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The Choices we Make

Question:  Do you realize the choices you make have a real outcome on the lives of those you come in contact?  You make a difference -- for the good or for the bad!

You'll forgive me if I paraphrase Pastor Love's sermon from Sunday.  It was a good one!  Course, if you've been keeping up with my postings, some of it will sound familiar.  I suppose that's why I thought it was so good…the Lord has been working on me in those same areas!  Perhaps you need to hear it too!

Colossians 3:1-4
If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.
Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.
For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.
When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.

  • As born-again Christians, we are to "seek those things which are above."
  • You can virtually close the book and say "no" to God--or even to make no decision is in fact a decision that says "no."
  • There are consequences for the choices you make.
  • There should be a difference in your heart and life that should shine through in your countenance and actions.
  • Be certain, whatever is in your heart will show forth in your countenance and actions.
Heaven Bound
  • The first verse begins, "If ye then be risen with Christ…."  That's the most important decision you can ever make in this life.  Please be certain of your salvation today!
  • If salvation to you is just "fire insurance," then chances are, you are not saved.
  • You are saved to serve--we are to be lights shining in this dark world.

  • This is not our home!  "We're just a passin' through!"
  • We are not to be hoarding things of this world--our treasure is in heaven.
  • And we're to be a "peculiar people," showing to the lost and dying world that we're different because of all that Christ has done for us.

Heaven Minded
  • Our walk, our life ought to be focused on God.
  • Romans 12:2 says, "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."  That says it in a nutshell!  We're not to be conformed to this world…but we are to be transformed by the Word of God.  We should be in God's Word daily, that He might keep transforming us to His image.
  • Where are your desires focused upon?
  • What things do you find your mind thinking upon?  Need some direction?  Look at Philippians 4:8.
  • Search your motives!  What truly motivates you??

  • The Pharisees were so concerned with what was seen on the outside…but Christ says it isn't the outside that matters, but rather the heart.  You can be certain, whatever is in the heart will show forth in your countenance and actions.

Heaven's Glory
  • Do you truly endeavor to glorify God in everything you say and do?
  • The things we call worship, I wonder if God would prefer to just vomit us out of His mouth.
  • So many times, we're content to just eat the "slop thrown to the pigs"--what the world has to offer--instead of feasting on God's glory and all the wondrous things God has to give us.  Wow!  Don't ya think it's time we wake up?!
  • God says, "If ye love Me, keep My Word"…"keep My commandments."
  • If you're truly a Christian, your drive ought to be different.  There's a song, "My desire…to be like Jesus."  Is that truly our desire?  Do we truly love Him and want to please Him?

  1. What are your heart's desires?  Oh, that we might have a heart that truly loves God and seeks to glorify Him!


       That we might truly
           glorify Christ!
         Merle   

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