Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of . And that is okay. Jacob's wife, Rachel, who had stolen them, had hidden them in her camel's saddle. We need to remember that God uses the foolish. God's CallAbraham's faith was preceded by God's call. I will even make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.". If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. The Bible clearly teaches that God uses human agents to spread Jesus message of forgiveness (Mt. Why did God love them? Blog, A ~Andrea, Am inspired, as an Evangelist I need more of GOD pls, I want to be a missionary. God wants to partner with us, not use us. Jesus said in John 15:1-2, "I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. When Laban returned, his nephew, his daughters, and much of the property were gone. The third passage that reveals the truth about Abraham's ancestry is a story from the life of Abraham's grandson, Jacob. T No buildings, streets, or hospitals have been named in honor of me. Why bother when using our strong hands is so much easier, so much better? We have one life to use, and the usefulness of that one life depends not on our rsum or even how much we know. N And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God. This is done through the act of repentancethe confession of, and turning away from, all that does not please Him. Oh when will you come to me? There was no money before sin. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. You may not start big, but if you start serving the Lord and just keep on serving Him, you will grow and soon find yourself doing things you've never thought you will ever do. Every Christian who wants to be used by God desires what is good. God wants to use those who look away from their self-sufficiency to his all-sufficiency. Every lumpy place is a reminder of how He gently patched you up. Their ambidextrous ability to shoot arrows and sling stones sounds like its right out of a Marvel movie: All of them were expert archers, and they could shoot arrows or sling stones with their left hand as well as their right. And that happens to us. Why does God want his name to be known? They demonstrate it every day of their lives. As John wrote these words, however, he seemed to know that some would say, "But, you see, God gave them authority to become children of God because they had faith within; it was because they believed." Did not know what to do . Abraham stayed at Haran until his father died. If God doesnt make us mad, were not worshiping him, but ourselves. Dont just be skeptical. Thats a given. Third, God speaks powerfully through fallen people. Here is a key truth: God produces the fruit of the Spirit in us by allowing us to encounter situations and people with characteristics that are exactly the opposite of the fruit of the Spirit. Do you feel like you are allowed to talk about your doubts and questions about God in your small group? I disagree. Your emptiness inside can be filled to the brimbut you must believe it, seek it, and allow it. (1 Corinthians 1:2629). Josh Hunt believes in the power of the small group ministry in your church. Do you seriously doubt that God can use youeven if He wanted to? But, perhaps, God is defeating cosmic accusations through the spreading of the gospel by using human agents. In the first chapter of the Gospel of John, the apostle tells how Jesus had come to His own people, the Jews, but they had not received Him. One of the longest paragraphs on faith in the Book of Hebrews is devoted to the life of faith lived by this Hebrew patriarch (Hebrews 11:8-19). 28:18-20; Acts 1:8; 1 Cor. And yet, God did not cast off King David. The Bible doesnt directly answer this, but we can speculate a few answers. What we perceive as defects are actually His brilliant and planned marks of potential. He would use the worst materials to bring about the best results. Enter to win by leaving a comment here. You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against the sons of your own people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the Lord. 3:9; 2 Cor. Instead, I now try to talk about God's desire to partner with us. Feeling lopsided? You must yield to Him. God's ChoiceIt was Abraham whom God chose to be the father of many nations. Abraham is a giant in Scripture his stature is far greater than that of Moses, David, or Paul. He says we can rejoice here and now, even in our trials and troubles, for they will produce perseverance in us and help us develop a mature character. Its easy to lose sight of that, in a world that is insistent on telling us what our purpose should be. It is what people see as more. I have an unimpressive family background and do not come from a long line of important people. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. The story of Abraham contains the first mention in the Bible of God's righteousness imputed to man as the sole means of salvation (Genesis 15:6). Sometimes Christians are afraid to ask questions like, How do we know that the Bible is true? Or, Can I believe in miracles? But God wants us to ask those questions because he isnt intimidated by them. After the initial pronouncement, the Lord puts every chosen vessel through the continual process of purifying and cleansing. Satan therefore made it. We might be a life-hacking, productivity guru. God always persists in His calling. It is reliable and stands the test. Of course not. So they gave a dinner for him there. Thanks so much, Isa, for your comment! We love it!) Dont just believe in Christianity because thats what you were taught when you were a kid. It is a human thing. How can we who died to sin still live in it? Im fascinated by an ancient group of archers from a tribe known as the Benjamites. His life would be nothing less than extraordinary. In Deuteronomy 7, Moses tells why God chose Israel to be the nation through which He gave the law and would one day send the Saviour. The life of a chosen vessel is not passiveyet, the vessel itself must be passive in order to be used. God had to defeat this accusation not through violence but through a demonstration of love (Rom. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. Yet, Solomon turned away from God (1 Kings 11:4, 912). Thank you. I dont have any letters after my name. Self-denial has to go with following Christ, or else it will be just self-punishment. We who have been bought by the precious and priceless blood of the Lord Jesus Christ ought to keep in mind that we are not our own, that we belong to God and He owns us. The household gods also were missing. Perhaps God has given you a command to do something and you have put it off, a step to take and you have refused. We may think we need to try our best to do the right thing, do good works, or live up to some kind of moral or ethical standard. God works that way for each fruit he is developing in us. This is not human logic; it is divine logic. The Hebrew words for consecration mean an open hand and to fill.. Keeping your mind attached to God, while maintaining an attitude of expectancyfor His plans to play out in your lifefrees you from the worlds shallow and impossible expectations. Jesus said in Matthew 16:24, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.". And that is what the fruit of the Spirit is all about. Even Jesus gave us a new commandment to obey. Was Abraham strong in faith? God couldve used angels to spread his message (Rev. Fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised. God's call comes first. He strategically includes some thin places and weak spots. Because when you think in one-year timelines, the finish line is so far away that you cant even see it. This concept should not surprise any Bible reader, especially when we consider subjects like Christs incarnation. Some people would rather have just seen MacGyver use a key and a gun to break out of prison, but by using scraps, MacGyver showed his brilliance and ingenuity in a way that wouldnt have been otherwise possible. Ask Question Asked 5 years, 6 months ago Modified 7 months ago Viewed 4k times 10 If my interpretation of the ultimate purpose of human existence according to the Bible is correct, humanity exists to glorify the existence of God. Was God required to choose this method? That's not true of us. There's a big lie that the enemy is spreading around the world, and you should know about it: He wants you to think that no matter how much you want God, He can't draw close because of your sin. It was a hard-earned skill set. Problems often point us in a new direction and motivate us to change. Join the conversation in the comments today and be encouraged. But God graciously used the blessing as a chastening to move Isaac to the center of His will. Great sections of the New Testament explain the spiritual significance of Abraham. He hurls the luggage around the room, stomps on it, jumps on it, and throws it up in the air. When Abraham started once again for Canaan, he was 75 years old. Gods Power to Develop Your Faithfulness, Gods Power to Change Your Life, Lesson #10 Our accolades cannot merit us any greatness. In the Masters hand, you were planned and designed. You are lifted up and put in position. This story teaches us that doubt is not a bad thing. Maybe you had some cracks, which are now blobbed over with obvious patches. Gods Power to Develop Your Kindness, Gods Power to Change Your Life, Lesson #8 1) Be prepared for chastening. Abraham had saving faith because he believed God when God revealed Himself, and he acted upon his belief by setting out for Canaan immediately. Embrace your weakness, so that the power of Christ may rest upon you to reveal Gods surpassing greatness (2 Corinthians 12:9). 1. Loving lovely people or people just like us is easy. This truth is clearly stated in at least three places in the Bible. Jonah ordered himself to be thrown overboard by the sailors. One links faith to credulity. But he is very interested in partnering with us. But that's not God. Here are five big reasons God wants us to be generous: #1 God wants to show us His love. For nearly thirty years, Dr. Bill Tolar and Dr. Brian Harbour have helped thousands of Sunday School teachers prepare their lessons by means of video. "Sometimes it takes a painful situation to make us change our ways." Pr. The Bible shows us very clearly that God is good and ultimately does not want people to suffer but that suffering is nevertheless a reality in this life. But "Sound of Freedom" already is as much a political football as it is an unlikely cinematic success. God also uses the situations that others mean for bad in our lives. That said, I would encourage each and every Christian to desire to serve the Lord. (Psalms 124:7-8). Dont just believe what someone says because they are a teacher or a pastor. Are you critical of yourself? According to Pentagon Press Secretary Pat Ryder, the U.S. will be "carefully . 1:26-29). Why? He says that while he was in the camp, the guards stripped him of everything. Where can you go to find answers for your questions? Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit.". Repairs have left you lumpy and bumpyand you may find it hard to believe that God would use such an awkward-looking vessel. A chosen vessel doesnt just sit on a shelf in a closet somewhereit is frequently handled, moved, lifted, tipped and set in place on a family table. So the next time a message is thrown at yousaying you should have something, do something or be somethingask God if this was His idea. But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. We pray that your impact goes far and wide for the Lord Jesus. But salvation depends not on the strength of your faith but on God's overwhelming faithfulness to you. 5. God promises that if you really seek after him, you will find him. People hate it when this Gospel is preached in our own 20th century. Jacob did what many people do when they are cast adrift by life he went back to his roots. Where does the Bible call us to prayer? May Your power be made perfect in that weakness so others will not see me, but You instead. Having all the wisdom in the world didnt guarantee fidelity. So how does God want us to use our imagination? These latter three were great men, and God used them in great ways, even giving portions of the Scriptures to us through them. Throughout history, powerful men have tried to destroy the Bible. Since it is God's essential nature to love, He demonstrates His love by lavishing it on undeserving people who are in rebellion against Him. Fourth, God might enjoy giving his children responsibility. If it had been up to Isaac, he would have been content to stay in the land of the Philistines. God began by designing the environment we would live in, setting the physical parameters for Earth. Fasting was responsible for two of the most significant events in early church history What were they--and does God still expect Christians to fast today? We do not know what is going to happen tomorrow, or even today. Join Dr. James Boice on The Bible Study Hour to discover the answer to these questions on the elusive topic of fasting. The Bible talks a lot about literal vessels in the Old Testament, which were set apart for special use in the house of the Lord. His invisible attributes his power, his eternity, his beauty, and his character are made visible in the things that he has made ( Romans 1:20 ). That would be true if Jesus didn't take to the cross your unrighteousness. Dont get me wrong, wisdom is important. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. Do you feel useless? God doesnt create each of us to be like some superhero, without flaws and weaknesses. He didnt. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. But he answered, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.. Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent? Our growth in Christ can seem so slow and the road so long, but we can take comfort knowing that God himself is maturing us. His bravery wasnt just their breakthrough; it became their signature story. ~Andrea & Ken. Each week, they provide an insightful walk through this week's scriptures and provide concrete Bible-to-life application points for you to make with your class this Sunday. V You believe men, don't you? Thank you Father for everything, especially for ur love nd grace upon me ND my family When Faith Is WeakSomeone may say, "Oh, I am able to believe in the sense that you have been explaining, but my faith is weak. Several passages are relevant: "Pray for those who persecute you" -Matthew 5:44 (NIV) [1] "And when you pray " -Matthew 6:5 God teaches us to love by letting us practice on the unlovely.. Hold on to what is good.. We have arranged a special one-month free trial of their videos for anyone who mentions joshhunt.com. Gods Part and My Part in Changing Me, Gods Power to Change Your Life, Lesson #3 Because He loved them. 11:25; 2 Tim. Answer. Evidence Unseen 2023. They took his clothes. F Acknowledge daily that you are holythrough the saving and cleansing work of the Lord Jesus Christ. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God suppliesin order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. You prefer to be where you are. In Jesus Name, Amen. In other words, this was nurture over nature. They even took his wedding ring. Youd gain a lot more ground if you focused on the right daily habits rather than yearly goals. Are you marred and scarred? How old were you when you stopped believing in Santa Claus? Abraham faltered. Don't drink your own cool-aid. They have to go together. Wind the Clock: Time is measured in minutes; life is measured in moments. Enjoyed this enlightening reading of a broken vessel. He will develop within you a mature character. See for yourself. So that the tested genuineness of your faithmore precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by firemay be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. The next time you are critical or ashamed of who you are, remember that God had a smile on His face as He created you. We let our weak hands atrophy. If we are to be obedient to His will, then prayer must be part of our life in Him. God uses pathetic people for his glorious purposes to show his superior power. I've found somebody with a bit of faith. Look unto Abraham, your father, and unto Sarah, who bore you" (Isaiah 51:1,2). Perhaps, by listening to a fellow sinner, Gods message is easier to accept. God chastens those He loves. Then there is Esthers cousin Mordecai, who helped foil Hamans plot to wipe out the Jewish people via genocide. 5:20; Rom. #1 Imagine His promises being fulfilled in your life. If it makes us desperate to search . He wants to make us like himself not gods, but godly. In this verse, God declares that His thoughts (plans) He has toward Jeremiah are to give him an expected end (outcome). He just wants you. W But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. Instead, he chose to defeat Satans accusation in this way. In Judges, we read, But when the Israelites cried to the LORD, the LORD raised them up a deliverer, Ehud son of Gera, a Benjamite, a left-handed man (Judges 3:15, AMPC). And these are the ones sown on rocky ground: the ones who, when they hear the word, immediately receive it with joy. How wonderful that God has put it in your heart to spread the gospel. You were intentionally made that wayto feel empty insidebecause you were designed to be filled. Our accomplishments do not justify our existence. Rick Warren, Gods Power to Change Your Life (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2008). Whoever has a haughty look and an arrogant heart I will not endure. Im praying that God will lead me in what His purpose is for my life. We must never desire going back to who we were before He saved us. What are these rules? Solomon was DaVinci, Einstein, Bach, Jordan, Augustus, and Shakespeare rolled into one superior man. If there are certain rules in regards to receiving salvation, perhaps there are certain rules in regards to spreading salvation. When God says something He means it, and He doesn't discriminate based on . Instead He came to him through Nathan to expose his sin and lead him to repentance (2 Samuel 12). The question is why? Behold, I will do a new thing, now it shall spring forth; Shall you not know it?
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