Dependence...
not the Declaration of Independence-as we, with great pride, just celebrated as Americans
...So WHY do we also need to be dependent?
(this email newsletter will be our discussion topic of our family gathering including 5 of our 6 grandchildren this coming Saturday...I'm the facilitator)
|
|
Greetings!
"DEPENDENCE
"
"In those days there was no king in Israel: every man did that which was
right in his own eyes."
Judges 21:25
Footnote in the Life Application Bible:
"During the time of judges, the people of Israel experienced trouble because
everyone became his own authority and acted on his own opinions of right and wrong.
This produced horrendous results."
|
|
CHAOS
In my opinion...
THAT'S EXACTLY WHERE WE ARE AS A COUNTRY...
it is so rare to find people who are
dependent on God to have victory over self opinions.
..I know from personal experience my
opinions unchecked have derailed me
at various times in my life
We all need a
reference point
in our daily lives...
God, Jesus Christ and His Word...
are the very best
This verse highlights our
DEPENDENCE
on the Lord...
"Unless the LORD builds the house, the builders labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain.
Psalm 127:1
|
|
NO OPTIONS...
we must show with our very lives our dependence on the
Lord or the sinful nature will dominate...
"Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship."
Roman's 12:1
Christ's death and resurrection freed us from sin, but obligates us to His service.
We are UNDER OBLIGATION
The Bible says it this way.
"Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies."
1 Cor 6:19-20
It's for our best...
Self is relegated to a lower position in our lives...
"I THINK and/or I BELIEVE"
...is replaced by
"God's WORD says..."
Someone may argue,
"...But if I can't do my own thing, it is so restrictive...
how do you really enjoy life?"
|
|
Following God's way will produce:
Galatians 5:22
"
...the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control..."
Honestly...Does LOVE, JOY, PEACE...sound
restrictive?
It sounds ALIVE, MEANINGFUL and ENJOYABLE to me!
IT'S THE ABUNDANT LIFE IN CHRIST that He desires for all believers. All He asks is that we
live for Jesus and present our bodies unto Him
...the author and finisher of our faith
|
|
|
|
TOUGH QUESTION-
However...
DO YOU THINK YOU CAN HAVE THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT-
"love, joy, peace..."
without commitment to His Word, fellowship, worship and prayer?
It's not about being super religious but honestly putting Jesus Christ
at the
forefront
by our thoughts and actions
|
|
|
|
WHEN LIFE GETS CONFUSING...
don't run away and hide through
drugs, being super busy, religion, alcohol, work, sports, sex, travel...even a hobby or a cult..
Rather- return to Jesus Christ and depend on Him to guide you successfully, joyfully with greater purpose through life's many challenges.
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not upon your own understanding. Acknowledge Him in all your ways and He will
make your paths straight."
Proverbs 3:5-6
|
|
|
Last here's
PRACTICAL ADVICE...
the Balanced Life Theory
WHEN I was a 20 year old atheist
my balanced life theory included:
*a good job
*enjoyment
*sports
*a greater purpose for living by helping kids
who came from broken homes
(all very good)
But...
.
OBVIOUSLY when I became a believer my balanced life theory had a glaring major missing part...
THE FOUNDATION...JESUS CHRIST...
who is the Way, Truth and the Life...
No one comes to Father except through Him
John 14:6
So...PRESENTLY my life balance is 50/50
50%
with the
Body of Christ ,obviously including my family,
to get built up through fellowship, study of the Word, prayer and worship..my goal is to grow in grace....and build the Body of Christ up
to be more effective witnesses...this is our 484th weekly email newsletter encouraging believers to personally grow in spreading the Gospel
and
50% in the world especially where I live, move and have my being
to reach out with the GOOD NEWS of peace with GOD through Jesus the Savior ...being forgiven of all our sins of thought, word and deed
PRAISE THE LORD...I'm totally
DEPENDENT
on Jesus Christ
for the
forgiveness of my sins, life forever and the abundant life
of living and witnessing for Him
Ted Sprague
John 3:16
|
|
Appeal:
Thank you for your prayerful consideration of financial support of the Witness Breakthrough ministry.
Our ministry is solely supported by individuals, churches and family foundations.
Your gifts are tax deductible, greatly needed, and deeply appreciated.
WB trains believers to:
John 3:16...love people then humbly give Jesus
Acts 17:28...where we walk daily
Col 4:2-6...looking for His open doors
Please check out our website and consider a tax deductible gift to Witness Breakthrough:
http://www.witnessbreakthrough.org/wb-donate/
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
