Post by mommadee48 on Jun 9, 2022 6:40:14 GMT -5
DEVELOP A LONG-TERM FOCUS; (GENESIS 25:::19-34).
1) TODAY'S SCRIPTURE READING TELLS THE STORY of two brothers, one of whom was willing to sell his birthright (a double share of his father's inheritance) for a bowl of stew.
Why would Esau relinquish such a valuable asset for a temporary need?
According to Hebrews, his foolish decision sprang from a godless heart (12:16). Esau didn't value what God had given him but was concerned only about his immediate needs.
The problem with this mindset is that it leaves no room for things of eternal value---in other words, things of GOD. Of course, we all like to think we have enough common sense and intelligence to make good decisions. But as followers of Christ, we must rely upon the LORD's wisdom instead of our own.
If you're constantly preoccupied with immediate needs and desires, ask the LORD to help you understand what HE wants for your future, Read HIS WORD and ask for guidance to a path that brings HIM everlasting glory. As was true of Esau, certain decisions you make will have long-term consequences. So trust the LORD, and carefully consider the eternal outcome before you make a commitment.
2) AVOIDING FOOLISH CHOICES; (PROVERBS 14:12-18).
MOST PEOPLE DON'T SET OUT TO sabotage their own future, yet it can happen anyway because of their own ignorance, rebellion, or blatant disregard for GOD and HIS WORD. The course of one's entire life can be derailed by foolish errors in judgment, and future consequences can be disastrous.
As Christians, we have GOD's WORD and HIS SPIRIT to guard and guide us, but that doesn't make us immune to poor choices, especially in times of weakness, We're more likely to make unwise decisions when extremely hungry, angry, lonely, and tired. Let these conditions---and the acrostic H-A-L-T---signal to us that it's time to pause and evaluate our decision-making.
Impatience and strong desires can also lead us astray and blind us to potential consequences. That's why we must learn to make decisions by using a long-term perspective instead of focusing on what is immediately in front of us.
As you look back over your life, do you see choices made in times of weakness or impatience that have led to negative outcomes?
Even when a need seems urgent, it's best to slow down and carefully consider your steps so you can be satisfied with the course ahead.
3A) THE IMPORTANCE of BAPTISM and THE PICTURE of BAPTISM; (MATTHEW3:13-17), and (ACTS8:25-39).
BELIEVERS ARE TO FOLLOW CHRIST'S EXAMPLE IN ALL THINGS, including baptism. Just before beginning HIS public ministry, Jesus came to John the Baptist, who was calling the Jewish people to confess their sins and demonstrate repentance through immersion in the Jordan River. Through Jesus was sinless, HE chose to identify with sinful mankind by means of baptism.
When we enter the waters of baptism, we're making a public confession of our faith in Jesus---and of our union with HIM. At the same time, we're also declaring unity with our brothers and sisters in the LORD, since all believers are members of Christ's body and under HIS authority. However, it's important to remember that baptism is not required for salvation. We're saved by GOD's grace through faith in His SON (EPH.2:8). For Christians, baptism follows redemption.
Belief in Jesus is not to be hidden away like a light placed under a basket (MATTHEW5:14-16). Instead, it should be expressed in words and actions. Baptism is one way we publicly declare that Jesus Christ is our Savior and Lord. It's part of His Great Commission to us (28:19-20) and should be taken seriously.
Have you followed your confession of faith with the act of baptism?
3B) THE PICTURE of BAPTISM;
PICTURES COMMUNICATE in ways that words cannot, capturing the drama and memory of a significant moment. In a similar way, baptism powerfully illustrates the radical change that occurred in the person's life at salvation. When we are baptized, we're identifying ourselves with Jesus Christ, who died for our sins, was buried, and rose again to life.
Plunging beneath the water symbolizes our old self dying and being buried with Christ (ROMANS 6:4-6). And coming up out of the water portrays our new life in Christ. Just as the heavenly Father physically raised Jesus from the dead and gave Him life, so He raises each believer in a spiritual way. One day we'll experience this physically as well---when we're given glorious new bodies forever free from sin and death.
The image of baptism serves as a reminder of what our Savior has done for us and points to the truth that there is life beyond the grave. Every person who has trusted in Jesus Christ for salvation will live forever in the presence of the Lord.
It's helpful for unbelieving family and friends to "see" this message in our lives.
HAVE YOU PUBLICLY IDENTIFIED YOURSELF WITH JESUS THROUGH THE ACT OF BAPTISM?
4) OUR THOUGHT LIFE; (1 CORINTHIANS 2:11-16).
GOD CALL HIS CHILDREN TO LIVE HOLY LIVES. Yet in our attempts to obey this command, we often commit to change our behavior, only to fail a few days later. The problem is that we're starting at the wrong place.
Ungodly actions flow from sinful thoughts and attitudes, like selfishness, greed, jealousy, anger, resentment, and unforgiveness. These can be changed only as our mind is renewed by the Holy Spirit. As we spend time each day in Scripture, the Spirit transforms our mind and strengthens our inner being. But when we neglect God's Word, we leave ourselves (WIDE) open to the influence of the world and our "flesh", both of which oppose godliness. Then, if we try to change our behavior without adjusting our thinking, we'll find ourselves doing precisely what we want to avoid (ROMANS 7:15).
Holiness, on the other hand, encompasses our entire being, which is why Jesus said we should love GOD with all our heart, all our soul, all our mind, and all our strength (MARK 12:30). It's a lifelong process that requires learning God's thoughts and adopting them as our own. Then, as the Spirit develops within us the mind of Christ, our actions will become increasingly holy.
5) THE TOUCH THAT TRANSFORMS; (MATTHEW 28:18-20).
IF YOU LOOK UP THE WORD TOUCH IN A CONCORDANCE, YOU'LL discover that many instances involve JESUS. Throughout the Gospels, people were healed of sickness, infirmities, and disabilities when the Lord "touched" them. But His "touch" reached beyond the physical to their spiritual needs.
Today, we frequently see the word "touch" in the context of scandal, impropriety, or immorality. Yet ministry requires hands that reach out to help and serve while we also verbally proclaim the good news of Christ. We touch lives not just by telling others about Jesus but also by showing them genuine love and compassion.
Our hearts, mouths, and hands should be operating together to accomplish the world-changing mission of the church. When we join together as a body of believers, we affect lives through the power of prayer, the ministry of the Word, discipleship, and fellowship. All are required as the church calls the lost to salvation and equips believers for the work of service. JESUS TOUCHED LIVES, AND AS HIS FOLLOWERS, WE MUST DO LIKEWISE.
HOW MIGHT GOD TOUCH A HEART THROUGH YOU TODAY?
6) STRENGTH in WAITING; (ISIAH 40:12-31).
OUR CREATOR HAS NO NEED FOR ANYONE TO DIRECT OR COUNSEL HIM (ISIAN 40:13). Yet so often we want to tell HIM exactly what to do and how to answer our prayers. Then we're disappointed when HE ignores all our advice. Like Israel, we might say, "My way is hidden from the LORD, and the justice due me escapes the notice of my God" (v.27). But we, not God, are the ones who lack understanding.
Sometimes we grow weary in the trials of life. However, God's ways are always right, and He promises to give strength to those who wait for HIM (v.31). Isaiah uses the imagery of an eagle with wind beneath his wings to illustrate how God lifts and carries us through times when we don't clearly discern the way.
In difficult situations, we often don't know which way to turn. But God wants us to wait patiently and depend on Him for the strength we need to endure. When the time is right, He'll answer our prayers, guide our path, and give us relief. Until then, we acknowledge that His understanding is inscrutable and He never chooses a wrong path for us---even when it's slow going.
1) TODAY'S SCRIPTURE READING TELLS THE STORY of two brothers, one of whom was willing to sell his birthright (a double share of his father's inheritance) for a bowl of stew.
Why would Esau relinquish such a valuable asset for a temporary need?
According to Hebrews, his foolish decision sprang from a godless heart (12:16). Esau didn't value what God had given him but was concerned only about his immediate needs.
The problem with this mindset is that it leaves no room for things of eternal value---in other words, things of GOD. Of course, we all like to think we have enough common sense and intelligence to make good decisions. But as followers of Christ, we must rely upon the LORD's wisdom instead of our own.
If you're constantly preoccupied with immediate needs and desires, ask the LORD to help you understand what HE wants for your future, Read HIS WORD and ask for guidance to a path that brings HIM everlasting glory. As was true of Esau, certain decisions you make will have long-term consequences. So trust the LORD, and carefully consider the eternal outcome before you make a commitment.
2) AVOIDING FOOLISH CHOICES; (PROVERBS 14:12-18).
MOST PEOPLE DON'T SET OUT TO sabotage their own future, yet it can happen anyway because of their own ignorance, rebellion, or blatant disregard for GOD and HIS WORD. The course of one's entire life can be derailed by foolish errors in judgment, and future consequences can be disastrous.
As Christians, we have GOD's WORD and HIS SPIRIT to guard and guide us, but that doesn't make us immune to poor choices, especially in times of weakness, We're more likely to make unwise decisions when extremely hungry, angry, lonely, and tired. Let these conditions---and the acrostic H-A-L-T---signal to us that it's time to pause and evaluate our decision-making.
Impatience and strong desires can also lead us astray and blind us to potential consequences. That's why we must learn to make decisions by using a long-term perspective instead of focusing on what is immediately in front of us.
As you look back over your life, do you see choices made in times of weakness or impatience that have led to negative outcomes?
Even when a need seems urgent, it's best to slow down and carefully consider your steps so you can be satisfied with the course ahead.
3A) THE IMPORTANCE of BAPTISM and THE PICTURE of BAPTISM; (MATTHEW3:13-17), and (ACTS8:25-39).
BELIEVERS ARE TO FOLLOW CHRIST'S EXAMPLE IN ALL THINGS, including baptism. Just before beginning HIS public ministry, Jesus came to John the Baptist, who was calling the Jewish people to confess their sins and demonstrate repentance through immersion in the Jordan River. Through Jesus was sinless, HE chose to identify with sinful mankind by means of baptism.
When we enter the waters of baptism, we're making a public confession of our faith in Jesus---and of our union with HIM. At the same time, we're also declaring unity with our brothers and sisters in the LORD, since all believers are members of Christ's body and under HIS authority. However, it's important to remember that baptism is not required for salvation. We're saved by GOD's grace through faith in His SON (EPH.2:8). For Christians, baptism follows redemption.
Belief in Jesus is not to be hidden away like a light placed under a basket (MATTHEW5:14-16). Instead, it should be expressed in words and actions. Baptism is one way we publicly declare that Jesus Christ is our Savior and Lord. It's part of His Great Commission to us (28:19-20) and should be taken seriously.
Have you followed your confession of faith with the act of baptism?
3B) THE PICTURE of BAPTISM;
PICTURES COMMUNICATE in ways that words cannot, capturing the drama and memory of a significant moment. In a similar way, baptism powerfully illustrates the radical change that occurred in the person's life at salvation. When we are baptized, we're identifying ourselves with Jesus Christ, who died for our sins, was buried, and rose again to life.
Plunging beneath the water symbolizes our old self dying and being buried with Christ (ROMANS 6:4-6). And coming up out of the water portrays our new life in Christ. Just as the heavenly Father physically raised Jesus from the dead and gave Him life, so He raises each believer in a spiritual way. One day we'll experience this physically as well---when we're given glorious new bodies forever free from sin and death.
The image of baptism serves as a reminder of what our Savior has done for us and points to the truth that there is life beyond the grave. Every person who has trusted in Jesus Christ for salvation will live forever in the presence of the Lord.
It's helpful for unbelieving family and friends to "see" this message in our lives.
HAVE YOU PUBLICLY IDENTIFIED YOURSELF WITH JESUS THROUGH THE ACT OF BAPTISM?
4) OUR THOUGHT LIFE; (1 CORINTHIANS 2:11-16).
GOD CALL HIS CHILDREN TO LIVE HOLY LIVES. Yet in our attempts to obey this command, we often commit to change our behavior, only to fail a few days later. The problem is that we're starting at the wrong place.
Ungodly actions flow from sinful thoughts and attitudes, like selfishness, greed, jealousy, anger, resentment, and unforgiveness. These can be changed only as our mind is renewed by the Holy Spirit. As we spend time each day in Scripture, the Spirit transforms our mind and strengthens our inner being. But when we neglect God's Word, we leave ourselves (WIDE) open to the influence of the world and our "flesh", both of which oppose godliness. Then, if we try to change our behavior without adjusting our thinking, we'll find ourselves doing precisely what we want to avoid (ROMANS 7:15).
Holiness, on the other hand, encompasses our entire being, which is why Jesus said we should love GOD with all our heart, all our soul, all our mind, and all our strength (MARK 12:30). It's a lifelong process that requires learning God's thoughts and adopting them as our own. Then, as the Spirit develops within us the mind of Christ, our actions will become increasingly holy.
5) THE TOUCH THAT TRANSFORMS; (MATTHEW 28:18-20).
IF YOU LOOK UP THE WORD TOUCH IN A CONCORDANCE, YOU'LL discover that many instances involve JESUS. Throughout the Gospels, people were healed of sickness, infirmities, and disabilities when the Lord "touched" them. But His "touch" reached beyond the physical to their spiritual needs.
Today, we frequently see the word "touch" in the context of scandal, impropriety, or immorality. Yet ministry requires hands that reach out to help and serve while we also verbally proclaim the good news of Christ. We touch lives not just by telling others about Jesus but also by showing them genuine love and compassion.
Our hearts, mouths, and hands should be operating together to accomplish the world-changing mission of the church. When we join together as a body of believers, we affect lives through the power of prayer, the ministry of the Word, discipleship, and fellowship. All are required as the church calls the lost to salvation and equips believers for the work of service. JESUS TOUCHED LIVES, AND AS HIS FOLLOWERS, WE MUST DO LIKEWISE.
HOW MIGHT GOD TOUCH A HEART THROUGH YOU TODAY?
6) STRENGTH in WAITING; (ISIAH 40:12-31).
OUR CREATOR HAS NO NEED FOR ANYONE TO DIRECT OR COUNSEL HIM (ISIAN 40:13). Yet so often we want to tell HIM exactly what to do and how to answer our prayers. Then we're disappointed when HE ignores all our advice. Like Israel, we might say, "My way is hidden from the LORD, and the justice due me escapes the notice of my God" (v.27). But we, not God, are the ones who lack understanding.
Sometimes we grow weary in the trials of life. However, God's ways are always right, and He promises to give strength to those who wait for HIM (v.31). Isaiah uses the imagery of an eagle with wind beneath his wings to illustrate how God lifts and carries us through times when we don't clearly discern the way.
In difficult situations, we often don't know which way to turn. But God wants us to wait patiently and depend on Him for the strength we need to endure. When the time is right, He'll answer our prayers, guide our path, and give us relief. Until then, we acknowledge that His understanding is inscrutable and He never chooses a wrong path for us---even when it's slow going.