Continuing on the "Get Moving" theme, let's take a deeper look at a few things.
The first question one must ask themselves is what should I really "get moving" on? Well, only God can fully answer that question. However, there are some things that you're probably already aware of that you should get moving on. In this installment we consider how we should get moving on our internal growth and character. From a biblical perspective we are talking about being conformed to the image of Jesus Christ (Romans 8:29). In other words, our CHRIST-LIKENESS! How much are you displaying Christ in your thoughts, attitudes, actions, and words?
This year we should aim to really grow internally - a full year of 'fruit of the Spirit' growth, allowing the Holy Spirit to mature us on the inside (Galatians 5:22-23). In nature, all growth is intentional. The same is true for us. No believer can purposely grow without yielding to the Holy Spirit, reviewing scripture, and devoting thought time (e.g. meditation) to improvement (Psalms 1:2, 119:11). In other words, you have to improve you on purpose.
Think about it. All of us have heard sermons or received private instructions from God about things in our character that we need to move on. In some cases we have moved, but maybe not to the extent that we should. In our flesh, all of us sometimes drag our feet on character changes that seem uncomfortable. Nevertheless, being more like Christ on purpose must be given top rank this year. Justly, the receiving of some blessings is based on your maturity (Jeremiah 7:5-7, Isaiah 1:19).
Besides, a lost world awaits the light of your growth and God is the rewarder of the same.
Additional Scripture Review
Galatians 5 (KJV)
22 - But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
23 - Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
I Corinthians 13 (NIV)
4 - Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
5 - It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.
6 - Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
7 - It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
8 - Love never fails
I John 2 (KJV)
6 - He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.
Ephesians 4 (NLT)
20 - But that isn’t what you learned about Christ.
21 - Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him,
22 - throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception.
23 - Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes.
24 - Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.
January 6, 2011
January 5, 2011
"GET Moving"
Greetings everyone,
As my pastor mentioned during this past Watchnight service - This is the year to get moving! Note the following scripture:
Exodus 14:15 - And the Lord said unto Moses, Wherefore criest thou unto me? speak unto the children of Israel, that they go forward.
The Israelites had just left Egypt via Moses' leadership after a series of plagues executed on the Egyptians by God. A short while after their departure, the Egyptian Pharaoh had a change of mind (God's will of course) and began to pursue them. Becoming aware of what they thought to be unavoidable danger, the Israelites began to fear. To make matters worse, the Israelites appeared to be completely trapped. With the Red Sea in front of them and the Egyptians behind them, what would they do? It looked like they had no escape route or outlet. Staring them in the face was either death or repression, for a second time, by the Egyptians.
But wait...God was with them...and His Word to them was "that they go forward". Neither retreating or not moving was an acceptable option. Regardless of what it looked like in front of them ~ the Red Sea, they were suppose to move forward. So, are you retreating or being stagnant about something that God has told you to move on? By commanding the Israelites to go forward God was saying that he would take care of the seemingly impassable Red Sea in front of them. To put it simply: the handling of the Rea Sea, His way, was His business- remaining in faith was theirs. This is also true for us. Remaining in faith and trusting God is always our PRIMARY responsibility. No matter what things look like, if God has spoken to you about a matter, then He has already planned for your success (Jeremiah 1:12, Isaiah 55:11). For the Israelites, it was the promised land flowing with milk & honey awaiting them, but they had to get moving (Exodus 3:8). What blessings and fulfillments are awaiting you? If you've heard "go" from God, then go! He has already prospered your way (Genesis 24:40a).
Please stay tuned for the next blog "GET Growing".
As my pastor mentioned during this past Watchnight service - This is the year to get moving! Note the following scripture:
Exodus 14:15 - And the Lord said unto Moses, Wherefore criest thou unto me? speak unto the children of Israel, that they go forward.
The Israelites had just left Egypt via Moses' leadership after a series of plagues executed on the Egyptians by God. A short while after their departure, the Egyptian Pharaoh had a change of mind (God's will of course) and began to pursue them. Becoming aware of what they thought to be unavoidable danger, the Israelites began to fear. To make matters worse, the Israelites appeared to be completely trapped. With the Red Sea in front of them and the Egyptians behind them, what would they do? It looked like they had no escape route or outlet. Staring them in the face was either death or repression, for a second time, by the Egyptians.
But wait...God was with them...and His Word to them was "that they go forward". Neither retreating or not moving was an acceptable option. Regardless of what it looked like in front of them ~ the Red Sea, they were suppose to move forward. So, are you retreating or being stagnant about something that God has told you to move on? By commanding the Israelites to go forward God was saying that he would take care of the seemingly impassable Red Sea in front of them. To put it simply: the handling of the Rea Sea, His way, was His business- remaining in faith was theirs. This is also true for us. Remaining in faith and trusting God is always our PRIMARY responsibility. No matter what things look like, if God has spoken to you about a matter, then He has already planned for your success (Jeremiah 1:12, Isaiah 55:11). For the Israelites, it was the promised land flowing with milk & honey awaiting them, but they had to get moving (Exodus 3:8). What blessings and fulfillments are awaiting you? If you've heard "go" from God, then go! He has already prospered your way (Genesis 24:40a).
Please stay tuned for the next blog "GET Growing".
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