Becoming Something .. Learning Something .. Hunting For Something .. Searching For Something .. Finding The Truth .. God has a "special way" of teaching us something about ourselves. Have you ever considered all the problems you have compounded in your own life .. and how it all came about.
Read John 8:31-32
Because there’s so much deception in our world, it is essential that we become grounded in the Scriptures. Some believers have accepted erroneous ideas simply because they haven’t incorporated truth into their thinking and lifestyle. But how do we go about building a firm foundation of righteousness?
The first step is to recognize that going to church and listening to sermons is not enough. You need a desire and commitment to begin letting God’s Word shape your mind, emotions, and will. Think of an area of need, interest, or struggle in your life. Now find a passage in the Bible that addresses that situation. For example, if someone has hurt you, find verses about forgiveness. If you don’t know where to look, check a concordance or the back of your Bible for a subject list.
As you read the passage, look for God’s instructions, and begin doing what He says. Then observe the results. What has the Lord done in your life? Did you discover anything new about Him or His ways? Once you've experienced the blessing of obedience in that area, you will be ready to apply what the Lord reveals about other aspects of your life. I have found that a good way to plant these truths firmly in the heart is to write them down and review them regularly.
One benefit of building truth into your life is freedom.
First, we need to keep laughing. We are never more like children than when we are having fun with our friends. Yet in order to laugh, we at times must let go of emotional baggage. Some people have been hurt deeply, and their laughter is buried under old pains. But clutching past bitterness and feelings of rejection will age us quickly. Jesus Christ is willing to remove all that ugliness when we lay it down, which we do by forgiving ourselves and others—perhaps repeatedly. Every day is a fresh start and another chance for our indwelling God to help us smile and laugh.
Second, we should keep longing. That means we ought to keep chasing our dreams and working toward goals. When a person wakes up with something to accomplish or a friend to aid, he or she experiences more of the joy life has to offer. As soon as we settle for watching the world go by, we start to age.
Finally, and most importantly, we must keep leaning on the Lord. If we live with childlike trust, God will bless our life and use us to bring blessing upon others. He will give a sense of contentment so deep that no trial or spiritual attack can shake us.
Romans 8:28 teaches that “God causes all things to work together for good to those who love [Him].” But relying on that guarantee gets tough when we’re in the midst of trials. The first few words of the verse—“And we know” (emphasis added)—provide a hint about how Christians are to trust that the Lord will keep His promise. We can face adversity courageously when we make a habit of finding God’s fingerprints on prior situations in our life.
While God causes good to come from our experiences, He doesn't necessarily initiate trials. Psalm 103:19 says, “His sovereignty rules over all” (emphasis added). Other forces are at work in the world, but the Father’s power reigns supreme. Satan may touch our life with pain, but only because the Lord allows him to do so. And God gives permission only when a situation fits His ultimate purpose.
The power of your thought life .. Thought Conditioning Tools .. “And you shall love the Lord your God… with all your mind…” Mark 12:30
First, is “speculations.” ... Literally, these are fantasies and scenarios we create to rationalize and justify behaviors and actions, or explain experience. They are often unhealthy because they separate us from the truth that will set us free. (John 8:32)
The second thought level impacting our love for God, and total heart health is “every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God.” --- Literally, these are mental barriers we erect to block out God’s truth.
What goes on in the “heart” of thought can determine the health of the physical heart.
Luke 15:11-24
Humanity tends to project its own faulty habits onto God. Consider how God’s love is often seen: Many people assume we must barter, plead, or try hard to earn the Lord’s favor. But as the Prodigal Son learned, the Father’s love is unconditional. The wayward boy returned home, not expecting to be loved as before; all he hoped for was a place among the family’s servants. Imagine the son’s delight at his dad’s greeting of a hug and a celebration. The boy’s actions surely didn't merit an outpouring of affection, but Jesus’ parable is all about a Father who doesn't give people what they deserve. A love based on conduct would keep people wondering, Have I done enough? Instead, God cares for you simply because you’re you, and He expects nothing in return.
Consider the Prodigal’s life after his homecoming party. He didn't move into the servants’ quarters and go to work. He was reinstated to his place as the second son of a wealthy man, with all of the privilege that entails. In the same way, believers are the Lord’s cherished children (2 Cor. 6:18). When God looks at His loved ones, He doesn't focus on their past failures, faults, or sins. He sees the heirs to His kingdom—men and women who love Him and desire to spend eternity in His presence.
O how I fail to keep your law!
I am aware of my sin all the day.
Your commandments I know .. yet I fail to keep them so.
For they are ever in my mind.
I have this insight everytime I face your word.
No teachers, no other testimonies .. your word exposes all my failings.
Maybe I seem to understand more than the aged,
Because I know that your Word and Your precepts are TRUE.
If only I could restrain my mind and my feet from every evil way,
That I may know .. and keep Your WORD.
I run and hide .. and turn aside from Your WORD .. Your Ordinances,
But YOU .. Yourself .. pursue me and teach me .. .
I know in my "knower" .. Your WORD is a "light" unto my path,
The map and Direction as my way to go .. a lamp to my feet
And a light to my path.
Forgive Me Lord .. for being so stubborn and head-strong ..
Forgive Me of my sins .. through The Blood .. you shed for me on Calvary.
A Necessary Lesson I Need To Learn .. How About You?
Have you ever wondered why the psalmist coupled the admonition to wait for the Lord with encouragement to be strong and courageous? .. The reason is that sometimes .. delaying .. waiting .. is the hardest thing to do. In fact, practicing patience is one of the most important lessons in God’s School of Obedience .. it’s essential that believers learn to wait upon Him.
Our modern culture .. is in such a hurry .. we gotta have it now! .. do it now! We've been primed to stay in a permanent state of readiness ... yet God says to us .. "take courage" .. be still when the world is rushing past. It takes strength to obey when everything in us hollers, “Go! Go! Go!” .. while God is whispering, “Wait.”
But we are quick to act because we are afraid of missing out on something. Believers who buy into that attitude make a move and then hope the Lord will bless them.
God leaves nothing to chance. He does not place a decision before us with the hope that we’ll make the right choice. That would be irresponsible and out of His character. Our Father is more than willing to show us what to do .. and how to do it .. because Our God is personally interested in our well-being .. But until Our Father makes clear what is the way forward, we've got to pause and wait. Waiting upon God is not passivity .. or laziness. Nor is it an excuse for avoiding responsibility. In fact, the opposite is true: People who seek God’s will are those who pause to pray, search Scripture, and perhaps even fast before taking action. And in the meantime, they are still serving God wherever they can.
Many of us know the familiar hymn .. “What a Friend We Have in Jesus.” .. right? .. maybe take a moment and listen: http://youtu.be/4XRmGEbH0qs
1. He has committed Himself to you as a friend for life ... In fact, this commitment lasts more than an earthly lifetime; it’s eternal. He will never leave you, no matter what you do. You may suffer some dashed expectations in your lifetime, but the Lord Himself will never disappoint you.
2. He remains open to you at all times ... Jesus will show you as much about Himself as you desire to learn and are able to appreciate. He will never keep from you anything about Himself that you need to know.
3. He renews His loving overtures to you every day .. He knows how to meet your deepest longings, and He re mains sensitive to your wants as well as your needs.
Jesus is an inspiring, comforting listener who hears exactly what you say and always provides the very best for you .. What kind of friend is Jesus? John 15:13 answers that question: “Greater love has no one than this, than one lay down his life for his friends.” Jesus is the kind of friend who willingly laid down His life as payment for your sins .. past, present, and future. Without complaint, He bore all your sorrows and suffering, while pledging never to leave you nor forsake you (John 14:18). Jesus is the friend who sticks closer than a brother (Prov. 18:24) .. the friend who walks by your side through everything.
And because Jesus gave Himself for all people, we His followers should give ourselves completely to Him (2 Cor. 5:14, 15). “Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God” (v. 20).
Who in your circle of influence needs to be reconciled to God? ... Who do you know that needs to find a friend in Jesus?
