HOLINESS

     I like to collect globes and by current count have at least 12 in my office.  I can date them by the changes in names of countries and cites or by the type of stand they have.  Anyways the thing I like about globes is that they are complete but changeable.  Changeable in that they are correct for their era but the newer models show the changes in country names and borders.  This is similar to holiness in that we are complete today but tomorrow the Holy Spirit will expand its boundaries in our life and ask us to reset.  

                            Holiness is both instant and progressive.  

     All of my globes are perfect for their day but each new one is progressively updated as changes in the world occur.  Changes are going to happen in your life and God is going to change your boundaries but holiness is never out of date or behind but we must understand that God is never finished updating us.

Praying With Persistence

Last week I preached about Praying With Persistence.  Part of the message was directed to what happens when God troubles the heart and what could be the cause of that trouble.

 

1.  Sin

2.  The Spirit leading us into heart purity. Hebrews 12:14

3.  Being outside of God's will.

4.  A negative attitude.

5.  Refusing God. Hebrews 12:15

6.  Going against light.  John 8:12

 

The key to the troubled heart is trust as Jesus states "Do not let your hearts be troubled, trust in God, trust also in me."  John 14:1

PURPOSE

I know I have heard it before, "I am not buying into this mentoring stuff."  Why do I need someone who is ahead of me in the faith to mentor me, why do I need someone behind me in the faith to mentor too and why do I need friends similar to me in the faith to laugh and cry with.  I will tell you why it is called Purpose.  Purpose means that I am not going it alone but bringing others along on the ridiculous journey of faith.

Live on Purpose-  Get involved in the life with someone who can help you with your journey.

Live on Purpose-  Develop relationships with friends to laugh and cry about successes and failures.

Live on Purpose-  Become a mentor to someone coming up in the faith to help them develop lifelong relationships through Christ.

Praying With Power

Praying with power is the ability given to those who are transformed and not conformed.  Being conformed is adjusting to certain acceptable patterns that meet the norm of those around us.  Paul said not to conform to the patterns of this world which we all can agree is probably not a good thing but what if the conforming is in the church and not in the world.  What if the norm is ineffective prayer, giving we we have extra, reading the Bible on occasion.  Being transformed is something different it is the relationship that is constantly seeking Gods will, not confirmation from others acceptable mediocrity.  Being transformed is powerful in both our living and our prayers, being transformed is pleasing to God.

Praying With a Pure Heart

1.  Make a list of the people you need to forgive.  Write down the offense- what they did to hurt you- next to each name.  Now make a list of all the people from whom you need to ask forgiveness.  Next to their names briefly describe how you hurt them.  Finally spend time in confession to God.  Ask for the power of Christ to wash over you, bathing you in His forgiveness that will enable  you to forgive others.

2.  Write God a letter and unload on Him.  Tell him all the things you're angry about, all the things you're harboring against him and wondering about.  Be honest, and trust that He can handle anything-everything-you throw at him, no matter how dark. desperate, or doubtful you may be.  Then ask him to heal your heart as you tear up the letter.

3.  Choose a beautiful photograph, seashell, or other memento that represents you his healing and forgiveness.  Place it it in a prominent place as a reminder to ask God for His forgiveness and to to forgive those around you daily.

Used from the book One Month to Live by Kerry and Chris Shook page 79.