Ever wonder why people are always speaking to us as if there is a magical formula to life? Well there is'nt. Our life has purpose and that purpose is all in JESUS; HE is our key to a fulfilling life. JESUS is the only formula any of us will ever need.
This document discusses the order of sin, confession, and forgiveness. It argues that confession does not need to come before forgiveness for Christians, as Jesus already paid for all sins. It explores two passages commonly used to suggest confession is needed for forgiveness, and explains they were written for different contexts under the Old Covenant. The document aims to clear up confusion on this topic by examining the context and meaning of key verses like 1 John 1:9, showing Christians are already fully forgiven and confession instead aids their transformation.
The document discusses the concept of forgiveness through several biblical passages. It emphasizes that Christians should forgive others as God forgives us through Christ. Forgiving others who have wronged us allows us to inherit God's forgiveness, just as God erased our sins and debts. Small group settings can help people learn to forgive from examples in the Bible where Jesus forgave others, even while dying on the cross. In conclusion, if God can forgive us, then as Christians we should be able to forgive others as well.
Enoch's close walk with God resulted in him being taken directly into God's presence without dying. To cultivate a similar close relationship with God, we must pursue reconciliation with God through Jesus, trust God and what he has provided for our walk with him, agree with what scripture teaches, and spend time in fellowship with God. Walking closely with God requires attention to our Christian lives, but God will always direct our paths if we set our course toward him.
The document is an editorial introduction from a publication called Activated. It begins with a story about a wealthy man who cherished a portrait of his deceased son above all his other artwork. When the man died, an auction was held for his art collection. The auctioneer refused to sell any paintings until someone bid on the portrait of the son. Finally, the family gardener bid $10 and won, only to discover he had just inherited the entire estate, as stipulated in the man's will. The editorial uses this story as an analogy for how God offers us everything through his son Jesus. It encourages remembering Jesus this Easter.
The document discusses the importance of forgiveness based on biblical teachings. It explains that Jesus was willing to forgive even those who crucified him, and that believers should seek to have forgiveness in their hearts like Jesus. It also discusses how forgiveness is necessary to receive God's forgiveness, and how Jesus and his sacrifice provide the basis for forgiveness and salvation. The document uses the parable of the prodigal son to illustrate lessons about pride, envy, patience, and reconciliation, and encourages readers to be willing to forgive others as God and Jesus forgive.
A state of calmness and security one feels in life because his or her faith/hope in God.
The ability to fight disquieting or oppressive thoughts that jeopardize your spiritual well being.
Maintaining harmony in personal relations with your family, friends and strangers.
This document discusses the order of sin, confession, and forgiveness. It argues that confession does not need to come before forgiveness for Christians, as Jesus already paid for all sins. It explores two passages commonly used to suggest confession is needed for forgiveness, and explains they were written for different contexts under the Old Covenant. The document aims to clear up confusion on this topic by examining the context and meaning of key verses like 1 John 1:9, showing Christians are already fully forgiven and confession instead aids their transformation.
The document discusses the concept of forgiveness through several biblical passages. It emphasizes that Christians should forgive others as God forgives us through Christ. Forgiving others who have wronged us allows us to inherit God's forgiveness, just as God erased our sins and debts. Small group settings can help people learn to forgive from examples in the Bible where Jesus forgave others, even while dying on the cross. In conclusion, if God can forgive us, then as Christians we should be able to forgive others as well.
Enoch's close walk with God resulted in him being taken directly into God's presence without dying. To cultivate a similar close relationship with God, we must pursue reconciliation with God through Jesus, trust God and what he has provided for our walk with him, agree with what scripture teaches, and spend time in fellowship with God. Walking closely with God requires attention to our Christian lives, but God will always direct our paths if we set our course toward him.
The document is an editorial introduction from a publication called Activated. It begins with a story about a wealthy man who cherished a portrait of his deceased son above all his other artwork. When the man died, an auction was held for his art collection. The auctioneer refused to sell any paintings until someone bid on the portrait of the son. Finally, the family gardener bid $10 and won, only to discover he had just inherited the entire estate, as stipulated in the man's will. The editorial uses this story as an analogy for how God offers us everything through his son Jesus. It encourages remembering Jesus this Easter.
The document discusses the importance of forgiveness based on biblical teachings. It explains that Jesus was willing to forgive even those who crucified him, and that believers should seek to have forgiveness in their hearts like Jesus. It also discusses how forgiveness is necessary to receive God's forgiveness, and how Jesus and his sacrifice provide the basis for forgiveness and salvation. The document uses the parable of the prodigal son to illustrate lessons about pride, envy, patience, and reconciliation, and encourages readers to be willing to forgive others as God and Jesus forgive.
A state of calmness and security one feels in life because his or her faith/hope in God.
The ability to fight disquieting or oppressive thoughts that jeopardize your spiritual well being.
Maintaining harmony in personal relations with your family, friends and strangers.
Forgiveness is one of the most important concepts for Christians, as it distinguishes them from other faiths and offers the path to redemption and salvation through divine forgiveness. The document discusses how forgiveness is emphasized throughout Jesus' teachings, especially in the Lord's Prayer. It states that in order to receive forgiveness from God, Christians must forgive others for their sins. This is illustrated in the Parable of the Unmerciful Servant, as failure to forgive others is seen as unforgivable to God. Christians are called to follow Jesus' example of forgiveness towards his tormentors and to be a shining example of forgiveness to others.
Find peace and balance through life’s hectic pace with practical and spiritual insight from God’s Word. Life is full of obligations, emotions, and relationships. Some are life-giving, yet sometimes the weight and responsibility of everyday life is heavy to bear. As wives, mothers, friends, and daughters, we need to know we’re not alone. When our days are long, and our nights are restless, it’s easy to think we should be able to handle things on our own. Or that no one struggles like we do. Be encouraged with this 7-day reading plan with insights from Lysa TerKeurst and the women at Proverbs 31 Ministries.
How can you experience more peace as a single woman despite the challenge of today’s relationship focused society? The devotions that follow are written by single Christian women, who understand the unique struggles of being single by either circumstance…. or by choice. This 7 day reading plan from Fulfilled: The NIV Bible for the Single Woman will help you focus on joy during singleness.
This document discusses Jesus' teachings known as the Beatitudes from the Sermon on the Mount. It provides context for the Beatitudes, summarizing each one in 1-2 sentences. The key points are that the Beatitudes describe the character of those who will inherit God's kingdom, such as the poor in spirit, those who mourn for their sins, and the merciful who show compassion to others. Reading the Gospels is encouraged to understand Jesus' teachings firsthand and develop a relationship with him.
This document provides a 3-paragraph summary of the key ideas from a book about developing an unbeatable spirit of faith. It explains that no matter the difficulties one faces, God can turn the situation around through faith. It emphasizes believing God's word even when circumstances seem impossible. It encourages focusing on God's promises rather than one's own problems, and consistently speaking words of faith in line with scripture. The goal is to cultivate faith like Abraham's that calls things that are not as though they were and sees God's power at work.
The greatest call for Christian moms is to know God and help others know Him, too. The readings in this 8-day plan are selected from the Mom's Bible: God's Wisdom for Mothers offering encouragement and a wise perspective as you seek to grow in the area of patience and godly character.
This document discusses the importance of commitment to God and the local church. It uses the example of a mythical church member named John who frequently changes churches without truly committing to any one. It argues that many church members have made a decision for Christ but have not committed their lives to following him. True commitment requires presenting one's body as a living sacrifice and not conforming to the world. The document calls Christians to commit to personal growth, the local church body, and serving God's mission.
This 6-day reading plan features devotions that will help you reflect on God’s Word as it relates to the life of a woman and the many varied roles she plays. These daily devotions inspire women to spend time with God.
The Ten Commandments were given to Moses on Mount Sinai and provided a clear moral code from God. They express both God's sovereignty over morality and natural law. In the Old Testament, following the Commandments led to prosperity while disobeying led to suffering. This principle of consequences for moral actions still applies today.
The Beatitudes describe the path to true happiness but contradict worldly ideas of happiness. Each begins with "Blessed are" and focuses internally on virtues like humility, mercy, and purity of heart. Practicing the Beatitudes shapes one's character to be Christ-like and leads to happiness on earth and in
The document is a lesson plan on forgiveness from Central Union Church of Christ in Killeen, Texas. It discusses what forgiveness means, the importance of forgiveness in Christianity, and how to practice forgiveness. The key points made are:
1) Forgiveness means releasing others from guilt and letting go of resentment rather than forgetting or changing emotions.
2) Christians are commanded to forgive others as God forgives them. Not forgiving others damages one's relationship with God.
3) Forgiveness is an act of the will, not tied to emotions. It involves deciding to "send away" offenses each time they are remembered.
4) Refusing to forgive only hurts oneself, while forgiveness promotes healing and
This document provides guidance on choosing to forgive and pursuing reconciliation according to God's way. It outlines a 4-step process for dealing with conflict: 1) Glorify God by surrounding the issue and people in prayer, 2) Conduct an eye examination to address your own attitudes and behaviors, 3) Work to restore the relationship between those in conflict, and 4) Make peace by practicing the four promises of forgiveness and living peaceably with others. The document uses numerous Bible verses to support pursuing forgiveness and reconciliation as the path to restoring relationships and resolving conflicts according to God's will.
It is important to know that God made us to have emotions, therefore, having emotions in itself, is not a sin. However, if we are not careful, satan can manipulate our emotions, such as anger, and cause us to hate or kill another person! Satan can lead one to believe that the lust they have is really “love,” justifying acts of adultery, fornication and sodomy.
This document provides guidance on using promises from the Bible to strengthen one's faith. It introduces 31 carefully selected promises, one for each day of the month, from the book of Deuteronomy, Joshua, Chronicles, Psalms, Proverbs, Isaiah, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. The promises cover themes of life, protection, hope, blessings, forgiveness, healing, abundance and everlasting life. Users are encouraged to meditate on each promise daily and commit them to memory over the month to gain strength, peace and assurance from God's word.
This document is a summary of a church sermon given at FCC Worship Center. The sermon discusses how God completely forgives sins through his grace. It notes that when we confess our sins, God forgets them immediately and removes them as far as east is from west. The sermon encourages living under grace rather than law, and says grace should propel us to change our affections toward Jesus and redirect our lives. It uses the story of the sinful woman pouring perfume on Jesus' feet to illustrate how grace can transform us.
God Loves You more than anything you can imagineGail DeHart
This document discusses how much God loves each person. It says God loves unconditionally and wants the best for everyone. It lists seven ways God loves: with an atoning love through Jesus' sacrifice; a calling love by bringing people out of darkness; a redeeming love by freeing people from sin's curse; a justifying love by seeing people as righteous through Jesus; an adopting love by making people God's children; a sanctifying love by setting people apart for God; and a glorifying love by completing the good work started in people. The document encourages reading these Bible verses about God's love and internalizing how much God loves unconditionally. It says experiencing this love can prevent falling and help find solutions when facing problems
This document discusses the importance of forgiveness. It begins by summarizing the Lord's Prayer from Matthew 6:9-15, noting that Jesus teaches His followers to ask God for forgiveness as they forgive others. Several examples are then given from the Bible of family drama, such as Cain killing Abel and Joseph's brothers selling him into slavery, and how forgiveness played a key role in resolving these issues. Specific cases of God commanding Cain, Joseph forgiving his brothers, and Moses pleading for Miriam are described. The document stresses that forgiveness is a process that allows for emotional and spiritual healing between people. While reconciliation with the offender is ideal, forgiveness is still important even if full reconciliation cannot be achieved. Forgiveness is presented as one
born-to-create Theresa Dedmon Foreword By Bill JohnsonKaturi Susmitha
This book explores how embracing our innate creativity, which originated from God, allows us to use that creativity supernaturally to transform lives. The author has seen many people who did not think they were creative tap into the Holy Spirit's power through what they create. As divine creativity is restored, innovative people will find their spirits awakened to supernatural abilities within their fields of business, government, arts, and more. Churches are becoming alive through transformed worship and outreach as people are liberated to create.
11.11.04 the lord's prayer 6th petition-and lead us not into temptationJustin Morris
God promises to provide his grace and strength to resist temptation. When tempted, we should not say that God is tempting us, as God cannot be tempted by evil and does not tempt others. Instead, each person is tempted when their own evil desires drag them away. God promises a way of escape from every temptation. We can take God's way of escape by calling on him for help in prayer or by seeking help from Christian friends.
The document discusses the definition and nature of love according to the Bible. It provides five characteristics of love: 1) Love has patience and time for others, 2) Love cares for others in practical ways, 3) Love is secure in itself and God rather than others, 4) Love gives of itself rather than insisting on its own way, and 5) Love is consistent and enduring in any circumstance. The overall message is that Christians ought to love one another as God first loved us through sending Jesus Christ to be the atonement for our sins.
The document discusses the concept of freedom, particularly freedom found through Jesus Christ. It provides biblical passages about freedom from bondage to sin and Satan, and being set free by the Son. It encourages avoiding returning to bondage through sinful behaviors and instead using freedom in Christ to serve one another in love. Freedom is found by submitting to God as His slaves through Christ, rather than allowing freedom to be an excuse for evil. True freedom is a gift from God.
Mankind cannot and will never make it in this life as an Overcomer without CHRIST JESUS. If you want true success then you must be introduced to the only One where success resides and HIS name is JESUS.
Forgiveness is one of the most important concepts for Christians, as it distinguishes them from other faiths and offers the path to redemption and salvation through divine forgiveness. The document discusses how forgiveness is emphasized throughout Jesus' teachings, especially in the Lord's Prayer. It states that in order to receive forgiveness from God, Christians must forgive others for their sins. This is illustrated in the Parable of the Unmerciful Servant, as failure to forgive others is seen as unforgivable to God. Christians are called to follow Jesus' example of forgiveness towards his tormentors and to be a shining example of forgiveness to others.
Find peace and balance through life’s hectic pace with practical and spiritual insight from God’s Word. Life is full of obligations, emotions, and relationships. Some are life-giving, yet sometimes the weight and responsibility of everyday life is heavy to bear. As wives, mothers, friends, and daughters, we need to know we’re not alone. When our days are long, and our nights are restless, it’s easy to think we should be able to handle things on our own. Or that no one struggles like we do. Be encouraged with this 7-day reading plan with insights from Lysa TerKeurst and the women at Proverbs 31 Ministries.
How can you experience more peace as a single woman despite the challenge of today’s relationship focused society? The devotions that follow are written by single Christian women, who understand the unique struggles of being single by either circumstance…. or by choice. This 7 day reading plan from Fulfilled: The NIV Bible for the Single Woman will help you focus on joy during singleness.
This document discusses Jesus' teachings known as the Beatitudes from the Sermon on the Mount. It provides context for the Beatitudes, summarizing each one in 1-2 sentences. The key points are that the Beatitudes describe the character of those who will inherit God's kingdom, such as the poor in spirit, those who mourn for their sins, and the merciful who show compassion to others. Reading the Gospels is encouraged to understand Jesus' teachings firsthand and develop a relationship with him.
This document provides a 3-paragraph summary of the key ideas from a book about developing an unbeatable spirit of faith. It explains that no matter the difficulties one faces, God can turn the situation around through faith. It emphasizes believing God's word even when circumstances seem impossible. It encourages focusing on God's promises rather than one's own problems, and consistently speaking words of faith in line with scripture. The goal is to cultivate faith like Abraham's that calls things that are not as though they were and sees God's power at work.
The greatest call for Christian moms is to know God and help others know Him, too. The readings in this 8-day plan are selected from the Mom's Bible: God's Wisdom for Mothers offering encouragement and a wise perspective as you seek to grow in the area of patience and godly character.
This document discusses the importance of commitment to God and the local church. It uses the example of a mythical church member named John who frequently changes churches without truly committing to any one. It argues that many church members have made a decision for Christ but have not committed their lives to following him. True commitment requires presenting one's body as a living sacrifice and not conforming to the world. The document calls Christians to commit to personal growth, the local church body, and serving God's mission.
This 6-day reading plan features devotions that will help you reflect on God’s Word as it relates to the life of a woman and the many varied roles she plays. These daily devotions inspire women to spend time with God.
The Ten Commandments were given to Moses on Mount Sinai and provided a clear moral code from God. They express both God's sovereignty over morality and natural law. In the Old Testament, following the Commandments led to prosperity while disobeying led to suffering. This principle of consequences for moral actions still applies today.
The Beatitudes describe the path to true happiness but contradict worldly ideas of happiness. Each begins with "Blessed are" and focuses internally on virtues like humility, mercy, and purity of heart. Practicing the Beatitudes shapes one's character to be Christ-like and leads to happiness on earth and in
The document is a lesson plan on forgiveness from Central Union Church of Christ in Killeen, Texas. It discusses what forgiveness means, the importance of forgiveness in Christianity, and how to practice forgiveness. The key points made are:
1) Forgiveness means releasing others from guilt and letting go of resentment rather than forgetting or changing emotions.
2) Christians are commanded to forgive others as God forgives them. Not forgiving others damages one's relationship with God.
3) Forgiveness is an act of the will, not tied to emotions. It involves deciding to "send away" offenses each time they are remembered.
4) Refusing to forgive only hurts oneself, while forgiveness promotes healing and
This document provides guidance on choosing to forgive and pursuing reconciliation according to God's way. It outlines a 4-step process for dealing with conflict: 1) Glorify God by surrounding the issue and people in prayer, 2) Conduct an eye examination to address your own attitudes and behaviors, 3) Work to restore the relationship between those in conflict, and 4) Make peace by practicing the four promises of forgiveness and living peaceably with others. The document uses numerous Bible verses to support pursuing forgiveness and reconciliation as the path to restoring relationships and resolving conflicts according to God's will.
It is important to know that God made us to have emotions, therefore, having emotions in itself, is not a sin. However, if we are not careful, satan can manipulate our emotions, such as anger, and cause us to hate or kill another person! Satan can lead one to believe that the lust they have is really “love,” justifying acts of adultery, fornication and sodomy.
This document provides guidance on using promises from the Bible to strengthen one's faith. It introduces 31 carefully selected promises, one for each day of the month, from the book of Deuteronomy, Joshua, Chronicles, Psalms, Proverbs, Isaiah, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. The promises cover themes of life, protection, hope, blessings, forgiveness, healing, abundance and everlasting life. Users are encouraged to meditate on each promise daily and commit them to memory over the month to gain strength, peace and assurance from God's word.
This document is a summary of a church sermon given at FCC Worship Center. The sermon discusses how God completely forgives sins through his grace. It notes that when we confess our sins, God forgets them immediately and removes them as far as east is from west. The sermon encourages living under grace rather than law, and says grace should propel us to change our affections toward Jesus and redirect our lives. It uses the story of the sinful woman pouring perfume on Jesus' feet to illustrate how grace can transform us.
God Loves You more than anything you can imagineGail DeHart
This document discusses how much God loves each person. It says God loves unconditionally and wants the best for everyone. It lists seven ways God loves: with an atoning love through Jesus' sacrifice; a calling love by bringing people out of darkness; a redeeming love by freeing people from sin's curse; a justifying love by seeing people as righteous through Jesus; an adopting love by making people God's children; a sanctifying love by setting people apart for God; and a glorifying love by completing the good work started in people. The document encourages reading these Bible verses about God's love and internalizing how much God loves unconditionally. It says experiencing this love can prevent falling and help find solutions when facing problems
This document discusses the importance of forgiveness. It begins by summarizing the Lord's Prayer from Matthew 6:9-15, noting that Jesus teaches His followers to ask God for forgiveness as they forgive others. Several examples are then given from the Bible of family drama, such as Cain killing Abel and Joseph's brothers selling him into slavery, and how forgiveness played a key role in resolving these issues. Specific cases of God commanding Cain, Joseph forgiving his brothers, and Moses pleading for Miriam are described. The document stresses that forgiveness is a process that allows for emotional and spiritual healing between people. While reconciliation with the offender is ideal, forgiveness is still important even if full reconciliation cannot be achieved. Forgiveness is presented as one
born-to-create Theresa Dedmon Foreword By Bill JohnsonKaturi Susmitha
This book explores how embracing our innate creativity, which originated from God, allows us to use that creativity supernaturally to transform lives. The author has seen many people who did not think they were creative tap into the Holy Spirit's power through what they create. As divine creativity is restored, innovative people will find their spirits awakened to supernatural abilities within their fields of business, government, arts, and more. Churches are becoming alive through transformed worship and outreach as people are liberated to create.
11.11.04 the lord's prayer 6th petition-and lead us not into temptationJustin Morris
God promises to provide his grace and strength to resist temptation. When tempted, we should not say that God is tempting us, as God cannot be tempted by evil and does not tempt others. Instead, each person is tempted when their own evil desires drag them away. God promises a way of escape from every temptation. We can take God's way of escape by calling on him for help in prayer or by seeking help from Christian friends.
The document discusses the definition and nature of love according to the Bible. It provides five characteristics of love: 1) Love has patience and time for others, 2) Love cares for others in practical ways, 3) Love is secure in itself and God rather than others, 4) Love gives of itself rather than insisting on its own way, and 5) Love is consistent and enduring in any circumstance. The overall message is that Christians ought to love one another as God first loved us through sending Jesus Christ to be the atonement for our sins.
The document discusses the concept of freedom, particularly freedom found through Jesus Christ. It provides biblical passages about freedom from bondage to sin and Satan, and being set free by the Son. It encourages avoiding returning to bondage through sinful behaviors and instead using freedom in Christ to serve one another in love. Freedom is found by submitting to God as His slaves through Christ, rather than allowing freedom to be an excuse for evil. True freedom is a gift from God.
Mankind cannot and will never make it in this life as an Overcomer without CHRIST JESUS. If you want true success then you must be introduced to the only One where success resides and HIS name is JESUS.
In Everything Give Thanks - 1 Thessalonians 5:18
The day of Thanksgiving which is a national holiday is not the only day in which we should consider giving thanks.
Daily, there are things in which we can find if we would only open our eyes, mind, heart, ears to give thanks to the LORD GOD.
This magazine is dedicated to all expecting fathers; new fathers; growing fathers and well seasoned fathers. Hopefully in you fathers you will allow the daddy to shine.
I hear many people saying that they trust JESUS; however do we really? If there is anyone; any person worth trusting; JESUS is the perfect person to place all our trust in. I hope that this months magazine will give at least one reader the ability to trust in JESUS.
This magazine article is dedicated to honoring mothers. It discusses how mothers nurture and care for their children, both physically and spiritually. The document emphasizes the biblical commandment to honor one's mother, as honoring her will lead to living a long and prosperous life. Mothers deserve love and respect for all they do in raising and guiding their children.
The document discusses the beginning of creation by God and how everything was created by God, including things that humans think they invented. It says God created electricity and put the vision for its use in Benjamin Franklin, and discusses how sin has perverted some of God's creations. It also talks about how humans were created in God's image as spiritual beings and how the devil has thrown a wrench in God's plan. The document stresses that leaders must be taught to lead with compassion.
Negative passion can lead people astray through uncontrolled appetites, pride, and putting self before others. While mistakes due to negative passion leave scars, God uses the desert experiences to strengthen people. Even though questions remain about suffering, God's mercy, glory, love, and passion for his people provide strength to overcome challenges. Maintaining an intimate relationship with God through passion and trust in him enables overcoming problems.
Summer Splash Developing a devotional life part 1 of 2Albert Soto
This document provides an overview and summaries of a 2013 summer series on developing a devotional life. It includes:
- An introduction and schedule for the summer series focusing on having a devotional life, reading the Bible, and living in community.
- Summaries of three talks from the series addressing fuel for the devotional journey, foundations for reading the Bible, and friends for the journey of living in community.
- Additional summaries of methods for daily devotion, why to read the Bible, and an example of using the S.O.A.P. Bible study method in a journal entry. The document offers guidance and perspectives on spiritual growth through regular Bible reading and prayer.
Our theories about God are our theology.
It is well to value them, to try our best to
keep them pure and high. But the deeper
question is. What is our religion? What are
our real thoughts of God ? In that deep and
secret place of our inmost consciousness, where
all our desires and feelings and hopes and
aspirations are born, what is God to us ? This
is the great question, the searching question.
And on the answer to it our peace, our happi-
ness, our usefulness depend.
Homily: 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time A 2017James Knipper
This document summarizes a pastor's reflection on a Gospel passage about workers in a vineyard receiving equal pay regardless of how long they worked. The pastor notes that as we age, we develop "seasoned minds" and see things through filters of our experiences, unlike children with "beginner's minds." Jesus used parables to challenge these seasoned minds. The parable illustrates that God's love is a gift, not something earned, and we should not judge who God loves. We often cry "unfair" when things don't go our way, but we need to let go of pain and judgments, and accept God's unconditional love and generosity.
God is the highest definition of all that is good, especially humble unselfishness. How would have ever imagined a God so intensely unselfish as the God of the Bible? he blows my mind in every category! I hope your mind expose with wonder and gratitude as you get to know this God--the only true God--the God Who sent Jesus to rescue a bunch of rebels like us--not because he had to but because He wanted to!
CONTENTS
1. THE LORD'S PRAYER PART I Based on Matt. 6:7-15
2. OUR FATHER Based on Matt. 6:9-15
3. DESIRE DETERMINES DESTINY Based on Matt. 6:7-15
4. THE ETERNAL DESIRE Based on Matt. 6:7-15
5. THE KING AND THE KINGDOM Based on Matt. 6:7-15
6. THE TRINITY OF DESIRES Based on Matt. 6:7-15
7. THE DEBT DISSOLVING DESIRE Based on Matt. 6:7-15
8. THE DESIRE FOR DELIVERANCE Based on Matt. 6:7-15
Scott and Sherry Jennings have left their paid positions to join Zoweh Ministries as missionary staff. They invite the reader to partner with them through prayer, financial support, and sharing their mission to help men and women understand who they are, where they are, and God's purpose for their lives through events like Heart of a Warrior and Deepening weekends. Their support will allow Scott to encourage men's ministry leaders and Sherry to coordinate conferences that have changed lives by helping people find their identity and healing in Christ.
Scott and Sherry Jennings have left their paid positions to join Zoweh Ministries as missionary staff. They invite the reader to partner with them through prayer, financial support, and joining their mission to help men and women understand who they are, where they are, and God's purpose for their lives through events like Heart of a Warrior and Deepening weekends. Their support will allow Scott to encourage men's ministry leaders and Sherry to coordinate conferences that have changed lives by helping people find their identity and healing in Christ.
This document provides information about a six-book series of children's Bible devotionals. Each book in the series presents Bible verses with explanations and activities to teach Christian values to children ages 4 and up. The devotionals encourage children to explore lessons through complementary actions, discussions, or activities. The series aims to connect Bible themes and verses in an easy-to-use format that will appeal to both children and parents.
This document summarizes a sermon about the importance of submitting to God. It discusses how submission to God brings life and victory. It provides examples from the Bible of people who failed to submit to God and faced negative consequences, as well as examples of people who submitted fully to God and experienced success. The key message is that we must obey God and do his will in order to experience abundant life and victory over sin and Satan.
This document discusses several topics related to faith in Jesus Christ. It discusses how Jesus is the light of the world and the son of God. It talks about the importance of focusing on Jesus' works rather than human works. It provides advice on guarding one's heart and mind from negativity. It discusses seeking God and finding peace by looking to the sky. It also talks about internal change coming from changing one's thoughts rather than external factors. Finally, it discusses the story of Jesus multiplying loaves and fish to feed thousands as an example of gratitude.
This document is a leader's guide for discussing a story about a Jewish girl named Sarah who comes to faith in Jesus. The guide contains discussion questions about Sarah's journey from not believing in Jesus to believing, and how she found faith, transforming power, and help during difficult times through her relationship with God. It encourages seeking God with all one's heart and praying to him during times of confusion, fear, depression or lack of purpose.
Adapted from a Greg Nance sermon https://www.sermoncentral.com/sermons/1-where-is-your-commitment-greg-nance-sermon-on-commitment-190957?ref=SermonSeriesDetails
- Practice mindfulness and focus on the present moment rather than dwelling on past failures or future fears. Worrying often involves scenarios that never happen.
- Keep a "worry chart" to track your worries and see which are unfounded or out of your control. This can help put worries in perspective.
- Remember that God is in control of all things and works all things for good for those who love Him. Trust that He will help you through any difficulties.
- Replace worries with prayer, giving your concerns to God and receiving His peace in exchange. Focus on His presence and help rather than dwelling on problems.
- Follow Jesus' example
This document discusses demonstrating love for others through understanding God's love. It begins by outlining the objectives of learning how loving God is the greatest commandment, understanding the significance of God's love, valuing life, patriotism through faith, recognizing God as the source of creation, and sustainability. Several quotes about love are provided. The rest of the document discusses expressing love for God by obeying his teachings and commandments, specifically discussing the first four which prohibit idolatry, taking God's name in vain, and keeping the Sabbath day holy. Activities are included to reflect on loves in one's life and the meanings of love. Credits and sources are listed at the end.
The document is an introduction to a book about the seven longings of the human heart. It discusses how God intentionally designed humans with universal longings or cravings that can only truly be satisfied by God. These longings include being enjoyed by God, fascination, beauty, greatness, intimacy without shame, being wholehearted, and making a deep impact. When fulfilled in God, these longings bring pleasure and satisfaction, but when pursued through counterfeit means they leave people empty. The introduction explores how understanding these God-given longings can help people find purpose and victory in life.
This document discusses the theme of mercy according to Catholic teachings. It explores how Jesus revealed God's mercy through his life and ministry, showing compassion to the poor, outcasts, sick and suffering. Mercy involves feeling responsible for others' wellbeing. The Church is called to practice mercy by welcoming all and bearing the struggles of others with hope. It encourages readers to reflect on how they can become more merciful in their communities and ministries.
Developing Your Spiritual Senses ScriptLRMMissions
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The document discusses 7 behaviors that can ruin relationships: 1) having angry reactions to feedback, 2) being closed to new experiences, 3) using deception, 4) overstepping boundaries, 5) showing a lack of affection, 6) misunderstanding one's partner, and 7) being manipulative. It provides examples of each behavior and suggests ways to improve the relationship by being open to feedback, exploring new things together, being honest, respecting boundaries, showing physical and emotional intimacy, seeking to understand one's partner, and communicating needs respectfully instead of trying to control the other person.
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2. Throughout my years of listening and studying the Word of GOD; these words have always
come across my sights or my hearing.
Keys, secret keys, steps to the keys, keys to do this and keys to do that; reach up and
grab some keys; stoop down and pick up your keys.
However, in all these keys people are speaking of; I’ve never been able to see any other
key but JESUS. JESUS is the master key which unlocks every lock; no matter the
circumstance JESUS will unlock that lock and set us free. And just as JESUS is the key
used to unlock us HE is also the key to lock us up in HIS safety, security, promises,
healing, deliverance, assurance and more.
So I don’t know if you are anything like I was in my early growth years and spent money
on books by well intended brothers and sisters of faith who focused on keys of work.
However, what I like to share is JESUS who is the Key to and of Life.
4. Gen. 22:2 Devotion and Trust will cause you to sacrifice.
In this scripture we read how The LORD GOD
tested the heart of Abraham by asking him to
sacrifice his only son on the altar.
If you remember; Abraham not only had to wait a
long time for a son. He fathered his first born
son with the wrong woman which is a symbol
of enslavement to self effort. And then he had
to wait again; not as long this time for Sarah
to bring forth his promised son given to him
not done by self effort. The only effort
Abraham and Sarah gave was the will, trust
and exercise to carry out the mission to
conceive. The ability of nature was none
existent, remember? So the entire effort was
The LORD GOD. The LORD GOD had to
open up the womb of Sarah and make her
fertile to carry the seed of Abraham. Abraham
had to become potent to not only pleasure
but to plant into Sarah’s womb.
So when The LORD GOD asked Abraham to
sacrifice his son; I'm certain that there had to
be a moment of reservation; after all, don’t
you think that would be natural? Don’t you
think that Abraham had to wonder if this was
GOD or the devil speaking to him?
How many times have we wondered if we are
hearing The LORD’s voice, our voice or the
devil’s voice when we hear some crazy things
pop into our heads? However, Abraham took
a chance; he said in his heart that he will
trust his GOD to deliver his son and provide
a sacrifice. And because he trusted GOD;
GOD showed Abraham just how far he had
come in his trust of HIM. We too have made
some sacrifices in our walk with The LORD
GOD; no, it may not be as severe as
Abraham’s; however, to us the sacrifice was
severe to us. And there maybe other
sacrifices that we will need to make so that
The LORD GOD will be able to reveal to us
just how much we trust in HIM.
6. Jacob grew in-love with Rachel and wanted to
marry her and told his uncle that he would
work for her a total of seven years. After
completing this debt; Jacob was bamboozled;
much like he had done to his brother and
father. And he had to work another seven
years to get Rachel; so in essence Jacob
worked a total of fourteen years just to wed
one woman but ended up with two.
When a man or a woman is in-love; it does not
matter what he or she has to do to be next
to that person; just so they accomplish their
goal of having that person in their life.
Another point I recognized when I read about
Jacob when he worked for the hand of Rachel
those first seven years is that the seven
years passed by to him like a few days. This
tells me; that he took no notice of anything
other than what life would be like once he
and Rachel would be husband and wife. He
had one mind; he was focused; he had tunnel
vision; it was all about the love of his life.
This is wonderful and husbands and wives
should have this very same mindset as Jacob
had towards Rachel; however, we should also
have this very same and greater desire
towards The LORD GOD.
HE should be our greatest desire above anyone
or anything. Nothing else should really matter
when we focus our attention on JESUS; we
should not be overly stressed out; depressed;
unemployed; homeless; hungry; living below
the poverty line. We love JESUS and most of
all JESUS loves us and when and where
there is love; there is no lack.
8. A neighbor is not just anyone who lives adjacent to our house or apartment building; in the
next unit of the apartment building we reside in; in the same block, street or neighborhood.
Neither is a neighbor anyone who lives within the same community where we reside; the state,
county, rural area or country. Nope, A neighbor is everyone we come in contact with; a
neighbor is a stranger; someone we have never seen before; someone we do not know;
someone we know on sight; someone we know very well; someone who does live adjacent to
our house or apartment building. Within the next unit of the apartment building where we
reside; in the same block, street, neighborhood, community, state, country, state, county and
rural area. A neighbor can even live in another country.
Our cultures vary; however, what we all have in common is humanity. Nothing that
another person deals with in life is different because of the color of the skin or the
nationality or gender of a person. During the 1980’s Michael Jackson, Quincy Jones
and Lionel Richie did a record breaking song called “We are the world.” I remember
when on a particular day everyone on the planet was to link hands at a particular
time of the day as this song played on every radio in every country. It was
phenomenal how America and other countries participated in this effort and it showed
me that people do care. Compassion should not be something that must be done for
a spotlight effort; compassion should be away of life.
9. Instead of tearing each other down and destroying each other we should encourage each
other; we should help soothe the pain of others. There are far too many people hooked
on alcohol, dope, sex and other addictions only to mask the pain they are feeling.
JESUS is compassionate and we who follow CHRIST JESUS must at all times exhibit
true compassion towards others as we would ourselves and as we would want others to
be towards us.
Compassion does not mean that we are to lie or cover up the truth of what is really going
on; no, we must be honest. Because if we are not; we will begin to harbor harmful
feelings towards our neighbors and begin to say things about them that should not be
said; do things that should not be done. So to keep love alive and compassion in our
hearts keep true to yourself and to your neighbor. They may not like what you have to
say at that moment but in the long run your character and integrity will win.
10. Deut. 6:5 To love the LORD your GOD with all your heart, soul and might.
11. How big is your heart? Only GOD knows and I believe it’s bigger than we can imagine. Why do I
believe this? Because our GOD is a BIG GOD and if we are to love our GOD with all our
heart we are in need of a big heart. We think of our heart as that muscle sitting in the middle
of our chest beating but I challenge you to go beyond the thought of that muscle. If we relied
on the size of that muscle to hold the love of all we love as well as the love of GOD; I don’t
think it could manage. After all; don’t people have heart attacks because plaque builds up along
the arteries and heart and choke the muscle. Get my point? See in our lifetime we are able to
love many family members; friends; foods; objects and places. So much so we worship them.
Then when we come to JESUS a heart cleaning takes place and it’s not always an all at
once cleaning out. We have to give JESUS access to certain areas of our heart for HIM
to clean, fumigate, disinfect, deodorize and reside in. Then there is our soul which
actually is our mind where our emotions reside. Most of us are all over the place when
it comes to our emotions and though we may have a tendency to laugh when we speak
about it; it’s really not funny. Some people have a Jekyll and Hyde emotion meaning we
don’t know who we are going to get from one moment to another because one moment
that person can be just as kind, giving and wonderful this minute and destructive the
next. Then you have the Weeping Willow who will cry when no other person is nearby
and can’t explain why they are having these outbursts of tears. The Tasmanian devil
who is always angry; no one and nothing can soothe this person for very long; it’s either
their way or no way. The Jolly Rancher, it’s always smiles and laughs with this person
and it seems outwardly that nothing can get this individual off kilter. But in most cases
the Jolly Rancher hides a secret; they are often depressed and put up a good front. I’ve
lived this for many years. And I'm sure there are other emotions that I’ve not touched on
but I think you understand.
12. Every day we are to make a choice to live for JESUS; to talk for JESUS; to think like
JESUS. What does this mean to us that we choose not to use profanity or abuse
another with harsh words from our mouth. Our mouth was created to praise our LORD
GOD, to eat, swallow, drink and speak encouragement to others. Our thoughts can be a
bit difficult to bring under submission but that does not mean that it can’t be done. All
we have to do is think on the things that Philippians 4:8 suggest because we can’t
always keep our eyes glued on the scriptures and we may work in an environment
where listening to the scriptures may not be possible. So when you recognize that your
thoughts are not thoughts that JESUS would have you have reign them back in with
what is true, noble, righteous, pure, lovable, admirable, virtuous and praiseworthy. The
LORD GOD through JESUS fits in very well here when we remember how HE is in
these areas that we choose to think of HIM in.
14. The brain it’s an incredible creation the most magnificent; most untapped; most
misunderstood organ we humans have. We have been told time and time again that we
only use 10% of the 100% ability of the brain. We willing destroy I don’t know how much
of the brain through self abuse. The brain can never be shut down or off; it’s constantly
working. Even though we may struggle recalling something it does not mean that the
data is not there because it is. The brain remembers all; no man will ever make a
computer that will ever outdo what GOD has done with the human brain. This is why we
are to think on GOD’s Word so that we can recall who HE is and who we are in HIM.
What our capabilities are in HIM. We are limitless through HIM but without JESUS we
are limited. Filling our minds up with JESUS in the Word is wonderful.
16. Ex.15:13 Led to redemption. Deut. 7:13 JESUS loves us so much that
HE blesses our families.
JESUS love for us is HIS spinach and just
as Popeye eats his spinach and gains
strength; JESUS love for us is HIS
strength in which HE guides us into
HIS holy dwelling place. It is here
where we are sheltered from the harm
of the enemy and the full force of life’s
attack on our lives. It is here where we
are cared for and find our comfort;
where we are provided for. All our
needs are met right here in this
dwelling place.
As our family continue to increase; our
finances increase; our food and
beverages are supplied; we have a
livelihood and a home. The LORD
GOD made a covenant with us that is
still applicable right at this very
moment. It is to be taken very
seriously because it’s not enough that
we know HIM as GOD or the LORD
GOD but as The LORD GOD our GOD
who is a promise keeper and full of
mercy towards us.
17. Here are our promises:
To love us
To bless us
To increase our family numbers
(descendents)
To bless our children
To bless whatever we sow and plant
We are blessed more than others
(none believers)
None of us will not be able to produce
All illness and diseases will be
removed from us and laid on none
believers.
Now here is the explanation to the city
folk in regards to the sowing and
planting thing. Sowing and planting is
not in all defined by farming or
gardening in the dirt. This is an
example of sowing from GOD’s
perspective; trusting in JESUS,
speaking the truth over your life daily.
This is planting from GOD’s
perspective; the truth is going deeper
and deeper into our hearts and minds;
it’s becoming our very life. This is
harvest; we see what we have sowed
and planted come through. What we
put out we will reap in harvest.
18. Deut. 30:5 JESUS comes and gets us.
It has to be understood that the LORD GOD is full of mercy towards mankind. HE
does not desire to see us afar off from HIM. HE does not desire to see us left to
our own devices and picked clean by our enemy the devil. However, HE will allow
us to remain lost and devoured if this is the life we so chose. The LORD GOD
has sent HIS SON JESUS to come look for each and everyone of us and bring us
back to The FATHER. Our exile from HIM can be reversed and will be reversed
immediately once we trust in JESUS. It does not matter how far we have strayed;
JESUS will come to where ever we are and meet us right there. No place is off
limits to JESUS after all; HE did boldly walk down into the pit of hell for us and
gathered those who believed in HIM and brought them out. That part of hell was
called Abraham’s bosom and is still empty to this day. No believer dies an earthly
death and goes to that place now; that was pre-crucifixion and resurrection of
CHRIST JESUS. JESUS will see to it that you will prosper right where you are in
HIM.
19. Is. 43:4 Regard; value and honor.
Just think of this; the LORD GOD thinks highly of us; HE takes us into account; we are
HIS esteemed; HE is concerned with us; HE watches over us with loving care; through
HIS SON JESUS, HE can relate to us. To the LORD GOD we are HIS importance; we
are worth something to HIM. At all times our LORD GOD is fair with us; we don’t
understand and we don’t have to understand. However, know that none of us are
measured better or worse than another; to HIM we are all equal; we all have our special
distinction and we are all highly favored.
20. Jer. 31:3 Everlasting. Hos. 14:4 Freely.
JESUS love for us is eternal which means
it’s never ending. HIS love draws us
closer and closer to The FATHER daily
and our trust in HIM grows deeper and
deeper day by day.
When JESUS heals us; HE heals us
entirely from within and it’s revealed
outwardly. HIS love for us is done out
in the open and is freely given without
any shame or disapproval of us.
21. Mic. 6:8 Act justly and walk in purity; grace and justification.
So what does it mean to us to act justly or better yet; what does it mean to be justly? To
be just is to be guided by truth and what better truth is there than the FATHER’s truth?
Once we know the truth of the FATHER through JESUS than we can begin to walk in
purity and what does purity mean to us. Simply put, it means to be uncontaminated by
anything unpleasing to the FATHER. Now I'm willing as always to keep it real with you;
walking in purity will not happen instantaneously, overnight, in the next week, next month
or within a twelve month time frame. To walk in purity takes time on our part and to
trust in JESUS.
First we must know that we don’t have to think a certain way; we don’t have to watch
certain things; we don’t have to listen to certain stuff; we don’t have to talk like most
folks; we don’t have to act and live like most people do. To walk in purity means to
make up our minds to leave the world of being an odd ball abnormality and become
normal in JESUS.
There will be things about us that will just be taken away without our even noticing and
then there will be things that we will have to ask JESUS to take away because we don’t
want to have this in our lives any longer because it’s a pollutant and HE will. The same
grace that the FATHER gives to us is the same favor that we are to lavish onto others.
We are to be just as benevolent, gentle, kind and loving as GOD is to us. Even when
we don’t feel like it we must still be this way; when people give us no reason to be this
way we are to be this way.
22. We have to remember, just because we belong to JESUS and we know that we are loved
and we love the FATHER and JESUS and the FATHER and JESUS loves us does not
mean that we don’t act out of sorts from time to time. We all have bad days; none of us
but JESUS is perfect. We all with the exception of JESUS have a tendency to be
tempted to sin and return to sin. However, know this JESUS knew that and this is why it
was all taken care of when you accepted and repented the once. All we have to do is
acknowledge to ourselves that we messed up yet again; pick ourselves up; standup on
our feet and walk straight ahead into the Word of GOD. There is no reason for any of
us to walk around feeling condemned or guilty about anything after we have come to
JESUS.
JESUS has justified us in HIM completely; we stand before HIM and the FATHER innocent
of all charges and we must not allow any person to hold our past choices and mistakes
in front of us as a constant reminder. Your past sinful life is to be viewed in this way;
the better way is to eulogize and bury never to be dug up again. I mean that is what
one does with a corpse is it not?
The second is to understand that you have been acquitted of all charges never to be
charged again for the same crime; that’s called double jeopardy. You have no criminal
record.
23. Zeph. 3:17 Always present; rejoiceful; quiet and loud.
I am so secure in my knowledge in knowing that my DAD is always present with me; I
have read and I have heard HIM speak into my spirit that HE will never leave me and
HE will never forsake me. Many of you have been abandoned by parents and I can’t
imagine what that must be like. But I'm certain that because of this you have major trust
issues; you may not believe that JESUS will not abandon you also. However, JESUS is
more certain not to leave us than we placing our trust in our next pay check; sitting in a
chair that we hope will not break; waiting on the next bus; thinking the sun will shine
and it rains. You see all these mishaps may happen; yet JESUS is the constant; when
HE tells us that HE will always remain with us; it’s factual.
Can anyone imagine the FATHER and JESUS up in heaven along with the angels rejoicing
over us? Well it’s true! You my friend are worth rejoicing over and so am I. You see
love makes one rejoice over another; it can’t be helped. Love makes us rejoice over the
goofiest things. Ever watched your dear little children do their very best and maybe at
that very moment all you saw was perfection? Then many years later in your mind’s eye
or on film you see what really went on and you laugh at how goofy your child was. See
how love makes us rejoice; well the FATHER and JESUS is rejoicing over us as goofy
as we are also. And don’t think that you are not goofy because I'm sure that some of
you have some goofy stories that you can share with others.
24. For instance I have a story that was shared with me; I will with hold who told me this for
their sake. However, she with her dear heart took the Word of GOD so very seriously
that when she came to the scripture of eating the bread which is the body of CHRIST
JESUS she got a pocket bible and began to eat the pages. Now tell me; don’t you think
that caused some rejoicing up in heaven? Because when I was told that I sure rejoiced
down here in the earth with tears and a shaking of my head. I’m snickering now as I
think of her testimony I’m sharing with you.
25. Ps. 116:1 Hears. Ruth 4:15 Restores & Dan. 10:19 Strengthen.
We don’t have a GOD and or FATHER
who is deaf. HE has excellent hearing
so much so that before we can get the
words out of our mouth HE has already
heard the words coming from our
hearts. This is why having our motives
in check is so very important. Some of
us wonder why our prayers were not
answered as we expected; it’s because
of our motives. We say one thing when
all along we mean another.
JESUS brings us back to where we
belong. We were never intended to be
outcast and without. So when JESUS
comes and gets us; HE returns us
back to our rightful place with the
FATHER.
In GOD’s truth we find our strength
through JESUS.
27. Matt. 3:17 Proclaims
You (your name here) just joined MY family! I (your name here) belong to JESUS!
28. When we are accepted and loved we are openly and without shame announced to others.
We have no problem letting others know who another is to us; what a person means to
us and who they are to us. This gives others a clear and precise without questionable
understanding of who another is in the eyes, heart, mouth and conscience of the person
making the claim.
It began with the LORD GOD and if has been funneled down to every human. So when a
human tells me that they love JESUS and or worships HIM quietly or don’t speak of HIM
except in church or certain what they believe to be appropriate settings; I get perplexed.
Every day and all day is an appropriate time for me to speak of JESUS. The thing is that
humans will only speak about what matters to them. And if JESUS love for you and your
love for JESUS is not worth speaking of maybe it’s because you are unaware of HIS
great love for you and you can’t reciprocate that love.
29. Matt. 5:43-47 Guides
Our heavenly FATHER guides us to love not only ourselves and those that are easy
to love. HE guides us to love those who are not so easy to love. Why? Because
GOD is a loving GOD and HE blesses even those who don’t deserve to be
blessed all day every day also.
Not only that; we too were once unloving and we still have very unloving tendencies
within us that are still very much alive and active. Oh we may want to make
people think that we have it all together but the only people we are fooling are
ourselves. We must be guided by our DAD all day every day. Without HIS
guidance it is all too easy for us to return back to our basic natural fleshy sinful
nature.
And as HE guides us we should help guide others back into the right direction
without being condemning or judgmental but caring, forgiving, loving, kind, and
merciful.
30. Mt. 16:19 Allows or stops.
We have to make up in our minds what we will allow and what we will no longer allow to
have control of us any longer. This goes for people and situations that affect us all
negatively as well as positively. We have to determine in which direction we desire to go
for peace in every area of our lives. And to gain peace can sometimes be a painful
adventure because it may involve the removal of people and things we really admire.
Their hang ups should not be visited on us and vice versa.
For instance; because I kept so closed mouth for the majority of my life my body has taken
a great toll health wise and now I'm suffering in my flesh. However, in my suffering in
the flesh I continue to do what I’ve been called to do for JESUS and at times because
of my love for people and because I know that I have a sarcastic tongue; I don’t speak
out much when others hurt me and when I suffer emotionally in silence the stress is
added and I suffer greatly.
We all have to take charge in love however of our course and seek guidance from JESUS
how to maneuver through this harsh life with various people. And yet remain loving in
HIM. Well today as I write this my darling FATHER through the Holy Spirit showed me
a scripture that I’ve seen for years and have known for years; however, I’ve not seen it
or known it for as many years as I’ve read it. So today I wrote down what I will no
longer allow to have control in my life in huge letters and daily I will say this until it
manifest. I suggest that you do the same; this is how things become real to us; this is
just one of the ways we can apply GOD’s Word in our life. So if you want change,
you’ve got to go after the change.
31. Luke 6:32 Does what is not natural.
In previous pages I wrote that we must become the normal because the world is abnormal.
I remember when one of my brothers and I were talking in our baby stages of our
christian walk and he shared with me how he was struggling with doing what he does
not want to do. In my innocence I replied; “before you do something that is wrong you
have a feeling that something is off; if you get that feeling don’t do it”.
What has kept me out of a lot of critical trouble is this thought: How would my parents feel
if they saw me doing this? Keep that thought in your mind; maybe it will help you also.
As I became a mother and wife I continued to live by that thought. How would my husband,
children and parents feel if they saw me doing this? My thought as a child was to never
do anything that would make my grandmother and parents sad. As a wife and mother
my thoughts turned to never wanting my husband, children, grandmother and parents
ashamed of me. So I stayed clear of anything that would become critical to my life.
Understand me; I never made the claim that I never did anything wrong; I just steered
clear of most traps that caught most people because they did not have the eyesight to
see; the ears to listen and the ability to say no and the heart to mean no.
The thing is this though my motive of thought helped me in life; I could have done better
had I thought about the fact that a real and living GOD was seeing everything and
listening to everything from me. I never once considered HIS feelings of my actions.
However, in the midst of it all; JESUS does what is natural to HIM and kept me out of
harms way.
33. .
What are the motives we as humans operate under before we are willing to go forth
unselfishly? A person must prove themselves worthy in eyesight; they must have a nice
personality; good credit; the ability to repay and most of all you must either like or love
them. How overjoyed I am that the LORD GOD does not operate in those same
motives. If HIS motives were as ours; none of us would get to know HIM through HIS
grace, love and mercy. None of us would know salvation, healing and deliverance. We
would all be victims instead of being victorious. We would all be overcome by evil
instead of being Overcomers through CHRIST JESUS. We would all spend eternity in
hell, in the lake of fire with satan and his demons. However, instead the LORD GOD
gave to humanity HIS SON freely to take on the full punishment of sin so that we would
not have to. The LORD GOD unselfishly gave everything that HE has to JESUS and
JESUS gave everything to us who love the LORD GOD and have trusted in the LORD
JESUS. And though we trust and love JESUS and live our lives to please the FATHER
through JESUS we still make sinful mistakes. Yet there are no regrets for anything that
has been done for us. We have JESUS, we have the Holy Spirit, we have the Word of
GOD and because of this we lack nothing unselfishly and we have everything in
abundance freely without regret.
34. Jo. 10:17 Obedient
To be obedient brings with it such a great reward. Everyone desires to be rewarded; the
thing is we don’t consider that obedience can be negative and positive. When a person
obey in the negative the reward is addiction, death, disease, fear, injury, jail and
sickness.
However when a person obey in the positive the reward is assurance, life and love
abundantly; every promise given provided. JESUS told us that HIS FATHER loves HIM
because HE gives HIS life up so that HE can take it up again. See JESUS already
knew the promise and HE trusted HIS FATHER to not leave HIM dead and in hell.
JESUS had no reason not to trust in HIS DADDY whatever plans HIS DAD had for HIM;
HE was willing to follow through.
What reason do we have not to trust in JESUS?
Are we willing to follow whatever plans the FATHER and JESUS have for our life?
Whose agenda is more important and realistic; ours or JESUS?
What reward comes from being disobedient and are you willing to gamble with ducking
and dodging the consequences?
What reward comes from being obedient and are you willing to rake in what has been
earmarked just for you?
35. Jo. 13:1 Is not wishy washy; it remains constant.
Sometimes I shake my head because I'm often in conversations with people of faith that
one day their faith (trust) is high and the next it’s in the middle and the next its low. For
instance either you are going to believe that the Word of GOD is for our edification to
help us grow and be stretched in our faith as we learn of our FATHER, JESUS and the
Holy Spirit as well as who we are or not. We can’t figure an all knowing and all present
GOD out with the exception that HE loves us and that HE forgives and is a rewarder to
those who love HIM. HE looks for and is moved by our trust alone in HIS SON JESUS.
We spend far too much time on putting JESUS in a box of how HE would do this or
that and what is permittable and what is not. We have the Word of GOD for this and in
the New Testament we are told in a plain language what is permittable and what is not.
We are so wishy washy but JESUS is not; HE is the constant and we need to be
thankful that HE is.
JESUS already knew; HE was not caught off guard; HE was not shocked or caught by
surprise that Judas Iscariot was listening to the devil and obeying him. Yet, JESUS
washed his feet just like HE washed the feet of the other eleven. JESUS still revealed
HIS love, HIS grace and HIS mercy for him toward him. We get so caught up in things
that really don’t matter because we want to control situations instead of really giving
them over to the FATHER and letting HIM deal with them in HIS own and perfect way.
Our concern is to be obedient to the will of the FATHER and to completely trust in
JESUS; to do what we know to do according to HIS Word and not the word of you or
others.
36. Jo. 15:13 Lies down own life for another.
Yes, the greatest love we can show a
friend is to surrender our life for theirs.
However, there are other ways we can
lay our life down for a friend that we
can consider as well. Instead of
allowing a friend to take the
punishment for a fault that we know
and they know we know belongs to
them; we will take the full punishment
for them. We set aside our agenda that
we consider important to step in when
called to fulfill an obligation that the
friend may not be able to engage in at
that time. And I'm certain that you can
think of other ways in which you can
show your friend how much you love.
37. Jo. 19:26 Cares for mother.
How do you care for your mother? I really could stop right here and let your conscience
deal with you. JESUS cared and loved HIS mother right up to the very end of HIS
earthly evacuation. HE did not leave until HE saw that HIS mother was well taken care
of. And HE did not just hand her off to just any one. JESUS gave his mother over to
John a disciple who remained right beside HIM up to the bitter end. JESUS had brothers
who were HIS disciples who were the sons of Mary HIS mother but they like the rest of
them were not there out of fear. JESUS knew that HE could depend on John to take
care of HIS mother lovingly so much so that HE told HIS mother that John is now her
son. It’s not that JESUS was giving HIS mother a replacement son because no child can
be replaced by another. What JESUS was giving to HIS mother was the same care that
she was accustomed to receiving from her own Son while HE was here in human form.
It’s not the order for a mother and or father to outlive their children; well really it’s not
the order for us to die at all. However, when a parent has more than one child you
would think that those children would be there to comfort their parent/s not off taking
care of their own selfish desires. We are to care for our mother with the same care as
JESUS cared for HIS own mother right up to the very end.
38. Jo. 21:15-17 Feed young immature in the faith; find and guide the lost; feed the lost the Good News.
What are your, these?
I’ll tell you, I have no idea who or what JESUS was referring to when HE asked Peter if he
loved HIM more than these. I know that Peter was a skilled fisherman and that he loved
to fish. I also know that Peter was a disciple and that he loved his fellow disciples. But I
don’t know who or what JESUS was referring to.
However, it does not matter; what does matter is who or what do you love more than
JESUS. Hopefully your answer will be a truthful nothing. We can take our craft, gift,
knowledge, passion and skill and put it to good use for JESUS. You see Peter being a
fisherman can catch fish and with those fish he can feed humans. Also being skilled in
being a fisherman, Peter understands what it takes to attract fish to the bait or the net.
Now JESUS said to Peter that he wanted Peter to feed HIS lambs. What is a lamb but
a baby sheep; young and immature. This is who we are when we are coming into the
knowledge of CHRIST JESUS; we are babes, immature and young and we must be feed
the nutritious milk of the Good News of JESUS. Not only that but as we grow up in the
Good News of JESUS; we still have a tendency to stray from JESUS.
39. We are no longer lambs but have grown into sheep and what is the characteristic of a
sheep? Sheep tend to be easily led away; they are unimaginative and meek. This is why
sheep require a shepherd; this is why humans require a pastor who follows the
teachings of JESUS and is an under shepherd understanding that JESUS is our
Shepherd.
A good under shepherd understands and will feed sheep meat and vegetables as a
balanced meal. A shepherd will not keep his flock on a milk diet. Sheep can’t remain
strong on just milk even as humans we grow from a milk diet being babes and
introduced to solid food; it’s a requirement. Without the Good News of JESUS or a
watered down gospel we are stunted from the nutrition we need to be healthy strong
individuals. Sheep when they wonder off will be sought after by their shepherd. A good
shepherd would never stand by and knowingly have a sheep missing in action; the
shepherd will go searching for that lost sheep and bring it back to the fold. Tending to
all its wounds.
JESUS does the very same thing; HE is looking for so many lost sheep and when HE finds
them HE brings them back to the fold and HE tends to all of our wounds.