold, and a man is tested by his praise. (Proverbs 27:21 ESV)

The crucible is for silver and the furnace for gold, And each is tested by the praise accorded him. (Proverbs 27:21 NASB)

The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, but people are tested by their praise. (Proverbs 27:21 NIV)

The refining pot is for silver and the furnace for gold, And a man is valued by what others say of him. (Proverbs 27:21 NKJV)

Fire tests the purity of silver and gold, but a person is tested by being praised. (Proverbs 27:21 NLT)

As the refining pot for silver, and the furnace for gold, so is a man to his praise. (Proverbs 27:21 MEV)

Observation

1. Silver and gold are tested and so am I.

2. I am tested by how I respond when I am praised by others.

Application

1. Keep myself humble.

2. Don't let my identity be tied to what people think of me.

3. Don't get discouraged when I do not receive praise.  Don't allow praise to be the motivation behind what I do.

4. Desire God's praise more than man's.

Prayer

May your acceptance of me be what matters to me.   May  I live to please you and you alone.

A Community of Believers

Scripture

let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse them from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us firmly hold the profession of our faith without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to spur one another to love and to good works. Let us not forsake the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but let us exhort one another, especially as you see the Day approaching. (Hebrews 10:22-25 MEV)

Observation

1. Let us draw near to God with a sincere true heart.

A.Sincere- free of deceit, hypocrisy, or falseness; earnest: a sincere apology.

genuine; real: a sincere effort to improve; a sincere friend.

pure; unmixed; unadulterated.

B. true- real; genuine; authentic: true gold; true feelings.

sincere; not deceitful: a true interest in someone's welfare.

firm in allegiance; loyal; faithful; steadfast: a true friend.

2. Let us hold fast firmly the profession of our hope and faith.

3. Let us consider how to stimulate, stir up, spur one another to love and good works and deeds.

4. Let us encourage, exhort one another 

A. Encourage- to inspire with courage, spirit, or confidence: His coach encouraged him throughout the marathon race to keep on running.

B. exhort- to urge, advise, or caution earnestly; admonish urgently.

to give urgent advice, recommendations, or warnings.

I am a member of a community of faith.  Let us not let me.  Western Christianity is too individualistic.  It is a community, family, body of believers.

Application

I have a  responsibility to the commute of faith not just to myself.

I am to function in a body and in submission to leadership, in using my gifts, in serving where needed.  I need to did to self and serve in the body.

Prayer

Enable me to die to self and to serve in the community of believers

Faith

Scripture

Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see. (Hebrews 11:1 NLT)

Observation

1. Faith is the confidence and assurance that what we hope for will actually happen.

It is the substance of things hoped for.

2. Faith is the conviction, assurance, and evidence of things not seen.

It is the belief that what is wanted can be had or that events will turn out for the best.

Is is based upon the character of God.

It is the assurance of conviction that I will receive what I ask for.

Application

1. Must have a conviction that God keeps his promises and I will receive what I ask for and that things are going  to get better.

Prayer

Increase my faith 

Fixing your Focus

Fixing your Focus

Phillippians 4:8

And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. 

I have found that what I focus on determines my attitude and mindset.  If I focus on the positive, I am usually positive.  If I focus on the negative, my attitude can turn sour.  When adjusting to cultural stress, changes in ministry, or life's difficulties I have to determine what I focus on.  Focus is a central point, as of attraction, attention, or activity.. Here are five places to fix your focus.

1. Focus on Jesus not yourself

 Live the crucified life not the self life by putting Jesus on the throne of your heart.  He is your savior and your Lord, the supreme authority over your life.  Make him your first priority by spending extravagant time with him.  Die to your wants, desires, and dreams and live for Him and Him alone.  

2. Focus on what you have gained not on what you have lost.

We all make sacrifices in working overseas and you can make your sacrifice your focus or you can focus on all the blessings you have received. It is not about what you have to do, it all about what you get to do.  Set your eyes on what lies before you not on what is behind you.  Vision is always looks forward, don't spend the rest of your life looking in the review mirror.

3. Focus on what you can do not on what you can't.

There tends to be a lot of restrictions on what we can do where we live.  There are laws working against us, shortages of resources, people, etc.  We can focus on what we can't do and what we don't have or we can get up every morning and ask ourselves, what can I do today to glorify Jesus and expand  his kingdom?  The choice you make will determine your fruitfulness.  There will always be obstacles and reasons you can't, the people who make a difference discover what they can do and then they do it.

4. Focus on your responsibilities not on perks, privileges, and titles.

Never begrudge another person's blessing.  I have been given an assignment and that is to be what I focus on.  I do not concern myself with what a colleague may or may not be doing.  I am responsible for myself and I am to serve with the best of my abilities.  Jesus is the master and we are His servants. Servants have no rights or privileges. Servants serve.

5. Focus on giving not on receiving.

Always give more than you receive. Never focus on what you can get, always focus on what you can give. Find  a need and fill it.  Don't be self centered but other people centered.  Life shrinks when your eyes are on you and life expands when your eyes are on the world around you.

What are you focusing on today?