God comes down to us

”I will come down and speak with you there...”

Numbers 11:17

God doesn’t make us come up to his level, he comes down to ours - face to face - so that we can understand, follow, trust, and see him in all his glory and all his splendor.  Therefore, do not fear that God is too far above you to be able to talk to him - that is not his character.  He made each of us unique and individualized as they come, and since he made each of us unique and individualized, he comes to each and every one of us as such so that every single one of us can understand him, see him, revel in him, and live in his glory.  

Friends, God is not someone beyond our reach.  No!  He is right here with each and everyone one of us, engaging with us and loving us.  Therefore, talk to him, seek him, and trust him.  For when you do, you will find him, in all his love and splendor, standing face to face with you, arms open wide to hold you and carry you on your way to all glory.

Wholesome -make the effort

“… make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him.”

2 Peter 3:14

https://www.slideshare.net/iloilolodge/4-character-development

Teach others with your life

“... Teach believers with your life: by word, by demeanor, by love, by faith, by integrity.  Stay at your posts reading Scripture, giving counsel... Keep a firm grasp on both your character and your teaching.  Don’t be diverted.  Just keep at it.  Both you and those who hear you will experience salvation.”  

-1 Timothy 4:11-14, 15-16 MSG

https://goo.gl/images/uxazPP

The makings of a great leader

“… These were Asher’s sons, all of them responsible, excellent in character, and brave in battle – good leaders…” 1 Chronicles 7:33-40 MSG

A great leader is all of the above, but a GREAT leader is a loyal follower of Christ with all of the above added in!

The leading actor

“If we want a life other than mere biology, we must deal with God.  There is no alternate way… for it is, after all, his story; none of us is the leading character in the story of our life.”  The Message, by Eugene H. Peterson, (pg. 392).

Yes, this is your life, however, it is God’s story, and he’s given you a roll in it.  So, since we are in his story, then we must always remember that  no matter how hard you try to take the leading roll, God will always be the actor that takes home the prize.

The real function of the Law

"... For [the real function of] the Law is to make men recognize and be conscious of sin [not mere perception, but an acquaintance with sin which works toward repentance, faith, and holy character]." Romans 2:20 AMP

I love this verse.  We all fall short of the Law, (Ten Commandments, commands of the Old Testament), but thanks be to Jesus, we have redemption through His blood.  The Law isn't to condemn ourselves and feel like failures, The Law is to make us better people, and when we fall, we get right back up and do our best to do better, to change our character more and more into the likeness of Christ.  None of us are perfect, although we try so hard to be; only God is perfect, all we can do is strive to do our best to be more like Him everyday.  So, be proud of who you are, and Whose you are.  Nobody else is better than you, luckier than you, more blessed than you, more regarded than you... in Christ we are all equal.  Begin to focus on your abundances, (love, gifts, talents, possessions, etc.),  and stop focusing on your lack.  I believe, as you do, your abundances will multiply and your lack will be no more.  Praise God.