Recently, I was invited to participate in a Women's Department Service for the Straight Gate Church of Christ (1924 E. Clearfield Street ~ Philadelphia, PA)! The theme was Gleaning from Seasoned Women. I felt a little out of place because I was the youngest participant on the platform but very much honored that I was included in this group of inspiring women. Anyway, I decided to focus on lessons that I've learned from the Women of God in my life.
The most important thing I have learned is that we need to truly develop and maintain a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Here are some things that we should keep in mind if we love Him.
If We Really Love Him
*We'll Be Sincere- Joshua 24:14a Now therefore fear the Lord, and serve Him in sincerity and in truth. . . Not that we should try--> but we cannot play or trick God. He knows all! People are quick to say, "God knows my heart"- not realizing that that may be the reason why they could get into trouble. Please don't think that you can plan to sin but also plan to repent and God will be pleased. . . He knows what you're planning to do-> BEFORE the thought even crosses your mind! If we say that we want to be in a relationship with Him, our motives should be pure!
*We'll Realize that this walk or relationship with Him is a journey & we have to be willing to do the work!- Romans 8:38-39 For I am persuaded that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities. . . shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. If these things don't have the ability to separate us from God, that 'power' must lie within us. We need to pay attention to our priorities. . . Are we letting things or people become more important than our relationship?
*We'll Apply the Word to Our Lives & Remember Who We Are- James 1:22-25 But be ye doers of the Word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves (v22). The man [who hears only] looks at himself in a mirror, goes his way and forgets who he is. We'll be blessed if we remain obedient to the Word. We shouldn't try to make excuses for things that contradict it (the Word). As Christians, we are supposed to be Christlike. We have power through the Holy Ghost to maintain a righteous lifestyle!
*We'll Get Rid of Distractions- Hebrews 12:1 . . . let us lay aside every weight and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us. Some things in our lives may not be sins but if they are pulling your attention away from God, you need to get rid of it. Don't let it lead you into sin. And if you're wondering, "Is this sinful? Will Jesus understand or be pleased?" your best bet is to just leave it alone!
*We'll Focus on Pleasing Him- Psalm 37:4 & 5 Delight thyself also in the Lord; and He shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass. I think this is self-explanatory :-)
To Sum it Up:
The most important thing I have learned is that we need to truly develop and maintain a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Here are some things that we should keep in mind if we love Him.
If We Really Love Him
*We'll Be Sincere- Joshua 24:14a Now therefore fear the Lord, and serve Him in sincerity and in truth. . . Not that we should try--> but we cannot play or trick God. He knows all! People are quick to say, "God knows my heart"- not realizing that that may be the reason why they could get into trouble. Please don't think that you can plan to sin but also plan to repent and God will be pleased. . . He knows what you're planning to do-> BEFORE the thought even crosses your mind! If we say that we want to be in a relationship with Him, our motives should be pure!
*We'll Realize that this walk or relationship with Him is a journey & we have to be willing to do the work!- Romans 8:38-39 For I am persuaded that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities. . . shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. If these things don't have the ability to separate us from God, that 'power' must lie within us. We need to pay attention to our priorities. . . Are we letting things or people become more important than our relationship?
*We'll Apply the Word to Our Lives & Remember Who We Are- James 1:22-25 But be ye doers of the Word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves (v22). The man [who hears only] looks at himself in a mirror, goes his way and forgets who he is. We'll be blessed if we remain obedient to the Word. We shouldn't try to make excuses for things that contradict it (the Word). As Christians, we are supposed to be Christlike. We have power through the Holy Ghost to maintain a righteous lifestyle!
*We'll Get Rid of Distractions- Hebrews 12:1 . . . let us lay aside every weight and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us. Some things in our lives may not be sins but if they are pulling your attention away from God, you need to get rid of it. Don't let it lead you into sin. And if you're wondering, "Is this sinful? Will Jesus understand or be pleased?" your best bet is to just leave it alone!
*We'll Focus on Pleasing Him- Psalm 37:4 & 5 Delight thyself also in the Lord; and He shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass. I think this is self-explanatory :-)
To Sum it Up:
If
we really love God, we'll put Him first! We'll make the necessary
sacrifices in order to live a life that's pleasing in His sight. We'll
allow Him to move in our lives. . . let Him work in and through us so
that others will be drawn to Him. If we really love Him, our lives will
bring glory to His name!
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