Live a worthy Life!
"I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live"Deuteronomy 30:19 (NKJV)
God greatly desires that we choose life so we and our descendants may live the life worthy of the price Jesus paid! It's His will and good pleasure to see the blessing of Abraham evident in our lives. Like Abraham, it takes faith in God's character and His Word to step into it. Abraham was fully persuaded concerning the promise and purpose of God; he understood that God's desire was to see him blessed. When we become secure in knowing how much God loves us, we will respond to His leading immediately - just like Abraham did. The Bible says he did not stagger or waver when it came to believing and obeying God. Our confidence to pray and stand on the promises of God must come from a place of being in His Presence and embracing His love for us first. This is what will make us fully persuaded of His faithfulness and willingness to perform all He has promised. This is the confidence and peaceful joy that our children will see and walk in too, as they follow us. And this is the way the world will be drawn to the goodness of God as they see His kindness and exuberant blessing on His children who obey Him out of their deep love for knowing Him.
"I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live"Deuteronomy 30:19 (NKJV)
God greatly desires that we choose life so we and our descendants may live the life worthy of the price Jesus paid! It's His will and good pleasure to see the blessing of Abraham evident in our lives. Like Abraham, it takes faith in God's character and His Word to step into it. Abraham was fully persuaded concerning the promise and purpose of God; he understood that God's desire was to see him blessed. When we become secure in knowing how much God loves us, we will respond to His leading immediately - just like Abraham did. The Bible says he did not stagger or waver when it came to believing and obeying God. Our confidence to pray and stand on the promises of God must come from a place of being in His Presence and embracing His love for us first. This is what will make us fully persuaded of His faithfulness and willingness to perform all He has promised. This is the confidence and peaceful joy that our children will see and walk in too, as they follow us. And this is the way the world will be drawn to the goodness of God as they see His kindness and exuberant blessing on His children who obey Him out of their deep love for knowing Him.
Consider This!
"He did not weaken in faith when he considered the [utter] impotence of his own body, which was as good as dead because he was about a hundred years old, or [when he considered] the barrenness of Sarah's [deadened] womb."Romans 4:19 (AMPC)
If you find yourself in a situation where the odds have been noticeably stacked against you, and discouragement comes crouching at the door of your heart, take a moment to consider Abraham's predicament. He had a tremendous impossibility stacked up against him, but he also had a magnificent promise from a faithful God who never fails. The victory for Abraham came when his faith didn't weaken when he considered the odds that were against Him in comparison to who He considered His God to be. His eyes were more fixed on God and what He had personally shown him, and spoken into his heart, than the details of how it would all come to pass. Remember: the issues and challenges we face don't negate the faithfulness of God, or the fact that He will keep His promises. When doubt and despair come lurking, begin to praise and thank the Lord for His great love for you, and His goodness and faithfulness to see every promise become your reality! Before you realize it, those feelings of doubt and despair will be fleeing from you with their tails between their legs. God is so good - let this be what you consider!
"He did not weaken in faith when he considered the [utter] impotence of his own body, which was as good as dead because he was about a hundred years old, or [when he considered] the barrenness of Sarah's [deadened] womb."Romans 4:19 (AMPC)
If you find yourself in a situation where the odds have been noticeably stacked against you, and discouragement comes crouching at the door of your heart, take a moment to consider Abraham's predicament. He had a tremendous impossibility stacked up against him, but he also had a magnificent promise from a faithful God who never fails. The victory for Abraham came when his faith didn't weaken when he considered the odds that were against Him in comparison to who He considered His God to be. His eyes were more fixed on God and what He had personally shown him, and spoken into his heart, than the details of how it would all come to pass. Remember: the issues and challenges we face don't negate the faithfulness of God, or the fact that He will keep His promises. When doubt and despair come lurking, begin to praise and thank the Lord for His great love for you, and His goodness and faithfulness to see every promise become your reality! Before you realize it, those feelings of doubt and despair will be fleeing from you with their tails between their legs. God is so good - let this be what you consider!
NOTES: IN HIS HANDS
Introduction
• Life has its seasons.
• At times everything seems to be going well, and at other times we can face unexpected challenges and uncertainty.
• Every day brings new opportunities, but it can also bring difficulties we never anticipated.
• In the middle of it all, there is one truth that never changes: our lives are in God's hands.
• There is no safer place to be than in His hands.
• His hands are hands of love, compassion, strength, and faithfulness.
• We can find security, peace, and confidence in knowing that He is holding us securely.
• Nothing takes Him by surprise, and nothing is beyond His ability to handle.
• He knows what is best for us, He knows the plans He has for us, and He promises never to leave us.
• Whatever you may be facing today, you can rest in the assurance that you are in His hands.
1. YOUR WHOLE LIFE IS IN HIS HANDS.
• Psalm 139:16 'Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in Your Book before one of them came to be.'
• Before anyone else knew you existed, God knew you.
• From the moment of conception, His loving eyes were upon you.
• Your life has never been an accident or an afterthought.
• Every day of your life is known to Him.
• He sees the beginning, the middle, and the end all at once.
• Even when life feels uncertain to us, nothing is uncertain to Him.
• You can trust the One Who already knows every chapter of your life.
2. HE MADE YOU AND HE KNOWS YOU.
• Psalm 119:73 'Your hands made me and formed me.'
• You are God's workmanship.
• He designed you with purpose, intention, and care.
• Every gift, every ability, every part of your personality was known by Him.
• Because He made you, He understands you completely.
• He knows your strengths and your weaknesses.
• He knows your fears, your hopes, and your dreams.
• The One Who created you knows exactly how to care for you.
3. HIS HANDS HOLD EVERYTHING YOU NEED.
• 1 Chronicles 29:12 'In Your hands are strength and power to exalt and give strength to all.'
• Everything we need is found in God's hands.
• When we are weak, His hands provide strength.
• When we lack wisdom, His hands provide direction.
• When we are discouraged, His hands provide encouragement.
• When we are weary, His hands provide renewed strength.
• He is never limited by our circumstances.
• Whatever you need today, His hands are more than sufficient.
4. YOU ARE PRECIOUS AND VALUABLE TO GOD.
• Isaiah 49:16 'See, I have engraved you on the palms of My hands; your walls are ever before Me.'
• This is one of the most beautiful pictures of God's love.
• Your name, your life, and your circumstances are continually before Him.
• You are never forgotten.
• You are never overlooked.
• You are deeply loved and highly valued by your Heavenly Father.
• The Lord does not simply know about you, He carries you continually on His heart.
• Your value is not determined by what others think of you, but by what God says about you.
5. EVEN THERE, HE IS HOLDING YOU.
• Wherever and in whatever situation you may find yourself, even there, He is holding you.
• Psalm 139:9-10 'EVEN THERE Your hand will guide me, Your right hand will hold me fast.'
• I love those two words: 'Even there.'
• Even there, in the valley, in the storm, in the uncertainty, in the waiting, in the disappointment, or in the place you never expected to be, God is there.
• There is no place where His hand cannot reach you.
• His hand not only guides us, but it also holds us securely.
• When we feel as though we cannot hold on any longer, we discover that He is holding on to us.
• His grip is stronger than our fears, our doubts, or our circumstances.
• You may feel alone, but you are never abandoned.
• Wherever life takes you, His hand is already there.
6. HE HOLDS YOUR VERY BREATH.
Introduction
• Life has its seasons.
• At times everything seems to be going well, and at other times we can face unexpected challenges and uncertainty.
• Every day brings new opportunities, but it can also bring difficulties we never anticipated.
• In the middle of it all, there is one truth that never changes: our lives are in God's hands.
• There is no safer place to be than in His hands.
• His hands are hands of love, compassion, strength, and faithfulness.
• We can find security, peace, and confidence in knowing that He is holding us securely.
• Nothing takes Him by surprise, and nothing is beyond His ability to handle.
• He knows what is best for us, He knows the plans He has for us, and He promises never to leave us.
• Whatever you may be facing today, you can rest in the assurance that you are in His hands.
1. YOUR WHOLE LIFE IS IN HIS HANDS.
• Psalm 139:16 'Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in Your Book before one of them came to be.'
• Before anyone else knew you existed, God knew you.
• From the moment of conception, His loving eyes were upon you.
• Your life has never been an accident or an afterthought.
• Every day of your life is known to Him.
• He sees the beginning, the middle, and the end all at once.
• Even when life feels uncertain to us, nothing is uncertain to Him.
• You can trust the One Who already knows every chapter of your life.
2. HE MADE YOU AND HE KNOWS YOU.
• Psalm 119:73 'Your hands made me and formed me.'
• You are God's workmanship.
• He designed you with purpose, intention, and care.
• Every gift, every ability, every part of your personality was known by Him.
• Because He made you, He understands you completely.
• He knows your strengths and your weaknesses.
• He knows your fears, your hopes, and your dreams.
• The One Who created you knows exactly how to care for you.
3. HIS HANDS HOLD EVERYTHING YOU NEED.
• 1 Chronicles 29:12 'In Your hands are strength and power to exalt and give strength to all.'
• Everything we need is found in God's hands.
• When we are weak, His hands provide strength.
• When we lack wisdom, His hands provide direction.
• When we are discouraged, His hands provide encouragement.
• When we are weary, His hands provide renewed strength.
• He is never limited by our circumstances.
• Whatever you need today, His hands are more than sufficient.
4. YOU ARE PRECIOUS AND VALUABLE TO GOD.
• Isaiah 49:16 'See, I have engraved you on the palms of My hands; your walls are ever before Me.'
• This is one of the most beautiful pictures of God's love.
• Your name, your life, and your circumstances are continually before Him.
• You are never forgotten.
• You are never overlooked.
• You are deeply loved and highly valued by your Heavenly Father.
• The Lord does not simply know about you, He carries you continually on His heart.
• Your value is not determined by what others think of you, but by what God says about you.
5. EVEN THERE, HE IS HOLDING YOU.
• Wherever and in whatever situation you may find yourself, even there, He is holding you.
• Psalm 139:9-10 'EVEN THERE Your hand will guide me, Your right hand will hold me fast.'
• I love those two words: 'Even there.'
• Even there, in the valley, in the storm, in the uncertainty, in the waiting, in the disappointment, or in the place you never expected to be, God is there.
• There is no place where His hand cannot reach you.
• His hand not only guides us, but it also holds us securely.
• When we feel as though we cannot hold on any longer, we discover that He is holding on to us.
• His grip is stronger than our fears, our doubts, or our circumstances.
• You may feel alone, but you are never abandoned.
• Wherever life takes you, His hand is already there.
6. HE HOLDS YOUR VERY BREATH.
• Job 12:10 'In His hand is the life of every living thing and the breath of all mankind.'
• Every breath we take is a gift from God.
• Our lives are sustained by His power and His goodness.
• We often take our next breath for granted, but each breath reminds us that God is sustaining us moment by moment.
• The One Who holds your breath also holds your life.
• If He is faithful to sustain you with every breath, He will also be faithful to sustain you through every challenge.
• Our lives do not depend merely on our own strength or ability; they rest in His loving hands.
• Every new day and every new breath is another reminder of His faithfulness.
7. YOUR FUTURE IS IN HIS HANDS.
• Psalm 31:14-15 'I trust in You, LORD; I say, 'You are my God.' My times are in Your hands...'
• We do not know what tomorrow holds, but we know Who holds tomorrow.
• Our future is not determined by chance or circumstance; it rests securely in God's hands.
• He knows the road ahead long before we begin to walk it.
• He is already in every tomorrow we will ever face.
• When uncertainty tries to produce fear, we can choose to trust.
• The safest place for our future is in the hands of our faithful Heavenly Father.
• Because our times are in His hands, we can face the future with confidence instead of fear.
8. HE WILL CARRY YOU.
• Isaiah 46:4 'I have made you, and I will carry you; I will sustain you and deliver you.'
• What a wonderful promise this is.
• God does not simply create us and leave us to find our own way.
• He remains actively involved in every stage of our lives.
• He knows every burden we carry and every battle we face.
• There are seasons when we feel strong enough to walk, and there are seasons when we simply do not have the strength.
• During those difficult times, God does not ask us to carry ourselves, but He promises to carry us.
• Look at the progression of His promise:
He made you. He will carry you. He will sustain you. He will deliver you.
• He is your Creator, your Sustainer, your Strength, and your Deliverer.
• His hands will never grow weary, and His love will never fail.
• You can safely place your life into His hands, knowing that the One Who has carried you this far will continue to carry you all the way home.
• Every breath we take is a gift from God.
• Our lives are sustained by His power and His goodness.
• We often take our next breath for granted, but each breath reminds us that God is sustaining us moment by moment.
• The One Who holds your breath also holds your life.
• If He is faithful to sustain you with every breath, He will also be faithful to sustain you through every challenge.
• Our lives do not depend merely on our own strength or ability; they rest in His loving hands.
• Every new day and every new breath is another reminder of His faithfulness.
7. YOUR FUTURE IS IN HIS HANDS.
• Psalm 31:14-15 'I trust in You, LORD; I say, 'You are my God.' My times are in Your hands...'
• We do not know what tomorrow holds, but we know Who holds tomorrow.
• Our future is not determined by chance or circumstance; it rests securely in God's hands.
• He knows the road ahead long before we begin to walk it.
• He is already in every tomorrow we will ever face.
• When uncertainty tries to produce fear, we can choose to trust.
• The safest place for our future is in the hands of our faithful Heavenly Father.
• Because our times are in His hands, we can face the future with confidence instead of fear.
8. HE WILL CARRY YOU.
• Isaiah 46:4 'I have made you, and I will carry you; I will sustain you and deliver you.'
• What a wonderful promise this is.
• God does not simply create us and leave us to find our own way.
• He remains actively involved in every stage of our lives.
• He knows every burden we carry and every battle we face.
• There are seasons when we feel strong enough to walk, and there are seasons when we simply do not have the strength.
• During those difficult times, God does not ask us to carry ourselves, but He promises to carry us.
• Look at the progression of His promise:
He made you. He will carry you. He will sustain you. He will deliver you.
• He is your Creator, your Sustainer, your Strength, and your Deliverer.
• His hands will never grow weary, and His love will never fail.
• You can safely place your life into His hands, knowing that the One Who has carried you this far will continue to carry you all the way home.
See God
"...He who believes in Me, believes not in Me but in Him who sent Me. And he who sees Me sees Him who sent Me."John 12:44-45 (NKJV)
People don't battle with or even question God's sovereignty and ability to do the impossible and move powerfully in the earth. The issue comes with them believing He will do it for them. Our confidence in believing we will personally see and experience the goodness of God in our lives can only come from us truly knowing His heart towards us. And the only way to really know His heart, which He has by no means hidden from us, is in His Word. Jesus is the Word made manifest (John 1:14). But even though Jesus walked among us demonstrating the goodness of the Father - full of grace and truth - many didn't recognise His goodness was for them personally. When we pursue knowing the character of God in His Word, we must come with expectant hearts! And when we truly want to hear His voice and see His heart, we lean in and anticipate receiving from Him. Come to know, see, and hear the heart of the Father in His Word today - He hasn't hidden Himself from you. He shares Himself willingly and with great joy! Seek Him, and you will see Him!
"...He who believes in Me, believes not in Me but in Him who sent Me. And he who sees Me sees Him who sent Me."John 12:44-45 (NKJV)
People don't battle with or even question God's sovereignty and ability to do the impossible and move powerfully in the earth. The issue comes with them believing He will do it for them. Our confidence in believing we will personally see and experience the goodness of God in our lives can only come from us truly knowing His heart towards us. And the only way to really know His heart, which He has by no means hidden from us, is in His Word. Jesus is the Word made manifest (John 1:14). But even though Jesus walked among us demonstrating the goodness of the Father - full of grace and truth - many didn't recognise His goodness was for them personally. When we pursue knowing the character of God in His Word, we must come with expectant hearts! And when we truly want to hear His voice and see His heart, we lean in and anticipate receiving from Him. Come to know, see, and hear the heart of the Father in His Word today - He hasn't hidden Himself from you. He shares Himself willingly and with great joy! Seek Him, and you will see Him!
Strenth to live like Jesus.
“I do not ignore or nullify the [gracious gift of the] grace of God [His amazing, unmerited favor], for if righteousness comes through [observing] the Law, then Christ died needlessly. [His suffering and death would have had no purpose whatsoever.]””.Galatians 2:21(AMP)
What is your reputation in Heaven? Are you known as a faithful one who values God's invaluable, extravagant gift of grace? Before we knew Jesus, sin had a powerful hold on our lives, constantly pulling us towards death. Every act of selfishness moved us closer to misery and poverty of soul. But then Jesus saved us! His grace snatched us out of the kingdom of darkness and relocated us into His kingdom of light and life and freedom from sin and its bondages. Now, we can live every waking moment grateful for the life of joy and righteousness He saved us into! The same grace that saved us is constantly working in us, empowering and enabling us to live this new life in Christ Jesus. We frustrate that grace when we try live this new life of freedom on our own. Fully depend on the power of grace to infuse you with supernatural strength to walk out your gift of salvation each day! Don't carry the impossible weight of trying to be righteous. Because of grace, righteousness is who you are. So live as the righteous today - full of the Spirit of God and empowered by grace to remain free from the bondage of sin!
“I do not ignore or nullify the [gracious gift of the] grace of God [His amazing, unmerited favor], for if righteousness comes through [observing] the Law, then Christ died needlessly. [His suffering and death would have had no purpose whatsoever.]””.Galatians 2:21(AMP)
What is your reputation in Heaven? Are you known as a faithful one who values God's invaluable, extravagant gift of grace? Before we knew Jesus, sin had a powerful hold on our lives, constantly pulling us towards death. Every act of selfishness moved us closer to misery and poverty of soul. But then Jesus saved us! His grace snatched us out of the kingdom of darkness and relocated us into His kingdom of light and life and freedom from sin and its bondages. Now, we can live every waking moment grateful for the life of joy and righteousness He saved us into! The same grace that saved us is constantly working in us, empowering and enabling us to live this new life in Christ Jesus. We frustrate that grace when we try live this new life of freedom on our own. Fully depend on the power of grace to infuse you with supernatural strength to walk out your gift of salvation each day! Don't carry the impossible weight of trying to be righteous. Because of grace, righteousness is who you are. So live as the righteous today - full of the Spirit of God and empowered by grace to remain free from the bondage of sin!
Come to Jesus
"Come to Me, all you who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."Matthew 11:28 (NKJV)
The way to the Father is through Jesus Christ, His Son! This is the starting point of our journey of faith, and a life of eternal victory. The truth is: Jesus is the beginning, the end, and everything in between when it comes to this life of faith! As followers of Christ, we continuously encounter the never-ending power that comes from the finished work of the cross. The blood of Jesus keeps us redeemed and free from the stain of sin. It declares us righteous and holy, healed and whole, lacking nothing in this life! The power of the blood lives strong in us as we acknowledge its power. It doesn't just give us salvation; it keeps us secure in righteousness and keeps the door of God's throne room wide open for us to approach our Heavenly Father with confidence. This is where we pour out our heartfelt worship and receive His empowering grace as we lay down our burdens at His feet. This is where we embrace His Presence and receive His Words of truth that do their transforming work inside us - causing us to reflect His nature in everything we do and say. Because of Jesus, this intimate connection with Heaven is carried in our hearts. We have become carriers of His Presence where life and light continuously flow freely in and through us whenever we take the time to come to Him, yield, and receive.
"Come to Me, all you who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."Matthew 11:28 (NKJV)
The way to the Father is through Jesus Christ, His Son! This is the starting point of our journey of faith, and a life of eternal victory. The truth is: Jesus is the beginning, the end, and everything in between when it comes to this life of faith! As followers of Christ, we continuously encounter the never-ending power that comes from the finished work of the cross. The blood of Jesus keeps us redeemed and free from the stain of sin. It declares us righteous and holy, healed and whole, lacking nothing in this life! The power of the blood lives strong in us as we acknowledge its power. It doesn't just give us salvation; it keeps us secure in righteousness and keeps the door of God's throne room wide open for us to approach our Heavenly Father with confidence. This is where we pour out our heartfelt worship and receive His empowering grace as we lay down our burdens at His feet. This is where we embrace His Presence and receive His Words of truth that do their transforming work inside us - causing us to reflect His nature in everything we do and say. Because of Jesus, this intimate connection with Heaven is carried in our hearts. We have become carriers of His Presence where life and light continuously flow freely in and through us whenever we take the time to come to Him, yield, and receive.
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Heavenly Resources
“When evening came, the disciples came to Him and said, “This is an isolated place and the hour is already late; send the crowds away so that they may go into the villages and buy food for themselves.” But Jesus said to them, “They do not need to go away; you give them something to eat!”Matthew 14:15-16 (AMP)
So much about Jesus seems a paradox to this world. The king of all kings over all of creation willingly leaves His position of grandeur to serve and pour out His love and life for His creation. The holy, pure and righteous Son of God, who could not become compromised by sin, became sin for our sake. The measure of kindness and goodness humanity had never before seen was poured out on the despised and broken of this world, the seemingly most unworthy candidates of His mercy. Jesus came to destroy the work of the enemy on this earth and demonstrate a way of life that would bring true joy and fulfilment - living full of His Father's love and pouring it out on others. Always giving, never taking. Even those closest to Him had to be reminded of this kingdom quality. Jesus continuously communicated this truth, that when our lives are completely surrendered to and dependent on the God of Heaven, we can fully rely on Him to supply us with more than enough to give out to the needs of others, to show them His goodness and love towards them. Every day we pass people who have needs. Know today that God has empowered you to be a resource to meet those needs. Start with what you have in your heart and your hands!
“When evening came, the disciples came to Him and said, “This is an isolated place and the hour is already late; send the crowds away so that they may go into the villages and buy food for themselves.” But Jesus said to them, “They do not need to go away; you give them something to eat!”Matthew 14:15-16 (AMP)
So much about Jesus seems a paradox to this world. The king of all kings over all of creation willingly leaves His position of grandeur to serve and pour out His love and life for His creation. The holy, pure and righteous Son of God, who could not become compromised by sin, became sin for our sake. The measure of kindness and goodness humanity had never before seen was poured out on the despised and broken of this world, the seemingly most unworthy candidates of His mercy. Jesus came to destroy the work of the enemy on this earth and demonstrate a way of life that would bring true joy and fulfilment - living full of His Father's love and pouring it out on others. Always giving, never taking. Even those closest to Him had to be reminded of this kingdom quality. Jesus continuously communicated this truth, that when our lives are completely surrendered to and dependent on the God of Heaven, we can fully rely on Him to supply us with more than enough to give out to the needs of others, to show them His goodness and love towards them. Every day we pass people who have needs. Know today that God has empowered you to be a resource to meet those needs. Start with what you have in your heart and your hands!
Your Intimate Connection with Heaven
“You shall construct it in accordance with everything that I am going to show you, as the pattern of the tabernacle and the pattern of all its furniture.”. Exodus 25:9 (AMP)
God gave Moses the blueprint and distinct instructions to build His tabernacle. When Moses was careful to obey each one, the result was God's Presence living in the midst of His people. As New Testament believers, we have become the tabernacle of God! 1 Corinthians 6:19 (AMPC) says, "Do you not know that your body is the temple (the very sanctuary) of the Holy Spirit Who lives within you, Whom you have received [as a Gift] from God? You are not your own." We don't have to build the tabernacle; the Holy Spirit built it in us the moment we became born again. What we need to do is live in a way that is worthy of the Presence of God we are housing and carrying with us, wherever we go. This may seem an impossible task; and humanly speaking, it is. But the Holy Spirit's power is constantly at work in us, energising and enabling us to live that life! He has given us the blueprint to model our lives after - the written Word of God; which He makes come alive in our hearts. Never stop being aware of your intimate connection with Heaven; keep it strong, allowing it to dominate the way you live, by yielding to the Holy Spirit as you spend time in God's Word. Deuteronomy 30:11-14 says God's Word in our hearts, minds and mouths makes it easy for us to walk in His ways. Let the Holy Spirit take control, and live from Heaven's perspective!
“You shall construct it in accordance with everything that I am going to show you, as the pattern of the tabernacle and the pattern of all its furniture.”. Exodus 25:9 (AMP)
God gave Moses the blueprint and distinct instructions to build His tabernacle. When Moses was careful to obey each one, the result was God's Presence living in the midst of His people. As New Testament believers, we have become the tabernacle of God! 1 Corinthians 6:19 (AMPC) says, "Do you not know that your body is the temple (the very sanctuary) of the Holy Spirit Who lives within you, Whom you have received [as a Gift] from God? You are not your own." We don't have to build the tabernacle; the Holy Spirit built it in us the moment we became born again. What we need to do is live in a way that is worthy of the Presence of God we are housing and carrying with us, wherever we go. This may seem an impossible task; and humanly speaking, it is. But the Holy Spirit's power is constantly at work in us, energising and enabling us to live that life! He has given us the blueprint to model our lives after - the written Word of God; which He makes come alive in our hearts. Never stop being aware of your intimate connection with Heaven; keep it strong, allowing it to dominate the way you live, by yielding to the Holy Spirit as you spend time in God's Word. Deuteronomy 30:11-14 says God's Word in our hearts, minds and mouths makes it easy for us to walk in His ways. Let the Holy Spirit take control, and live from Heaven's perspective!
Show it by your actions.
“What is the benefit, my fellow believers, if someone claims to have faith but has no [good] works [as evidence]? Can that [kind of] faith save him? [No, a mere claim of faith is not sufficient—genuine faith produces good works.]”.James 2:14 (AMP)
Too many Christians live in fear of the devil. In James 4:7, we are told to submit ourselves to God, resist the devil and he will flee from us. One translation says to "humble" ourselves before God, and another tells us to "be subject" to God. So, when we submit, humble and subject ourselves to God and His Word, we can permanently put the devil on the run. Confessing the Word of God is vital; but without applying its practical wisdom to our lives, it will have little effect. For instance, if the devil is messing with your finances, choose to tithe and become a joyful giver. If he is making your body sick, refuse to harbour unforgiveness and believe in the healing power of the blood of Jesus. To live free of agitating thoughts, fix your mind on God's truth. If the devil says you aren't worthy to be used mightily of God, make God's Presence your priority; step out in faith and pray for the sick! Actively submitting, humbling and subjecting our lives to the things of God, leaves no space for the devil to harass us. He is defenceless against the power of God's Word at work in us! Remember: God's Spirit inside us gives us the will and ability to receive and apply the practical wisdom of God's Word to our lives. It will strengthen, transform and energise us, making us dangerous to the enemy. So, instead of being on the defensive, submit to God's Word and send the devil on the run!
“What is the benefit, my fellow believers, if someone claims to have faith but has no [good] works [as evidence]? Can that [kind of] faith save him? [No, a mere claim of faith is not sufficient—genuine faith produces good works.]”.James 2:14 (AMP)
Too many Christians live in fear of the devil. In James 4:7, we are told to submit ourselves to God, resist the devil and he will flee from us. One translation says to "humble" ourselves before God, and another tells us to "be subject" to God. So, when we submit, humble and subject ourselves to God and His Word, we can permanently put the devil on the run. Confessing the Word of God is vital; but without applying its practical wisdom to our lives, it will have little effect. For instance, if the devil is messing with your finances, choose to tithe and become a joyful giver. If he is making your body sick, refuse to harbour unforgiveness and believe in the healing power of the blood of Jesus. To live free of agitating thoughts, fix your mind on God's truth. If the devil says you aren't worthy to be used mightily of God, make God's Presence your priority; step out in faith and pray for the sick! Actively submitting, humbling and subjecting our lives to the things of God, leaves no space for the devil to harass us. He is defenceless against the power of God's Word at work in us! Remember: God's Spirit inside us gives us the will and ability to receive and apply the practical wisdom of God's Word to our lives. It will strengthen, transform and energise us, making us dangerous to the enemy. So, instead of being on the defensive, submit to God's Word and send the devil on the run!
The Holy Spirit Rest On Him.
“And the Spirit of the Lord will rest on Him—The Spirit of wisdom and understanding,The Spirit of counsel and strength,The Spirit of knowledge and of the [reverential and obedient] fear of the Lord”.Isaiah 11:2 (AMP)
This is how Jesus lived when He walked among us. The Holy Spirit rested upon Him. Yes, Jesus was filled with the Spirit of God, just as we are (Luke 4:1); but He also lived in a way that the Holy Spirit was able to rest upon Him. There was an outward demonstration of God's Presence on the Person of Jesus. He always welcomed, accommodated and yielded to the Holy Spirit. He deliberately chose to keep His flesh under the control of the Spirit. He didn't allow Himself to react to situations, but always relied on the Spirit of wisdom and understanding to govern Him. Before He spoke or acted, He drew from the council and strength of the Holy Spirit - never relying on His natural senses or knowledge. When Father God spoke, Jesus obeyed; when He perceived that His Father was moving in a certain direction, He followed - always loving and honouring Him. Jesus displayed the very image of God the Father, the Word of God made flesh. Jesus is our wonderful example. Not only did He model how to walk this earth in victory, He gave us the very secret: a life yielded to the Holy Spirit, living in and upon us.
“And the Spirit of the Lord will rest on Him—The Spirit of wisdom and understanding,The Spirit of counsel and strength,The Spirit of knowledge and of the [reverential and obedient] fear of the Lord”.Isaiah 11:2 (AMP)
This is how Jesus lived when He walked among us. The Holy Spirit rested upon Him. Yes, Jesus was filled with the Spirit of God, just as we are (Luke 4:1); but He also lived in a way that the Holy Spirit was able to rest upon Him. There was an outward demonstration of God's Presence on the Person of Jesus. He always welcomed, accommodated and yielded to the Holy Spirit. He deliberately chose to keep His flesh under the control of the Spirit. He didn't allow Himself to react to situations, but always relied on the Spirit of wisdom and understanding to govern Him. Before He spoke or acted, He drew from the council and strength of the Holy Spirit - never relying on His natural senses or knowledge. When Father God spoke, Jesus obeyed; when He perceived that His Father was moving in a certain direction, He followed - always loving and honouring Him. Jesus displayed the very image of God the Father, the Word of God made flesh. Jesus is our wonderful example. Not only did He model how to walk this earth in victory, He gave us the very secret: a life yielded to the Holy Spirit, living in and upon us.
Does God require Sabbath-keeping of Christians?
In Colossians 2:16-17, the apostle Paul declares, “Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ.” Similarly, Romans 14:5 states, “One man considers one day more sacred than another; another man considers every day alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind.” These Scriptures make it clear that, for the Christian, Sabbath-keeping is a matter of spiritual freedom, not a command from God. Sabbath-keeping is an issue on which God’s Word instructs us not to judge each other. Sabbath-keeping is a matter about which each Christian needs to be fully convinced in his/her own mind.
In the early chapters of the book of Acts, the first Christians were predominantly Jews. When Gentiles began to receive the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ, the Jewish Christians had a dilemma. What aspects of the Mosaic Law and Jewish tradition should Gentile Christians be instructed to obey? The apostles met and discussed the issue in the Jerusalem council (Acts 15). The decision was, “It is my judgment, therefore, that we should not make it difficult for the Gentiles who are turning to God. Instead we should write to them, telling them to abstain from food polluted by idols, from sexual immorality, from the meat of strangled animals and from blood” (Acts 15:19-20). Sabbath-keeping was not one of the commands the apostles felt was necessary to force on Gentile believers. It is inconceivable that the apostles would neglect to include Sabbath-keeping if it was God’s command for Christians to observe the Sabbath day.
A common error in the Sabbath-keeping debate is the concept that the Sabbath was the day of worship. Groups such as the Seventh Day Adventists hold that God requires the church service to be held on Saturday, the Sabbath day. That is not what the Sabbath command was. The Sabbath command was to do no work on the Sabbath day (Exodus 20:8-11). Yes, Jews in Old Testament, New Testament, and modern times use Saturday as the day of worship, but that is not the essence of the Sabbath command. In the book of Acts, whenever a meeting is said to be on the Sabbath, it is a meeting of Jews and/or Gentile converts to Judaism, not Christians.
When did the early Christians meet? Acts 2:46-47 gives us the answer, “Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.” If there was a day that Christians met regularly, it was the first day of the week (our Sunday), not the Sabbath day (our Saturday) (Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 16:2). In honor of Christ’s resurrection on Sunday, the early Christians observed Sunday not as the “Christian Sabbath” but as a day to especially worship Jesus Christ.
In Colossians 2:16-17, the apostle Paul declares, “Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ.” Similarly, Romans 14:5 states, “One man considers one day more sacred than another; another man considers every day alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind.” These Scriptures make it clear that, for the Christian, Sabbath-keeping is a matter of spiritual freedom, not a command from God. Sabbath-keeping is an issue on which God’s Word instructs us not to judge each other. Sabbath-keeping is a matter about which each Christian needs to be fully convinced in his/her own mind.
In the early chapters of the book of Acts, the first Christians were predominantly Jews. When Gentiles began to receive the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ, the Jewish Christians had a dilemma. What aspects of the Mosaic Law and Jewish tradition should Gentile Christians be instructed to obey? The apostles met and discussed the issue in the Jerusalem council (Acts 15). The decision was, “It is my judgment, therefore, that we should not make it difficult for the Gentiles who are turning to God. Instead we should write to them, telling them to abstain from food polluted by idols, from sexual immorality, from the meat of strangled animals and from blood” (Acts 15:19-20). Sabbath-keeping was not one of the commands the apostles felt was necessary to force on Gentile believers. It is inconceivable that the apostles would neglect to include Sabbath-keeping if it was God’s command for Christians to observe the Sabbath day.
A common error in the Sabbath-keeping debate is the concept that the Sabbath was the day of worship. Groups such as the Seventh Day Adventists hold that God requires the church service to be held on Saturday, the Sabbath day. That is not what the Sabbath command was. The Sabbath command was to do no work on the Sabbath day (Exodus 20:8-11). Yes, Jews in Old Testament, New Testament, and modern times use Saturday as the day of worship, but that is not the essence of the Sabbath command. In the book of Acts, whenever a meeting is said to be on the Sabbath, it is a meeting of Jews and/or Gentile converts to Judaism, not Christians.
When did the early Christians meet? Acts 2:46-47 gives us the answer, “Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.” If there was a day that Christians met regularly, it was the first day of the week (our Sunday), not the Sabbath day (our Saturday) (Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 16:2). In honor of Christ’s resurrection on Sunday, the early Christians observed Sunday not as the “Christian Sabbath” but as a day to especially worship Jesus Christ.