Romans 12:1-2

Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. (Romans 12:1 NIV)

I am God's wholly and forever. 

Lord I am yours wholly and forever. 

Presenting myself as a living sacrifice.  

I give you my heart to love what you love. To hate what you hate.  To seek only you.  I give you my mind to think only thoughts that please you.  I give you my body to be used by you.  My eyes to see only what you want me to see. My feet to go where you call me to go. My time to be all employeed to you. My family to love and care for as you lead me.  I submit my whole being and all I have to your control.  

Take me and keep me oh my god.  

I am wholly yours forever!!! 

Proverbs 21:23

Those who guard their mouths and their tongues keep themselves from calamity. (Proverbs 21:23 NIV

What does that mean?

Don't gossip!

Don't say things about other people that make them think bad of that person.

Don't over talk others.  Listen.

Don't say everything that comes to your mind.  Filter it. 

Out of the abundance the mouth speaks. 

So what is your heart saying out loud ???

Psalm 71:17

Since my youth, God, you have taught me, and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds. (Psalm 71:17 NIV)

Unfortunately, much of our world of Christianity today does not hold the necessity of disciplines required to stand.

We live our lives as if we stake out the conditions and terms of Jesus being lord of our lives.  

If we have any of God's concerns in our heart , any regard for His love for others.  We would live our Christ following life as if our life each day truly depended on it.  All the while  turning people towards Christ not "Christianity" !!!!

We must lead people to Christ and share the truth that it's a complete lordship and that you must take up your cross and follow Him daily.  

Let us not compromise what followings Christ is all about for the sake of getting people on overs.  Give them the real deal and let God do the rest. 

John 16:24

Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete. (John 16:24 NIV)

Praying IN HIS NAME is an important part of this scripture.   As Kadin says this morning .... "And while it says anything it doesn't mean stupid stuff!!"  Lol 

I think what he's getting at as when we pray in Jesus name we pray with an understanding of praying in His will and His  way.   We may want an easy way out or a quick fix but God knows what the journey of pain and sorrow brings to our lives.  It develops character and perseverance.  

We hold on to our God and we pray I. HIS name!!!!

1 Corinthians 10:13

No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. (1 Corinthians 10:13 NIV)

We are slowly learning the life of faith day by day!!!! When temptation comes our first response is to not look at the temptation but rather Jesus!  This way He will press in and push out the temptation giving us victory over it every time.

Our only safety is looking at Jesus continually.  Cast ourselves on Him , our perfect savior who redeems us and makes us complete.   Lord keep us trusting you in all things.   

Hebrews 10:22

let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. (Hebrews 10:22 NIV)

Awareness of the presence of God marks us forever.  The Bible does its first work in us - truth evident to us all of who God is and all He has done.   We respond! 

We draw near to God with a true heart and a full assurance of faith that we know Him and He knows us.  

It's a beautiful. It's raw.  We will never be the same.  

2 Corinthians 5:17

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! (2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV)

What is holding you back from moving on?  It's surprising how quickly the things we once threw off come back and long to us once again.  

Things like -

Resentment

Anger

Lack of confidence

Unresolved issues

Favorite sins

Unhealthy life style

The list goes on and on !

Throw it off!!!  How?  Besides praying ....the best thing you can do is to talk to someone about it and ask for accountability !   Confess it.  

Old habits die hard.  Breaking out takes work!!! 

Let's do it today!

New in Christ!