Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living from The Global Church of the Nazarene in Lenexa, Kansas, United States for Friday, 7 August 2015 - Don’t Give Up!" Scripture: 1 Peter 4:1-11

Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living from The Global Church of the Nazarene in Lenexa, Kansas, United States for Friday, 7 August 2015 - Don’t Give Up!" Scripture: 1 Peter 4:1-11RG AUDIO 080715

1 Peter 4:1 Therefore, since the Messiah suffered physically, you too are to arm yourselves with the same attitude. For whoever has suffered physically is finished with sin, 2 with the result that he lives the rest of his earthly life no longer controlled by human desires, but by God’s will. 3 For you have spent enough time already living the way the pagans want you to live — in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, wild parties and forbidden idol-worship. 4 They think it strange that you don’t plunge with them into the same flood of dissoluteness, and so they heap insults on you. 5 But they will have to give an account to him who stands ready to judge the living and the dead. 6 This is why he was proclaimed to those who have died; it was so that, although physically they would receive the judgment common to all humanity, they might live by the Spirit in the way that God has provided.

7 The accomplishing of the goal of all things is close at hand. Therefore, keep alert and self-controlled, so that you can pray. 8 More than anything, keep loving each other actively; because love covers many sins.[1 Peter 4:8 Proverbs 10:12] 9 Welcome one another into your homes without grumbling. 10 As each one has received some spiritual gift, he should use it to serve others, like good managers of God’s many-sided grace — 11 if someone speaks, let him speak God’s words; if someone serves, let him do so out of strength that God supplies; so that in everything God may be glorified through Yeshua the Messiah — to him be glory and power forever and ever. Amen.

"Don’t Give Up!" by Author: Stephen Mayes

Nobody likes tough times. Difficult seasons often put a strain on a person’s relationship with God. They can seem to be a clear sign that God is either punishing us or incapable of rescuing us. Both assumptions are incorrect. They are built on a heresy that teaches God’s main objective in the lives of His people is to make them comfortable and happy. God’s main objective is to redeem us from the penalty and power of sin; a purpose that sometimes requires seasons of suffering.
The scriptures are littered with examples of God working through incredible tough situations to bring about His ultimate purpose for His people. In the story of Joseph (Genesis 37-50) we read about a man who is beaten and betrayed in every imaginable way; yet he never let go of his faith. The challenge is the same for us. We have a God who “works for the good of those who love him” (Romans 8:28). This can become our anchor in times of suffering.
If you are suffering today refresh your commitment to God and continue to serve Him through deeply loving others. Persevere and He will meet your every need.
Hymn for Today: "Teach Me Thy Way, O Lord" by B. Mansell Ramsey

1. Teach me Thy way, O Lord,

  Teach me Thy way;

Thy gracious aid afford,

  Teach me Thy way.

Help me to walk aright;

More by faith, less by sight;

Lead me with heav’nly light,

  Teach me Thy way.

2. When doubts and fears arise,

  Teach me Thy way;

When storms o’erspread the skies,

  Teach me Thy way.

Shine through the cloud and rain,

Through sorrow, toil, and pain;

Make Thou my pathway plain,

  Teach me Thy way.

3. Long as my life shall last,

  Teach me Thy way;

Where’er my lot be cast,

  Teach me Thy way.

Until the race is run,

Until the journey’s done,

Until the crown is won,

  Teach me Thy way.

Thought for Today:

"Regard your endurance as discipline; God is dealing with you as sons. For what son goes undisciplined by his father?" [Hebrews 12:7]

Please pray.
For the develpment of Christian leaders in Sierra Leone/
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"Dont Give Up" byShirley Caesar

God will make a way

I know that He will.. I've seen it and He will

Oh....

God will bring you, bring you out

I know that He will, I've seen it and I know He will

if you just let Him make a way.

God will (God will) make a way,

I know that He will, (I know He will)

I've seen it and He will yes

God will make a way, I know that He will, (I know He will)

I've seen it and He will, make a way.

God will yes, He'll make a way, yeah, yes

He knows exactly what you've been feeling now

So don't you doubt, and don't you give up now no

For the God I'm serving is already working it out, Hallelujah

yeah, yeah, yeah

God will, (God will) bring you out

(For He knows the way) I know that He will ( He knows a way out of your problems)

I've seen it and He will (He knows a way out of your situation, God will)

God will (God will, God will) bring you out, (yes He will)

I know that He will (Oh I've seen it and I know He will all you gotta do is let Him, let Him)

make a way

So you see I tried Him, He made a way for me.

I understand just what you've been going through...listen

It is now the time for you to give up now, you've been praying and you miracle is on the way, is on

the way, on the way..hallelujah

Repeat Chorus

He'll make a way, yes He will

He'll make a way, I know he will

hallelujah

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