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Deu 29:29 The secret things are the Lord our God's: but the things which have been made clear are ours and our children's for ever, so that we may do all the words of this law.
Deu 30:15 ( Msg ) Look at what I've done for you today: I've placed in front of you Life and Good, Death and Evil. 16 And I command you today: Love GOD, your God. Walk in his ways. Keep his commandments, regulations, and rules so that you will live, really live, live exuberantly, blessed by GOD, your God, in the land you are about to enter and possess.
If I don’t know or understand something, I cannot be held responsible, but once it has been revealed or explained and I know the consequence, I become responsible!
We make countless unconscious decisions every day:
- What we should eat
- what we should wear
- what we should watch on television etc.
Those decisions are made unconsciously based on our patterns, habits and our personal priorities.
Our choices form us. In order to ‘live’ integrity, we need to consider the cost and benefits of all our actions and align our actions with our intentions.
Ø How bright or worthwhile is your future?
Ø Our perceptions of the future determine our views about the present.
Ø Optimistic thinking immediately enhances our lives.
Through pursuing our dreams and goals and daily acts of human kindness, we validate ourselves by creating a profound legacy. Our personal priorities and goals shape our daily and long-term choices by giving us direction.
Ø Making decisions are not always easy.
The question to ask is: “will the consequence of my decision add value to my life and the live of those I influence?”
Ø If the answer is no to any of these questions, then you should consider an alternative.
Mat 5:14 You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do men light a lamp and put it under the grain-measure, but on a lampstand. And it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in Heaven. 17 Do not think that I have come to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I have not come to destroy but to fulfill. 18 For truly I say to you, Till the heaven and the earth pass away, not one jot or one tittle shall in any way pass from the Law until all is fulfilled. 19 Therefore whoever shall relax one of these commandments, the least, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of Heaven. But whoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of Heaven.
Ø What do people say about us?
Ø What do they do after a conversation with us?
By us I mean ‘believers’, confessing Christians, followers of Christ, the people with the WWWJ arm-bands and the `fishes` on our cars and the “honk if you love Jesus” stickers displayed on our cars.
Jesus commands us that our actions, our words and our conduct should be of such a nature that people should sing the praises of our God when they see the way we act.
Perhaps a New Year resolution could be:
Truth be told – perhaps that is what Jesus would do. “But whoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of Heaven.”
Psa 139:23 O God, let the secrets of my heart be uncovered, and let my wandering thoughts be tested: 24 See if there is any way of sorrow in me, and be my guide in the eternal way.
Personal accountability is a matter of choice.
David made a personal choice, he sat down and invited God in, to examine his heart and to show him, where change is needed.
Select a quiet spot, and review and reflect:
ü When did I fail today and why?
ü Where did I succeed and why?
ü When did I give love today?
ü Where did I receive love today?
ü What habits and patterns do I notice in my day?
ü In what ways did I notice God in my day?
ü When did I feel most alive? Most drained?
ü When did I have the greatest sense of belonging? The least sense of belonging?
ü When was I most free? Least free?
ü When was I most creative? Least creative?
ü When did I feel most fully myself? Least myself?
ü When did I feel most whole? Least whole?
Psa 46:10 Be still, and know that I am God! I will be praised among the nations, I will be praised in the earth.
Treat everyone as equals. No matter what their position in the organization.
ü Act as though you believe this every day and you will attract strong and successful relationships.
Keep your intention in mind in all your dealings with others.
ü If you find yourself feeling spiteful or resentful, let go of that and decide to be kind. Being good-natured and co-operative is a choice.
Always say less than you think. At least think, before you speak.
Pro 10: 11 The mouth of a righteous one is a well of life; but violence covers the mouth of the wicked. 12 Hatred stirs up fights, but love covers all sins.
Pro 17:9 He who covers a transgression seeks love, but he who repeats a matter separates friends.
Have you forgiven a transgression or do you continue in your judgement.
ü Jesus walked towards the lepers, He did not turn or walk away.
ü He fellowshipped with the sinners.
It is His love that draws people, not condemnation and judgement
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