let us not ignore the wisdom of god. n over the years my views of the dangers that christians face...

Let us not ignore the wisdom of God.Let us not ignore the wisdom of God.

Over the years my views of the dangers that Over the years my views of the dangers that Christians face has changed.Christians face has changed.



I had greatly underestimated the works of I had greatly underestimated the works of the flesh.the flesh.



I had greatly underestimated the works of I had greatly underestimated the works of the flesh.the flesh.

I had failed to see the power of the outward I had failed to see the power of the outward actions we take combined with the thoughts actions we take combined with the thoughts and emotions that go along with it.and emotions that go along with it.


As I further studied my Bible I learned how As I further studied my Bible I learned how pride, jealousy and anger destroyed men in pride, jealousy and anger destroyed men in the bible like king Saul. the bible like king Saul. (1 Sam 18:7-8; 22:8)(1 Sam 18:7-8; 22:8)


1 Samuel 18:7-81 Samuel 18:7-8 - So the women sang as - So the women sang as they danced, and said: "Saul has slain his they danced, and said: "Saul has slain his thousands, And David his ten thousands." 8 thousands, And David his ten thousands." 8 Then Saul was very angry, and the saying Then Saul was very angry, and the saying displeased him; and he said, "They have displeased him; and he said, "They have ascribed to David ten thousands, and to me ascribed to David ten thousands, and to me they have ascribed they have ascribed only only thousands. Now thousands. Now what what more can he have but the kingdom?“more can he have but the kingdom?“


1 Samuel 22:81 Samuel 22:8 - "All of you have - "All of you have conspired against me, and conspired against me, and there is there is no one no one who reveals to me that my son has made a who reveals to me that my son has made a covenant with the son of Jesse; and covenant with the son of Jesse; and there is there is not one of you who is sorry for me or not one of you who is sorry for me or reveals to me that my son has stirred up my reveals to me that my son has stirred up my servant against me, to lie in wait, as servant against me, to lie in wait, as it is it is this this day.“day.“


As time passed I saw how the heart once As time passed I saw how the heart once contaminated with these thoughts would contaminated with these thoughts would close the mind to reason! close the mind to reason! (Eph 4:26-27)(Eph 4:26-27)


Ephesians 4:26-27Ephesians 4:26-27 - "Be angry, and do not - "Be angry, and do not sin": do not let the sun go down on your sin": do not let the sun go down on your wrath, 27 nor give place to the devil.wrath, 27 nor give place to the devil.


How do we overcome the works of the How do we overcome the works of the flesh? How do we find a sound mind that flesh? How do we find a sound mind that can survive the assaults of Satan?can survive the assaults of Satan?


Once again, God’s word tells us what to put Once again, God’s word tells us what to put in our hearts! in our hearts! (Gal 5:22-23)(Gal 5:22-23)


Galatians 5:22-23Galatians 5:22-23 - But the fruit of the - But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.is no law.


This passage says “fruit” and not “fruits!”This passage says “fruit” and not “fruits!”


These nine attributes are the fruit and These nine attributes are the fruit and without these nine you do not have the without these nine you do not have the

completed fruit of the Spirit completed fruit of the Spirit

The fruit of the Spirit – LoveThe fruit of the Spirit – Love

This is not just any love. This is the This is not just any love. This is the committed love of God. committed love of God. (Matt 22:37-40)(Matt 22:37-40)


(Matthew 22:37-40 NKJV)(Matthew 22:37-40 NKJV) “Jesus said to “Jesus said to him, “ ‘You shall love the LORD your God him, “ ‘You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’with all your mind.’ {38} {38} “This is “This is the the first and first and great commandment.great commandment. {39} {39} “And “And the the second second is is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’yourself.’ {40} {40} “On these two commandments “On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.””hang all the Law and the Prophets.””


What makes men change? How do we find What makes men change? How do we find motivation to live the Christian life?motivation to live the Christian life?


What makes men change? How do we find What makes men change? How do we find motivation to live the Christian life?motivation to live the Christian life?

When men fail to have the love of God in When men fail to have the love of God in their lives they can develop a religion like their lives they can develop a religion like the Pharisees. the Pharisees. (Lk 11:42; Jn 5:42)(Lk 11:42; Jn 5:42)


(Luke 11:42 NKJV)(Luke 11:42 NKJV) “”But woe to you “”But woe to you Pharisees! For you tithe mint and rue and Pharisees! For you tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass by justice and all manner of herbs, and pass by justice and the love of God. These you ought to have the love of God. These you ought to have done, without leaving the others undone.”done, without leaving the others undone.”


(John 5:42 NKJV)(John 5:42 NKJV) “”But I know you, that “”But I know you, that you do not have the love of God in you.”you do not have the love of God in you.”


When our love grows cold we will be cold! When our love grows cold we will be cold! (Mt 24:12; Rev 2:4; 3:15-16)(Mt 24:12; Rev 2:4; 3:15-16)


(Matthew 24:12 NKJV)(Matthew 24:12 NKJV) “”And because “”And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold.”will grow cold.”


(Revelation 2:4 NKJV)(Revelation 2:4 NKJV) “”Nevertheless I “”Nevertheless I have have this this against you, that you have left against you, that you have left your first love.”your first love.”


(Revelation 3:15-16 NKJV) (Revelation 3:15-16 NKJV) “”I know “”I know your works, that you are neither cold nor your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot.hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. {16} {16} “So then, because you are lukewarm, and “So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth.”My mouth.”


When you know what God has done for you When you know what God has done for you it will be seen in your life! it will be seen in your life! (1 Pt 2:1-3)(1 Pt 2:1-3)


(1 Peter 2:1-3 NKJV)(1 Peter 2:1-3 NKJV) “Therefore, laying “Therefore, laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking,and all evil speaking, {2} {2} as newborn babes, as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby,may grow thereby, {3} {3} if indeed you have if indeed you have tasted that the Lord tasted that the Lord is is gracious.”gracious.”


Why does the love of God have the power Why does the love of God have the power to changes men's hearts?to changes men's hearts?


Why does the love of God have the power Why does the love of God have the power to changes men's hearts?to changes men's hearts?

Consider the components of His love. Consider the components of His love. (1 Cor 13:4-7)(1 Cor 13:4-7)


(1 Corinthians 13:4-7 NKJV)(1 Corinthians 13:4-7 NKJV) “Love “Love suffers long suffers long and and is kind; love does not envy; is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up;love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; {5} {5} does not behave rudely, does not seek its does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil;own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; {6} {6} does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth;the truth; {7} {7} bears all things, believes all bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.”things, hopes all things, endures all things.”


The worldly person will find this love The worldly person will find this love "unreasonable"."unreasonable".


God's love gives us that which we need but God's love gives us that which we need but do not deserve. do not deserve. (Rom 12:17-21)(Rom 12:17-21)


(Romans 12:17-21 NKJV)(Romans 12:17-21 NKJV) - “Repay no - “Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men.things in the sight of all men. {18} {18} If it is If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.peaceably with all men. {19} {19} Beloved, do Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but not avenge yourselves, but rather rather give place give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord.Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord.


{20} {20} Therefore “If your enemy is hungry, Therefore “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.”on his head.” {21} {21} Do not be overcome by Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”evil, but overcome evil with good.”


God's love expresses confidence in us that God's love expresses confidence in us that we will change. we will change. (Rom 5:6-8, Jn 3:16)(Rom 5:6-8, Jn 3:16)


Romans 5:6-8Romans 5:6-8 - For when we were still - For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For scarcely for a righteous the ungodly. 7 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. 8 man someone would even dare to die. 8 But God demonstrates His own love toward But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.died for us.


(John 3:16 NKJV)(John 3:16 NKJV) “”For God so loved the “”For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”perish but have everlasting life.”


His love tells us we are valuable even when His love tells us we are valuable even when we think we are worthless!we think we are worthless!



When I think of quitting, I need to see that When I think of quitting, I need to see that God has not quit on me.God has not quit on me.



When I think of quitting, I need to see that When I think of quitting, I need to see that God has not quit on me.God has not quit on me.

What do men substitute for love?What do men substitute for love?


Some view love as conditional, that is a Some view love as conditional, that is a "balanced transaction." "balanced transaction." (Mt 5:46-48)(Mt 5:46-48)


(Matthew 5:46-48 NKJV)(Matthew 5:46-48 NKJV) “”For if you “”For if you love those who love you, what reward have love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same?same? {47} {47} “And if you greet your brethren “And if you greet your brethren only, what do you do more only, what do you do more than others? than others? Do Do not even the tax collectors do so?not even the tax collectors do so? {48} {48} “Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your “Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.”Father in heaven is perfect.”


We play games with words and say: "I will We play games with words and say: "I will love you but I do not have to like you!" love you but I do not have to like you!" Often this is a veil for hatred.Often this is a veil for hatred.


We play games with words and say: "I will We play games with words and say: "I will love you but I do not have to like you!" love you but I do not have to like you!" Often this is a veil for hatred.Often this is a veil for hatred.

What many people call love is in fact What many people call love is in fact slavery. You must submit to the control of slavery. You must submit to the control of a man or it is claimed that you do not a man or it is claimed that you do not "love them." "love them." (2 Pt 2:18-19)(2 Pt 2:18-19)


2 Peter 2:18-192 Peter 2:18-19 - For when they speak great - For when they speak great swelling swelling words words of emptiness, they allure of emptiness, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through through the lusts of the flesh, through lewdness, the ones who have actually escaped lewdness, the ones who have actually escaped from those who live in error. 19 While they from those who live in error. 19 While they promise them liberty, they themselves are promise them liberty, they themselves are slaves of corruption; for by whom a person is slaves of corruption; for by whom a person is overcome, by him also he is brought into overcome, by him also he is brought into bondage.bondage.


They demand that you hate who they hate, They demand that you hate who they hate, that you agree with them on strongly that you agree with them on strongly held opinions, and that you praise those held opinions, and that you praise those who join their clique. who join their clique. (2 Cor 11:20)(2 Cor 11:20)


(2 Corinthians 11:20 NKJV)(2 Corinthians 11:20 NKJV) “For you put “For you put up with it if one brings you into bondage, if up with it if one brings you into bondage, if one devours one devours you, you, if one takes if one takes from you, from you, if if one exalts himself, if one strikes you on the one exalts himself, if one strikes you on the face.”face.”


Some view love as an outward set of Some view love as an outward set of external rules. external rules. (Mt 23:27-28)(Mt 23:27-28)


(Matthew 23:27-28 NKJV)(Matthew 23:27-28 NKJV) “”Woe to you, “”Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which indeed appear like whitewashed tombs which indeed appear beautiful outwardly, but inside are full of dead beautiful outwardly, but inside are full of dead men’s men’s bones and all uncleanness.bones and all uncleanness. {28} {28} “Even “Even so you also outwardly appear righteous to so you also outwardly appear righteous to men, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and men, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.”lawlessness.”

The fruit of the Spirit – JoyThe fruit of the Spirit – Joy

This joy is based upon our relationship to This joy is based upon our relationship to God. God. (Jn 15:9-14)(Jn 15:9-14)


John 15:9-14 John 15:9-14 - “As the Father loved Me, I - “As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love. 10 If also have loved you; abide in My love. 10 If you keep My commandments, you will you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His Father’s commandments and abide in His love.love.


11“These things I have spoken to you, that 11“These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and My joy may remain in you, and thatthat your your joy may be full. 12 This is My joy may be full. 12 This is My commandment, that you love one another as commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends. 14 You are My friends if you do his friends. 14 You are My friends if you do whatever I command you.whatever I command you.


Joy is a natural by-product of God’s love Joy is a natural by-product of God’s love for you! Did He die for you too?for you! Did He die for you too?


Joyful people are obedient people.Joyful people are obedient people.


Joyful people are obedient people.Joyful people are obedient people. God’s joy comes through pain and will God’s joy comes through pain and will

never be taken away. never be taken away. (Jn 16:19-24)(Jn 16:19-24)


John 16:19 - 24John 16:19 - 24 - Now Jesus knew that they - Now Jesus knew that they desired to ask Him, and He said to them, “Are desired to ask Him, and He said to them, “Are you inquiring among yourselves about what I you inquiring among yourselves about what I said, ‘A little while, and you will not see Me; said, ‘A little while, and you will not see Me; and again a little while, and you will see Me’? and again a little while, and you will see Me’? 20 Most assuredly, I say to you that you will 20 Most assuredly, I say to you that you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice; weep and lament, but the world will rejoice; and you will be sorrowful, but your sorrow and you will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will be turned into joy. will be turned into joy.


21 A woman, when she is in labor, has sorrow 21 A woman, when she is in labor, has sorrow because her hour has come; but as soon as she because her hour has come; but as soon as she has given birth to the child, she no longer has given birth to the child, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a human remembers the anguish, for joy that a human being has been born into the world. 22 being has been born into the world. 22 Therefore you now have sorrow; but I will see Therefore you now have sorrow; but I will see you again and your heart will rejoice, and you again and your heart will rejoice, and your joy no one will take from you.your joy no one will take from you.


23“And in that day you will ask Me 23“And in that day you will ask Me nothing. Most assuredly, I say to you, nothing. Most assuredly, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in My name whatever you ask the Father in My name He will give you. 24 Until now you have He will give you. 24 Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.will receive, that your joy may be full.


The apostles went through pain like The apostles went through pain like childbirth until they finally understood the childbirth until they finally understood the nature of their relationship with nature of their relationship with God. God. Do you really understand it?Do you really understand it?


When they knew they served a living Lord When they knew they served a living Lord that would never leave them they had a joy that would never leave them they had a joy that men could never take away!that men could never take away!


When they knew they served a living Lord When they knew they served a living Lord that would never leave them they had a joy that would never leave them they had a joy that men could never take away!that men could never take away!

““Who shall separate us from the love of Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?” Christ?” (Rom 8:35-39)(Rom 8:35-39)


Romans 8:35 - 39Romans 8:35 - 39 - Who shall separate us - Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? from the love of Christ? ShallShall tribulation, or tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36As it is nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36As it is written: written: “For Your sake we are killed all day “For Your sake we are killed all day long; We are accounted as sheep for the long; We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.” slaughter.” 37 Yet in all these things we are 37 Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved more than conquerors through Him who loved us. us.


38 For I am persuaded that neither death 38 For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to powers, nor things present nor things to come, 39 nor height nor depth, nor any come, 39 nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.Jesus our Lord.


We have joy because we are not the victims We have joy because we are not the victims of circumstance but always will have the of circumstance but always will have the victory over circumstances. victory over circumstances. (Rom 8:28)(Rom 8:28)


Romans 8:28Romans 8:28 - And we know that all - And we know that all things work together for good to those who things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called love God, to those who are the called according to according to HisHis purpose. purpose.


Do you have this kind of confidence in God Do you have this kind of confidence in God in your heart?in your heart?


Do you have this kind of confidence in God Do you have this kind of confidence in God in your heart?in your heart?

God’s joy will give me great strength to God’s joy will give me great strength to serve God in all circumstances.serve God in all circumstances.


How was Jesus able to overcome the cross? How was Jesus able to overcome the cross? (Heb 12:2)(Heb 12:2)


Hebrews 12:2Hebrews 12:2 - looking unto Jesus, the - looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of author and finisher of our our faith, who for the faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.down at the right hand of the throne of God.


God through Nehemiah wanted the people God through Nehemiah wanted the people to understand this very important principle. to understand this very important principle. (Neh 8:10-11)(Neh 8:10-11)


Nehemiah 8:10-11Nehemiah 8:10-11 - Then he said to them, - Then he said to them, “Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, “Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to those for whom and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared; for nothing is prepared; for thisthis day day isis holy to holy to our Lord. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the our Lord. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.” 11 So the Levites LORD is your strength.” 11 So the Levites quieted all the people, saying, “Be still, for quieted all the people, saying, “Be still, for the day the day isis holy; do not be grieved.” holy; do not be grieved.”


Notice how this joy came from an Notice how this joy came from an understanding of God’s word. understanding of God’s word. Is your Is your Bible study this way? Bible study this way?


Notice how this joy came from an Notice how this joy came from an understanding of God’s word. understanding of God’s word. Is your Is your Bible study this way? Bible study this way?

This joy is not produced by artificial This joy is not produced by artificial circumstances that are manipulated circumstances that are manipulated by men. Many use carnal by men. Many use carnal productions to create a temporary emotion.productions to create a temporary emotion.


Notice how this joy came from an understanding Notice how this joy came from an understanding of God’s word. of God’s word. Is your Bible Is your Bible study this way?study this way?

This joy is not produced by artificial This joy is not produced by artificial circumstances that are manipulated circumstances that are manipulated by men. Many use carnal productions to by men. Many use carnal productions to create a temporary emotion.create a temporary emotion.

It will help my health like medicine. It will help my health like medicine. (Prov 17:22)(Prov 17:22)


Proverbs 17:22Proverbs 17:22 - A merry heart does good, - A merry heart does good, likelike medicine, But a broken spirit dries the medicine, But a broken spirit dries the bones.bones.


It will allow me to glorify God.It will allow me to glorify God.


It will allow me to glorify God.It will allow me to glorify God. God will bring us to sorrow that leads to God will bring us to sorrow that leads to

repentance and a restoration of our repentance and a restoration of our relationship with Him. relationship with Him. (Psa 30:5-8)(Psa 30:5-8)


Psalm 30:5-8Psalm 30:5-8 - For His anger - For His anger is but foris but for a a moment, His favor moment, His favor is foris for life; Weeping may life; Weeping may endure for a night, But joy endure for a night, But joy comescomes in the in the morning. 6 Now in my prosperity I said, “I morning. 6 Now in my prosperity I said, “I shall never be moved.” 7shall never be moved.” 7 LORD, by Your LORD, by Your favor You have made my mountain stand favor You have made my mountain stand strong; You hid Your face, strong; You hid Your face, andand I was troubled. I was troubled. 8 I cried out to You, O LORD; And to the 8 I cried out to You, O LORD; And to the LORD I made supplication:LORD I made supplication:


We always will have a heart overflowing We always will have a heart overflowing with praise and a life that will glorify with praise and a life that will glorify Him. Him. (Psa 30:11-12)(Psa 30:11-12)


Psalm 30:11-12Psalm 30:11-12 - You have turned for me - You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; You have put my mourning into dancing; You have put off my sackcloth and clothed me with off my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness, 12 To the end that gladness, 12 To the end that mymy glory may glory may sing praise to You and not be silent. O sing praise to You and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks to You LORD my God, I will give thanks to You forever.forever.


Jesus fulfilled this great prophecy about Jesus fulfilled this great prophecy about Him and His people. Him and His people. (Isa 61:1-3)(Isa 61:1-3)


Isaiah 61:1-3Isaiah 61:1-3 - “The Spirit of the Lord - “The Spirit of the Lord GOD GOD is is upon Me, Because the LORD has upon Me, Because the LORD has anointed Me To preach good tidings to the anointed Me To preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives, And the opening of the prison to captives, And the opening of the prison to those who arethose who are bound; bound;


2 To proclaim the acceptable year of the 2 To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, And the day of vengeance of our God; LORD, And the day of vengeance of our God; To comfort all who mourn, 3 To console those To comfort all who mourn, 3 To console those who mourn in Zion, To give them beauty for who mourn in Zion, To give them beauty for ashes, The oil of joy for mourning, The ashes, The oil of joy for mourning, The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; That they may be called trees of righteousness, That they may be called trees of righteousness, The planting of the LORD, that He may be The planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified.”glorified.”


Did you worship Him today will a heart Did you worship Him today will a heart overflowing with joy?overflowing with joy?

How God’s love in my life will produce joyHow God’s love in my life will produce joy

My present salvation. My present salvation. (Lk 10:17, 20)(Lk 10:17, 20)


Luke 10:17Luke 10:17 - Then the seventy returned - Then the seventy returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name.”are subject to us in Your name.”


Luke 10:20Luke 10:20 - Nevertheless do not rejoice - Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven.”written in heaven.”


This is a joy shared by heavenly beings.This is a joy shared by heavenly beings.


This salvation should always be new within This salvation should always be new within our hearts. What will happen if we forget? our hearts. What will happen if we forget? (2 Pt 1:9)(2 Pt 1:9)


2 Peter 1:92 Peter 1:9 - For he who lacks these things - For he who lacks these things is shortsighted, even to blindness, and has is shortsighted, even to blindness, and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins.sins.


Do you remember the joy that followed Do you remember the joy that followed your baptism? your baptism? (Acts 8:39; Mk 16:16)(Acts 8:39; Mk 16:16)


Acts 8:39Acts 8:39 - Now when they came up out of - Now when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught Philip away, so that the eunuch saw him no Philip away, so that the eunuch saw him no more; and he went on his way rejoicing. more; and he went on his way rejoicing.


The daily work of God in my life. The daily work of God in my life. (Psa 5:11-12; Heb 13:5-6)(Psa 5:11-12; Heb 13:5-6)


Psalm 5:11-12Psalm 5:11-12 - But let all those rejoice - But let all those rejoice who put their trust in You; Let them ever who put their trust in You; Let them ever shout for joy, because You defend them; shout for joy, because You defend them; Let those also who love Your name Be Let those also who love Your name Be joyful in You. 12 For You, O LORD, will joyful in You. 12 For You, O LORD, will bless the righteous; bless the righteous; With favor You will With favor You will surround him as surround him as withwith a shield. a shield.


Hebrews 13:5-6Hebrews 13:5-6 - - Let yourLet your conduct conduct bebe without covetousness; without covetousness; bebe content with such content with such things as you have. For He Himself has things as you have. For He Himself has said, said, “I will never leave you nor forsake “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”you.” 6 So we may boldly say: 6 So we may boldly say: “The Lord“The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?”do to me?”


When I start my day with prayer it bring me When I start my day with prayer it bring me an awareness of the presence and love of an awareness of the presence and love of God. God. Have you been in the presence of God Have you been in the presence of God today?today?


When I start my day with prayer it bring me When I start my day with prayer it bring me an awareness of the presence and love of an awareness of the presence and love of God. God. Have you been in the presence of God Have you been in the presence of God today?today?

We must learn how to see the unseen God. We must learn how to see the unseen God. (Heb 11:27)(Heb 11:27)


Hebrews 11:27Hebrews 11:27 - By faith he forsook - By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king; for Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king; for he endured as seeing Him who is invisible.he endured as seeing Him who is invisible.


Great sacrifice and pain in serving Him. Great sacrifice and pain in serving Him. (Jas 1:2-4)(Jas 1:2-4)


James 1:2-4James 1:2-4 - My brethren, count it all joy - My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3 knowing when you fall into various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces that the testing of your faith produces patience. 4 But let patience have patience. 4 But let patience have itsits perfect perfect work, that you may be perfect and work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.complete, lacking nothing.


Do you have a “religion” that cost you Do you have a “religion” that cost you nothing?nothing? Then you have no joy. Then you have no joy. (2 Sam 24:24)(2 Sam 24:24)


2 Samuel 24:242 Samuel 24:24 - Then the king said to - Then the king said to Araunah, “No, but I will surely buy Araunah, “No, but I will surely buy itit from from you for a price; nor will I offer burnt you for a price; nor will I offer burnt offerings to the LORD my God with that offerings to the LORD my God with that which costs me nothing.” So David bought which costs me nothing.” So David bought the threshing floor and the oxen for fifty the threshing floor and the oxen for fifty shekels of silver.shekels of silver.


In worldly things we can understand this. In worldly things we can understand this. Who was your favorite teacher in school? Who was your favorite teacher in school? (Ex. What does a championship team (Ex. What does a championship team experience to win?)experience to win?)


In worldly things we can understand this. In worldly things we can understand this. Who was your favorite teacher in school? Who was your favorite teacher in school? (Ex. What does a championship team (Ex. What does a championship team experience to win?)experience to win?)

Do you rejoice in persecution? Do you rejoice in persecution? (Lk 6:22-23; Heb 10:34)(Lk 6:22-23; Heb 10:34)


Luke 6:22-23Luke 6:22-23 - Blessed are you when men - Blessed are you when men hate you, And when they exclude you, And hate you, And when they exclude you, And revile revile you,you, and cast out your name as evil, and cast out your name as evil, For the Son of Man’s sake. 23 Rejoice in For the Son of Man’s sake. 23 Rejoice in that day and leap for joy! that day and leap for joy! For indeed your For indeed your reward reward isis great in heaven, For in like great in heaven, For in like manner their fathers did to the prophets.manner their fathers did to the prophets.


Hebrews 10:34Hebrews 10:34 - for you had compassion - for you had compassion on me in my chains, and joyfully accepted on me in my chains, and joyfully accepted the plundering of your goods, knowing that the plundering of your goods, knowing that you have a better and an enduring you have a better and an enduring possession for yourselves in heaven.possession for yourselves in heaven.


Joy in your life will be a major reason Joy in your life will be a major reason others will open their hearts to you!others will open their hearts to you!


Joy in your life will be a major reason Joy in your life will be a major reason others will open their hearts to you!others will open their hearts to you!

How is your fruit inspection going? Learn How is your fruit inspection going? Learn more of God’s love! more of God’s love! (1 Jn 4:6-12)(1 Jn 4:6-12)


1 John 4:6-121 John 4:6-12 - We are of God. He who - We are of God. He who knows God hears us; he who is not of God knows God hears us; he who is not of God does not hear us. By this we know the spirit does not hear us. By this we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error. 7 Beloved, of truth and the spirit of error. 7 Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. 8 He who does not love does knows God. 8 He who does not love does not know God, for God is love. not know God, for God is love.


9 In this the love of God was manifested 9 In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. 10 In this is love, not live through Him. 10 In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son sent His Son to be to be the propitiation for our the propitiation for our sins. 11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we sins. 11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. also ought to love one another.


12 No one has seen God at any time. If we 12 No one has seen God at any time. If we love one another, God abides in us, and His love one another, God abides in us, and His love has been perfected in us.love has been perfected in us.

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