Archive for the ‘ Lifestyle ’ Category
But now, O Lord, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand.
Isaiah 64:8, ESV
Knowing that God is our Creator and the one who molds us should give us confidence that He knows what is best and how to guide our lives.
The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.
2 Peter 3:9, ESV
We have seen that God keeps His promises. While we yearn for others to come to Christ, we can rest in the knowledge that He waited long enough for us to know Him.
Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.
Proverbs 4:23, ESV
Our hearts are deceitful and wicked, so only the Lord of Life can cleanse us. Therefore, protect it by trusting in our God and Savior.
I have started a small group series on Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7). I am sharing my notes in case anyone else wants to use them with their group. [Reminder that these are only notes!]
Matthew 5:1-2:
Jesus wants to teach the crowds: Who are they? Jewish disciples: People who understand the
Scriptures (at least to a point). Notice from 7:28 the crowds still came along, but this teaching is for His disciples.
What does “blessed” mean?
Based on the first twelve verses, blessed means realizing our own wretchedness and need for a Savior. In other words, it is becoming/being a Christian.
What was discussed last time?
Matthew 6:1:
Beware practicing where other people can see? What about “let your light shine that they may see”
(5:16)?
Matthew 6:2-4:
What is Jesus saying?
Beware by making sure your motives are right. Are you seeking glory and people liking you, or are you actually loving others?
And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying, “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!”
Revelation 5:13, ESV
We can get distracted and dismayed by this world, but we know that even rocks will cry out for God’s glory, let alone the loving things.
If Creation itself can trust Him, so can we.
Be not quick in your spirit to become angry, for anger lodges in the heart of fools.
Ecclesiastes 7:9, ESV
It is easy to get upset with this world, but it helps to remember “they know not what they do.”
Be better than this world, having the grace and patience of our Lord.
A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.
Proverbs 17:17, ESV
We fight and divide, but God stepped down to reconcile us and call us friends and adopted brothers in Christ.
“For the mountains may depart and the hills be removed, but my steadfast love shall not depart from you, and my covenant of peace shall not be removed,” says the Lord, who has compassion on you.
Isaiah 54:10, ESV
We break God’s Law and covenants all the time, but He never will forsake us. We are found in Christ by grace through faith, and He is faithful.
Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God.
1 John 4:15, ESV
We must believe and confess that belief that Jesus is the living, incarnate Son of God – God in flesh – to be saved.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
Proverbs 3:5-6, ESV
Our Creator knows what’s best for us. Trust Him to guide in all of life.
a simple man of God 