Ezekiel 35:10-36:38
James 1:1-18
Psalm 116:1-19
Proverbs 27:23-27
Do you want to become who God has created you to be? It's a process. Do you know those struggles you face, those giants? They are actually not an obstacle to the victorious Christian life, they mark the path and give you the opportunity to live the victorious Christian life.
I've attached a chart that relates to a teaching on the Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship. I'm really hoping the attachment works ok, but you never know.
James 1 has one of the most important scriptures we need to understand. "Dear brothers, is your life full of difficulties and temptations? Then be happy, for when the way is rough, your patience has a chance to grow. so let it grow, and don't try to squirm out of your problems. For when your patience is finally in full bloom, then you will be ready for anything, strong in character, full and complete."
You know what I want? I want my patience to be in full bloom. I want to be ready for anything. I want to be strong in character. I want to be full and complete.
You know what I don't want? Trials. But, guess what? I can't get what I want (and what God wants for me) without going through things I don't "want" to go through.
In the NIV verse 2 says, "Consider it pure joy when you face trials of many kinds." That is so much easier said than done, but the more you do it, the more it becomes a habit and a part of the "lifestyle". It becomes part of who you are, and it transforms you.
Like the chart shows, when you face a trial, frustration, test, stress, hurt or whatever may set you off, you have options. You can avoid it (hope the giant goes away), blame someone else for it, talk to others about it, react in the flesh, or you can worship. Hmmm... I wonder which one is right....
Notice the path that each one of these take. With the exception of the response of worship, they all lead back to repeating the test. They also cause you to lose your motivation to worship.
Watch what happens when you worship. You hear God's voice. You receive direction. Now, if you disobey God's voice, you're back on the path of repeating the test. But, if you listen to his voice and obey, he WILL complete his work in you. You experience victory. Your faith increases. Yes, more "giants" will come, but you are more equipped to handle it in the right way. Responding to these situations from a lifestyle of worship and obedience.
James 1:5-8 says, "If you want to know what God wants you to do, ask him, and he will gladly tell you, for he is always ready to give a bountiful supply of wisdom to all who ask him; he will not resent it. But when you ask him, be sure that you really expect him to tell you, for a doubtful mind will be as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind; and every decision you then make will be uncertain, as you turn first this way, and then that. If you don't ask with faith, don't expect the Lord to give you any solid answer."
How many believers do you know that are unsettled as a wave? how many that are tossed by the wind? Maybe you're looking at your life in that light. Wherever you're at, the pattern is clear. When difficulty comes, treat it as an opportunity to worship God. Treat it as an opportunity to hear his voice in a new situation.
He will then begin to renew your mind (Romans 12:2) and he will begin work on your character. It's not easy at times, but the more we get into this discipline, the more our faith grows and we are more able to do it the next time.
Psalm 116:10-11 says, "In my discouragement I thought, 'They are lying when they say I will recover.' But now what can I offer Jehovah for all he has done for me?" verse 17 says, "I will worship you and offer you a sacrifice of thanksgiving."
It doesn't make a difference where you are at. Worship God! He is Lord of ALL! He will bring you out!
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
Pastor Greg Lathe
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
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