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How To Get The Spark Back Into Your Life

7/31/2010

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For many of us, God seems far away. We don’t sense any closeness with Him. Our prayers seem to boomerang back to us without reaching God. We experience deadness in our spirit. Life is humdrum without any excitement. How can we experience the supernatural working of God and even more importantly, properly steward it so His miracles are not wasted or corrupted?  
 
Because God remembered Noah and all of His creation in the ark, He caused a wind to dry up the water on the earth. It took 150 days until the water decreased, the same length of time water came upon the earth in the first place (Gen. 7:24-8:3). A total of 10 months elapsed before the tops of the mountains became visible (Gen. 8:5). Sometimes God works instantaneously. Other times, His miracles occur over many months, even years.   


Four times, Noah sent out a raven or dove to test whether the water was gone from the earth (Gen. 8:6-12).  Human responsibility and structure is required to properly steward God’s miracles so it’s not wasted or corrupted. If Noah had left the ark too early, he would have drown, wasting 100 years building the ark.    


We position ourselves to hear God once we carry out our responsibilities. When Noah determined the earth was dry after getting information from the birds, God told him to leave the ark with the creatures so they could multiply upon the earth (Gen. 8:15-17). 

We become a fragrant aroma to God when we totally surrender our lives as a burnt offering to Him. We either sacrifice to pursue God’s agenda or become selfish following our agenda! Sin always leads to God’s curse upon us in being despised, insignificant and of little worth to Him (Gen. 8:21). A fragrant aroma is God smelling us with pleasure.   


How do we surrender ourselves to God and become that fragrant aroma to Him? We can follow Noah’s pattern by looking at 2 Chron. 7:14-16. The four steps in v. 14 provide the structure to properly steward the release of God’s miracles in our lives and world like Noah:
1. Humble self
2. Pray
3. Seek God’s face
4. Turn from wicked ways
 


The three results of humbling self, praying, seeking God’s face and turning from wicked ways release God’s miracles individually and corporately in last part of v. 14:
1. God hears us
2. Forgive our sin (individual)
3. Heal our land physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually (corporate)
 


We also become a fragrant aroma to God in vs. 15-16:
1. God focuses his eyes on us
2. God listens to us attentively
3. God places His name on us forever
4. God moves His heart toward us forever
An example is God promise to maintain the days and seasons as long as the earth endures (Gen. 8:22).   


A modern day example of the land being healing is Fiji.


Spend at least 15 minutes to humble, pray, seek and turn from your wicked ways. Take out a piece of paper and write down how you feel and what God says to you. Share what you did with one other person.

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What Will Make Our Youth Stand Up and Take Notice?

7/29/2010

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My last blog from Psalm 16 showed how Jesus meets all our needs. Youth feel Christianity is irrelevant to their lives. They learn Bible stories as a child but see no connection to their daily lives. Statistics show many Christian young people are leaving the church today. Matthew 8 shows how Christ meets physical, emotional and spiritual needs. Instead of spending money or asking for advice, these people sought Jesus first. God is pleased when someone asks Him for healing. The request indicates faith. God also shows special concern for those living on the margins of society.

He demonstrated His power to heal individuals with a variety of spiritual, emotional and physical diseases: 
1. Cure Diseases (Matt. 8:3)
2. Restore Deformities (Matt. 8:6-7)
3. Heal Sicknesses (Matt. 8:14-15)
4. Cast Out Demons (Matt. 8:16)
5. Subdue Creation (Matt. 8:26)

Jesus healed
many who were considered outcasts like the leper who He touched (Matt. 8:1-4). Leprosy was thought of like AIDS is today. Christ healed the centurion's servant with a word (Matt 8:5-13). The centurion, similar to immigrants or refugees in our country, was of minority ethnic background compared to the majority population of Israelites. An example of gender bias was Peter's mother-in-law who Jesus healed (Matt. 8:14-15).


What is our responsibility to being healed? Jesus responds positively when we:
1. Show humility and confidence in Christ's power to heal (Matt.  
    8:2-3
)

2. Offer specific requests (Matt. 8:6)
3. Submit to Christ's authority (Matt. 8:8-9)
4. Show faith in Christ's power to heal (Matt. 8:10)

Oftentimes, a person living in the margins of society or who is disenfranchised, would love someone to take an interest and get to know him or her as a real person. Spending time with others and actively listening to what they have to say allows those being shunned or ignored by society to experience God's love firsthand. Authentic relationships can be the first step toward physical, emotional or spiritual healing (Matt. 8:1-17). We see Christ spending time with those in need.   

Young and old people today are growing tired and skeptical of what they believe is modern-day Christianity. But Jesus is still in the healing business. 

Martin Luther said, “A gospel that does not deal with the issues of the day is not the gospel at all.”

Which of the four responsibilities below will you apply to a circumstance you are facing today?
1. Show
humility and confidence in Christ's power to heal     (Matt. 8:2-3)
2. Offer specific requests (Matt. 8:6)
3. Submit to Christ's authority (Matt. 8:8-9)
4 .Show faith in Christ's power to heal (Matt. 8:10)


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What Gives You Most Delight?

7/28/2010

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What gives you the most delight? If you could only save one thing from a house fire, what would it be? Would your most prized possession be family photos, a computer or antique dresser? The Psalmist said there was only one thing he deemed beautiful, delightful or good. Let's see what he chose and why? 

The Psalmist said he had no good besides God! Believers in Christ and God were his primary delight.  Those two relationships gave him the most pleasure (Psalm 16:1-3) Does spending time with God and believers give you more pleasure than anything you own? If something besides God becomes your greatest joy, then you are making that thing an idol. You will experience sorrow (Psalm 16:4). 

For example, Moses chose the people of God instead of the treasures of Egypt (Heb. 11:24-27). Earthy possessions reap short term reward or "passing pleasures of sin." Our relationship with God and believers reap eternal reward. We have a choice! Either we keep our eye on God or on earthly treasures, which will rust away, lose their value in the stock market or be stolen by thieves (Matt. 6:19-24). When we delight in God and believers, not only do we gain eternal reward, but live an abundant and full life on earth (John 10:10).

What are the benefits of pursuing a relationship with God and believers? The rest of the Psalm answers that question:
1. God provides inheritance and meets all our needs (Psalm 16:5)
2. God provides housing and meets our financial needs (Psalm 16:6).
3. God provides counsel and meets our mental needs (Psalm 16:7).
4. God provides friendship and meets our emotional needs (Psalm 16:8)
5. God provides safety and meets our physical needs (Psalm 16:9)
6. God provides a home in heaven and meets our spiritual needs (Psalm 16:10)
7. God provides an abundant life on earth as we experience joy and real pleasure (Psalm 16:11).

Is God your greatest delight? Spend time right now in worship by adoring Him. Watch this video on how we play at religion.  

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What To Do About Fear

7/27/2010

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We face fear throughout our lives, especially when we try something for the first time. A kindergarten student would rather stay home before the first day of school. A college freshman feels dread about Finals Week after his first semester. A job interview breeds anxiety. A marriage ceremony brings stress to the bride, groom and their families. How do we overcome fear?

After Israel’s defeat in Ai because Achan hid banned material, God told Israel not to fear. Ai was Israel’s first defeat after experiencing a smashing victory over Jericho. They lost confidence. Now God assured them of victory. He instructed the army to take only the spoil and cattle, the original command Israel disobeyed. Joshua chose 30,000 valiant men who set an ambush behind the city as God commanded. The Lord told him to stretch out his javelin toward Ai for He would defeat them. They captured Ai’s king alive and Joshua did not withdraw his hand from the sword until all Ai was utterly defeated (Josh. 8:1-3,18-26).

The literal meaning of valiant is “writhe in pain or twisting in labor pangs.” Warriors in the spiritual battle must overcome fear and labor pain. We must trust God’s promise for victory (Rom. 8:37).  In addition, God has given us the sword of the Spirit or Word of God as our primary offensive weapon of spiritual warfare that we put on by prayer (Eph. 6:17-18). In the midst of our fear, we don’t rely on our own power, but God’s.

Joshua hanged the king of Ai on a tree until evening and at sunset threw his body toward the entrance of city gate. He raised a great heap of stones as a reminder of the victory (Josh. 8:29). Testimonies of spiritual victories encourage others in their faith.

Joshua built an altar of uncut stones to Lord, offered burnt offerings and sacrificed peace offerings. He wrote a copy of the law on the stones. All Israel, including elders, stranger, alien, officers and judges stood on both sides of ark. Then Joshua read the law, emphasizing the blessing and curse. All the word was read before the assembly (Josh. 8:30-35). Failure in our spiritual battle provides the motivation to read God’s word. We need constant reminders that obedience brings blessing and disobedience reap a curse. God is no respecter of persons.

Claim Phil. 4:6-7 in the situation where you are experiencing fear and then pray about it. Share your testimony with someone to  encourage them to trust God in prayer.



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How To Make A Permanent Difference in Your Family and Culture (Insights in Law)

7/26/2010

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Have you ever received special attention because of a special accomplishment or service to someone? You won an award, made the last shot in a basketball game or went beyond the call of duty to help someone. Even if you weren't officially recognized, you felt good. Each added a spark to our lives. Consider the responsibilities assigned to us in our work, whether it's employment or ministry.  Remember that faithfulness to a small task leads to greater responsibilities being entrusted to us. 

In our passage today, God recognized an unique individual who was given a great task that took nearly 100 years to complete. Noah was faithful one day at a time in building the ark. God said to him and his family to enter the ark since he was the only one righteous in his generation (Gen. 7:1,7,13). Three times the writer mentioned that Noah and his family entered the ark denoting special attention and privilege granted to them.

God instructed Noah to take clean or pure animals on the ark constructed to float and rise above the earth. God's recognition of Noah and his family contrasted directly to the rest of His creation because He destroyed every person and animal in a worldwide flood (Gen. 7:1-4,10-12,17-18). Salvation and protection from danger  come to us when we obey God like Noah. Spiritual, emotional and mental destruction occur when we disobey God. The writer emphasized this principle three times so we wouldn't miss it (Gen. 7:5,9,16). 

Noah's originally built the ark in obedience to God's command and as a result, only Noah and his family were saved after the flood (Gen. 6:22; 7:23). Let's consider three major principles that flow out of Gen. 7:
1. We develop spiritual leadership as we obey and walk with God (I John 2:12-14).
2. Those who walk walk with God protect their families from  destruction (world, flesh and devil) and influence countless  generations toward godliness (I John 2:15-17).   
3.
As we are faithful in a little, we will be entrusted with greater responsibilities (Luke 16:10).

Let God search your heart to determine where you are being unfaithful. Take action in partnership with the Holy Spirit to obey what God has shown you to do.

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Discernment In An Internet Culture

7/24/2010

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It's easy to make a quick judgment when we suffer because of a decision made by our boss or unkind word. We respond with righteous indignation or wrong analysis of the situation. How do we determine our proper response? Studies have shown that people are getting much of their input from various media, including the internet and friends. How do we discern who's telling the truth? Do we have all the information? How can we be grounded to make the right decision and live life without being tossed up and down like a ping pong ball? With the proliferation of additional media channels and the internet, these issues become more complicated.

Let's look at one category of life, marriage, for example. An article states 10 marriage myths that seem plausible on the surface. I will mention three of these myths that research has shown to be lies:
1. Cohabitation is just like marriage, but without "the piece of paper." 
2. Married people have less satisfying sex lives, and less sex, than single people. 
3. Marrying puts a woman at a greater risk of domestice violence than her single counterpart. 
 
Christ addresses human judgments in the Sermon On The Mount. If we don't resolve personal issues first, we hurt ourselves by reaping what we sow. Judging or giving our opinion about any matter of life, including marriage, comes without full knowledge. Without walking a mile in someone's shoes, we lack perspective. In addition, our human judgments often don't correspond with life's realities (Matt. 7:1-2).

First, we must deal with our sin and blindspots that hinder our vision before we can help the other person. Otherwise, we become  counterfeits. Integrity demands we take the log out of our own eye before removing the speck out of others’ eyes (Matt. 7:3-5). At the same time, we make moral distinctions whether to correct a person. Some people are "pigs" because of closed hearts and not being teachable. They won't listen to our correction (Matt. 7:6).

To protect us from wrong judgments, we must take our relationship with God seriously. The rest of Matthew 7 explains how to take the log out of our eyes. As we pray, seek and knock in ever increasing intensity, God reveals knowledge, discernment,  insight and multiple perspectives more generously than a human parent (Matt. 7:7-10).

What's the incentive to pray? Our reward is God Himself, the most useful and profitable gift imaginable. Our course, He will meet our earthly needs (Matt. 6:33; 7:11). God who mediates His Word through the Bible equips us to know the truth about any situation (law) and the ability to apply it (prophets) (Matt. 7:12).

Once we put on the armor of prayer and God's word, Christ commands us to enter the narrow way by abiding and standing upon each word in the Bible. Not intellectual knowledge but asking God for wisdom and guidance as we saw in the earlier verses. Our human judgments are the broad way to destruction similar to keeping the log in our eyes (Matt. 7:13-14). The log prevents us from discerning truth and error. Because of increased media through the internet, we face more opportunities for false teaching that seem plausible, but not life-giving (Matt. 7:15).

We must ask the following questions:
1. Does the teaching produce death and destruction or life and fruitfulness?
2. How do we discern truth from error?
It demands Spirit-inspired wisdom from God's word through prayer and fruit inspection. In this way, we discern what's right and what's wrong; what lines up with God's word or follows man's way (Matt. 7:16-20). We must listen to what God tells us after prayer (ask, seek and knock) and meditation on His word. One other key question to ask: Does the fruit in the teachers' lives and/or ministries match the Beatitudes (Matt. 5:3-12)?

Just because they quack like a duck, doesn't mean they are a duck. In other words, they could be preaching God's word and performing miracles in their ministries, but still be a false teacher if they aren't applying Scripture in their own lives and ministries(Matt. 7:21-23). Is it an ego trip or empowerment of God's Holy Spirit? All of us know leaders who started well, but finished badly. 


Three red flags to watch out for in discerning whether a teacher or ministry is legitimate or authentic. We must apply these principles ourselves so we remove the log from our own eyes:
1. If they emphasize popularity, gaining wealth and influence instead of pursuing an intimate relationship with God the Father, watch out?
2. If they emphasize how to be the best you apart from relying on Christ the Son of God, watch out?
3. If they show pride by boasting or not emphasizing and living out the fruit of the Holy Spirit, watch out?
All of these tests indicate the teacher or minstry may be on the broad road to destruction instead of the narrow way to life.

Narrow and intolerance is a dirty word in our culture. When it regards truth, we must be narrow and intolerant, but when it concerns people, we must be tolerant, broad and compassionate. We have a hard time making these distinctions.
  
As we observed in prior blogs, Enoch and Noah were examples of men who walked with God. They built their lives upon the rock of God's word by hearing and applying His instructions day by day even when the going got tough (Matt. 7:24-27).

Increase the intensity of your prayer life by asking, seeking and knocking in your relationship with God. Meditate on Matthew 7 and listen to what God tells you regarding a relationship or circumstance in your life.



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Do You Want to Live A Better Life? Great, Now What?

7/22/2010

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Most people want to live better lives.  If you go to any bookstore, there are many self-help books with advice on how to improve as a wife, husband, parent or employee. The first step in Alcoholics Anonymous is to admit you are powerless over alcohol and that your life has become unmanageable. 

The Psalmist surveyed humankind and concluded everyone's hearts are morally corrupt leading to evil deeds. No one is righteous or good. All have forsaken God and become unfruitful (Psalm 14:1-3). None have the wisdom, skill or expertise to be successful in God's eyes. 

We see evidence of apostasy all around us. People in our culture are not seeking or calling upon God. Unfortunately, the church often operates like the world by not fearing God. As a result, we experience anxiety and dread instead of peace and contentment. Is there any hope? Will we remain stuck in our addictions? Can we escape the rut of disappointment and experience freedom and joy? The answer is YES! God is with the righteous generation because they make Him their refuge (Psalm 14:4-6). Aid, deliverance and victory comes to the distressed. Our fortunes will be resored (Psalm 14:7). The first key is to trust God and not ourselves. None of us have the power in ourselves to overcome addictions or sin. 

Like Noah we observed in earlier posts, God is with the righteous generation but against the wicked like Achan (Gen. 6; Josh. 7). What are the character qualities of a righteous generation? The next Psalm answers that question. 

Before a person can become righteous, he has to acknowledge his utter spiritual bankruptcy described in Psalm 14. Like a person in AA, we are powerless to live righteously. Who can walk with integrity, live righteousness and speak truth in his heart? (Psalm 15:1-2). In other words, how do you know if you are a stable, faithful and trustworthy person in doing the right thing? The following character qualities illustrate a righteous person (Psalm 15:3-5): 
1. Allows no slander to come from his lips
2. Commits no evil toward another person
3. Holds no grudge and does not blame others
4. Honors the good and despises evil
5. Keeps promises even when it costs
6. Refuses to take advantage of others for financial gain

First, acknowledge that no good dwells in you. If you haven't placed your faith in Christ's death and resurrection for your sins, transfer trust in yourself and place it completely upon Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. This restores your relationship with God.
 
For those who have a personal relationship with God, meditate on the truth that apart from Christ who can do nothing before you can abide in Christ (John 15:5-7). Ask for the filling of the Holy Spirit to live out the new life expressed in Psalm 15.


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What Happens When You Seek Your Individual Rights?

7/20/2010

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Our culture focuses on individual rights. We think our actions only affect ourselves and no one else. Many people live like lone rangers in a vaccuum. They don't understand how little things reap dire consequences in the larger community, including their families and church bodies. Just like a stone being thrown in a pond, concentric ripples move outward affecting the whole body of water.  Unfortunately, we see examples of a young driver getting drunk for the first time, not realizing how his or her's one decision can have devastating consequences. He or she drives home and kills an innocent person in an auto accident. It impacts both families and friends for the rest of their lives.  

After Israel experienced smashing success in Jericho when they marched around the city in obedience to God's direction, they came to the city, Ai. But Israel acted unfaithfully by disobeying God when they Achan took banned material from Jericho (Josh. 7:1). This one act affected the whole nation. No single person operates in isolation from the greater community. 

Joshua instructed the army to spy on Ai and then suffered a surprising defeat, which melted the hearts of the people (Josh. 7:2-5). Ai was much smaller and seemed like an easy target compared to Jericho. They came to Ai with much confidence. This setback really discouraged Joshua. He complained to God and asked why God brought them across the Jordan to be humiliated (Josh. 7:6-9). When we fail, it's natural to ask why. It's also tempting to long for the "good times" when things seemed peaceful and less chaotic. 

God brought Joshua back to reality. He communicated to Joshua that Israel sinned when things were stolen under the ban. God instructed Joshua to sanctify the people before Him (Josh. 7:10-13).    


How does one go about this cleansing process? We have to get at the root and not treat symptoms. Joshua could have reasoned, "our defeat was due to poor self-image or lack of confidence or over-confidence or poor performance by the soldiers." Fortunately, he discerned that sin was responsible, which occurred in the person of Achan (Josh. 7:14-18).

Achan's confession of sin got to the root of the problem. It caused the defeat in Ai. Achan explained that his eyes saw the gold and silver, he coveted it, partook and then hid the evidence (Josh. 7:20-21). When we sin, we go through a similar proces of temptation when we see it, consider the sin more deeply by desiring and delighting in it instead of our relationship with God, act upon our longing and hide it from God and others. 
God looks at the body of Christ as an organic whole. Even a single sin affects the whole group.                


Once we confess the sin by agreeing with God that it is wrong, we have to forsake it (Prov. 28:13). In Joshua's case, he stoned and burned the whole family of Achan (Josh. 7:25-26). Sin is terrible. It must be rooted out. We can't peacefully coexist with sin. Even one person sinning prevents our group, congregation or team from fulfilling our mission. God’s judgment teaches people to stay away from sin and trouble.  

Do you now believe that sin is serious and not to be taken lightly? Ask God to reveal sin by having Him search your heart. Confess and forsake your sin today. Extra power comes when we confess our sin to a friend we can trust (James 5:16).
           

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Is God Calling You To Do Something Outrageous? (Insights in Law)

7/19/2010

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One of the most challenging things we can do is stand alone in the midst of peer pressure. Should a student cheat on a test to get a good grade like his classmates? What about telling a lie to your boss or parent so you can look good or not get in trouble? Withholding income on a tax form to pay less tax is very tempting. We face thorny decisions and moral dilemmas everyday.  It's easier to go with the flow instead of standing alone or doing something outrageous. 

In Noah's day, men increased in numbers. Women were beautiful and delightful to them (Gen. 6:1-2). Our mates should be beautiful and pleasant to us. We should enjoy them. God gives us freedom to choose who we should marry. However, we will suffer severe consequences if we become unequally yoked in marriage to someone who doesn't share a similar faith in God as ourselves. 


God saw a great problem in Noah's world. He became fed up with humankind so limited their days to 120 years (Gen. 6:3). Previously, people were living greater than 900 years, like Methuselah, who lived to be 969 years.

The next verse explains why God was disturbed. 
Nephilim or men of renown living during this era were bullies, violent and disrepectful toward others (Gen. 6:4-7). Their wickedness, literally a negative attitude toward God or others, greatly concerned the Lord. Every inclination of their heart was evil. Their imagination to do evil filled the Lord with pain. He decided to wipe out the whole human race. The evil or sin we have starts with negative and false thoughts about God. It limits the length and quality of our lives.


But Noah found favor, kindness,and grace before God. He had three admirable qualities: righteous and honest, blameless with integrity and walked with God instead of following the ways of the world like those around him (Gen. 6:8-9).
 


What is the most outrageous thing that God could ask you to do? Well, let's look in on Noah. God told him to build a big ship or ark to hold his family and two of every kind of animal to save them from a worldwide flood. How would you respond to something so outrageous? Well, Noah obeyed God in every detail, even constructing the ark according to the dimensions the Lord laid out (Gen. 6:14-17,19-20). Do we follow God's directions even when they seem impractical or outrageous? Are we strong enough to stand up against people questioning our sanity when they hurl verbal abuse at us? Will we sacrifice our agenda and follow God's?

God established a covenant with Noah accompanied by signs, sacrifices and a solemn oath. He established a special relationship with Noah by revealing pomises for obedience and curses for disobedience to him and his family, which was the custom for agreements during that time (Gen. 6:18).  Families will prosper and endure when they obey and seek a relationship with God over a lifetime. It takes work and sacrifice to provide for our families (Gen. 6:21).

Noah carried God's commands even in the midst of inconvenience (Gen. 6:22). God is not looking for external or superficial commitment, but obedience from our heart even when the going gets tough. For example, doing this blog involves great sacrifice in writing and learning the technology.

In summary, sin orginates from the heart and adversely affects relationships. In contrast, integrity and purity of heart allows one to experience the favor and grace of God to prepare for what God calls us to do.

Are you facing an uncomfortable choice today?  How will you follow Noah's example?


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How To Live An Authentic Life to Receive Reward From God

7/18/2010

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Much what we do pleases ourselves or others. We publicize our good works to look good. Often our primary motive in giving our time, talent or treasure is to say, "Look at me! I'm making an impact in the world!" If we have a financial need or problem, the first place we go for help is others or the government. Do these human ways meet our needs? Is there a better way?  

In the Sermon On The Mount, Christ instructed us to not practice our good works to be seen by others. If we seek glory or esteem from others, we are like a hypocrite, who in Bible times, was a stage player who acted under a mask impersonating a character (Matt. 6:1-5). Receiving a reward from God requires authenticity and transparency, not playacting where we please others.

The rest of Matthew 6 describes how to receive reward from God by living transparent and authentic lives that please God, not ourselves. It begins with our prayer life. There is a right and wrong way to pray. Here are the principles on how to pray correctly:
1. Direct our prayers to God alone (Matt. 6:6)
2. Use few words that express our purpose in prayer (Matt. 6:7)
3. Realize that God knows what we need before we ask Him (Matt. 6:8)
4. Nurture an intimate relationship with God as our Father (Matt. 6:9a)
5. Sanctify God's name by withdrawing from the world and pressing close to Him (Matt. 6:9b)
6. Ask that God's rule and will correspond to His wisdom and power in heaven (Matt. 6:10).
7. Pray for daily substance to sustain our lives (Matt. 6:11)
8. Pray for grace to forgive or release offenses and trespasses against us (Matt. 6:12).
9. Forbid temptation and ask for deliverance from danger or calamity (Matt. 6:13)
10. Abstain from food so we can pray with greater focus and intensity to God for greater reward (Matt. 6:16-18)

Christ's provides additional instructions in living transparent and authentic lives to please God, not ourselves. Lay up our treasure in heaven by serving God and not money (Matt. 6:19-24). As we seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, all our needs will be met (Matt. 6:25-34).

Review the above principles and implement one of them today.

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    Mark Pomeroy

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    My goal is to ignite the hearts of people by explaining God's word in the Law, Prophets, Psalms and New Testament consecutively, much like the experience of the two disciples on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:32,44). I have been a missionary in Lincoln, NE, for 13 years with Christ For the City Int. and Sync with God.
     

    Sync with God is a highly versatile web app that hosts on-demand, virtual small groups. Sync is designed to connect young seekers in the faith and scripturally-trained mentors, even globally. It offers a safe, engaging interface for Millennials/Gen. Z and is readily adaptable to technical advances well into the future.

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    1 Corinthians
    1 John
    1 Kings
    1 Peter
    1 Samuel
    1 Thessalonians
    1 Timothy
    2 Chronicles
    2 Corinthians
    2 John
    2 Kings
    2 Peter
    2 Samuel
    2 Thessalonians
    2 Timothy
    3 John
    Abide
    Abortion
    Abundance
    Abundant Life
    Acceptance
    Accomplishment
    Accountability
    Accuracy
    Accusations
    Acts
    Addiction
    Adultery
    Adventure
    Affiction
    Affirmation
    Affliction
    Alcoholism
    Alive
    Ambassador
    Amos
    Antichrist
    Anxiety
    Apathy
    Apostasy
    Apostolic Gifts
    Appearance
    Application
    Armor Of God
    Artistic
    Asleep Spiritually
    Assignment
    Assurance
    Attacks
    Authentic
    Authorities
    Authority
    Awesome
    Balance
    Bargain
    Beauty
    Believe
    Benefits
    Betrayal
    Bible
    Biblical Illiteracy
    Biblical Worldview
    Blameless
    Bless
    Blessing
    Blessings
    Blind
    Blood
    Blood Of The Lamb
    Boast
    Bold
    Bondage
    Broken And Contrite Spirit
    Broken Heart
    Burdens
    Business
    Business Plan
    Busyness
    Calling
    Careers
    Cares
    Change
    Change Agent
    Character
    Children
    Choice
    Choices
    Chosen Instrument
    Christ
    Church
    Church Growth Strategies
    City Ministry
    City Transformation
    Clarity
    Clear Conscience
    Coach
    Colossians
    Comfort
    Comfort Zone
    Command
    Communication
    Communities
    Community
    Community Ministry
    Compassion
    Compensation
    Competence
    Complacency
    Complexity
    Complications
    Compromise
    Condemnation
    Confess
    Confession
    Confess Sin
    Confidence
    Confident
    Conflicts
    Conformity
    Confront Sins
    Confusion
    Connect
    Consequences
    Conspiracy
    Consumerism
    Contend Earnestly For Faith
    Contentment
    Control
    Convergence
    Convict
    Convictions
    Coronavirus
    Corrupted
    Cost
    Counsel
    Courageous
    Covenant
    Covet
    Craftsmanship
    Creative Media
    Creator
    Credentials
    Crime
    Crisis
    Critical Speech
    Cross
    Cross Denominational Lines
    Crown Of Glory
    Cultivating Spiritual Life
    Cultural Christianity
    Cultural Insiders
    Culturally Sensitive
    Culture
    Curses
    Cursing
    Daniel
    Deacons
    Deadness
    Death
    Debt
    Deceit
    Deception
    Decision
    Decisions
    Defraud
    Delegation
    Deliverance
    Deliverer
    Dependence
    Depression
    Descendants
    Desire
    Desolation
    Destiny
    Deuteronomy
    Development
    Dialogue
    Diligence
    Discernment
    Disciple
    Disciplemaking
    Disciples
    Discipleship
    Discipline
    Discussion
    Disease
    Disenfranchised
    Disgrace
    Disobedience
    Dissension
    Distractions
    Divisions
    Divorce
    Double-minded
    Doubt
    Dread
    Drift
    Drudgery
    Dry
    Ecclesiastes
    Economic Depression
    Edify
    Effectiveness
    Elders
    Emotions
    Empower
    Emptiness
    Encourage
    Endurance
    Enemy
    Entanglement
    Entrap
    Environment
    Ephesians
    Equip
    Esther
    Eternal Impact
    Eternal Life
    Eternal Punishment
    Eternal Reward
    Evangelism
    Evangelism And Discipleship Team
    Evangelismi
    Evil
    Exalt
    Exaltation
    Excessive Profits
    Excessive Study
    Exodus
    External
    Ezekiel
    Ezra
    Faith
    Faithful
    Faithfulness
    False Gods
    False Security
    False Self
    False Teachers
    False Teaching
    False Way
    Families
    Family Relationships
    Famine
    Fasting
    Fathers
    Father's Blessing
    Favor
    Fear
    Fear Of God
    Feedback
    Feel-good Religion
    Fellowship
    Finances
    First Love
    Fisherman
    Flesh
    Flourish
    Fool
    Forgiveness
    Foundation
    Freedom
    Free Gift
    Fresh Relationship
    Friends
    Friendship
    Fruit
    Fruitfulness
    Galatians
    Generational Sin
    Generosity
    Generous Giving
    Genesis
    Giving
    Glory
    Goal
    God-confidence
    Godliness
    Godly Foundations
    Godly Offspring
    Godly Sorrow
    God Rules
    God's Agenda
    God's Leadership
    God's Rule
    Good Friends
    Good Life
    Goodness
    Good News
    Good Works
    Gospel
    Gospel Of The Kingdom
    Gospel Workers
    Grace
    Gracious
    Gratefulness
    Gratitude
    Greater Works
    Greatness
    Great Society
    Grief
    Grieve
    Growth
    Grumble
    Guidance
    Guide
    Guilt
    Habakkuk
    Haggai
    Happiness
    Hardships
    Harmony
    Hate
    Hate Sin
    Healing
    Health
    Health-giving Service
    Heart
    Heart Test
    Hebrews
    Heir
    Hell
    High Priest
    His Design
    Holiness
    Holistic
    Holy Spirit
    Holy Spirit Power
    Homosexuality
    Honor
    Hope
    Hopeless Situation
    Hosea
    Hospitality
    House
    Human Resources
    Humble
    Humility
    Hunger
    Hurt
    Husband
    Hygiene
    Hypocrisy
    Identification
    Identity
    Identity In Christ
    Idol
    Idolatry
    Idols
    Image
    Immigration
    Immorality
    Implosion
    Impossible Situation
    Independence
    Individualistic
    Influence
    Infrastructure
    Initiative
    Injustice
    Insight
    Inspire
    Instruction
    Insubordination
    Insults
    Integrity
    Integrity Tests
    Intellectual Faith
    Intercession
    Internal
    Interpersonal
    Intimacy
    Intimidation
    Invest
    Isaiah
    Isolation
    James
    Jealousy
    Jeremiah
    Jesus
    Job
    Joel
    John
    Jonah
    Joshua
    Joy
    Jude
    Judges
    Judgment
    Judgment Seat Of Christ
    Judicial System
    Justice
    Kindness
    King
    Kingdom
    Kingdom Dominion
    Kingdom Impact
    Kingdom Ministry
    Kingdom Mission
    Kingdom Of God
    Kingdom Opportunities
    Kingdom Strategies
    Kingdom Work
    Kingship
    Knowledge
    Know Your Heart
    Lack Of Love
    Lamentations
    Law
    Leadership
    Leadership Crisis
    Least Of These
    Legacy
    Legalism
    Leviticus
    Lies
    Life
    Lifestyle
    Listen
    Living Faith
    Living Water
    Longterm Impact
    Longterm Success
    Lord's Table
    Lose Life
    Loss
    Lost
    Love
    Loved
    Love Of Money
    Lovingkindness
    Luke
    Lukewarm
    Lust
    Majestic
    Make Disciples
    Making Decisions
    Malachi
    Margin
    Mark
    Marketplace
    Marriage
    Martyr
    Mask
    Materialism
    Matthew
    Meaninglessness
    Meditate
    Men Of Peace
    Mental Capacity
    Mentoring
    Mentors
    Mercy
    Micah
    Micromanage
    Mighty Deeds
    Mindset
    Ministry
    Ministry Plan
    Miracles
    Mission
    Mistreatment
    Mocking
    Model Cities
    Money
    Moral Purity
    Moral Relativism
    Motives
    Mourning
    Multiply Disciples
    Music
    Nahum
    Name
    Narrow Way
    Need
    Neediness
    Nehemiah
    Neighbor
    Neighborhood Ministry
    Network
    New Covenant
    New Hands
    New Heart
    New Heaven And New Earth
    New Mind
    New Testament
    New Wine
    Nt
    Numbers
    Nurture
    Obadiah
    Obedience
    Obey
    Object Lesson
    Obstacles
    Offend
    Offense
    Ogd
    Older Men And Women
    Opportunities
    Oppressed
    Organize
    Othercenteredness
    Outcomes
    Overcomer
    Over-confidence
    Pain
    Parenting
    Parents
    Participate
    Partner
    Partnership
    Passion
    Pathway
    Patience
    Peace
    Peacemaker
    Perceptiveness
    Performance
    Persecution
    Perseverance
    Persevere
    Persistent
    Personal Identity
    Perspective
    Persuasiveness
    Petition
    Phiippians
    Philemon
    Philippians
    Physical Needs
    Plagues
    Plans
    Pleasure
    Political Tyranny
    Poor
    Pornography
    Possessions
    Possess Territory
    Post
    Power
    Powerlessness
    Practice
    Pragmatism
    Praise
    Prayer
    Prayer Partners
    Prayer Walking
    Preach Gospel
    Preparation
    Presence
    Presence Of God
    Pressure
    Pride
    Priest
    Priorities
    Proclaim
    Prodigal
    Productivity
    Professionalism
    Profit
    Profiteering
    Promise
    Promise Land
    Promotion
    Prophecy
    Prophesy
    Prophets
    Prosperity
    Protection
    Proverbs
    Provision
    Psalm
    Psalms
    Purity
    Purpose
    Quarrel
    Questions
    Rationalism
    Rationalization
    Reality
    Real Living
    Rebellion
    Rebuild
    Reconcile
    Reconciliation
    Redemption
    Refresh Others
    Refuge
    Reign
    Rejection
    Rejoice
    Relationship
    Relationships
    Relief
    Religious System
    Repent
    Repentance
    Rescue
    Research
    Resources
    Responsibility
    Responsible
    Rest
    Restitution
    Restoration
    Restore
    Restoring Relationships
    Resurrection
    Revelation
    Revenge
    Revenue Stream
    Revival
    Revive
    Reward
    Riches
    Right
    Righteous
    Righteousness
    Right Living
    Ritual
    Romans
    Rule
    Ruth
    Sabbath
    Sacred Assembly
    Sacrificial
    Sacrificial Death
    Safety
    Salvation
    Sanctify
    Satan
    Satisfaction
    Satisfied
    Scroll Of Remembrance
    Second Coming
    Secular
    Security
    Self Confidence
    Selfishness
    Self-made Religion
    Self-righteousness
    Self Sufficient
    Self-sufficient
    Sent
    Servant Attitude
    Serve
    Service
    Sex
    Sexual Sin
    Shame
    Share Gospel
    Shepherd
    Significance
    Signs
    Simplicity
    Sin
    Sinfulness
    Single Minded
    Single-minded
    Skillful
    Skillful Workman
    Small Groups
    Social Justice
    Song Of Solomon
    Sound Doctrine
    Sovereignty
    Sow
    Sowing
    Sowing The Word
    Speak Tenderly
    Speak Truth
    Speech
    Sphere Of Influence
    Spiritual
    Spiritual Battle
    Spiritual Defenses
    Spiritual Discipline
    Spiritual Dryness
    Spiritual Enemies
    Spiritual Fruit
    Spiritual Gifts
    Spiritual Growth
    Spiritual Harvest
    Spiritual Influence
    Spiritual Intimacy
    Spiritual Leadership
    Spiritual Leadership
    Spiritual Nourishment
    Spiritual Warfare
    Spiritual Warriors
    Spiritual Weapons
    Stability
    Stand In The Gap
    Status Quo
    Steal
    Stewardship
    Straightjacket
    Strategic Partnerships
    Strength
    Stress
    Strong
    Strongholds
    Structural Connections
    Struggles
    Study
    Submission
    Submit
    Success
    Suffering
    Supernatural
    Supernatural Transformation
    Supervision
    Surrender
    Sweet Spot
    Sync With God
    Take Up Cross
    Talents
    Teach
    Teachable
    Teaching
    Team
    Teamwork
    Technology
    Temptation
    Temptations
    Testimony
    Test Spirits
    Thanksgiving
    Theology
    Thinking
    Thirst
    Thirsty
    Throne
    Timing
    Titus
    Tongue
    Training
    Transform
    Transition
    Transparency
    Tree Of Life
    Trial
    Trials
    Tribulation
    True Justice
    True Self
    Trust
    Truth
    Unashamed
    Unbelief
    Unconditional Relationship
    Underdog
    Unforgiveness
    United Prayer
    Unity
    Vanity
    Victory
    Vindicator
    Vocation
    Volunteer Recruitment
    Volunteers
    Vows
    Wait
    Wait Patiently
    Walk
    Warfare
    Warning
    Wasted Life
    Water Of Life
    Weakness
    Wealth
    Well Being
    Well-being
    Wife
    Wisdom
    Witness
    Wonderful Counselor
    Word Of God
    Word Of Testimony
    Work
    Workaholic
    Work Environment
    Work Life Balance
    Workmen Of The Word
    Works
    World-changing Ministry
    Worldliness
    Worldly Advice
    Worldly Thinking
    World's Scorn
    Worship
    Worthless
    Wounds
    Wrath
    Young People
    Zeal
    Zechariah
    Zephaniah

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