Christ Is To Be Preeminent In Our Lives John 1:1-5 Colossians 1:15-18 Ephesians 1:18-23 Romans 11:33-36 Psalms 89:26-29 Isaiah 52:13-15 Philippians 2:5-11 Revelation 1:7-8 04.28.21

 

CHRIST IS TO BE PREEMINENT IN OUR LIVES

BREAD

¹ In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. ² He was with God in the beginning. ³ Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. ⁴ In him was life, and that life was the light of men. ⁵ The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it.   John 1:1-5 (NIV)

 

¹⁵ He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. ¹⁶ For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. ¹⁷ He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. ¹⁸ And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy.  Colossians 1:15-18 (NIV)

 

¹⁸ I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, ¹⁹ and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, ²⁰ which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, ²¹ far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. ²² And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, ²³ which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.  Ephesians 1:18-23 (NIV)

 

³³ Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out!  ³⁴ “Who has known the mind of the Lord?  Or who has been his counselor?” ³⁵ “Who has ever given to God, that God should repay him?”  ³⁶ For from him and through him and to him are all things.  To him be the glory forever!  Amen.  Romans 11:33-36 (NIV)

 

²⁶ “He will call out to me, ‘You are my Father, my God, the Rock my Savior.’  ²⁷ I will also appoint him my firstborn, the most exalted of the kings of the earth. ²⁸ I will maintain my love to him forever, and my covenant with him will never fail.  ²⁹ I will establish his line forever, his throne as long as the heavens endure.”   Psalms 89:26-29 (NIV)

 

¹³ See, my servant will act wisely; he will be raised and lifted up and highly exalted. ¹⁴ Just as there were many who were appalled at him -- his appearance was so disfigured beyond that of any man and his form marred beyond human likeness-- ¹⁵ so will he sprinkle many nations, and kings will shut their mouths because of him. For what they were not told, they will see, and what they have not heard, they will understand.  Isaiah 52:13-15 (NIV)

 

⁵ Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: ⁶ Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, ⁷ but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. ⁸ And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death-- even death on a cross! ⁹ Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, ¹⁰ that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, ¹¹ and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.  Philippians 2:5-11 (NIV)

 

⁷ Look, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him; and all the peoples of the earth will mourn because of him. So shall it be! Amen. ⁸ “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.”  Revelation 1:7-8 (NIV)

 

BUTTER

 

“It is important to understand that fruitfulness and growth are the results of focusing on Christ and desiring to honor Him.  When growth and change are our primary goals, we tend to be preoccupied with ourselves instead of with Christ.  ‘Am I growing?  Am I getting any better? Am I more like Christ today?  What am I learning?’   This inordinate preoccupation with self-improvement parallels our culture’s self-help and personal enhancement movement in many ways.  Personal development is certainly not wrong, but it is misleading—and it can be very disappointing—to make it our preeminent goal.  If it is our goal at all, it should be secondary.  As we grasp the unconditional love, grace, and power of God, then honoring Christ will increasingly be our consuming passion…The only One worthy of our preoccupation is Christ, our sovereign Lord, who told Paul, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness’”.   Robert McGee, The Search for Significance

“Weary? Worn down? Discouraged? Stop moving. Start waiting. Fall at the feet of Jesus, and if you’re too busy to do that, you’re too busy. Knock some things off your agenda and make spending time with Jesus your main priority. Swap your plans for His. It’s an unfair trade—we get much more than we deserve. And in the process, we will become more like Him. What a gracious Father.”   Cathe Laurie

“Everything that attacks Jesus ends up serving Him instead. Crucify Him, and He will make the cross His throne (John 12:23). Exhaust your ammo on him, and He will disarm you in the process (Colossians 2:15). Bury Him in a tomb and set your guards against it, and He will rise and send you running (Matthew 28:4). You would sooner snuff out the sun than rob the Lord Jesus of his preeminence.  The living Christ reigns preeminent over closed countries, crazed dictators, demonic spirits, post-Christian wastelands, and all the enemies so familiar to our own souls. Whether willingly or not, every tongue will soon confess the truth, ‘Jesus Christ is Lord’ (Philippians 2:11).  The nations may still rage, and the rulers of earth and hell may still set themselves against God’s anointed (Psalms 2:1-3), but the empty tomb already tells the end of the story: He must be preeminent.”  Scott Hubbard

“What is our hope in life and death? Christ alone, Christ alone.  What is our only confidence? That our souls to him belong.  Who holds our days within His hand?  What comes, apart from His command?  And what will keep us to the end?  The love of Christ, in which we stand.  O sing hallelujah! Our hope springs eternal; O sing hallelujah!  Now and ever we confess Christ our hope in life and death.”  Getty Music Team

“If you will put Jesus first—make the time, make Him a priority—He will take care of all of the details of your life. You don’t have to run around aimlessly, searching for purpose or meaning. Those things are only found at the feet of Jesus, and until you’re willing to slow down and stoop down, you will search for meaning the rest of your life.”  Cathe Laurie

“The moment is coming, as surely as the day follows the dawn, when every knee will bow before the Firstborn from the dead (Philippians 2:9-11). In all things, he must get the glory. He must have the first place. He must be preeminent.”   Scott Hubbard

 

“Jesus Christ knows our circumstances better than we do, and He says we must not think about these things to the point where they become the primary concern of our life.  Whenever there are competing concerns in your life, be sure you always put your relationship to God first.”   Oswald Chambers

“When Jesus is the axle around whom all the spokes of your priorities revolve, when He is the very center of your life, all other priorities will fall into place as everything begins to revolve around Him. When Jesus is at the center of the priority wheel, we will give Him the first fruit of the day—not the rotten, leftover fruit of our time and energy. We will make decisions with His will in mind rather than our own.”   Michael Youssef

“I make it my priority to persevere in His holy presence, wherein I maintain a simple attention and a fond regard for God.”   Brother Lawrence

“When we gladly give him the first place, we find our sin forgiven and our humanity restored.  Jesus will be utterly preeminent in just a little while, without rebel or rival pretending otherwise. And it is not only our best wisdom, but also our highest happiness, to say today and every day, ‘In my life, he must be preeminent.’” Scott Hubbard

 

HEART SAVOR

 

• ·         When we make Christ first in our lives – His priorities, His kingdom ways - all other relationships will fall suitably under that.  In pleasing Him, we will please others.  The command is love Him and love others.
• ·         Make it your goal to live your life for an audience of One – giving priority to the Lord Jesus.
• ·         One fine day every knee will bow in heaven and on earth and under the earth. 

 

 

Beware Of Too Much Ease Proverbs 6:9-11 Proverbs 30:8-9 Proverbs 13:4 Proverbs 20:4 Proverbs 21:5 Proverbs 10:4 Proverbs 24:30-34 Hebrews 6:10-12 Matthew 25:26-30 Luke 12:16-21 Deuteronomy 8:18 04.26.21

BEWARE OF TOO MUCH EASE

BREAD

⁹ How long will you lie there, you sluggard?  When will you get up from your sleep?  ¹⁰ A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest-- ¹¹ and poverty will come on you like a bandit and scarcity like an armed man.   Proverbs 6:9-11 (NIV)

 

⁸ “Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. ⁹ Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, ‘Who is the LORD?’ Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God.”  Proverbs 30:8-9 (NIV)

 

⁴ The sluggard craves and gets nothing, but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied.  Proverbs 13:4 (NIV)

 

⁴ A sluggard does not plow in season; so at harvest time he looks but finds nothing.  Proverbs 20:4 (NIV)

 

⁵ The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty.  Proverbs 21:5 (NIV)

 

⁴ Lazy hands make a man poor, but diligent hands bring wealth.  Proverbs 10:4 (NIV)

 

³⁰ I went past the field of the sluggard, past the vineyard of the man who lacks judgment; ³¹ thorns had come up everywhere, the ground was covered with weeds, and the stone wall was in ruins.  ³² I applied my heart to what I observed and learned a lesson from what I saw:  ³³ A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest-- ³⁴ and poverty will come on you like a bandit and scarcity like an armed man.  Proverbs 24:30-34 (NIV)

 

¹⁰ God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them. ¹¹ We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, in order to make your hope sure. ¹² We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.  Hebrews 6:10-12 (NIV)

 

²⁶ “His master replied, ‘You wicked, lazy servant! So you knew that I harvest where I have not sown and gather where I have not scattered seed? ²⁷ Well then, you should have put my money on deposit with the bankers, so that when I returned I would have received it back with interest.’  ²⁸ ‘Take the talent from him and give it to the one who has the ten talents. ²⁹ For everyone who has will be given more, and he will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him. ³⁰ And throw that worthless servant outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’”  Matthew 25:26-30 (NIV)

 

¹⁶ And he told them this parable: “The ground of a certain rich man produced a good crop. ¹⁷ He thought to himself, ‘What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops.’ ¹⁸ Then he said, ‘This is what I’ll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. ¹⁹ And I’ll say to myself, ‘You have plenty of good things laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry.’  ²⁰ But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?’  ²¹ This is how it will be with anyone who stores up things for himself but is not rich toward God.”   Luke 12:16-21 (NIV)

 

¹⁸ But remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your forefathers, as it is today.  Deuteronomy 8:18 (NIV)

 

BUTTER

“Every time we resist the slightest temptation, we honor God.  Every time we overcome even the smallest problem by trusting and obeying our Lord Jesus, God is glorified in our lives.  Whenever we choose character over convenience, faithfulness over ease, or honesty over deceit, we bring honor to the Lord Himself.”  Robert J. Morgan

“Blessing, ironically, can dull our spiritual senses and deplete our spiritual resolves. And it can open us to new and subtle temptations. Powerful men fall into this trap over the histories of Scripture. King David, for instance, defeated his tens of thousands with a heart like God’s, only then to crumble before another man’s wife while he enjoyed the comforts and spoils of his victories. The adversity and vulnerability of caves drew the best out of him, while the luxury of his palace exposed the worst.”   Marshall Segal

“A noted scientist observing that ‘early voyagers fancied that the coral-building animals instinctively built up the great circles of the Atoll Islands to afford themselves protection in the inner parts,’ has disproved this fancy by showing that the insect builders can only live and thrive fronting the open ocean, and in a highly aerated foam of its resistless billows.  So it has been commonly thought that protected ease is the most favorable condition of life, whereas all the noblest and strongest lives prove on the contrary that the endurance of hardship is the making of the men, and the factor that distinguishes between existence and vigorous vitality.  Hardship makes character.”     Mrs. Charles E. Cowman

“A life lived for Jesus Christ is not usually outlined with popularity or ease. But churches in the West today are steeped in comfort, espousing self-help rather than sacrifice, and they are growing in number.”  Michael Youssef

“The worst of sluggards only ask for a little slumber; they would be indignant if they were accused of complete laziness. A little folding of the hands to rest is all they desire, and they have a host of reasons to show that this indulgence is entirely legitimate. Yet by these ‘littles’ the day runs out, and the time for work is all gone, and the field is overgrown with thorns. It is by little procrastinations that men ruin their souls. They do not intend to delay for years—a few months, they say, will bring the more convenient season—tomorrow they will attend to serious things; but the present hour is so occupied and so unsuitable that they beg to be excused.  Like sands from an hourglass, time passes; life is wasted by driblets, and seasons of grace lost by little slumbers. Oh, to be wise, to catch the fleeting hour, to use the passing moments! May the Lord teach us this sacred wisdom, because otherwise a poverty of the worst kind awaits us—eternal poverty that will want even a drop of water and beg for it in vain. Like a robber steadily pursuing his victim, poverty overtakes the lazy, and ruin overthrows the undecided: Each hour brings the    dreaded pursuer nearer; he doesn’t pause on the way, for he is on his master’s business and must not delay. As an armed man enters with authority and power, in similar fashion want will come to the idle, and death to the impenitent, and there will be no escape.  O that men would become wise and would diligently seek the Lord Jesus, before the solemn day will dawn when it will be too late to plow and to sow, too late to repent and believe. In harvest, it is useless to lament that the seedtime was neglected. As of now, there is still time for faith and holy decision.”  C. H. Spurgeon

“Some of the darkest, most irresistible temptations come in the wake of blessing. As we enjoy some provision or breakthrough or triumph, whether in life, or work, or ministry, our spiritual defenses often come down. We might coast. We may begin neglecting disciplines and relationships that have kept us close to and dependent on Jesus.  Suffering, by comparison, often has the opposite effect. Suffering simultaneously raises our defenses (vigilance), and brings us to our knees (humility). Suffering disabuses us of self-reliance, and removes the luster of earthly pleasures and indulgences. Suffering often makes spiritual and eternal reality more vivid and tangible, putting the urgency of earthly life in greater perspective and focus.”  Marshall Segal

“Worldly ease is a great enemy to faith; it loosens the joints of holy zeal and snaps the sinews of sacred courage. The balloon never rises until the cords are cut; affliction provides this service for believing souls. While the wheat sleeps comfortably in the husk, it is useless to us; it must be threshed out of its resting place before its value can be known. Thus it is good that the Lord tests the righteous, for it causes them to grow rich toward God.” C. H. Spurgeon revised by Alistair Begg

“When people ask about healing, I’m less interested in the physical and more interested in healing my heart.  Pray that I get rid of my lazy attitude about God’s Word and prayer, of brute pride – set me free from self-centeredness. Those are more important, because Jesus thought they were more important….God will permit what he hates in order to accomplish what he loves.”   Joni Eareckson Tada

“As we look back to our pains and sufferings, we shall see that suffering is not worthy to be compared to our first night’s welcome home in heaven.  If we could smell of heaven and our country above, our crosses would not bite us.  Lay all your loads by faith on Christ, ease yourself, and let Him bear all.  He can, He does, and He will bear you.”  Samuel Rutherford

 

HEART SAVOR

•   An easy life rarely (if ever) produces a mighty oak of righteousness
•    Storms in our lives are designed to make the roots grow deep.
•   Many temptations come in the wake of blessings.

Custom Designed For Your Calling Psalms 139:13-16 Ecclesiastes 11:5 Job 10:10-12 Jeremiah 1:4-8 John 21:15-22 Acts 9:10-16 Romans 12:3-8 John 15:16 1 Peter 4:7-10 Ephesians 2:10 Philippians 4:19 04.23.21

CUSTOM DESIGNED FOR YOUR CALLING

BREAD

¹³ For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. ¹⁴ I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. ¹⁵ My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place.  When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, ¹⁶ your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.  Psalms 139:13-16 (NIV)

 

⁵ As you do not know the path of the wind, or how the body is formed in a mother's womb,
so you cannot understand the work of God, the Maker of all things.  Ecclesiastes 11:5 (NIV)

¹⁰ Did you not pour me out like milk and curdle me like cheese, ¹¹ clothe me with skin and flesh and knit me together with bones and sinews? ¹² You gave me life and showed me kindness, and in your providence watched over my spirit.   Job 10:10-12 (NIV)

 

⁴ The word of the LORD came to me, saying, ⁵ “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”  ⁶ “Ah, Sovereign LORD,” I said, “I do not know how to speak; I am only a child.”  ⁷ But the LORD said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am only a child.’ You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. ⁸ Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you,” declares the LORD.   Jeremiah 1:4-8 (NIV)

 

¹⁵ When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?”  “Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.”  Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.”  ¹⁶ Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you truly love me?”  He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.”  Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.”  ¹⁷ The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”  Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.”  Jesus said, “Feed my sheep. ¹⁸ I tell you the truth, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” ¹⁹ Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, “Follow me!”  ²⁰ Peter turned and saw that the disciple whom Jesus loved was following them. (This was the one who had leaned back against Jesus at the supper and had said, “Lord, who is going to betray you?”) ²¹ When Peter saw him, he asked, “Lord, what about him?”  ²² Jesus answered, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me.”   John 21:15-22 (NIV)

 

¹⁰ In Damascus there was a disciple named Ananias. The Lord called to him in a vision, “Ananias!”  “Yes, Lord," he answered.  ¹¹ The Lord told him, “Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying. ¹² In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands on him to restore his sight.”  ¹³ “Lord,” Ananias answered, “I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your saints in Jerusalem. ¹⁴ And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name.”  ¹⁵ But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel. ¹⁶ I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.”  Acts 9:10-16 (NIV)

 

³ For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you. ⁴ Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, ⁵ so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. ⁶ We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. ⁷ If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; ⁸ if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.  Romans 12:3-8 (NIV)

 

¹⁶ You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit--fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.   John 15:16 (NIV)

 

⁷ The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. ⁸ Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. ⁹ Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. ¹⁰ Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms.  1 Peter 4:7-10 (NIV)

 

¹⁰ For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.  Ephesians 2:10 (NIV)

 

¹⁹ And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19 (NIV)

 

BUTTER

 

“This ‘it’s all about grace’ talk goes wrong when we say that the amazing grace that saves the Christian doesn’t also make him distinct from the unbeliever in love, action, and speech.  When we go out of our way to discount the grace of good works in Christian life, we betray how little we really know of grace.  Nothing on this planet is like it.  It is the most precious jewel we can receive.  The sweetest thing our souls can taste.  The loveliest lyric our mouths can sing.  But it is never a powerless thing.  God does not have a type of saving grace that, once given, leaves its recipient unchanged.  Saving grace not only justifies the ungodly (Romans 4:5) but trains us ‘to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age’ (Titus 2:11-12).  God himself is at work in us by His Spirit (Philippians 2:13).  And this grace is a more effective teacher than Dr. Phil or Dr. Seuss or any other teacher in the world.  But the doctrine of same-as-the-world Christianity tells us something different:  that those who have found the doctor are no healthier than those who have not.  Or, in the other rendition, that those beggars who have found the bread stay just as malnourished as the starving world.  But patients who tell us that they have seen the medic, while also confessing they are still no different from those miserable souls in the waiting room, let us all in on the secret that they are either lying or need to find a new doctor.”  Greg Morse   

“God has designed a particular purpose for all His creatures – birds, beasts, bees, sun, moon, stars, flowers, trees, and fruits – all are appointed to act according to their nature.  Flowers refresh us and trees give us shade and fruit.  Rivers run along their course to the ocean, and the mighty sea ebbs and flows. Man is designed for a nobler end, suitable to the excellence of his being:  to worship the glorious and blessed God, and to exercise himself to godliness.  The Lord made all things for Himself.   Man was made to worship Him actively and affectionately.  He is predestined and created for this purpose.  How absurd to conceive that God would so carefully form us and enliven us with a spark of His own fire and a ray of His own light, to send us into the world merely to eat, drink, sleep, buy, sell, sow, and reap!  Surely He had a higher purpose in forming man with so much care and cost?   Man is a spiritual being that he might seek heaven and be serviceable to the Lord of heaven.”     George Swinnock

“Service to God is as uniquely differing among believers as our fingerprints.  God has specifically designed good works for each life that we may walk in them through His power and for His glory and for our good.  These works encompass all areas from peeling potatoes to running a country to changing a diaper to caring for the elderly to holding a door – it matters not what the task is but that we are faithful to walk in it.  We cannot do all things for all people.  Jesus Himself did not feed every hungry soul nor heal every hurting one as He walked this dusty earth.  We are all limited by our physical bodies yet through His power we are all equipped to do what we are called to do, and the body of Christ suffers –as well as we ourselves – when we remain unfaithful to the task.  God’s work done in God’s way will never lack God’s supply and it equates to the abundant life which Jesus came to give us.  Don’t be misled, service out of love for God is that component which makes for greatness in a life because God’s Word attests to that.”   BHY

“We are the workmanship of God. He wants to regenerate us through our relationship with Jesus in the supernatural community of the Church. Then, He gives us the spiritual gifts and tools we’ll need to do the good works that he’s already prepared for us to do.”   Chip Ingram

“Grumbling and complaining denotes a dissatisfied heart with God’s plan for our lives.  When we murmur and wail over our circumstance we demonstrate our lack of contentment with His provisions for us and, as the “rabble” complained about the manna, it incites God’s anger.  So often we are consumed by selfish ambitions and vain conceits with a penchant for every sort of self-indulgence.  Comfort becomes not a luxury but a necessity and almost a “god” in our eyes.  Our giftings are meant to lead us into selfless service with a pure heart.  Indeed, that is where the abundant life is found.  Watch your hearts and guard against dissatisfaction – whatever that may look like in your life.”  BHY

“Good works do not make a good man, but a good man does good works.”  Martin Luther

 

“We are never more like Christ than when we walk in the power of the Holy Spirit – clothed in His righteousness – being about the good works which the Father has prepared in advance for us to do.”  BHY

HEART SAVOR

• ·         We are uniquely created for works that God planned in advance for us to do.
• ·         We are the ultimate losers if we choose not to stand firm in God’s will for our lives, mature and fully assured.  In doing so, we miss out on His best for our lives
• ·         He gives us the power to accomplish His works and the One Who gives the power gets the glory.

 

  

Endeavor To Keep A Tender Conscience 1 Timothy 4:1-2 2 Timothy 1:3-4 Proverbs 28:13 Proverbs 28:14 Job 27:6 John 12:1-8 Romans 13:3-5 Acts 23:1 1 Peter 3:15-16 2 Corinthians 1:12 1 Timothy 1:3-6 Acts 24:16 04.21.21

 

ENDEAVOR TO KEEP A TENDER CONSCIENCE

BREAD

¹ The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. ² Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron.  1 Timothy 4:1-2 (NIV)

 

³ I thank God, whom I serve, as my forefathers did, with a clear conscience, as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers. ⁴ Recalling your tears, I long to see you, so that I may be filled with joy.  2 Timothy 1:3-4 (NIV)

 

¹³ He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy.  Proverbs 28:13 (NIV)

 

¹⁴ Blessed is the man who always fears the LORD, but he who hardens his heart falls into trouble.  Proverbs 28:14 (NIV)

 

⁶ I will maintain my righteousness and never let go of it; my conscience will not reproach me as long as I live.   Job 27:6 (NIV)

 

¹ Six days before the Passover, Jesus arrived at Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. ² Here a dinner was given in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him. ³ Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. ⁴ But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected, ⁵ “Why wasn’t this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year’s wages.” ⁶ He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it. ⁷ “Leave her alone,” Jesus replied. “[It was intended] that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial. ⁸ You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.”  John 12:1-8 (NIV)

 

³ For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. ⁴ For he is God’s servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God’s servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. ⁵ Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience.  Romans 13:3-5 (NIV)

¹ Paul looked straight at the Sanhedrin and said, “My brothers, I have fulfilled my duty to God in all good conscience to this day.”  Acts 23:1 (NIV)

 

¹⁵ But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, ¹⁶ keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.  1 Peter 3:15-16 (NIV)

 

¹² Now this is our boast: Our conscience testifies that we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially in our relations with you, in the holiness and sincerity that are from God. We have done so not according to worldly wisdom but according to God’s grace.        2 Corinthians 1:12 (NIV)

 

³ As I urged you when I went into Macedonia, stay there in Ephesus so that you may command certain men not to teach false doctrines any longer ⁴ nor to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies. These promote controversies rather than God's work--which is by faith. ⁵ The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. ⁶ Some have wandered away from these and turned to meaningless talk.  1 Timothy 1:3-6 (NIV)

 

¹⁶ So I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and man.   Acts 24:16 (NIV)

 

BUTTER

 

“Get and keep a tender conscience.  Be sensible of the least sin.  Some men’s consciences are like the stomach of the ostrich that can digest iron:  they can swallow the most notorious sins without regret.  A good conscience is very delicate.  It feels the least touch of known sin, and is grieved at the thought of grieving God’s Spirit.  It will choose the greatest of suffering before the least of sinning.”  John Gibbon

“He who makes a small matter of small sins is in danger of falling into the greater.  Even the godly are subject to a fall.  Yet a truly regenerate soul rooted in Christ can never fall away totally or finally…How can we keep from falling so we do not crucify afresh the Son of God and tread on His blood?  Watch and pray that you do not enter into temptation.  Keep your conscience tender and flee the first motion and occasion of sin.  Don’t think of sin as a little thing and don’t take mercy for granted.  Don’t trust in your own strength.  Don’t trust in light repentance.  True repentance flees further stumblings.  Remember that yielding to sin increases its power to rise higher.  Every time the bone is broken, the mending is more difficult and the limp more pronounced.”   John Sheffield 

“Grace remits sin and peace quiets the conscience. Sin and conscience torment us, but Christ has overcome these fiends now and forever. Only Christians possess this victorious knowledge given from above. These two terms, grace and peace, constitute Christianity. Grace involves the remission of sins, peace and a happy conscience. Sin is not canceled by lawful living, for no person is able to live up to the law…the fact is the more a person seeks credit for himself by his own efforts, the deeper he goes into debt. Nothing can take away sin except the grace of God. In actual living, however it is not so easy to persuade oneself that by grace alone, in opposition to every other means, we obtain the forgiveness of our sins and peace with God.”  Martin Luther

 

“The ‘pure in heart’ are those who have had their sins forgiven and are resting in the merits of Christ’s efficacious blood shed on the cross on their behalf.  They are those who, clothed in Christ’s righteousness, rest secure in Him.  It is only they who are bestowed upon the peace that passes all understanding.”  BHY

 

“A bad example may kindle a flame that years of amended character cannot quench.”    C.H. Spurgeon

 

“Admit no peace with sin.  Satan will tell you that sin is pleasant.  Ask yourself if the gripping of conscience is also pleasant?  Ask yourself if it is pleasant to be in hell, and be under the wrath of God?  Ask yourself if the pleasures of sin for a season compare with the rivers of God’s pleasures?  How do they compare to a weight of glory, an incorruptible crown, and a heavenly kingdom?  God alone is enough, but without Him, nothing is enough for your happiness.  His love, grace, and the comforts of his Spirit will certainly sweeten your way to heaven.  Sometimes you will experience joy unutterable and full of glory.  God is a good Master and in His service is a perfect freedom.”  John Gibbon  

 

“Everything of duty and sin is the object of the conscience.  There is no way to get rid of your conscience.  The wicked try to extinguish it.  They flatter it with carnal reasoning, bribe it with mock devotions, wound it with heinous provocations, and trample it under foot by sinning in spite of it.  They run from it, and will not listen to it.  They seek to blind it by diversions, yet it is still active.  The conscience can stir the heart to see sin, perhaps forty years ago, as if it was yesterday.  Even emperors of the world are troubled.  Why don’t they shake it off?  Is it the fear of men or shame?  No!  It was a secret sin.  They are haunted by the fury of their own consciences.  Even the atheist cannot relieve himself of God’s deputy, the conscience.  They cannot sin in peace, and blow out the candle of conscience.  Your conscience is your best friend.  There is no greater riches, pleasure, or safety, than a good conscience.”  Samuel Annesley

 

“Bring your lusts under the rule of your sanctified reason.  What a silly thing is man in a fleshly passion.  Nothing is more ridiculous and contemptible.  If your lust overcomes reason, bid your conscience to do its work, and look to Scripture for support.  If the love of God’s commands will not restrain you, let the terrors and the thunders of His threats persuade you.  God will not be mocked.  Seek to draw the stream of your lusts in a different direction.”  John Gibbon     

“How shall we get a good conscience?  Take heed of every sin, and do not count any small.  Renew repentance every day, being serious and frequent in heart examinations.  Live as under God’s eye.  All things are bare before Him.  Be much in secret prayer.  Consider every action as a part of your life purpose.  Enjoy Christ more and entertain good thoughts of God.  Whatever you do, do it out of love for God.”  Samuel Annesley

 

HEART SAVOR

 

·         Beware, consciences can be seared as with a hot iron.  Take heed of your sin and do not count any small. 

·         Get and keep a clear conscience by seeking quick repentance.  If we confess our sins He is faithful and just to forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 

·         Never forget we all live Coram Deo – before the face of God.