Release him

Image via WikipediaRelease him

 

(Job 33:24-26)"In mercy the angel will say 'Release Him!  He is not to go down to the world of the dead.  here is the ransom to set him free.'

"His body will grow young and strong again; when he prays, God will answer him; he will worship God with joy; God will set things right for him again."

We now have a lot to look forward to.  A child of earth leaves his school, its teacher and student relationship.  A child of heaven leaves his earthly relationships with earth's physical bodies.  He/she becomes a spirit in heaven, in contrast to an adult on earth.  From birth to death, God has us continually in his grip; and has prepared us for this moment in time.  He is our security, and we must cling to him.  Though our courage and strength may fail, we know that one day we will be raised to life to serve him forever.

(Psalms 73:23-26)"Yet I always stay close to you, and you had me by the hand.  You guide me with your instruction and at the end you will receive me with honor.

"What else do I have in heaven but you?  Since I have you, what else could I want on earth?  My mind and my body may grow weak, but God is my strength; he is all I ever need."

Imagine your life now is "just a dream/nightmare" and when you awake, all will return to normal.  How would this affect you?

Isn't this a desirable future.  I must point out that even though passing over to heaven is a desirable event; it is only when God calls us.  God will call us when He is ready for us to join him in heaven.  He will not be ready for us until He feels that we are ready to join him or His plans call for us to leave this training and decision period.

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Comfort those in trouble

Image via WikipediaComfort those in trouble

 

Comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. - II Corinthians 1:4


After Elsie Larson’s mother died, her siblings and she comforted one another sharing family memories. To her great surprise she discovered that Mom had not told them about our sister Lois’ near-death experience. So that year, in her Christmas card to her niece Judy, Lois’ daughter, she included a note to tell her about it.

While in the hospital with pneumonia, Lois’ heart had stopped. Doctors successfully stimulated it. When Lois opened her eyes she said, “I have seen God and he’s promised I will no longer have to suffer from my illness.” Lois had myesthenia gravis, a disease that had weakened her for years. Although her lungs continued to fill with fluid, she felt no need for the oxygen at her bedside. Exhilarated, Lois lived one more day. She couldn’t stop talking about her visit with God. And then she peacefully slipped away.

As it turned out, Judy, too, had not heard this story. She still tells me, several years later, “Aunt Elsie, I keep your note in my Bible and read it often. It comforts me.”

Elsie can understand that comfort because she, too, receive reassurance every day from Lois’ near-death encounter with God. On good days and bad days, I think we all need to be reminded that we have a brighter life awaiting us with God. Just as He promised.

Heavenly Father, thank You for glimpses of You from the other side and that we will be with You some day in eternity. Amen.


(2 Samuel 22:21-25)"The Lord rewards me because I do what is right; he blesses me because I am innocent; I have obeyed the law of the Lord; I have not turned away from my God.  I have observed all his laws; I have not turned away from my God.  I have observed all his laws; I have not disobeyed his commands.  He knows that I am faultless, that I have kept myself from doing wrong.

"And so he rewards me because I do what is right, because he knows I am innocent."

Just as there is a passing over from earth's childhood (school, graduation, puberty, parental independence, etc).  In order to pass over to Heaven and our reward,  we must go through death, submission to God and the other aspects covered in these subjects.

Overcome pride

Image via WikipediaOvercome pride

 

We must be justified by our actions not our words.

How can I control my tongue?

Pride must be conquered.

(Proverbs 16:18)"Pride goes before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall."

Who are some of the other "kings" in your life whom you listen to?

Can you be mighty enough to accept God's control and discipline?  Can you be controlled enough to resist temptations?  Can you learn to accept that you can't do it alone?  Can you be Christ-like and be sensitive, quiet, and unselfish.

(1 Clement 14:7)"Let our praise be of God, not of ourselves; for God hateth those that commend themselves."

Should a parent live only for their children?

We must also whip into shape any tendency to: over confidence, arrogance, and rashness.

(1 Clement 14:9)"Rashness, and arrogance, and confidence belong to them who are accursed of God: but equity, and humility, and mildness, to such as are blessed by him."

We can't give glory to God when we are glorifying our-self.

(1 Clement 16: 5-6)"Let our boasting, therefore, and our confidence be in God: let us submit ourselves to his will.  Let us consider the whole multitude of his angels, how ready they stand to minister unto this will.

"As saith the scripture, thousands of thousands stood before him and ten thousand times ten thousand ministered unto him.  And they cried, saying, 'Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of Saboth; the whole earth is full of his glory."

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Actions not words

Image via WikipediaActions not words

 

We must be justified by our actions not our words.

How can I control my tongue?

Pride must be conquered.

(Proverbs 16:18)"Pride goes before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall."

Who are some of the other "kings" in your life whom you listen to?

Can you be mighty enough to accept God's control and discipline?  Can you be controlled enough to resist temptations?  Can you learn to accept that you can't do it alone?  Can you be Christ-like and be sensitive, quiet, and unselfish.

(1 Clement 14:7)"Let our praise be of God, not of ourselves; for God hateth those that commend themselves."

Should a parent live only for their children?

We must also whip into shape any tendency to: over confidence, arrogance, and rashness.

(1 Clement 14:9)"Rashness, and arrogance, and confidence belong to them who are accursed of God: but equity, and humility, and mildness, to such as are blessed by him."

We can't give glory to God when we are glorifying our-self.

(1 Clement 16: 5-6)"Let our boasting, therefore, and our confidence be in God: let us submit ourselves to his will.  Let us consider the whole multitude of his angels, how ready they stand to minister unto this will.

"As saith the scripture, thousands of thousands stood before him and ten thousand times ten thousand ministered unto him.  And they cried, saying, 'Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of Saboth; the whole earth is full of his glory."

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Wearing Jesus Christ

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What must change to insure that others see you "wearing" Jesus Christ?

We must give up drunkenness, fighting, jealousy, and a lot more that will not be easy.

(1 Clement 1:15)
"Ye were kind one to another without grudging; being ready to do every good work.  And being adorned with a conversation altogether virtuous and religious, yes did all things in the fear of God; whose commandments were written on the tables of your heart."

What is your plan for dealing with jealousy?

Humility in relation to others is needed.

(1 Clement 1:8)
"Ye were all of you humble minded, not boasting of anything; desiring rather to be subject than to govern; to give them to receive; being content with the portion God had dispensed to you;"

What is your plan to implement humility in your life?

Humility is acquired through discipline.  The hold their negative impulses in check.  They avoid and resist distractions and temptations; which drain their money, moral, and the bodies capabilities.  When emotions aren't controlled they lead to discouragement and depression.

Those who have this inner strength, will finally succeed.  They have highs and lows; but they don't allow the low times to distract them from eternity.  They don't quit when times are tough.

(1 Clement (7:1-2 )
"Let us therefore humble ourselves, brethren, laying aside all pride, and boasting, and foolishness, and anger; and let us do as it is written."

"For thus saith the Holy Spirit; let not the wise man glory in his strength, nor the strong man in his strength, nor the rich man in his riches; but let him that glorieth, glory in the Lord, to seek him, and to do judgment and justice."

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I cry out

Image via WikipediaI cry out

 

(Psalm 3:4)"To the Lord I cry aloud and he answers me from his holy hill."

From what are you praying for deliverance?

Trials of any sort aren't enjoyable especially when the trial involves a family conflict.  But for the child of God they are never without a purpose.

This is hard to remember when the battle is raging or when the pain is at it's worst.  We often don't see God's purpose until the trial has passed.  It's possible God has a greater good for you in the trial than He would have outside of it.  If your trial hasn't passed, ask God for a new sense of the hope we have in trusting our Lord.

How will you implement what has been learned on your job in life?

Senior citizens and our Christian teachers have some very special responsibilities.  They should teach the younger by words and by example.

(Titus 2:1-6)But you must teach what agrees with sound doctrine, Instruct the older men to be sober,  sensible, and self-controlled; to be sound in their faith, love, and endurance.  In the same way instruct the older women to behave as women who should live a holy life.  They must not be slanderers or slaves to wine.  They must teach what is good, in order to train the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, and to be good housewives who submit themselves to their husbands, so that no one will speak evil of the message that comes from God.  In the same way urge the young men to be self-controlled.

How can you help others as a mentor?

You mean I can't be jealous or fight with anyone.  What will I do to pass the day?  Love is one suggestion.  Attitudes are as important as actions.  Just as hatred, leads to murder; so jealousy leads to strife and lust to adultery.  Christ wants his people clean on the inside as well as the outside.

(Romans 13:13-14)"Let us conduct ourselves properly, as people who live in the light of day - no orgies or drunkenness, no immorality or indecency, no fighting or jealousy.  But take up the weapons of the Lord Jesus Christ, and stop paying attention to your sinful nature and satisfying its desires."

True discipleship

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We are all capable of bending and twisting the words and example of Jesus in an effort to excuse ourselves from true discipleship.  Those who support our sinful ways seem to number legion compared to those who challenge us to grow in virtue and holiness.  It takes tremendous self-honesty to assess whether we stand with Jesus and live the values of the Kingdom, or whether in our heart we dismiss him as too idealistic for our real world.

How will you control, avoiding pride?

Do we, as Paul invites us, "Keep our eyes fixed on Jesus" through prayer and sharing with people of faith, or do we allow ourselves to be guided by the more popular moral standard, everybody's doing it.

What is your plan to turn money from your "master" to a "ministry?"

If we insist on friendships for those who mock what God considers important we might sin by becoming indifferent to God's will.  Do your friends build up your faith, or do they tear it down?  True friends draw you closer to God.

(Psalm 1:1)"Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners."

How will you find time to meditate as this blessed man does?

What would happen if God wanted to break into your world and get your attention this week?  What would He be competing with?  The television, the newspaper, housework, your job responsibilities or some other distraction?  It's worth thinking about.  If the answer you give is unsettling, maybe its time to clear out some of the clutter in your life and place priority on your relationship with your Lord.  God responds to us when  we urgently relate to him.

Christian life

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Paul draws our attention to the practical obligations of the Christian life.  He calls on all of us,  his fellow Christians, to dedicate ourselves wholeheartedly to God, and to remember that each of us has a definite part to play in the work of the Church, whatever our particular gift may be.  Brotherliness, charity, and forgiveness among ourselves are to be our response of gratitude to God for his mercy (Romans 12:1-21).  Right actions lead to right feelings.  With kind actions, tell your enemy that you would like to heal your relationship.  Lend a helping hand.  Smile at him or her.

(Romans 12:9-21)"Love must be completely sincere.  Hate what is evil, hold on to what is good.  Love one another warmly as Christian brothers, and be eager to show respect for one another.  Work hard and do not be lazy.  Serve the Lord with a heart full of devotion.  Let your hope keep you joyful, be patient in your troubles, and pray at all times.  Share your belongings with your needy fellow Christians and open your homes to strangers.

"Ask God to bless those who persecute you - yes, ask him to bless not to curse.  Be happy with those who are happy, weep with those who weep.  Have the same concern for everyone.  Do not be proud, but accept humble duties.  Do not think of yourself as wise.

"If someone has done you wrong, do not repay him with a wrong.  Try to do what everyone considers to be good.  Do everything possible on your part to live in peace with everybody.  Never take revenge, my friends, but instead let God's anger do it.  For the scripture says, 'I will take revenge, I will pay back says the Lord.'  Instead, as the scripture says: 'If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for by doing this you will make him burn with shame.'  Do not let evil defeat you; instead, conquer evil with good."

This week, how can you practice "love" and "peace" with your family?  Co-workers?  Small group?  Church?

A powerful and difficult way of living, is asked of us.  In order to accomplish it we must have "Love".

(Matthew 5:46-47)"Why should God reward you if you love only the people who love you?  Even the tax collectors do that!  And if you speak only to your friends, have you done anything out of the ordinary?  Even the pagans do that!"

How would your life be different as God helps you to put this quality into action?

Living Sacrifice

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How can you present your body as a living  sacrifice in everyday life by using your gifts?

We also need to share with others any questions we may have of God's will.  This is one of the most effective way to listen to God's Guidance.  This is true, only if the person we are sharing with is also one of God's children.  It is helpful if you discuss it with at least 3 individual Children of your Father in Heaven.  Many have set up small faith groups, in order to share and hold each other to the "Plan."

What is my plan for sharing?

Become the "Voice of God's Love," not his "Secret Agent."

Based on what you have studied in this subject write a paragraph of evaluation on; "A person's religion is his own business.  It matters only to him, as long as he is sincere?

The best way to "share," and plant "seed" is to live a life that is appealing to others.

Sharing verbally

Image via WikipediaSharing verbally

 

Have you had experiences in which you wanted to share your faith verbally with someone, but didn't?  What kept you from sharing?  What would have made it easier to share?

(2 Esdras 2:24-28)"Be calm, my people, your time to rest will come.  Take care of your children like a faithful nursemaid and guide their steps in safe paths, so that none of them will be lost.  When the time comes, I will hold you responsible for them.  Don't worry; when the day of trouble and distress comes, others will cry and mourn, but you will be happy and rich.  The other nations will be jealous of you, but they will not be able to harm you."

Who do I know that they might be ready to have my story shared with and How?

(Luke 4:43)But he said to them. "I must preach the Good News of the Kingdom of God in other towns also because that is what God sent me to do."

How am I going to be involved in small group sharing?

If God's own Son came down to Earth as a Human and showed us examples of this "Sharing"; can we refuse to do what our Brother has done.

Do I feel that I have special gifts in the area of sharing and  what?

The reign of God, as God, is His to control.  Men can do and have done, nothing to hasten the coming.  But the seed has been growing secretly, God's purposes have been maturing through the long story of Israel and his Gentile children.  As part of our growth plan we need to prove our love, so He has provided us the opportunity.  Will we use it?  Let your strengths balance your weakness, and be grateful that your abilities make up for your deficiencies.

(Romans 12:6-8)"So we are to use our different gifts in accordance with the grace that God has given us.  If our gift is to speak God's message, we should do it according to the faith that we have; if it is to serve, we should serve; if it is to teach, we should teach; if it is to encourage others, we should do so.  Whoever shares with others should do it generously, whoever has authority should work hard; whoever shows kindness to others should do it cheerfully."

Sensitive Listening

Image via WikipediaSensitive Listening

 

How can sensitive listening on your part reduce the chance of someone rejecting Christianity?

Remember that it does not matter if you are successful or not, but that you did it and that you did your best.  Just like if you told your friends about a happy marriage you have, it does not matter if they do not get married.  But it sure would do a lot for you and your partner in marriage.  Well the same is true of you and your Father in Heaven.  If you failed to tell people when the time was right, about your relationship, it would cause great stress on that relationship.  We hide our light by: (1) being quiet when we should speak, (2) going along with the crowd, (3) denying the light, (4) letting sin dim our light, (5) not explaining our light to others or (6) ignoring the needs of others.

(Matthew 5:14-16)"You are like light for the whole world.  A city built on a hill cannot be hid.  No one lights a lamp and puts it under a bowl; instead he puts it on the lamp-stand, where it gives light for everyone in the house.  In the same way your light must shine before people, so that they will  see the good things you do and praise your Father in heaven."

How can Jesus enable you to "shine brighter?"

If you do not feel that an individual is ready to hear about your new childhood, at least they should be able to see the joy within you.  They should be able to see the  radiance of your Heavenly childhood spilling out over the world.  If asked "How its going?"  You should be letting people know that you are happy.  If they pursue, 'Why you are happy;' you should be prepared to give them brief statements of why (i.e. Well I'm really excited about my relationship with my Father in Heaven).  Then dependent on their reaction you can pursue it or not.  But at least you have planted a seed with them, and you have strengthened your relationship with God.

(1 Peter 2:15-16)"For God wants you to silence the ignorant talk of foolish people by the good things you do.  Live as free people; do not, however, use your freedom to cover up any evil, but live as God's slaves."

God isn't merely gritting his teeth and using imperfect humans; he likes it that way!  What does this mean for you?

And of course if you are in a parental role you are REQUIRED by your Father in Heaven to see that your children receive an education on their religion and the relationship they should have with God the Father.  Since he is a Co-Father (he provided a soul and the spark of life as Creator).  You are denying them this information and the opportunity to join you and your Father in Heaven.  But the information means nothing unless they can see the importance of it in your life.  It must be the most important thing in your life.  They must be sold on making the right choice.  Since it is a choice, the option must be presented to them, but you can not make the choice for them.  You are only required to present it and sell it.  They must buy the choice.

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Ready to answer

Image via Wikipedia Ready to answer

 

(1 Peter 3:15-16)"Be ready at all times to answer anyone who asks you to explain the hope you have in you, but do it with gentleness and respect."

Can others see your hope in Christ?  Are your prepared to tell them what Christ has done in your life?

By taking this opportunity to share your relationship with your Father you are confirming it.  This would be the same as if you kept your marriage secret, along with any parental circumstances.  It in effect is a denial of that relationship.  By making it public and sharing it, you are confirming in in your own heart and to your Father.  By failing to act when God provided you with the opportunity, you are denying this relationship.

Share a time when you might have been embarrassed about your faith.  Do you wish you had responded differently in this situation?  If so, Why?

(Matthew 10:32-33)"If anyone declares publicly that he belongs to me, I will do the same for him before my Father in heaven.  But if anyone reject me publicly I will reject him before my Father in Heaven."

Under what circumstances do you find it most difficult to talk about your faith?

A positive action on your part strengthens your relationship with your Father, confirms it, indicates that  you are proud of it, that you really do love Him, and the individual you performed the confirmation of your relationship with.  The benefits will exceed any thing you might expect.

(Luke 10:16)Jesus said to his disciples, "Whoever listens to you listens to me; whoever rejects you rejects me: and whoever rejects me reject the one who sent me."

How do you feel about the harvest where you live?  Are people ripe for the gospel?  What would it take for you to be more involved in the harvest?

Christ  explains to us in (Mk. 4:26-29) that the seed (God's 'kingdom' in the world) grows without human control but with human participation.

Kingdom of God

Image via WikipediaKingdom of God

 

(Luke 13:20-21)Again Jesus asked, "What shall I compare the Kingdom of God with? It is like this.  A woman takes some yeast and mixes it with a bushel of flour until the whole batch of dough rises."

When have you felt that your faith was too small to matter?  What does this parable teach you about significance?

We must mix yeast in our lives and others.  You no doubt would wish to share good news with people around you when the time is right.  You would not normally share a happy event (i.e. marriage) at a difficult time in another person's life (e.g. divorce, death of a spouse, etc.).  But this is exactly when a person may be most receptive to sharing your childhood in God.  When a person is currently happy about their earthly life, they will not normally be receptive to changing it.  Jesus needs workers who knows how to deal with people's problems.  We can comfort others and show them the way to live because we have been helped with our problems by God and his laborers.

(Matthew 9:36-38)"As he saw the crowds, his heart was filled with pity for them, because they were worried and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.  So he said to his disciples, 'The harvest is large, but there are few workers to gather it in.  Pray to the owner of the harvest that he will send out workers to gather in his harvest.'"

What have you learned about the Kingdom and what it means to labor in the field where God has placed you?

Their are some people who God may select that would be a messenger for him, and who will be chosen to share this important information on a broader basis.  But for the average child of God; it would be  sufficient to share with those people that you come in contact with on a day by day basis.  These people should be ready for this sharing.  God will prepare you and them for this sharing.  You will know it is right, if you have prayed to God about the individual and the circumstances and have spiritually listened for guidance.

I'm going to set up a situation for you.  Your at the airport.  You have a good friend there; one  who has never asked you about your faith before, never even talked about religion.  The person has only one minute before getting on the plane.  Suddenly he or she says, "What's your happiness all about?" and you have just one minute to respond.  What do you say?

One of the ways God will tell you when it is right, is that God will provide you the opportunity to discuss this news.  Then as a Child of God you are REQUIRED by your Father in Heaven to SHARE.  This is not an option you have.  If you turned down this opportunity, you are saying to God; that I do not agree with your plan,  I am not proud to be your Child, I have not really turned my life over to you, and I do not love you enough to want to share you.  What do you think God the Father's viewpoint will be concerning this rebellion on your part.  Jesus told his disciples that they should not worry about what they should say - God's spirit would speak through them.

(Matthew 10:18-20)"For my sake you will be brought to trial before rulers and kings, to tell the Good News to them and to the Gentiles.  When they bring you to trial, do not worry about what you are going to say or how you will say it; when the time comes, you will be given what you will say.  For the words you will speak will not be yours; they will come from the Spirit of your Father speaking through you."

How can you best represent to your neighbors that the kingdom of heaven is near?

If you do act, God will provide you with the guidance you need.  And since He is in control of your life, He is the one that is acting through you.  Therefore there is no question of your ability or lack, success or failure, acceptance or rejection by the individual you are presenting to.  All you are required to do is make the contact and do the best you can do in presenting the opportunity to rejoin as God's child.  The very least you are expected to do is to present, how it happened to you, what it means to you, and ask them if they would like to know more.  If they would, and you do not feel capable to answer their questions, then you are obligated to arrange that they can get more information.  We should always be ready to give an answer, gently and respectfully, when asked about our faith, our life-style, or our Christian perspective.

Actively following

Image by humberpike via FlickrActively following

 

It is impossible to be neutral about God.  Anyone who is not actively following him has chosen to reject him.  Any person who tries to remain neutral in the struggle of good against evil is choosing to be separated from God who alone is good.

(Matthew 12:30)"Anyone who is not for me is really against me; anyone who does not help me gather is really scattering."

What real difference does Jesus' power make in your daily speech with others?

As a good friend or relative when you see someone in trouble, you will want to help them.  Well you have something that is very important to their present and future happiness, success and purpose in life.  You have an opportunity to save an individual from death (no future) and change their future to graduation to heaven.  Will you hate them so much that you withhold this information from them?  Love would not, and what else should there be.

If you have turned your life over to God, you will find a Love that surpasses any; that you can encounter any other way.  Would you not tell your friends and relatives of a engagement, marriage, or birth of a child.  And yet you have one of the two greatest events (accepting God's control of your life and graduation to your permanent home) in your life, will you withhold this.

Faith sharing should be  a spill over of your joy and love of your God and his other children.  When you have learned about your relationship and have completely committed to it; you will find it easy to talk about it.  An engaged individual who is deeply in love  has no problem, talking about it.  There would be no tongue tied individual giving that earthly news.  Can we do less if we are as deeply in Love with our Father in Heaven.  Jesus said his kingdom would begin quietly, and eventually push outward until the whole world has changed.

Walk not in Fear (Phyllis C. Michael)

Image via WikipediaWalk not in Fear (Phyllis C. Michael)

Today you do not walk alone. So do not walk in fear.The Lord, your God, is everywhere,In fact He's very near.Although you walk a path todayYou've never walked before,Walk on in faith, the Lord is nearAnd shall be evermore.

Although a door should open nowPresenting to your viewA scene unknown to human eyes,Know this, God walks with you.Let faith fill every waking breath -To God each child is dear;Today you do not walk aloneSo do not walk in fear.

We may think we know God, but if our faith does not result in striving to complete obedience to God, our faith is dead (James 2:17).

When we accept that we are God's children; who cannot reach him on our own, but must turn our lives over to him; we will accept the submission and obedience due to him.  Then we will accept his love and forgiveness for any wrong we have done.  This acceptance confirms that we understand that we are his Children.  This acceptance is not enough, we must also live as his children and as brothers and sisters in the same family.  Often people excuse selfishness, pride, or evil by claiming their rights.  If we say we follow Christ, we must also may we want to live as he lived.  Are you selfishly clinging to your rights?

(Philippians 2:1-8)"Your life in Christ makes you strong, and his love comforts you.  You have fellowship with the Spirit, and you have kindness and compassion for one another.  I urge you, then, to make me completely happy by having the same thoughts, sharing the same love, and being one in soul and mind.  Don't do  anything from selfish ambition or from a cheap desire to boast, but be humble toward one another, always considering others better than themselves.  And look out for one another's interests, not just for your own.  This attitude you should have is the one that Christ Jesus had.

"He always had the nature of God, but he did not think  that by force he should try  to become equal with God.  Instead of this, of his own free will he gave up all he had and took the nature of a servant.  He became like man and appeared in human likeness.  He was humble and walked the path of obedience all the way to death."

How would things change if verses above marked your family life? Church life?  Work life?

With God's own Son as our example, and with the guidance and support he has provides us; how can we not use our freewill to make the right decision and join him in heaven.

Does what you have learned, made you more optimistic or less, and why?

Why did God provide us with free will?  This is a question that I would like to address at this point.  We could have been created where we would do only what we were suppose to do.  But since God wanted members of his family (sons and daughters) who He could share love with.  He needed to create us in his likeness.

Why did God give us free will?

Their may be a question in your mind at this point.  Isn't the concept of free will incompatible with a already know plan of God?  No!  To illustrate this answer let me use a parable.  Many students in certain college classes have conducted certain tests with mice in a maze.  The mice in the maze may be given paths they could follow.  But because of various reasons, they will go a certain way.  The mouse has free will to choose his path.  But his nature will normally direct him a certain way.  We as humans created as part of this earth, have a earthly nature which will normally direct us certain ways.  Just as the mouse may be trained to take a path different than his normal nature which will normally direct us certain ways.  Just as the mouse may be trained to take a path different than his normal nature to a better future.  God may know what way we are going to take, but we still have to make that decision.

How am I going to improve my humility and "Childlike Nature?"

You as a human being could share love with another human being or with an animal.  But you can not share love with a car or a coat.  In order to be able to share love a creature must be free to accept, reject, and/to give love.

Your defenses

Image via WikipediaYour defenses

 

What views about sin have softened so that they are even acceptable among Christians?  What areas of life has this affected?  Male-female relationships?  Social settings?  Family life?  Don't be drawn in by the world's standards.  Be morally pure in your dating or marriage relationship.  Be bold in keeping a high standard.  Don't let Satan wear down your defenses.

Could your heart be deceiving you about the motives of some of your actions at work?  At Home?  In relationships?

A Child of Our Father in Heaven must change his attitude to one of trust and confidence.  God who feeds the birds and dresses the lilies is not likely to neglect his children.  So anxiety about the future is foolish and unnecessary (Matt. 6:25-34).

As part of canceling out this anxiety about the future, we must trust God to know what job we should be doing as part of our training.  As Children of God we need to: do our jobs where we are and trust God that he will move us as he decides.  Our only concern, should be to do the best we can where we are, to bring "Glory to God" and to learn the qualities God is training us in.

One of the tools God provides us to assist us in this action, is  the ability to pray to him (talk to him).  This prayer should be directed to committing ourselves to his "will being done" and asking him for the grace or ability to trust him and to cope with difficulties.  We should make this a natural part of our day as we go through with it.  It should occur as if you were working side by side with your best friend, because you are.  Your conversation with him should take place within your heart and mind as things occur within your day.  And another factor is, if you start your day with committing yourself to his control, you will be living a prayer.

Humility is a keynote of life lived under the rule of God (Luke 14:7-11).  Remember, obedience is not something extra we do; it is our duty.  He is attacking unwarranted self esteem and spiritual pride.

(Luke 17:9-10)"The servant does not deserve thanks for obeying orders, does he?  It is the same with you; when you have done all you have been told to do, say, 'We are ordinary servants: we have only done our duty.'"

Which quality of a disciple do you have the most difficulty with?

This profound statement by Christ, grabs us.  It should be written on every Child of God's  heart.

(Judith 8:12-18)"What right do you have to put God to the test as you have done today?  Who are you to put yourselves in God's place in dealing with human affairs?  It is the Lord Almighty that you are putting to the test!  Will you never learn?  There is no way that you can understand what is in the depths of a human heart or find out what a person is thinking.  Yet  you dare to read God's mind and interpret his thoughts!  How can you claim to understand God, the Creator?  No, my friends, you must stop arousing the anger of the Lord our God!  If he decides not to come to our aid within five days, he still may rescue us at any time he chooses.  Or he may let our enemies destroy us.  But you must not lay down conditions for the Lord our God!  Do you think that he is like one of us?  Do you think you can bargain with him or force him to make a decision?  No!  Instead, we should ask God for his help and wait patiently for him to rescue us.  If he wants to, he will answer our cry for help.  We do not worship gods made with human hands."

The distinctive Christian attitude is therefore one of humble and thankful trust in God, and dependence on  what he has done through Christ, in short, "faith." (Romans 1:17).

(Judith 9:5-6)"Your hand guided all that happened then, and all that happened before and after.  You have planned it all - what is happening now, and what is yet to be.  Your plans have always been carried out.  Whatever  you want to be done is as good as done.  You know in advance all that you will do and what decisions you will make."

What is my prayer plan?

Peace with God

Image via Wikipedia Peace with God

 

Rejoice because you have peace with God!  Celebrate God's forgiveness for you.  Demonstrate God's peace to others through your relationships.  Help your co-workers and family to meet their needs.  Relieve the disappointments of others.

When have you taken the credit for what was really God's work in which you were merely an instrument?

We do the same; when we turn our life over to our God and Father, and yet worry or concern ourselves with how it is going.  We must truly turn over our life to our Heavenly Father and not try to take control or feel responsible for results.  If God always rescued those who were true to him.  Christians would not need faith.  There would be lines of selfish people ready to sign up.

(Daniel 3:16-18)Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered: "Your Majesty, we will not try to defend ourselves.  If the God whom we serve is able to save us from the blazing furnace and from your power than he will.  But even if he doesn't, your Majesty may be sure that we will not worship your god..."

Daniel and his friends were men who stuck their necks out.  This was not foolhardiness.  They knew what they were doing.  They had counted the cost.  They had measured the risk.  They were well aware what the outcome of their actions would be unless God miraculously intervened, as in fact He did.  But these things did not move them.  Once they were convinced that their stand was right, and that loyalty to their God required them to take it, then, in Oswald Chamber's phrase, they "smilingly washed their hands of the consequences."  "We ought to obey God rather than men," said the apostles (Acts 5:29).  "Neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy," said Paul (Acts 20:24).  This was precisely the spirit of Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.  It is the spirit of all who know God.  They may find the determination of the right course to take agonizingly difficult, but once they are clear on it they embrace it boldly and without hesitation.  It does  not worry them that others of God's people see the matter differently, and do not stand with them. (Were Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego the only Jews who declined to worship Nebuchadnezzar's image?  Nothing in their recorded words suggests that they either knew, or in the final analysis, cared.  They were clear as to what they personally had to do, and that was enough for them.)  By this test also we may measure our own knowledge of God.

(From Knowing God by J. L. Packer)

Ask him for help

Image via WikipediaAsk him for help

 

How does your life say "God, I don't trust you" in money matters, relationships, honesty, entertainment choices?  Tell God all of your worries.  Admit your defiance and ask him for help.

When was the last time you tried to sneak something past God so he wouldn't notice?

Another aspect of Trust in our Father; is that we should not worry or be concerned about situations that occur in our life.  If we as earthly children would worry and concern ourselves with areas of the responsibility of our parents, we would become nervous wrecks.  We would also dishonor our parents by implying that they cannot handle these areas.  We are useful only to the extent that we allow God to use us.

(Isaiah 10:15)But the Lord says, "Can an ax claim to be greater than the man who uses it?  Is a saw more important than the man who saws with it?  A club doesn't lift up a  man; a man lifts up a club."

The struggle we have with a holy God is rooted in the conflict between God's righteousness and our unrighteousness.  He is just and we are unjust.  This tension creates fear, hostility, and anger within us toward God.  The unjust person does not desire the company of a just judge.  We become fugitives fleeing from the presence of One whose glory can bind us and whose justice can condemn us.  We are at war with Him unless or until we are justified...

I remember the sultry summer day in 1945 when I was busy playing stickball in the streets of Chicago.  At that time my world consisted of the piece of real estate that extended from one manhole cover to the next.  All that was important to me was that my turn at bat had finally come.  I was most annoyed when the first pitch was interrupted by an outbreak of chaos and noise all around me.  People started running out of apartment doors screaming and beating dishpans with wooden spoons.  I thought for a moment it might be the end of the world.  It was certainly the end of my stickball game.  In the riotous confusion I saw my mother rushing toward me with tears streaming down her face.  She scooped me up in her arms and squeezed me, sobbing over and over again, "It's over, it's over, it's over!"

It was VJ Day, 1945.  I wasn't sure what it all meant, but one thing was clear.  It meant that the war had ended and my father was coming home.  No more airmail to far-away countries.  No more listening to the daily news reports about battle casualties.... The war was over and peace had come at last.

That moment of jubilation left a lasting impression in my childhood brain.  I learned that peace was an important thing, a cause for unbridled celebration when it was established and for bitter remorse when it was lost....

When God signs a piece treaty, it is a sign for perpetuity.  The war is over forever and ever.  of course we still sin; we still rebel; we still commit acts of hostility toward God.  But God is not a co-beligerent.  he will not be drawn into warfare with us.  We have an advocate with the Father.  We have a mediator who keeps the peace.  he rules over the peace because He is both the Prince of Peace and He is our peace.

(From The Holiness of God by R.C. Sproul)

Lord's Prevailing purpose

Image via Wikipedia Lord's Prevailing purpose

 

What discipline or instruction are you under now?  For what reason or goal?  What dose that say about the Lord's prevailing purpose?

The other side of the coin is even more difficult.  We must learn not to take things into our own hands and try to develop our own plan.  If we act on our own, we are saying to God, I don't like your plan, I am going to make myself God, I am going to take control.  This I consider is the number one Sin or cause of an improper relationship with our God today.  We place ourselves on God's "Board of Directors."  The creation of this "board" will bring humanities downfall.

This is no different than when a child takes control of a family relationship.  If the parents do what the child tells them to do, you will not have a family for long.  It is unnatural and will cause grief for everyone concerned.

We either accept God as our Creator and Father or we don't.  If we do; then we cannot think we can control our lives and still be his child.  This is unnatural and causes grief for us, God's family and the world.

We must learn that as a child of God we must do our best, in the situations God has provides us.  We must learn to trust him, his plans for us, his family and the world.  Would you be embarrassed if your best friends knew your personal thoughts?  Remember that God knows all of them.

(Isaiah 29:15-16)"Those who try to hide their plans from the Lord are doomed!  They carry out their schemes in secret and think no one will see them or know what they are doing.  They turn everything upside down.  Which is more important, the potter or the clay?  Can something a man has made tell him: 'You didn't make me?'  Or can it say to him: 'You don't know what you are doing?'"

Very few people know the power of surrender.  Most of us know only the power of resistance.  We derive a kind of negative energy from holding out.

For example, we may resist our parents.  We feel strong when we break the family's rules or defy our parents' admonitions.  if they tell us not to stay out too late, we assert ourselves by coming home later than they advised.  In a similar manner, we may defy spouses, teachers, bosses, the police, and even God.

God asks us to love him and obey his commandments (John 14:15; the book of 1 John), but we find power in "doing it our way."  I remember one physically large person who  stood on a chair in my office so he could get closer to God.  Then he shook his fist and yelled, "I dare you, God!"  Most of us chose more subtle ways to defy God, but we defy him nonetheless.

... God looks the same upon all those who submit to him.  God knows he made people in different ways: some short, some tall; some outgoing, some reflective; some emotional, some intellectual.  The blessed part is that God made all of us, and he knows we will come to him in different ways.  What is important is that we arrive. 

When I surrender to a purpose I gain power, because once I surrender I am freed from the conflict of indecision.  After I surrender to Jesus Christ, no longer is part of me resisting his call.  I am able to be twice as forceful, because all of me is now headed in the same direction.

(From "How Do I Submit to Jesus Christ? by David and Cheryl Aspy in Practical Christianity)

Meditate

Image via WikipediaMeditate

 

Meditate on the things God has saved you from: hell, drugs, despair, alcohol, sinful habits, hopelessness, restlessness, and selfishness.  Thank God for this most wonderful gift of redemption.

What would it mean for you to start your day by trusting in God?

A five year old child may wish to drive his fathers car.  But a Father will not put his child in a situation where he would need to drive that car, because he is not ready.  The child may try on his own to drive, but only certain trouble will take place if he does.  But that same father will provide the opportunity when the child is ready, the family is ready (i.e. car is available), and the world is ready (i.e. legally of age).

"David dedicated this (23rd Psalm - 'I shall not want') Psalm to those servants of God who forsake all worldly desires and rejoice in their own lot, whatever it may be.  They appreciate their simple bread and water more than all of the delicacies of this world, for their attention is focused on the spiritual pleasures of the World to Come" (Ibm Ezra).

If the child waits till his father provides the opportunity, the child feels better about the situation along with the family, and the world.

(Proverbs 16:9)"You may make your plans but God directs your actions."

What role should feelings , circumstances, counsel, conscience, scripture, each play in knowing God's will?

If we learn to trust God, to provide us with opportunities to act when God's plan calls for our action.  We will find that we, God's family and the world will be better for it.  Be sure you understand what you're getting into, before you take the first step, be sure you are following God.

(Proverbs 19:2)"People may plan all kinds of things, but the Lords will is going to be done."

Who created you

Image via WikipediaWho created you

 

Who created you?  Who can you ultimately depend on?  Where can you find supreme truth?  Where can you find happiness?  Did you answer anything but God for these questions?  If so, you may be in danger of falling into idolatry.  Pull yourself out of that trap and let God be the one you rely on.

How might the purpose of God be traced in some recent events?

Our control of our world is not one of the options we are allowed.  We either "Trust God" or we are not God's child.  None of God's children's accomplishments are possible without mutual love and trust.  There can not be a proper relationship between us and our Creator/Father without this.  We either believe he is God, and has created everything or he is not our God.  If he has created everything, he is in control of everything.  Therefore he does not need our help.  Just as a mother may allow a child to help her while she bakes a cake God will allow us to help control the world around us.  This mother could bake the cake better by herself, but she does allow the child to help, for his growth.  God provides us the opportunity to be involved with the world in order to provide us a growth experience.  If we walk by our own light and reject God's, we become self-sufficient, and the result of self-sufficiency is torment.  We risk torment later when these strengths fade.

(Isaiah 50:10)"All of you that have reverence for the Lord and obey the words of his servant, the path you walk may be dark indeed, but trust in the Lord, rely on your God."

We have already seen that the Bible teaches that God was a God of love.  he wanted to do something for man.  He wanted to save man.  He wanted to free man from the curse of sin.  How could He do it?  God was a just God. He was righteous, and holy.  He had warned man from the beginning that if he obeyed the Devil and disobeyed God, he  would die physically and spiritually....

All through the Old Testament, God gave man the promise of salvation if by faith he would believe in the coming Redeemer.  Therefore God began to teach His people that man could only be saved by substitution.  Someone else would have to pay the bill for man's redemption....

Thanks be to God - that is exactly what happened!  Looking down over the battlements of heaven he saw this planet swinging in space - doomed, damned, crushed, and bound for hell.  He saw you and me struggling beneath our load of sin and bound in the chains and ropes of sin.  he made His decision in the council halls of God.  The angelic hosts bowed in humility and awe as heaven's Prince of princes and Lord of Lords, who could speak worlds into space, got into His Jeweled chariot, went through pearly gates, across the steep of the skies, and on a black Judean night, while the stars sang together and the escorting angels chanted praises, stepped out of the chariot,, threw off His robes and became man!

(From Peace with God by Billy Graham)

How am I going to control "worry?"

Image via Wikipedia How am I going to control "worry?"

 

We obviously are not able to demand anything from God.  We must trust him.  This same trust is essential in a marriage or a friendship.  When two people trust each other they know that the other individual would not intentionally cause any unnecessary pain or put them in a situation they cannot deal with.  A father may share the creation of a baby with his wife, knowing full well that she will have to go through the difficulties of birth.  But they both agree to go through with it, because they love and trust each other, and know that it will create a new life.  A individual may see that their friend goes to a hospital for a treatment to improve life, even though there may be discomfort,  A father may encourage a child to play sports, knowing full well that there may be injuries, but that better health will result.

(Isaiah 45:9-12)"Does a clay pot argue with its maker, a pot that is like all the others?Does the clay ask the potter what he is doing?Does the pot complain that its maker has no skill?Does anyone dare say to his parents, 'Why did you make me like this?The Lord, the Holy God of Israel, the one who shapes the future, says: 'You have no right to question me about my children or tell me what I ought to do!I am the one who made the earth and created mankind to live there.By my power I stretched out the heavens; I control the sun, the moon, and the stars.'"

You can make an idol out of anything or anyone in life.  A church building can become an idol to us, when all the while it is simply a place to meet and worship our Lord - nothing more.  Your child can become your idol... in subtle ways you can so adore that little one that your whole life revolves around the child.  Your mate or date can be given first place in your life and literally idolized.  Your work can easily become your God... as can some pursuit in life.  A house, a lawn, an antique car, a letter sport, an education, a trip abroad, and even that goal of "retirement."...

Your Lord and Savior wants to occupy first place.  Matthew 6:33 says that when He HAS it, everything else will be added to you.  How long has it been since you've enlisted your Lord's help in a private, personal temple-cleansing session?  It's so easy to get attached to idols - good things, inappropriately adored.  But when you have Jesus in the center of the room, everything else only junks up the decor.

(From Come Before Winter by Charles Swindoll)

Direct your life

Image via WikipediaDirect your life

 

Who or what do you listen, to direct your life?

We must gain control over our "Will" and then turn it over to God for direction.  When a child in a earthly family trusts his parents to provide for him, he finds that he can enjoy life.  If he has worries over whether he is going to have enough to eat or where he is going to live, He cannot enjoy life and have a good family relationship.  To maintain your faith when situations are difficult, keep your eyes on Jesus' power rather than on your inadequacies.

(Matthew 14: 28-31)Then Peter spoke up.  "Lord, if it is really you, order me to come out on the water to you."  

"Come!" answered Jesus, So Peter got out of the boat and started walking on the water to Jesus.  But when he notices the strong wind, he was afraid and started to sink down in the water.  "Save me, Lord!" he cried.

At once Jesus reached out and grabbed hold of him and said, "What little faith you have!  Why did you doubt?"

What do you see in your own life that is similar to this?

Even St. Peter had trouble with trust.  If a child trusts his father; that he will only allow him in situations that he can handle, and that he will have the capability to deal with the situation; he then can act effectively.

(Wisdom 1:2)"Those who do not try to test him will find him, He will show himself to those who trust him."

What changes in my actions do I need to make?