Overarching Message on Your Needs in Life (4)

We are quite a piece of work—always needy and never ready to fess up.  It is so easy for us to deflect and even justify it when things go wrong—because we view the world as all about us.  Instead of deflecting, we need to be reflecting.  Here are some words of encouragement for you to reflect on:

Move from All-of-self to All-of-Thee .  Rather than trying to hide your self-interest, recognize and transform your self-interest into His-and-Others-interest.  About 50% of success come from accountability and capability. How accountable are you to yourself and to God—for who you are and how you act?  Responsibility is in the present, accountability is forever.  Your word is only as good as the last promise you kept.  God promised that “He will never leave you nor forsake you.  Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”  Deuteronomy 31:8. Focus on what you can create for others.  This is the spiritual growth and maturity of becoming a true Christian…not to deflect, but to reflect.  Ask yourself why you are given second chances whether it is for your college, career or anything at all.  Is it for yourself or others?

Be still.  Sounds easy?  Probably not.  In a world filled with social media and other forms of AI-generated communication, it is quite impossible to be still.  How can you hear God’s calling when you are always-ON?  Switch off.  Get offline.  Of course, you can justify by saying that you were searching online for answers to fight back the injustice or challenges in life.  Be still.  The Lord will fight for you.  It takes trust in Him…completely.  He will guide you in your decision making whether it is for a job, career or residency in a different country.

Hold on to One truth about God you can depend on.  Do not be scared about matters of the world but fear God.  Fearing God is not about being afraid but rather about having a respectful and reverent attitude of obedience towards Him. This mindset is characterized by reverence and submission to God. Psalm 111:10 admonishes us, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” Those who fear God humbly accept His word and teachings and seek to obey His will.  Believe in Him till your last breath.  “Those who believe in Me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in Me will never die.  Do you believe this?”  (John 11:25-26)

Learn the new tools of the Kingdom.  Drop your fear-driven weapons like manipulation, control, aggression and lying.  If you don’t, then you end up looking more like the enemy than God.  Whether it is for yourself or for others, embrace the virtues of counselors:

• Have the image and likeness of Jesus—the best Counselor.
• Have a close relationship with God.
• Know our weapons:  God’s words; and God’s Spirit.  What goes into your mouth cannot kill others, but what comes out of your mouth (words) can kill others.

Let’s recall, and reflect, never dwelling.  Do not be afraid when you make mistakes.  What matters most is what you do after that.  God is merciful.  Repent and learn—when you have that second chance to make it right.  When negativity gives way to positivity and Godliness, the result is a corrective experience that builds confidence and trust.  That is why most deep Godly learnings come through repentance.

Come join us to reflect on God’s words.  Gear up your weapons together with us.  Join us for the Fall Evangelical Services and Spiritual Convocation (ESSC) from September 14 to 17, 2023 at our church located as follows:

4N550 Church Road
Bensenville, IL 60106
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For online streaming, please click here.

For regular service hours, please click here.

Email us at ilovejesus@tjc-chicago.org