Start:

Jan 9, '07

Hebrews 4:12
For the word of God is living and active.
Sharper than any double-edged sword,
it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit,
joints and marrow;
it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

Jeremiah 23:29
"Is not my word like fire," declares the LORD, "
and like a hammer that breaks a rock in pieces?

Start:

Jan 7, '07

"For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled."
"Seize your destiny! Make decisions that draw you closer to God, and remember to guard your thoughts. Your every decision is built upon a thought. Saint Paul writes, Bring "every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ!"

Adultery does not begin at motel; it begins when your thoughts turn away from your marriage vow made before God. Murder does not begin when you squeeze the trigger; it begins when your thoughts of anger are not brought into obedience before Christ. Divorce does not begin in the judge's chambers; it begins when you entertain thoughts of how good life would be without your spouse.

Sin does not begin with an action; it begins with a thought!

 

 

17 no weapon forged against you will prevail,
       and you will refute every tongue that accuses you.
       This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD,
       and this is their vindication from me,"
       declares the LORD.

 

 

You’ve Been "Chosen"

John 15:16 You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain.

Somehow, many have the mistaken idea that they choose God. However, Jesus clearly said, "You did not choose Me, but I chose you." Does this mean that salvation is out of our hands? Absolutely not! It is you who must decide whether or not to accept Jesus’ invitation; you do that by "believing."(Acts 16:31)

Now that you understand that Jesus "chose you," let’s apply the following analogy:

When someone invites you to their home for a meal, it’s reasonable for you to expect they will fulfill certain social obligations. Also, inasmuch as you’ve been invited, you don’t have to wonder whether you’re welcome, nor do you have to be concerned about whether there will be enough food to go around and a place at the table for you.

The scenario that I’ve described would be different, if you stopped by uninvited. Therefore, knowing that you’re a "chosen" guest, should give you confidence. Being "chosen" means you’re accepted in this house; you don’t have to do anything to gain entrance.

My friend, you have a privileged relationship with God, His Son said, "You did not choose Me, but I chose you!" Therefore, if you’ve accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior, He has "chosen you." Now that you belong to Him, He wants to bless others through you!

However, not all of God’s blessings, are things you may rejoice about in the beginning. Sometimes His blessings are so overwhelming, that when He starts pouring them out we think, "I’m not sure I can handle all this!" And we would be right, if we had been the ones who did the choosing! But remember, it was Jesus who invited you into this relationship; He "chose you," and whoever He chooses, He provides for!

In closing, I want you to be aware that "there is one who makes himself rich, yet has nothing; and one who makes himself poor, yet has great riches."(Prov 13:7)

One who has accepted Jesus as their Savior, and follows Him as their Lord, is rich regardless of what their bank account looks like.

Jesus "chose" you; have you accepted Him?