ACHIEVE SALVATION: THE POWER OF PROFESSING YOUR FAITH IN JESUS CHRIST

Week of 6/2/2017 entry from Bible Promises for You Men’s Group: Belief

Scripture: Romans 10:9-10

If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.

Thought:  Faith by profession = salvation

Application:  Do not hide from sharing my relationship with Jesus with others in an effort to build God's Kingdom.

Response:    Father Make Me bold and my profession and clear my intention so that others are encouraged to see your grace and accept your son Jesus as their Lord and Savior. 

Looking back Today (2025):  This is a rather simple reflection.  I am not active with my life on Social Media, but because of my faith and thankfulness have chosen to share my journey with this blog.  In this modest way I am professing my faith and hoping to lead my daughter, family, and friends to a closer relationship with out Lord so that they too can find the comfort in their lives.  When this world is EATING YOU UP… remember he  HE is at your side. Press PAUSE on the world and listen, you may be surprised what you hear if you just talk with HIM.

https://www.bible.com/bible/111/ROM.10.9-10

BE BOLD IN YOUR ACTIONS. PICK FAITH OR FEAR!

Week of 6/2/2017 entry from Bible Promises for You Men’s Group: Assurance

Scripture: 2 Timothy 1:12

On this account I am suffering these things; but I am not ashamed, for I know him in whom I have believed and am confident that he is able to guard what has been entrusted to me until that day. 

Thought:   Trust in the Lord with anything.  Be bold in your actions and protect your relationship with Jesus.

Application:   Seek Jesus for my personal life.

Response:   Father I pray that your son Jesus influences and glorifies my life so that other may know him as I do.

Looking back Today (2025):  In this same chapter, in verses 6-7 we are reminded “...to stir into flame the gift of God that you have through the imposition of my hands. For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice but rather of power and love and self-control.”  Furthermore, we are reminded to not be ashamed of our relationship with the Lord.  

I am thankful to have the courage to pray with my family in restaurants while holding hands.  While I don't care who is watching, I hope they are!  I pray that the “lookie-loos” see Him through us.

https://www.bible.com/bible/463/2TI.1.12

ASK, SEEK, KNOCK… JUST MOVE IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION!

Week of 6/2/2017 entry from Bible Promises for You Men’s Group: Answered Prayer

Scripture: Matthew 7:7-8,12

Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets. 

Thought:   Seek a friendship with Jesus, lay your troubles in front of him.  We must knock for the door to be opened! (2025 addition: We have a responsibility in this relationship!)

Application:   Live it out!  It is said that you become those that you surround yourself with… by choosing to keep mindful of your relationship with Jesus, you become more like him and that door is opened.

Response:   Father, I pray that when my day gets “too busy” and I am not mindful of your presence that you tap me on the shoulder and remind me that I am your child.  Help me to live my life as you desire.

Looking back Today (2025):  I still struggle with a more mindful presence throughout the day.  A couple of months ago I literally BLEW UP and verbally attacked an undeserving victim.  After the incident I reflected on how to think like Jesus more often and came up with a Frank Hack… it worked for several weeks until the thought faded, but I’m going to try to bring it back.  When I hear a notification on my phone I want to relate it to being tapped on the shoulder and know in my heart that our Lord is present with me in that moment!

https://www.bible.com/bible/463/MAT.7.7-8,12

FINDING PEACE THROUGH FORGIVENESS

Week of 6/2/2017 entry from Bible Promises for You Men’s Group: Accomplishment

Scripture: Philippians 3:12-16

Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.  Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.All of us, then, who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you. Only let us live up to what we have already attained.

Thought:   Surrender that which you cannot control and have faith and trust that God's will is good he knows all of our days. 

Application:   Don't beat yourself up about the past, look forward in all that you do.

Response:   Father, you're a good Lord and I ask that you give me the strength to release and free myself of past burdens so that I can live a full life with you. 

Looking back Today:  Forgiveness is tough, especially if you are trying to forgive yourself.  Living with any resentment, personal or directed at others, is a tiring battle.  The only person that is being punished is YOU.  I was told a long time ago that forgiveness is about you deserving peace, not necessarily about others deserving your forgiveness.  Accomplish something today and find someone deserving of forgiveness.

https://www.bible.com/bible/111/PHP.3.12-16

FINDING GRACE AND MERCY THROUGH JESUS

Scripture: Hebrews 4:14-16

Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin.  Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

Thought:    Seek righteousness.  Righteousness is defined as a right relationship with God not through personal merit or good works.

Application:  Be more accepting of the fact that I will fall short of the standard of being all that I should be, but I should strive to be better each day.  If I am to be more like Jesus, then I have to have a relationship with him.  I have to know his character to improve mine.   

Response:  Lord, I am thankful that you know my heart and allow me to grow each day.  I pray that you help me to grow closer to you and show me how mirror you in the world

https://www.bible.com/bible/111/HEB.4.14-16.NIV

IF YOU CAN CHOOSE TO BE ANYTHING CHOOSE TO BE KIND

Scripture: Galatians 6:9-10

Let us not grow tired of doing good, for in due time we shall reap our harvest, if we do not give up.  So then, while we have the opportunity, let us do good to all, but especially to those who belong to the family of the faith.

Thought:   Have you ever regretted saying something nice?   

Application:  Fight off the desire to have the last word, share you two cents, and give your opinion when it was not solicited.  Instead just find reasons to share a kind word or encouragement. To do this you will have to listen for different things.  Listen to other people's point of view, learn what is going on in their lives and be present with them.

Response:  Father let me fill others as you fill me.  

https://www.bible.com/bible/463/GAL.6.NABRE

OVERCOMING BURDENS AND SIN: RUNNING THE RACE WITH JESUS

Scripture: Hebrews 12:1-2,7

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us rid ourselves of every burden and sin that clings to us and persevere in running the race that lies before us while keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, the leader and perfecter of faith. Endure your trials as “discipline”; God treats you as sons. For what “son” is there whom his father does not discipline?

Thought:  Reflect on the things that keep you from drawing closer to Jesus.  Be disciplined so as to not be disciplined.

Application:  Change behaviors one at a time.  Insert something positive where sin usually takes over.  Find a more prayerful life outside of Sunday, mealtime and bedtime.  Dig deeper than a habit to look for meaningful change in actual behaviors.

Response:   Father help me to see my failures and to be refined in the fire of your love.  Keep my eyes on you each day so that my behavior is your behavior, behavior that will make you proud of the change.  I pray that when I act, they see You.  Let me be your light in the world as I hold onto your word in my life.  Amen

https://www.bible.com/bible/463/HEB.12.7