Welcome to a new way of living.
James 1:2 My fellow believers, when it seems as though you are facing nothing but difficulties, see it as an invaluable opportunity to experience the greatest joy that you can! 3 For you know that when your faith is tested it stirs up in you the power of endurance. 4 And then as your endurance grows even stronger, it will release perfection into every part of your being until there is nothing missing and nothing lacking.
- Fear
- Doubt
- Blame
- Punishment
Will cause me to withdraw, pull back, or run
- Trust
- Believe
- Seek
- Understanding
Requires me to push in, pursue, and grow
Seasons of Difficulty or An Event of Difficulty
Stop and consider this time as:
- Valuable
- Extremely Useful
- An Opportunity
Victory requires pursuit and battle. You can’t win without engaging.
Vs 3 Faith tested stirs up the power of endurance
Vs 4 Endurance grows stronger – releasing perfection that nothing can be found missing or lacking in your faith
Vs 5 Asking for wisdom comes with generous grace and I will not be rebuked for it
Vs 6 Ask with confident faith ~ let’s not be tossed about by doubt
If you allow Him to apprehend you your vision becomes clearer.
He will to teach you how to battle. How to fight. How to stand. How to be still.
Ephesians 6:10-18
Holy Fear of God should not be a reflection of my failures to run from Him.
Rather a patient pursuit to draw close.
You will serve whom you fear! If you fear God, you’ll obey God. If you fear man, you’ll ultimately obey man’s desires.
I become focused when I Determine who I will serve. Page 92
Do I want to reflect my true image or a projected image.
in our inward parts is the place that governs our motives and intentions. Page 93 & 94
Projected image is in danger of not fearing God. Page 104 & 105
leads us to a false God. One made in our own image. Page 106
Bonus Read: Hebrews 13:8; John 14:12; 2Corinthians 4:7; James 1:22; Acts 1:8
Ephesians 1-6; Psalm 4; Proverbs 5
I am working out my salvation with holy fear and trembling. For I am chasing after holiness with the full intent to apprehend it. My goal is to be holy as God is holy.
Exercise: Love, forgiveness, doing something for my enemy. Proverbs 19:11; John 20:23