Wednesday, March 16, 2016

Making Conscious Decisions


Making Conscious Decisions
 
This post is from notes I took during our Bible Study at Open Door Church.

1 Peter 4:1-2  Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh, no longer for  human passions but for the will of God.

Many times we are protected from suffering because God places an umbrella of protection over us.  Other times the storm soaks us. 
 
We do not always live in comfort.  There are times we suffer from wrong done to us by others, or from circumstances over which we have no control.  Other times it is because of our own poor choices.  These trials can become a learning experience which drive us to our knees and we learn to trust God through trying times.

Jesus cried out to the Father for release from what he knew was ahead.  Finally in obedience Jesus was able to say, “Not my will but thine be done.”  He knew it was necessary for the sake of all mankind that he submit to the death on the cross.

Why do we suffer on occasion?  Often it is because we as Christians do not participate in the unbelief of unbelievers.  We are to BE the Gospel that others see, and that brings conviction of sin.  We must be so careful of our walk, for others are watching us.  Some Christians are actually bullied and attacked for their faith as unbelievers are upset by their presence.

Judgment begins at the house of God.  We can and should set boundaries, but also be careful not to judge.  Gain knowledge and seek God’s will.

Colossians 1:9-10  We have not ceased to pray for you asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him.

What does God require of you?   Micah 1:8  And what does the Lord require of you?  To act justly and to love mercy - - and to walk humbly with your God.

A woman in another country was badly mistreated by her husband and she prayed that he might be saved.  He was radically saved and began to preach and witness, causing much persecution and suffering to the entire family, all because of his new extreme faith.

It is not so much what happens to you; but how will you respond?

Jesus came to do the will of the Father and He said, "The Father is in Me and I am in the Father."  Jesus was acting out God’s will in everything that he did.

We are called to walk not as fools but to be wise redeeming the time.  We are to live not only for ourselves, but to consider others showing them respect. 

Ephesians 5: 15-20 Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise, but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.  Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.  And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in Psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Be concerned about the lost, that they will come to the knowledge of Christ. 

The issues of life often pull people down, but Jesus came to lift us up and set us in heavenly places in Him. 

 

3 comments:

TC Avey said...

Well said. Great scriptures to emphasize your points.
Actions speak volumes. The world us watching to see if our actions match our words.

Ifeoma Samuel said...

Hello Aunt Hazel
This is so true
"We must be so careful of our walk, for others are watching us. Some Christians are actually bullied and attacked for their faith as unbelievers are upset by their presence".
People are watching! Silently or Visibly we ought to be careful in our decisions.
God Bless

caryjo said...

As usual, you shared carefully and wonderfully re: reality. Thank you.