Recently I read an article warning Christians about 5 different strategies the enemy is using to make Christians ineffective.   They are:

• Get you discouraged
• Make you think you messed up or missed it
• Get you sidetracked and frustrated
• Get you stressed out, stealing your peace
• Get Christians to accuse one another.

Do you find yourself vulnerable in any of these areas?  If yes, acknowledge the problem and repent, realize that the enemy is on the prowl, memorize a scripture and meditate on it to strengthen your faith.  As believers in Jesus, we must continually put the enemy under our feet.

God’s word is alive.  It says of itself that it is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword.  (Hebrews 4:12)   Recently, this verse made me think.  I have pondered the fact that God’s word is active.  It’s not dormant, it’s active.  It is actively doing something in my life.  Consider that for a minute…

I spend time everyday reading my Bible.  It is one of the very first things I do every single morning.  I think of it as my spiritual food.  I will starve without it.  When I read the scripture, I am digesting it into my spirit, my soul, and into my life.   Recently I have come to realize that God’s word actively influences my entire day.  Not just for the short time I read it, but it influences my whole day.  God’s word gives me hope, energy, empowerment, and encouragement though each day’s many challenges.  It is actively working in my life, guiding me, leading me, and helping me each and every day.  God’s word is a treasure – embrace it, digest it, value it!

The simple truth is this – the way that we answer that question will determine where we spend eternity.  Our eternal destinies are based on whether we have a relationship with Jesus or not.  Are you ready for eternity?

A million years from now, what will be the only thing that matters?  Will it matter how much money you have made?  Will it matter what kind of car you drive?  Will it matter who you take to Prom?  Will it matter if the sermon this morning is interesting or boring?  A million years from now, the only thing that will matter is who is heaven and who is not.  And if that is the only thing that matters then, it should be of the highest priority now.  So ask yourself who is Jesus?  Do you know Him?  Does He know you?

This week, I was pondering Jesus’ parable of the two sons in Matthew 21. The father told both boys to go out and work in the vineyard. The first son initially refused, but then changed his mind and went to work anyway. This son was unwilling, at first, but then eventually chose obedience. In contrast, the second son quickly agreed to go to work, but then later refused to go. This son was willing but then was disobedient. Neither son was willing and obedient.

For weeks, I have been mediating on the promise of Isaiah 1:19, quoted above. Sometimes in my life I feel willing but I struggle with obedience. Other times, I argue with God, showing my unwillingness, but then I finally submit and obey. My life represents a picture of both sons’ response. The cry of my heart is that I will be willing and obedient. I want to eat the good of the land. I want to walk in the favor and the blessing of God. Jesus my heart’s cry is that I will joyfully

Do you hide God’s word in your heart? Do you make it a regular practice to memorize and meditate on Scripture? If not, you should. One of the most powerful ways you can transform your life is through hiding God’s word in your heart. The Bible helps us to resist the enemy, make wise decisions, and it strengthens us when we feel weak. I know that in the times of deepest sorrow in my life, God’s word was a huge source of comfort to me.

When you were younger you probably memorized the Pledge of Allegiance. You may have also memorized phone numbers, recipes, and song lyrics. One of my sons has memorized many of the NBA basketball players’ names and which teams they play on. We memorize what is important to us. David wrote in Psalm 119:72, “The law that you gave means more to me than all the money in the world” (GNB). When you realize how important and how valuable God’s Word is, you’ll get serious about memorizing significant portions of it. Let’s get in the habit of hiding God’s word in our hearts!

If you answered yes to one of these questions (or perhaps you are like me and answered yes to all of them) then one avenue of pursuing change is through fasting.  If you are anything like me, the word fasting stirs up grumbling and dread.  It’s an easy Christian exercise to overlook.  But, God calls His people to fast.  It is through fasting that our spirits open up to new things of God.   It is through fasting that we can experience breakthrough and blessing in our lives that God ordains.

David wrote, “I will not offer to the Lord that which costs me nothing.” 2 Samuel 24:24.  In fasting, we are offering ourselves to the Lord in a sacrificial way.   Fasting hurts.  It costs me something.  But, I want to be serious in my pursuit of God.  Pastor Ken has called us to 3 week fast, Jan 13 – Feb. 2.  As we fast together, let’s determine to “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteous, and all these things will be added unto us.”  Matt 6:33.

Having a sense of expectation should be one of the manifestations of our faith.  If our faith in God is solid and growing, then it is right that we expect God to perform His word.  Having expectation is a daunting task because we struggle with the fear of false hope.  But God wants us to trust Him, believe His word, and have a sense of expectation… because He is faithful to His promises!  So believe and expect great things from God.

The only person that can really change us is Jesus.  Since He is the author and the creator of life, He has the ability to take our lives, like clay, and mold and shape us into who He wants us to be.  Instead of making a bunch of resolutions this year, consider doing this instead.  Ask God what He wants you to work on and change.  Pray about it and seek His will, His direction.  And as He reveals His thoughts to you, ask Him to empower to you to change things in your life that need improvement.

Last week we announced that starting in January 2012,we will begin to study the Gospel of John.  My desire is that as we examine Jesus’ ministry together, we will learn to become more like Him.  A popular phrase a few years ago was, “What would Jesus Do?”  I encourage you to read this book on your own.  Consider reading  it from a different translation, like NLT or The Message.  And as you read it, consider how Jesus responded to people and to life events, so that you know what Jesus would do.  “Uncover my eyes so that I may see miraculous things in Your teachings.”  Ps. 119:18 GWT.

I wrote a note to myself this week and put it on my desk. It simply said, ‘Think about the good things.’ While it is so easy to concentrate on the bad, I found that it takes some effort to focus on the good.

Scripture tells us (commands us actually) to give thanks in all things. That doesn’t mean that we are to give thanks for all things. But rather, in spite of all things, we can still give thanks. This week I made a list for myself of things that I can (and should be) thankful to God for providing. I want to live life focused on the good. I want to be a thankful person. I want to be a content person; not someone always longing for more. 1 Timothy 6:6, “But godliness actually is a means of great gain when accompanied by contentment.”