Budgeting

"Budgeting" is probably not a title you expected to see on a blog about Jesus. But today's church sermon has made it clear to me that God needs to be at the center of our budgeting. Today's sermon was so good that I encourage you to check it out yourself. I could write about it here, but nothing that I can write here is as good as what God can say to you through the sermon itself. It is available Here today and hopefully at the link below tomorrow. I strongly encourage you to watch today's sermon because it has practical implications for Godly living.

You can click the link to go to the "We Give" Sermon Series  page. There you will find sermons on giving. Today's sermon is not yet posted but I am hoping that will be updated in the next couple of days because it spoke to my heart and I hope that it will also speak to yours.

Breaking Bondage

Today the church sermon was about breaking Bondage. Bondage is the "state of being bound by or subjected to some external power or control." Therefore, if someone is in a spiritual bondage, they are subjected to their sinful nature. In Romans 8 it says, "Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God... Therefore, brothers and sisters, we have an obligation—but it is not to the flesh, to live according to it.  For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live." To break bondage, Christ must be allowed to set the sinner free. John 8:34-36 says, " Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed."

First, know that your focus will become your reality. Wherever you let your mind wander, that will be your destination and your reality. Whatever you long for that is where you will end up. "Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires;" In addition, be aware that you are not immune to your friend's bondage. Don't be fooled your friends bondage will pull you down. 1 Corinthians 15:33-34 "Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.” Come back to your senses as you ought, and stop sinning; for there are some who are ignorant of God—I say this to your shame."

Second, Do Not Forget where God has brought you from. Remember where you once were and where God has lead you to and Don't Go Back. Exodus 13:17 says, "When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them on the road through the Philistine country, though that was shorter. For God said, “If they face war, they might change their minds and return to Egypt.” Surround yourself with people who are not going back.

Third, Renew your Mind. Get into the living word of God because it cleanses the toxic things within us. Romans 12:2 "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." Take time to talk to God in silence and solitude. John 16:24 "Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete."

God is Faithful. He will give you the desires of your heart. (Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. - Psalm 37:4) When the Israelites finally reached the land God had promised them they were not disappointed. Numbers 13:23 - "When they reached the Valley of Eshkol, they cut off a branch bearing a single cluster of grapes. Two of them carried it on a pole between them, along with some pomegranates and figs." The cluster was so large it took two men to carry it! God keeps his promises, he is faithful.

James 4:7-10

Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.

Don't live in fear of what could overtake you. Be silent and watch the deliverance of God.

When the World Hates

John 15:18-25

“If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. Remember what I told you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also. They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the one who sent me. If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not be guilty of sin; but now they have no excuse for their sin. Whoever hates me hates my Father as well. If I had not done among them the works no one else did, they would not be guilty of sin. As it is, they have seen, and yet they have hated both me and my Father. But this is to fulfill what is written in their Law: ‘They hated me without reason.’

Today I have been watching the news to keep myself updated on the anti-American protests. As I watch the stories unfold, I am saddened for those who have died. My heart goes out to their families and friends. I am also reminded of the importance to pray for our nation and its leaders. I ask that God would grant our leaders wisdom to make decisions. I pray for peace where it is possible, and victory for God's glory. Jesus be with those who are still in danger, grant them peace. Lastly, I pray for our enemies that their hearts may be changed and that they may know your unconditional love.

Matthew 5:42-48

Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.