Philippians 4:8

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. (Philippians 4:8 NIV)

Kadin shared this morning that PJ is teaching his class about temptation.  This is a great verse to train your mind to think on truth , God's word when you are in a tough spot.  Wether it's temptation or feelings of anxiety or stress.  

Kadin learned that it's not a sin to be tempted, Jesus was tempted , it's what you do with it that counts and can either bring consequence or blessing!!!

Romans 8:39

neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:39 NIV)

Relax knowing that God will never stop loving you no matter what you do.  It's a pure gift.  Live in peace and know that God will help you with your trouble.  He has overcome the world.  

We cannot do enough or be good enough to earn his love.  It's free. 

Col. 1:28

He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ. (Colossians 1:28 NIV)

Although we know we are not perfect.  We are perfect in Christ Jesus.  

Accepted and loved.  Pure. 

Admire this truth in Christ for just a moment........

Jesus gives us the gift of maturity as we trust him and he pours wisdom upon us as we call upon His name for help.

Col. 3 :12-14

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. (Colossians 3:12-14 NIV)

Boy it's easy to be hard on each other for how they act or what they do.  Truth is - all of us fall short of the glory of God.  How dare we judge each other and attack each other because we feel justified!!!   Rather , we should clothe ourselves with humility, love, patience and kindness so that Christ love will be known.    Isn't that how we want to be treated?  Don't settle for justifying your behavior but rather surrender your thoughts and actions to the one who loves and forgives you  .

2 Cor. 3:18

We all, with open face, beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image. 2 Cor. 3:18.

The outstanding characteristic of a Christian is this unveiled frankness before God so that the life becomes a mirror for other lives. By being filled with the Spirit we are transformed, and by beholding we become mirrors. You always know when a man has been beholding the glory of the Lord, you feel in your inner spirit that he is the mirror of the Lord’s own character. (Oswald Chambers) 

We want our lives to be mirrors of His glory.  To be like Him in all that we say and do.  Let us test every action and every word against the nature of our God and let His transforming power lead the way.  

Psalm 33:20-22

We wait in hope for the Lord; he is our help and our shield. In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name. May your unfailing love be with us, Lord, even as we put our hope in you. (Psalm 33:20-22 NIV)

What is your hope in?  Money? Stocks? Lottery? Your position?  Your financial status ? Your popularity?

What is hope? Anticipation.....your feelings of what is to come....expectation of something good or better coming your way. 

Jesus gives us hope in our salvation for sure through eternal life but also a daily hope that brings us peace each day we live.   That hope is what we have and what others need.  The local church is the hope of the world.  If you are not involved with a church you are missing out on extending hope to the world.  What a beautiful thing!!!

Jeremiah 2:2

“Go and proclaim in the hearing of Jerusalem: “This is what the Lord says: “ ‘I remember the devotion of your youth, how as a bride you loved me and followed me through the wilderness, through a land not sown. (Jeremiah 2:2 NIV)

Oh how we get lazy in our love towards God!!!   What does God recall of you today?  Were you once in love where you would do anything that He asked - go anywhere - be anything to anyone because nothing deserves your attention like Him.  Does God long for you to get back there?  Has your heart become cold and in a regiment of daily duty?  Are we full of joy because He gives us life no matter what hardships we are going through or have we lost our joy because we've forgotten his precious gift and are distracted with our tough times?     Have we've been kind to God through our reputation ?   Whoa!  Good question!!!