It is difficult for us to realize just how materialistic we are when we are immersed in a culture of materialism. Before we make drastic changes to our life, we need to understand what God says about our possessions. God blesses us and has provided everything we have so that we in turn can bless others. When we use the possessions and finances God has given us for self-serving purposes it is covetous.
Scriptures says that the inside must be clean before the outside can be clean, but what happens if the outside remains unchanged? The Gospel doesn’t only call for reflection but requires action and obedience. You must understand the Gospel in order for transformation to take place. The Gospel is understanding the grace of a glorious God, the wrath that God has for the depraved, the sufficiency of Christ, the necessity of faith and a longing for eternity. If we know and live the Gospel we will be real and transformed disciples.
God created us in His image with an eternal purpose. Your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit and we must be pure and holy in every area of our life. The Bible gives a stern warning about immoral living and sex outside of the bounds of marriage. Satan wants to destroy your body and he offers you momentary pleasures but it has eternal consequences. God also has an eternal plan for your body and soul. God has given us the Holy Spirit to empower us against all sin so we can live pure and holy lives. If you are in an immoral relationship God wants to break the ties and set you free. Don't wait another minute, cry out to God for deliverance!
Have you ever been walking along on your journey with Jesus and realize you have wandered away from Him? We can go to church every Sunday and lose Jesus in rituals, religion and relationships. Somehow He just gets lost in the clutter of our lives. This message reminds us not to settle for the natural when God offers us a supernatural life. There comes a time when we must allow the supernatural power of God impact our worship, warfare and witness. Today you can choose to open your heart and allow Jesus to get into the inner most parts so He can astound you with His love and power.
Scriptures says that the inside must be clean before the outside can be clean, but what happens if the outside remains unchanged? The Gospel doesn’t only call for reflection but requires action and obedience. You must understand the Gospel in order for transformation to take place. The Gospel is understanding the grace of a glorious God, the wrath that God has for the depraved, the sufficiency of Christ, the necessity of faith and a longing for eternity. If we know and live the Gospel we will be real and transformed disciples.
Flashbacks are often used in movies to show how the past is affecting the present. Our pasts can sometimes help us correct the present, but as Christians we're instructed to forget the former things. We are to focus on what is ahead. Past hurts and fears are covered in Christ's blood. Enjoy the present, and trust God with your future. The plans He has for you are for good and not to harm you.
Sometimes when God makes a promise to us that seems to be way out in the future we can tend to hold on and settle for something that is right in front of us. We may hold on to relationships, plans, dreams and/or a set of goals. Many times these are the very things that are hindering us from the supernatural plan that God has for our lives. This message provokes us to have a direct confrontation with these things and a mindset that says this thing needs to go! As we begin to let go God will begin to take us into the blessings that were already promised to us. The rest comes when we simply agree with God in every area of our life.
What a mess we make in the Kingdom of God when we try to perfect or complete the work of God in the natural. Jesus Christ brings true victory to those who simply walk in faith. We must cast off the natural and come back to the supernatural power of God. It is a wonderful thing to be led of the Spirit. It is an awful thing to be led by the flesh. God gives us His Word and with His Word comes supernatural strength. Whatever you are struggling with God will make a way of escape. God is faithful and you will not be triumphed over.
In David we see a vivid example of the impact authentic discipleship and Christ-centered living can have. As followers of Christ our job is to pour out the Holy Spirit's blessings into everyone and everything around us — not for our own glory, but for the glory of God and the advancement of His Kingdom. As soon as we are able to humble ourselves and believe that our lives are not about us, God will put a deposit into our souls which will spill over into those around us.
There will be many seasons in our life when our heart becomes heavy and we are tempted to draw back from what the Lord is calling us to do. When you get tempted to quit, fix your eyes on Jesus, our Savior, who was crucified with His arms open wide so He could embrace humanity. Whenever times get rough allow the Cross to lead you to a totally surrendered life. The ability not to quit comes from the power of the Cross. We don't give up because in the deepest part of our suffering Jesus is there and He promises never to leave us. We are called to make an imprint of freedom for next generation.