The Testimony of Paul's conversion

INTRODUCTION

1. Are you someone who has contemplated becoming a Christian, but

wondered...

a. Would God forgive you for the terrible things you've done?

b. Could you live the kind of life God desires of you?

2. There is a man who serves as an example for you...

a. Of the grace and mercy that is available for you

b. Of the faith and love that you can have in Jesus

[His name is Paul, and in

1Timothy 1:12-17

“And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry; 13Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. 14And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. 15This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. 16Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting. 17Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.”

I. DEMONSTRATING THE GRACE OF OUR LORD

A. NOTE PAUL'S FORMER LIFE...

1. He was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent (violent) man

a. Consenting to the death of Stephen

 Acts 7:60

“And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man's feet, whose name was Saul. And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. 60And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.”

b. Persecuting Christians even to Damascus

 Acts 9:1-2

“And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest, 2And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem.”

. Enraged against Christians, compelling them to blaspheme

- Acts 26:9-11

“I verily thought with myself, that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth. 10Which thing I also did in Jerusalem: and many of the saints did I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, I gave my voice against them. 11And I punished them oft in every synagogue, and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly mad against them, I persecuted them even unto strange cities.”

2. His goal was to destroy the church of God

 Galatians 1:13

“For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews' religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it:”

3. He was indeed "chief" of sinners

-- Yet the grace of the Lord was "exceedingly abundant" and he

obtained mercy!

B. WHAT ABOUT YOUR LIFE...?

1. Yes, you have committed sin

 Romans 3:23

“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;”

a. Perhaps you are a good, moral person like the Eunuch,

Cornelius, or Lydia

b. Perhaps you are a murderer and blasphemer like Paul was

2. In either case, Jesus came to into the world to save sinners

- 1Timothy 1:15

“This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.”

a. The grace of the Lord is exceedingly abundant

b. The Lord is long-suffering

 2Peter 3:9

“he Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”

-- Will you not let Paul's pattern move you to believe on the Lord

for everlasting life?

1Timothy 1:16

“Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.”

[There is no sin too great, no crime so heinous, that cannot be forgiven

by the grace of the Lord!  The conversion of Paul serves as evidence

that no matter who you are or what you've done, you can be saved.  Paul

also serves as a pattern...]

II. DEMONSTRATING THE FAITH AND LOVE IN JESUS

A. NOTE PAUL'S SERVICE TO CHRIST...

1. The Lord put Paul into the ministry

 1Timothy 1:12

“And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry.”

 To turn people from the power of Satan to God

 Acts 26:18

“To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.”

2. He became a pattern of the faith and love that is possible in

Christ

 Striving to be the best he could be

 Philippians 3:12-15

“Not as though I had already attainted, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Let us therefore, as many as be pefect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.”

 Learning contentment, finding strength

 Philippians 4:11-13

“Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”

-- Paul provides the example of a life of faith and love that

leads to peace

 Philippians 4:9

“Those things, which ye have both learned and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.”

B. WHAT ABOUT YOUR LIFE...?

1. If you are already a Christian

a. Are you experiencing the faith and love that is Christ?

1) Faith that comes from the Word of God?

 Romans 10:17

“So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”

2) Love that comes by being taught of God?

 1Thessalonians 4:9-10

“But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another. And indeed ye do it toward all the brethren which are in all Macedonia: but we beseech you, brethren, that ye increase more and more;”

b. Are you following the pattern of Paul...?

1) Cooperating with the grace of God to turn from sin?

2) Ever pressing onward toward spiritual maturity?

3) Faithful to whatever ministry the Lord places upon you?

2. If you are not yet a Christian

a. Why not take the step of faith like Paul did?

1) He did what the Lord commanded him

Acts 22:16

“And now why tarriest thou? Arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.”

2) He started anew, walking by faith and not by sight

 2 Corinthians 5:7

“(For we walk by faith, not by sight:)”

b. Why not accept the love that is available in Jesus?

1) The love of God, your heavenly Father

 1John 4:10,11

“Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.”

2) The love of Jesus, your wonderful Savior

 John 15:9,10

“As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love. If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love.”

Consequences from foolish decisions

Proverbs 3:5

“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.”

I love to read proverbs, for it speaks soley on spiritual wisdom and the cause and effects of what foolish and fleshly decisions can bring. God specifies in His holy word how important it is to make sure that we read and instill the truth in our walk with Him. As we read the bible, you can learn from the many achievements and the unfortunate failures, that a numerous amount of people have made along the way.

Jonah Learned the hard way when he used his fleshly wisdom against God’s wisdom and instructions when it came to the judgement/repentance of the people of Ninevah. Throughout his journey he learned no matter what tactics he tried to avoid going to Ninevah, God’s way will always prevail all the time. The reason of Jonah’s defiance of the people of Ninevah, was that they were in constant battle against the Israelites and therefore the Israelites suffered for it. But regardless of what Jonah thought and felt about it, God is a merciful and loving God and wanted to give them a chance for redemption.

Jonah 1:1-17

Jonah Sent to Nineveh, Flees to Tarshish

Now the word of the LORD came unto Jonah the son of Amittai, saying, 2Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and cry against it; for their wickedness is come up before me. 3But Jonah rose up to flee unto Tarshish from the presence of the LORD, and went down to Joppa; and he found a ship going to Tarshish: so he paid the fare thereof, and went down into it, to go with them unto Tarshish from the presence of the LORD.

The Great Storm

 4But the LORD sent out a great wind into the sea, and there was a mighty tempest in the sea, so that the ship was like to be broken. 5Then the mariners were afraid, and cried every man unto his god, and cast forth the wares that were in the ship into the sea, to lighten it of them. But Jonah was gone down into the sides of the ship; and he lay, and was fast asleep. 6So the shipmaster came to him, and said unto him, What meanest thou, O sleeper? arise, call upon thy God, if so be that God will think upon us, that we perish not. 7And they said every one to his fellow, Come, and let us cast lots, that we may know for whose cause this evil is upon us. So they cast lots, and the lot fell upon Jonah. 8Then said they unto him, Tell us, we pray thee, for whose cause this evil is upon us; What is thine occupation? and whence comest thou? what is thy country? and of what people art thou? 9And he said unto them, I am an Hebrew; and I fear the LORD, the God of heaven, which hath made the sea and the dry land. 10Then were the men exceedingly afraid, and said unto him, Why hast thou done this? For the men knew that he fled from the presence of the LORD, because he had told them.

Jonah Cast Into the Sea and Swallowed

11Then said they unto him, What shall we do unto thee, that the sea may be calm unto us? for the sea wrought, and was tempestuous. 12And he said unto them, Take me up, and cast me forth into the sea; so shall the sea be calm unto you: for I know that for my sake this great tempest is upon you. 13Nevertheless the men rowed hard to bring it to the land; but they could not: for the sea wrought, and was tempestuous against them. 14Wherefore they cried unto the LORD, and said, We beseech thee, O LORD, we beseech thee, let us not perish for this man's life, and lay not upon us innocent blood: for thou, O LORD, hast done as it pleased thee. 15So they took up Jonah, and cast him forth into the sea: and the sea ceased from her raging. 16Then the men feared the LORD exceedingly, and offered a sacrifice unto the LORD, and made vows. 17Now the LORD had prepared a great fish to swallow up Jonah. And Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights.”

Ninevah repents

Jonah 3:5-10

“So the people of Nineveh believed God, and proclaimed a fast, and put on sackcloth, from the greatest of them even to the least of them. 6For word came unto the king of Nineveh, and he arose from his throne, and he laid his robe from him, and covered him with sackcloth, and sat in ashes. 7And he caused it to be proclaimed and published through Nineveh by the decree of the king and his nobles, saying, Let neither man nor beast, herd nor flock, taste any thing: let them not feed, nor drink water: 8But let man and beast be covered with sackcloth, and cry mightily unto God: yea, let them turn every one from his evil way, and from the violence that is in their hands. 9Who can tell if God will turn and repent, and turn away from his fierce anger, that we perish not? 10And God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way; and God repented of the evil, that he had said that he would do unto them; and he did it not.”

Jonah's Anger at the Lord's Compassion

Jonah 4:1-11

1But it displeased Jonah exceedingly, and he was very angry. 2And he prayed unto the LORD, and said, I pray thee, O LORD, was not this my saying, when I was yet in my country? Therefore I fled before unto Tarshish: for I knew that thou art a gracious God, and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repentest thee of the evil. 3Therefore now, O LORD, take, I beseech thee, my life from me; for it is better for me to die than to live. 4Then said the LORD, Doest thou well to be angry? 5So Jonah went out of the city, and sat on the east side of the city, and there made him a booth, and sat under it in the shadow, till he might see what would become of the city. 6And the LORD God prepared a gourd, and made it to come up over Jonah, that it might be a shadow over his head, to deliver him from his grief. So Jonah was exceeding glad of the gourd. 7But God prepared a worm when the morning rose the next day, and it smote the gourd that it withered. 8And it came to pass, when the sun did arise, that God prepared a vehement east wind; and the sun beat upon the head of Jonah, that he fainted, and wished in himself to die, and said, It is better for me to die than to live. 9And God said to Jonah, Doest thou well to be angry for the gourd? And he said, I do well to be angry, even unto death. 10Then said the LORD, Thou hast had pity on the gourd, for the which thou hast not laboured, neither madest it grow; which came up in a night, and perished in a night: 11And should not I spare Nineveh, that great city, wherein are more than sixscore thousand persons that cannot discern between their right hand and their left hand; and also much cattle?” 

(My life lesson shared)

I would like to share an analogy with you guys, as it has pressed deeply in my mind. (in a good way) First I would like to ask, have we done something foolish then after doing it, say why did I do that? I’m sure 100% of you would agree. For example: We all have to go grocery shopping to put food in the house, and the worst part of the shopping day is bringing all of the food in the house. We say to ourselves,  don’t worry we are going to use our incredible superhuman strength and carry as many groceries in the house as we can so there would be less trips. Well, in our version of superhuman strength, we end up with the risk of truly injuring ourselves; whether it being our back, arms or simply falling by the weight of what we are carrying. I know, because I made the mistake of taking more than I can simply handle and seriously hurting myself. I was carrying probably around 3-4 bags of soda bottles and what made it more trivial is that I was walking up the steps to my house. Well I guess I lost my grip of the bags while trying to open the door when all of a sudden the weight of the bags twisted in a way and fell on top of my right ring finger. I instantly heard a crack/rip sound, and I thought that I broke my finger because when I looked down at my hand my finger was really crooked (turned to the right). I cried and regretted my decision of doing something so foolish, and at that time I was trying to figure out if I needed to go to the hospital for a broken finger. After examining the finger I didn’t see any bones sticking out but I was still concerned. Later that night I notice that my right hand was so swollen, that it looked like a baseball mitt; so at this point there it was an immediate prayer session between my dad and I. By the grace of God, my hand had healed with no hospital bill. (Thank you Jesus!) I strongly believe that I had injured tendons and no bones were touched. Now don’t get me wrong, just like any injury there will be a time when they will flair up when triggered, but that Is apart of life. We are reminded everyday that we are only human and we live in an imperfect world; the total opposite of Heaven. In heaven we don’t get sick, we don’t age, we don’t hurt, but we are in peace to rejoice and praise our Lord Father for eternity.

To this day where all of my fingers bend and relax like normal, the one finger likes to stay slightly bent (nothing too serious). And If I use my right hand a lot through strenuous work (cleaning, writing,etc) that finger tightens and it tends to get a little sore; I would just massage my hand a little bit and then it would be alright again.

Putting aside injuries, and fingers, my whole point was to show how we make such foolish decisions that always results in consequences. Throughout the word of God, He tells us to Seek Him, to Trust Him, and to Lean upon Him through everything that we do. Where my foolish decision to carry everything in sight that led to my injury, I should have taken my time where I would have avoided all of that trouble. Which brings to where God talks of wisdom as we live in this crazy world….

Proverbs 28:26

“He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered.”

Is Revenge Bitter or Sweet?

Is Revenge Bitter or Sweet?

When someone treats you wrong, how do you respond?

a. Do you react in kind, treating evil with evil?

b. Do you just stand there and take whatever abuse is given?

-- What is the proper way to respond to evil?

Romans 12:19

“Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.”

1 Samuel 24:3-22

“And he came to the sheepcotes by the way, where was a cave; and Saul went in to cover his feet: and David and his men remained in the sides of the cave. And the men of David said unto him, Behold the day of which the Lord said unto thee, Behold, I will deliver thine enemy into thine hand, that thou mayest do to him as it shall seem good unto thee. Then David arose, and cut off the skirt of Saul’s robe privily. And it came to pass afterward, that David’s heart smote him, because he had cut off Saul’s skirt. And he said unto his men, The Lord forbid that I should do this thing unto my master, the Lord’s anointed, to stretch forth mine hand against him, seeing he is the anointed of the Lord.

So David stayed his servants with these words, and suffered them not to rise against Saul. But Saul rose up out of the cave, and went on his way. David also arose afterward, and went out of the cave, and cried after Saul, saying, My Lord the king. And when Saul looked behind him, David stopped with his face to the earth, and bowed himself. And David said to Saul, Wherefore hearest thou men’s words, saying, Behold, David seeketh thy hurt? Behold, my father, see, yea, see the skirt of thy robe in my hand: for in that I cut off the skirt of thy robe, and killed thee not, know thou and see that there is neither evil nor transgression in mine hand, and I have not sinned against thee; yet thou huntest my soul to take it. The Lord judge between me and thee, and the Lord avenge me of thee: but mine hand shall not be upon thee. As saith the proverb of the ancients, Wickedness proceedeth from the wicked: but mine hand shall not be upon thee. After whom is the king of Israel come out? After whom dost thou pursue? After a dead dog, after a flea. The Lord therefore be judge, and judge between me and thee, and see, and plead my cause, and deliver me out of thine hand.

And it came to pass, when David had made an end of speaking these words unto Saul, that Saul said, is this thy voice, my son David? And Saul lifted up his voice, and wept. And he said to David, Thou art more righteous than I: for thou hast rewarded me good, whereas I have rewarded thee evil. And thou hast shewed this day how that thou hast dealt well with me: forasmuch as when the Lord had delivered me into thine hand, thou killedest me not. For if a man find his enemy, will he let him go well away? Wherefore the Lord reward thee good for that thou hast done unto me this day. And now, behold, I know well that thou shalt surely be king, and that the kingdom of Israel shall be established in thine hand. Swear now therefore unto me by the Lord, that thou wilt not cut off my seed after me, and that thou wilt not destroy my name out of my father’s house. And David sware unto Saul. And Saul went home; but David and his men gat them up unto the hold.”

Matthew 5:38-46

“Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth: But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloke also. And whatsoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain. Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away. Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbor, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? Do not even the publicans the same?”

Do not resist an evil person 

a. Not only should you not take vengeance into your own

hands...

b. But don't even oppose (resist) the evil person when the

evil is being done!

2. Respond to evil by doing good! 

a. Jesus illustrates this principle with several examples...

1) Responding to physical abuse  

a) "Turn the other cheek"

b) This may refer to offering the other cheek as an

expression of love

2) Responding to a civil suit, by giving more than what the

person is suing! 

3) Responding to government oppression, by offering to do

more than what is being demanded of you! 

4) Responding to those asking for help, by giving them what

they ask! 

b. In each case, the principle is the same

1) We are not to resist the person...

a) Who would mistreat us

b) Who would try to deprive us of our possessions

2) Instead, respond in a positive manner...

a) Demonstrate love towards them

b) Do so by freely giving them more than they were

hoping to gain by force, oppression, or manipulation!

The Value of Role Models

"SPIRITUAL GROWTH" 

The Value Of Role Models

 II. THE VALUE OF ROLE MODELS

A. GOOD ROLE MODELS CAN HELP...

 how "uneducated and untrained men" can boldly proclaim

the gospel of Christ

Acts 4:13

“Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marveled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.”

            By example, they teach us how to reach the same goals

a. E.g., to enjoy a wonderful relationship with God

Philippians 4:9

“Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.”

b. E.g., to remain steadfast despite trials

 2Corinthians 4:16-18

“For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet with inward man is renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.”

B. BAD ROLE MODELS CAN HINDER...

1. By example, they fail to show us what is possible

a. Perhaps preventing us from learning of our potential

b. Certainly not encouraging us to strive for excellence

2. By example, we can pick up their bad habits and dispositions

a. As indicated earlier, we are naturally imitators

b. It is not long before our conduct is similar to our role

models

[If we desire to grow spiritually, we need to have good role models.

Where are they?  We are blessed with many...]

III. ROLE MODELS WORTHY OF EMULATION

A. WE HAVE DEITY...

1. As Christ encouraged us to do, in showing kindness to our

enemies

 Matthew 5:43-48

“Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbor, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? Do not even the publicans the same? And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? Do not even the publicans so? Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.”

2. As Paul instructed the Ephesians to walk in love

 Ephesians 5:1-2

“Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.”

3. What better example do we have, than that of God and Jesus

Christ?

4. Indeed, some of the very titles we wear imply such imitation:

a. Children of God

b. Disciples of Jesus Christ

-- Do we seek to learn as much about God and Jesus as we do other

role models?

 Yet we should be careful, for not all who profess to be

Christians behave as they should - cf. Php 3:18-19

 It is important, therefore, that we know the Scriptures well

enough to know when someone is worthy of our emulation

-- Yet there are many Christians who can teach and encourage us by

their own example, if we will but let them!

CONCLUSION

1. If you seek to grow spiritually, take advantage of role models...

a. Let them show you what is possible!

b. Let them teach you how to obtain the goals you are striving for!

c. Let them encourage you to persevere, knowing that others have

traveled the same path before you!

2. Since we are natural born imitators, let us make the choice to

imitate the good

 3John 11

“Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God.”

a. Only then do we have the hope of being "of God"

b. The only alternative is to imitate the evil, which prevents us

from ever "seeing God"

We conclude this lesson with the following words of Scripture:

 Hebrews 6:11-12

“And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end: That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.”

Are we imitating those who through faith and patience inherit the

promises?

The Act of Worship

The Act of Worship

Matthew 15:8

“This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their hearts is far from me.”

It is hard to worship when our eyes are on the world, on other people, on making money, being successful, or on ourselves. To worship in spirit and in truth we have to take our eyes off everything else and focus on Jesus, our Lord. Worship is an action we take. It is something we do. In living a lifestyle of worship there are many ways to demonstrate our worship. Worship is expressing our love and adoration to God, His Son and the Holy Spirit. How often do you say, “I love you”? Can we every say it enough? When we realize how much God loves us we will love Him all the more. He knows our faults, our failures, and yet He loves us still. We are His children. He loves us so much He gave His only Son to die for us.

John 3:16

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

1 John 4:9-10

“In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.”

1 John 4:19

“We love him, because he first loved us.”

His love is already there. We don’t have to earn it. We do not have to bribe Him to love us.

You are valuable to God. If He had a refrigerator your picture would be on it. If he had a wallet, your picture would be in it. He doesn’t need a refrigerator or a wallet. He has your picture embedded in His mind. He knows your name. He knows where you live. He loves you! Can you love Him back?

1 Corinthians 1:26-31

“For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: That no flesh should glory in his presence. But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.”

God must get all the glory. As our lifestyle, our very beings, begin to worship Him and please Him in everything we do, we will experience different emotions. Sometimes we cry and cry and cry. This is an act of worship.

Psalms 34:18

“The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.”

God can use our brokenness to minister to someone else. We may not feel completely healed ourselves when He leads us to reach out to someone else. We feel their pain, we cry with them. We offer them the littlest ray of hope that we can find and in doing so we have worshipped God.

2 Corinthians 4:17

“For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.”

It seems our trials last more than a moment to us. Sometimes we have to have afflictions to turn our focus back to God. He wants us to lean on Him, depend on Him and to trust Him. When everything is doing good we tend to draw away from Him. Afflictions and trials draw us back to Him. Did you realize that when we ask for God’s help we are worshipping Him?

Matthew 8:2

“And, behold, there came a leper and worshipped him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.”

God wants us to need Him. He wants us to ask for His help. When we express our need to Him we are expressing trust in Him to meet that need and that is worship to Him.