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How to Walk with Christ (Insights in NT)

10/27/2011

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To help you walk with God, He begins by showing His power to overcome your inadequacy supernaturally. Once He has your attention, God wants to build your love relationship with Him so you can trust Him in a crisis. Instead of being satisfied with the world's toys, He wants you to hunger and thirst for Jesus. In response to the Father's drawing, you believe in Jesus for eternal life to abide in Him. You walk with Christ by trusting in the Holy Spirit, putting to death human self effort and constantly believing God's word as you study and meditate on it. John 6 moves through each of these steps. 

Proof
A great multitude followed Christ because they saw the sick being healed. To test Philip, Jesus asked where they should buy bread for the multitude. Philip answered that 200 denarii wouldn't feed everyone. Andrew said he knew a boy with five loaves and two fish. After the people sat down, Jesus gave thanks and distributed the loaves and fish until they were filled with 12 baskets of leftovers. The people understood that He was "the Prophet who is to come into the world" (John 6:1-14). Jesus tests your faith by overcoming your inadequacy supernaturally.  

Love
Jesus withdrew again to the mountain perceiving they were coming by force to make Him king (John 6:15). Jesus desires love first for His person, not what He can do for you.  

Crisis
After a strong wind stirred the sea as the disciples rowed a boat to Capernaum, they saw Jesus walking on water drawing near to them. When He told them to not be afraid, they received Him into the boat. Immediately the boat came to the land (John 6:16-21). A crisis provides opportunity to either fear or trust Jesus to lead you to your destination.  

Hunger
The multitude traveled in small boats to Capernaum seeking Jesus. After finding Him on the other side of the sea, they asked when He got there. Jesus said they sought Him because bread filled their appetites, not because they saw signs. Work for eternal food the Son of Man gives and Father seals, not physical food. Jesus said the work of God is believing in Him. The true bread out of heaven gives life to the world represented by manna given to Moses in the wilderness. When they longed for true bread, Jesus said He is the bread of life and those who come to Him will not hunger or thirst, but have eternal life and be raised up on the last day (John 6:22-40). Believing in Jesus satisfies your hunger and thirst. 

Draw
The Jews grumbled because Jesus, as Joseph's son, said He came down out of heaven. Jesus answered that no one comes to Him unless they respond to the Father's drawing.  Jesus reaffirmed that He is the living bread from heaven. Those who eat this bread live forever since He gives His flesh for the life of the world (John 6:41-51). Feeding on Christ produces eternal life in response to God drawing you.

Faith
The Jews argued with one another how someone could eat Jesus' flesh and drink His blood. He said that whoever eats His flesh and drinks His blood has eternal life, abides in Him and will be raised up on the last day, unlike physical bread the fathers ate resulting in their death. He said these things in the synagogue and in Capernaum (John 6:52-59). Simple faith produces eternal life as you abide in Jesus represented by eating His flesh and drinking His blood, a stumbling block for religious people and unbelievers.

Spirit
The disciples wondered who could listen to these difficult statements. Jesus asked if they stumbled over them. He said the Spirit gives life and the flesh profits nothing since His words produce spirit and life for those who believe. Jesus knew who wouldn't believe and who would betray Him. No one comes to Him unless it's granted by the Father (John 6:60-65). Knowing the Spirit gives life, while the flesh profits nothing, which removes the stumbling block of simple faith in Jesus.  

Walk
Many disciples withdrew and did not walk with Him anymore. Simon Peter said Jesus had the words of eternal life and they believed He was Holy One of God. Jesus said He chose the twelve but one of them was the devil who would betray Him (John 6:66-71). Disciples stop walking with Christ when they don't believe His words of eternal life.

Determine the point where you are stuck in the following sequence of walking with Christ:
1. Have you responded positively to a test where God is showing how He can meet your inadequacy supernaturally?
2. Do you love God more than what He can do for you?
3. In a recent crisis, have you been afraid or trusting in God? 
4. Are you seeking to satisfy your inner hunger and thirst with the world or Jesus? 
5. Is God trying to get your attention? 
6. Have you placed your faith in Jesus alone in each circumstance of life? 
7. Are you trusting in the Holy Spirit or your own self-effort (flesh)?
8. Are you constantly believing in God's word as you study and meditate on it? 

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Ingredients in Living Under the Reign of God (Insights in Psalms)

10/25/2011

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Robert Webber, in his book, The Younger Evangelicals wrote, “The calling of the church in every culture is to be mission. That is, the work of the church is not to be an agent or servant of the culture. The churches’ business is not to maintain freedom or to promote wealth or to help a political party or to serve as the moral guide to culture. The church’s mission is to be the presence of the kingdom… The church’s mission is to be show the world what it looks like when a community of people live under the reign of God.” Psalm 105 explains the ingredients necessary for people to live under the reign of God. 

Intimacy
Thank, praise, speak and glory in His holy name and wonderful acts. Those who  seek the Lord and His strength continually will have glad hearts. Abraham's offspring will remember His judgments (Ps. 105:1-7). Gladness and knowing God's glory come by seeking the Lord and His strength. 

Covenant
God's faithfulness continues throughout all generations beginning with His covenant with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. He promised Canaan as their inheritance when they were few in number. He protected their prophets, permitted no man to oppress them and reproved kings for their sakes (Ps. 105:8-15). Relying on God's covenant with Abraham protects and allows you to prosper. 

Wisdom 
When famine came, God sent Joseph who was sold as a slave and tested before being made ruler to teach his elders wisdom. God caused His people to be very fruitful and stronger than their adversaries (Ps. 105:16-24). Wisdom and strength comes from God through His called people.  

Deliverance
When hate came, God sent Moses and Aaron to perform miracles like sending darkness, turning waters to blood, causing fish to die, and a land swarming with frogs, flies, locusts and hail. Lastly, God killed all the first-born and first-fruits (Ps. 105:25-36). Deliverance through miracles comes from God mediated through His called people. 

Obedience
He brought them out with silver and gold. God spread a cloud for a covering and fire to illumine by night. They asked and He brought quail, bread of heaven and water from a rock. He remembered his promise to Abraham and gave them the nations' lands so they could take possession of the peoples' labor and observe His laws (Ps. 105:37-45). Obey God's word and receive His provision, guidance and inheritance of the nations. 

Consider how you are living under the reign of God:
1. I seek to know God intimately every day
2. I appreciate the protection and promises of the Abrahamic Covenant  
3. I am open to God's wisdom and strength in everyday life
4. I embrace God's deliverance through His miracles
5. I obey God's word and receive His provision, guidance and inheritance 

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How to Deal with Sin (Insights in Prophets)

10/22/2011

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A person can't make progress in living the Christian life unless he or she confesses their sin. Pride causes a person to despise God's word. Severe consequences like family chaos and even death, will result from unconfessed sin. In addition, it gives occasion for the world to reject God. David shows both the negative and positive  example on how to deal with sin. 

Conviction
Nathan came to David and told a story about a rich man with many flocks and herds while a poor man had only a little ewe lamb. A traveler came to the rich man who wouldn't provide a meal from his flock. Instead, he took the poor man's lamb. David said this rich man deserved to die and must make restitution for the lamb fourfold because he had no compassion (2 Sam. 12:1-6). Stories touch peoples' hearts to convict them of sin.  

Confession
Nathan said David was the rich man in the story who God anointed king over Israel, delivered and gave him Saul's house and wives along with the house of Israel and Judah. Nathan asked why he despised the Lord's word by doing evil in killing Uriah with the sword and taking his wife. Because of David's sin, the sword would never depart from his house and God would expose the evil in his household before Israel when his companion had sex with his wives. David confessed his secret sin to the Lord and Nathan said He took it away so he wouldn't die. The sin resulting in a child being born and dying gave opportunity for the Lord's enemies to reject God (2 Sam. 12:7-15a). Confess sin to remove it even though there are consequences.  

Beloved
David inquired of God and fasted all night for his sick child. On the seventh day, the child died and David worshiped God. He comforted his wife Bathsheba and they gave birth to Solomon who Nathan named, beloved of the Lord (2 Sam. 12:15b-25). God loves you and works out His gracious purpose in spite of sin.


Battle
Joab fought against Rabbah in Ammon and captured the royal city. Instead of receiving glory over the victory, Joab asked David and his army to capture it. He brought out its spoil in great amounts and sawed everyone among the cities of Ammon (2 Sam. 12:26-31). Fight the spiritual battle in confessing sin until God is victorious over the world, flesh and devil. 

Consider the following questions: 
1. Are you or a person in relationship with you dealing with sin? 
2. If you are the one in sin, ask God to show you why. If a friend is in sin, ask God to reveal a story and/or key questions to touch their heart. so he or she is convicted of their sin. 
3. Pray for conviction of sin in your heart along with your friend's heart (Gal. 6:1). 
4. Instead of hiding and rationalizing away sin, confess it to others of the same gender and pray for one another so you and they may be healed (1 John 1:9; James 5:16).

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How to Reduce Stress (Insights in Law)

10/21/2011

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To increase stress, let others press you into their molds, try to please everyone, wing it and don't sweat the details, try to do a lot of things at one time, do everything yourself because other people are a pain and get in the way, prayer time is a waste of time and work is the most important thing so don’t stop until you drop. The Bible tells how to reduce stress through character, margin, worship and obedience.

Character Counts

Don't bear false report or join the wicked in being a malicious witness. Don't follow a multitude in doing evil. Don't be partial with the poor and needy. Don't testify in a dispute that perverts justice. Stay away from a false charge and don't kill the innocent or righteous since God won't acquit the guilty. A bribe blinds the clear-sighted and subverts the cause of the just. Don't oppress a stranger since you know their feelings (Ex. 23:1-9). Be honest and kind so you don't pervert justice. 

Margin Refreshes
Sow your land for six years and let it rest the seventh year so the needy and animals may eat. Labor six days and on the seventh day cease from labor so your animals may rest and slave's son and stranger may refresh themselves. Don't talk about other gods (Ex. 23:10-13). Refresh yourselves by resting on the seventh day and not talking about other gods.

Worship Rejoices
Celebrate a feast and have males appear before the Lord three times a year. Eat unleavened bread for seven days during Feast of Unleavened Bread since you came out of Egypt and received provisions. Eat first fruits of your labor from what was sown in the Feast of the Harvest. Gather fruit from your labors at the end of the year in the Feast of the Ingathering. Bring the choice first fruits of your soil into the house of the Lord your God (Ex. 23:14-19). Worship God regularly by celebrating His provision.

Obedience Protects
God will send an angel to guard and bring you into the place He has prepared. Be on guard and obey His voice since He won't pardon the transgression of those who rebel. God will be an enemy to your enemies if you obey and do what He says. His angel will bring you into the land of the Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, Canaanites, Hivites and Jebusites in order to destroy them. Don't worship or serve their gods by doing according to their deeds, but break their sacred pillars in pieces. Instead serve God since He blesses your bread, water and removes sickness from your midst. He sends His terror and hornets to bring confusion and drive out your enemies gradually, including the Hivites, Canaanite and Hittites. The extra time prevents desolation and allows you to be fruitful and take possession of the land. God will fix your boundaries from the Red Sea to the sea of the Philistines and from the wilderness to the River Euphrates as He delivers and drives out its inhabitants into your hand. You won't make a covenant with them or their gods. You prevent the snare of sin and serving their gods when these enemies don't live in their land (Ex. 23:20-33). Obedience to God's word through the power of the Holy Spirit prevents entanglement by sin and false gods. 

Consider the following questions: 
1. Are you honest and kind (character)?
2. Do you take time to rest and recreate (margin)?

3. Do you give God credit for provision (worship)?
4. Do you listen to God's voice (obedience)? 






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Desiring, Seeing, Believing and Doing God's Work (Insights in NT)

10/12/2011

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Many face life dominating issues that immobilize them. It could be an addiction, disease, spiritual blindness, relational difficulty or emotional hurt. A desire to get well is the first step in emotional, physical and spiritual healing. Seeing God's working, believing Christ and doing His will is sequence for spiritual health for those who are sick, blind, lame or withered. Good works and legalism are ditches that must be rejected. Instead, embrace Christ as revealed in the Scriptures and be empowered by the Holy Spirit. 

Desire Emotional, Physical and Spiritual Healing
A sick, blind, lame and withered multitude hoped to become healthy by entering into the water before others since an angel of the Lord appeared periodically. Jesus asked a man sick for 38 years if he wished to get well. He answered that others went before him and no one helped him into the pool. After Jesus said, "Arise, take up your pallet, and walk," he immediately became well and began to walk. When the Jews told him it was illegal to carry his  pallet on the Sabbath, he responded with ignorance concerning who spoke to him. Jesus said to "not sin anymore, so that nothing worse may befall you." The Jews persecuted Jesus when they heard He was responsible for the healing. The Jews wanted to kill Jesus since He was "making Himself equal to God" saying He and His Father were working (John 5:1-18). A desire for physical and spiritual health releases Jesus' healing power. 

Believe God's Word in Response to Christ's Choosing You
Jesus said the Son can do nothing of Himself unless it's something He sees His Father doing. Jesus imitates His Father's love by doing His great works so you may marvel. The Son gives life to whom He wishes just as the Father raises the dead. All judgment is given to the Son so all may honor Him. He who hears and believes God's word have eternal life without judgment and moves from death to life.  Jesus has authority to execute judgment and those who hear Him are resurrected to life (John 5:19-29). Jesus' choice enables you to see God's work and believe His word for healing and eternal life. 

Do God's Word in Response to His Prior Working
Jesus does nothing on His own initiative, but seeks His Father's will, not His own. Because the witness of God, Jesus and John are identical and not from men, you can be saved. In fact, Jesus' witness is greater than John because the works the Father has given Him to accomplish bear witness that God sent the Son. Not believing in Jesus is reason you don't have God's word abiding in you. You can't find eternal life by searching the Scriptures. It bears witness of Jesus, but you were unwilling to come to Him for life. Jesus uniqueness becomes a stumbling block to believing in Him because He does not receive glory from others or come in his own name. Only God deserves all glory. Moses accuses those who place their hope in him since he wrote of Christ. Believing in Moses' writings is prerequisite to believing in Christ's words (John 5:30-47). Life comes from receiving Jesus and doing God's will as revealed in the Scriptures. not through legalism or good works. 

Do you desire healing and eternal life?
Do you see God's work? 
Do you believe it?
Will you do it? 



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The Greatness of God (Insights in Psalms)

10/10/2011

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The earth is intimately tied to the sun, around which it revolves. Without the sun, life on earth could not exist because of the need for light, energy and holding it in place so it won't spin off into outer space. Because the moon is big, its gravity tugs on the earth under the location of the moon producing high and low tides at various locations.  Since the sun also produces tides, the sun and moon work together to produce complex tidal variations across the earth. The greatest tides occur when the sun, earth and moon are in alignment with each other. This is one example of God's greatness and wisdom. Psalm 104 details this and other examples of God's greatness regarding His name, works, provision, wisdom and timing. 

Bend the knee in your innermost being because God is very great and clothed with splendor and majesty. He covers Himself with light like a cloak and stretches out the heavens like a tent curtain. He lays beams of His upper chambers in the waters. He makes the clouds His chariot, winds His messengers and flaming fire His ministers (Ps. 104:1-4). The greatness of God's name causes you to bless His name in prayer.

He established the earth upon its foundation securely forever. God rebuked the waters so mountains rose and valleys sank down to their established place. He set a boundary so water would never cover the earth again (Ps. 104:5-9). The greatness of God's works causes you to bless His name in prayer. 

God sends springs in the valley so every animal can drink from them. The earth is satisfied with the fruit of His works. He causes grass to grow for the cattle and vegetation through man's cultivation. It provides food to sustain man's heart and make him glad (Ps. 104:10-17). The greatness of God's provision makes people glad.

The high mountains are for the wild goats and cliffs for rock badgers. God made the moon for the seasons and positioned the sun in its exact place. He appointed night so the lions could prowl to their food from Him. Man works and labors until evening. The Lord made His works in wisdom throughout the earth. Large and small animals live in the sea (Ps. 104:18-26).  The greatness of God's wisdom enables every living being to live. 

They all wait for Him to give food in its appointed time. They gather it and are satisfied with good. Their life and breadth is dependent on God (Ps. 104:27-30). The greatness of God's timing is delightful and fruitful. 

The Lord's glory endures forever. He looks at the earth and it trembles. He touches the mountains and they smoke. The proper response is singing praise and being glad in the Lord as you meditate on Him. He takes care of the wicked (Ps. 104:31-35). Meditate on and sing praise to God because His glory endures forever. 

Consider the greatness of God's name, works, provision, wisdom and timing. Your only appropriate response is to meditate on and sing praise to God because His glory endures forever. 

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Dealing with the Curse of Pornography (Insights in Prophets)

10/9/2011

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A 1996 Promise Keepers survey at one of their stadium events revealed that over 50% of the men in attendance were involved with pornography within one week of attending the event. More than 70% of men from 18 to 34 visit a pornographic site in a typical month (comScore Media Metrix). 51% of pastors say cyber-porn is a possible temptation. 37% say it is a current struggle (Christianity Today, Leadership Survey, 12/2001). Over half of evangelical pastors admits viewing pornography last year.
  57% of pastors say that addiction to pornography is the most sexually damaging issue to their congregation (Christians and Sex Leadership Journal Survey, March 2005). The total porn industry revenue for 2006: $13.3 billion in the United States; $97 billion worldwide (Internet Filter Review. King David had his own pornography problem (2 Sam. 11). 

David stayed at Jerusalem after sending out Joab, his servants and all Israel who destroyed the sons of Ammon and besieged Rabbah. In the evening, David saw a beautiful woman bathing from his roof. After inquiring about Bathsheba, he had sex with her and she conceived (2 Sam. 11:1-5). Idleness and withdrawal from the spiritual battle sets you up toward yielding to sexual temptation.

David called for her husband, Uriah. Instead of having sex with his wife, he slept at the door of the king's house with the lord's servants because his fellow soldiers were fighting. Even though David got Uriah drunk, he still slept with the lord's servants instead of going down to his house (2 Sam. 11:6-13). Men often hide sexual sin from others. 

David wrote a letter to Joab to place Uriah at the front lines of battle and have his army withdraw so he would die. Joab instructed a messenger to report that Uriah was killed in the manner of Abimelech when a woman threw a upper millstone upon him when he was near a wall (2 Sam. 11:14-21). Sexual sin causes men to devise elaborate plots to cover it up. 

A messenger reported to David that Uriah was killed in battle. David didn't want Joab disturbed since he rationalized that Uriah's death was random and encouraged him to make his battle stronger against the city to overthrow it (2 Sam. 11:22-25). Sexual sin causes great hurt to others when it's rationalized away to sooth one's conscience. 

Bathsheba mourned over Uriah's death, became David's wife and bore a son. What David did was evil in the Lord's sight (2 Sam. 11:26-27). Sexual sin is evil in the Lord's sight.

Consider the following questions:
1. Are you gazing too long at a woman's body in person, through magazines or electronic media?
2. Consider how this sin hurts your family and is evil in God's sight.
3. Instead of hiding or rationalizing your struggle with sexual lust, confess it to God and to others of the same gender (James 5:16).






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It's Not About You (Insights in Law)

10/7/2011

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Because humankind is created in the image of God, justice must be rendered in the form of restitution that could be payment or even the death penalty.  Righteous judgment applies even to possessions. God hears the cries of defenseless people when they are victims of immoral or oppressive acts. Giving back the first-fruits of His creation is reminder that God is the creator. Consider what Ex. 22 says about investing your time, talent and treasure. It's about Him and not about you. 

If a man steals an animal and sells it, he shall pay five- or four-fold depending on the animal. If a thief is caught and killed while breaking in, bloodguiltiness won't be rendered but if he lives, restitution must be made by paying double if animal is found alive (Ex. 22:1-5). Persons who commit intentional torts are liable for punitive damages.

People must make restitution for starting a fire that burns a field or grain. For every breach of trust, the case of both parties goes before the judges and the guilty pays double to his neighbor (Ex. 22:6-9). Negligent damage or wrongdoing demands restitution.

If someone gives an animal to his neighbor and it dies, is hurt or driven away while no one is looking, an oath before the Lord must be made between both parties that he wasn't responsible and the owner must not demand restitution (Ex. 22:10-13). No restitution or damages required when circumstances show apparent wrongdoing was without fault.

If a man borrows anything from his neighbor and it is injured or dies, he shall make full restitution unless the owner was present (Ex. 22:14-15). Restitution or cash required for damage to borrowed property. 

If a man has sex with a virgin who is not engaged, he must pay a dowry for her to be his wife. Don't allow a sorceress to live. Put to death someone who lies with an animal. He who sacrifices to any god other than the Lord alone shall be destroyed. You shall not wrong or oppress a stranger, widow or orphan since you were strangers in Egypt. God hears their cries and will kill you with the sword (Ex. 22:16-24). Immoral or oppressive acts against God or disenfranchised people can lead to a penalty of death. 


Don't act as creditor by charging interest if lend money to the poor. Return a neighbor's only cloak received as pledge before the sun sets. God is gracious and hears their cries (Ex. 22:25-27). Don't take advantage of the poor since God is gracious to hear their cries. 

Don't curse God or ruler of your people. Promptly give the first-born of your sons and first-fruits of your harvest and resources. You shall be holy before God and not eat any flesh torn in the field (Ex. 22:28-31). Be holy by not cursing God and giving back to Him the first-fruits He provides.

How do you treat those who can't help you get ahead? Does this passage change your view on immigration? Why don't you give financially? What does this passage have to say about how you invest your time, talent and treasure? 

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Benefits of Living Water (Insights in NT)

10/6/2011

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The following are benefits of drinking water: lose weight, natural remedy for headache, look younger with healthier skin, better productivity at work, better exercise, helps in digestion and constipation, less cramps and sprains, less likely to get sick and feel healthy, relieves fatigue, good mood and reduce risk of cancer. Jesus introduced a new kind of water, "living water," to the woman of Samaria. In John 4, we learn about the eternal benefit of living water. 

Living Water Satisfies Your Needs
Jesus passed through Samaria and sat by the well tired from his journey. He asked a woman to give Him a drink while she was drawing water. She was amazed that He would ask her for a drink since Jews had no dealings with Samaritans. If she knew the gift of God and who He was, Jesus said she would have asked Him to give her living water. Though the well was deep, she wondered where she could get living water. Jesus said that everyone who drinks of this water thirsts again, but whoever drinks of the water He gives shall never thirst since it is a "well of water springing up to eternal life." When the woman asked for this water to satisfy her thirst, Jesus pointed out she have had five husbands and one she was living with was not her husband. She tried changing the subject by saying He was a prophet and where Samaritans and Jews worship. Jesus said true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth. After saying she knew the Messiah was coming, Jesus said He was Him (John 4:1-26). Living water satisfies your needs as you worship God in spirit and truth. 

Living Water Triggers Powerful Ministry
The disciples marveled that Jesus was speaking to a woman. She left her waterpot, went to the city and told the men she found Christ who knew everything she had done. Jesus said to His disciples that His food was to do the will of God who sent Him and to accomplish His work. He told them to look at the fields since they were ripe for harvest. Both sower and reaper gather fruit for eternal life. You are sent to reap for that which you have not labored (John 4:27-38). Availability to God's work reaps fruit for eternal life even though you haven't labored for it.

Living Water Convinces Your Heart to Know Christ
Many Samaritans believed in Him because  of the word of the woman who testified that "He told me all the things that I have done." Jesus stayed two days and many more believed. They heard for themselves from Jesus that He is the Savior of the world (John 4:39-42). Jesus convinces that He is your Savior by revealing what's in your heart.

Living Water Leads to Rejection or Acceptance
He went into Galilee testifying that a prophet has no honor in own country. The Galileans received Him having seen all the things He did in Jerusalem at the feast (John 4:43-45). Family and people in your hometown may reject you, but strangers will accept you.

Living Water Produces Physical and Spiritual Healing
A royal official whose son was near death at Capernaum requested Jesus to heal him. Jesus said that unless people see signs and wonders they will not believe. The official believed Jesus word that his son lived, which was confirmed by his slaves. He learned that the fever left his son at the same time Jesus said his son lived. He and his whole household believed after Jesus' second sign (John 4:46-54).
Ask Jesus and believe His word to experience physical and spiritual healing. 

Which of the following benefits of living water are most important to you right now:
1. Satisfies your needs
2. Triggers powerful ministry
3. Convinces your heart to know Christ
4. Leads to rejection from family, but acceptance from strangers
5. Produces physical and spiritual healing

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Personal Identity Centered in Christ's Character (Insight in Psalms)

10/3/2011

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Personal identity in answering the question, "who am I?" is what makes you unique or different from others. It is the way you see or define yourself, including the network of values and convictions that structure your life. A proper personal identity is dependent on knowing God's benefits and great love for you. Personal identity is not based on what you do, but who you are in Christ. Psalms 101-102 explains the process or checklist on how to overcome worthless things that you hear, see, say or do, which undermines your personal identity. Ps. 103 explains how to sustain a personal identity centered in Christ's character.  

Remember His Fantastic Benefits
Personal identity originates from your inner being. A Christ-centered identity is built by remembering the following benefits: 
1. God pardons all your iniquities 
2. God heals all your diseases 
3. God redeems and releases you from destruction
4. God crowns you with lovingkindness and compassion
5. God satisfies your desire with excellent things
6. God renews your youth like the eagle (Ps. 103:1-5). 

Remember His Large Love
The Lord performs righteous deeds for the oppressed. Just as He made known His ways to Moses, He does for you. God's compassion and grace removes all your transgressions. His love is as high as the heavens above the earth or as far as the east from the west. His love is like a father's compassion for His children. God keeps His expectations low since He knows we are dust (Ps. 103:6-14). 

Remember His Eternal Love
Our life is short like grass or wind but God's lovingkindness is eternal for those who fear Him and do His precepts (Ps. 103:15-18).  

Respond in Obedience to God's Sovereign Rule and Reign 
The Lord rules over everything from His heavenly throne because He is sovereign. Just as angels obey His word, everyone who serves Him do likewise. Bless (bend the knee) the Lord with your soul (inner being) (Ps. 103:19-22). 

How does God's great love change how you view yourself? How does God's great love change your view of obedience?


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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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