TOPICAL SERMONS II

These are Sermons on various topics that were preached by Rev Mike Jones in years gone by. They were in a file and I decided to put them on our Web Site so others could use them. The Information contained in these sermons was gathered from a number of difference sources (Most long forgotten by me) and the sermons were preached at a time when I did not bother to record where references came from
I hope they will provide some ideas or inspiration for you that you can pass on to others.
Rev Mike Jones  2434 Allen Road Effingham, S C29541      

Character
Power of the Blood of Christ
Music Ministry
How to keep the Axe Sharp
God's Goals
Strive
Gratitude
Temptation's Colors
Spiritual Positions
Obeying God's Commands
Mercy vs Grace

CHARACTER

1. Character is developed, not acquired
2. Character is the subconscious doing of right
3. It is developed by the doing of right so often, so regularly, and with such habit that it becomes a part of you.
4. Character is formed by habit- habit is formed by practice
5. Habit is formed by the proper and continuous repetition of doing right.
6. Promptness is part of character
7. We teach bad habits by allowing the child to talk out without permission, disobey, sit in an improper manner. If you go ahead and teach without the full attention of the class, bad habits are being formed
8. Mental brilliance does not make for greatness. Perseverance, work and character are the causes that make one great.
9. When these qualities have to be developed one can become great without mental brilliance, whereas the mentally brilliant will usually not develop these qualities.
10. Do not over sympathize with a child. This teaches him to whine and seek sympathy
11. The difference between success and failure is hard work.
12. Teach a child to finish a job.
13. Teach a child the joy of a job well done.
14. Praise a child for being honest or working hard even if the job isn't perfect. Praise character, not talent
15. A child needs to be taught to reverence God, even before they are old enough to understand salvation.
16. Teach small children about our universe and the wonderful things God has made. Call attention to the things God has made that they see everyday.
17. Teach the child that the Bible is God's word and every word is true.
18. Let Children know that it is not the parents or teachers who set the standards of right and wrong- but God. God wants us to be punished when we do wrong.

THE POWER OF THE BLOOD OF CHRIST

Christianity has been called the "bloody Religion" because of it's emphasis on Sacrifices . In one manner of speaking this is very true and marks the major difference between Christianity and the other religions of the world. Christianity is a Religion that is based on the shed blood of Christ as payment for sins instead of Works of man or Wisdom of man as in other religions. In other Religions my Education or my Ability; my Service or my Sacrifice, are the requirements. In Christianity I come before God, and am accepted by God, on the basis of the sacrifice of Christ.

That is a fundamental issue that even many Christians need to learn again. We must realize that Sin separates us from God--and before we can know the Power and Blessings of God on our lives we must put away the sin that stands between us and God. Isaiah 59:1-2 Behold, the Lord's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear: But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.

The only means of doing this is the Blood of Christ; Not improved Morals or increased Money [which is what many people are trying to use today to correct the world's problems]. I want us to see today the necessity of the Blood of Christ in our coming to God and what great power there is in the Blood of Christ.

I>  The Blood is the PASSOVER for our sins- EXO 12:12-13 For I will pass through the land of Egypt this night, and will smite all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgment: I am the LORD. And the blood shall be to you for a token upon the houses where ye are: and when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you, when I smite the land of Egypt. The power that it conveyed was simply astonishing- anyone who was in the room where the blood was applied was safe; any firstborn in a house without the blood would die. It was not a degree of "Goodness" or "ability" but simply the applied Blood.

The Blood has ALWAYS been God's way of dealing with the separation caused by sin. In the Garden of Eden God slew an animal and man was clothed with it's skin. Rev 13:8 says that Jesus was the Lamb slain from the foundation of the earth. God would have immediately destroyed man had it not been for the Blood of Christ that He saw from the beginning.

II> Not only does the Blood save us from God's Wrath, it also saves us from Sin's Power by REDEEMING us. Eph 1:7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; REDEMPTION means "To buy off the slave market". Christ has bought us from the "Slave market" of Sin and set us free to live life abundantly. Greater is he that is in you than he that is in the World.

III> The Blood does even more than save us from Sin's Power; it also saves us from sin's POLLUTION- I John 1:7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

God didn't just deal with our PAST sins, He also made the necessary arrangements for our PRESENT sins. The Blood allows me to walk in FAITH instead of FEAR. It also allows me to approach God today JUSTIFIED (Just as if I had never sinned)- Rom 5:9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.

IV> The Blood has power to cleanse our conscience from dead works to serve the living God. Heb 9:14 How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God. I don't have to DO what's already been DONE so I can serve God Freely and Fully

V> It is the power God used to purchase the Church as the Bride of Christ. Acts 20:28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath make you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.

VI> It has power to give us boldness to approach God. Heb 10:19 Having therefore, brethen, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus. I approach the "bank of Heaven" based on Faith in what Jesus did for me instead of what I have done or can do for God.

VII> It has power to give those who believe in him access to the tree of life and entrance into Heaven- Rev 7:14 And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and make them white in the blood of the Lamb.

Your ability to stand BEFORE GOD will depend on whether or not you have the Blood of Christ appropriated and applied.

Your ability to stand FOR GOD will depend on whether or not you acknowledge the Power of the Blood of Christ.

Like Cain, you can come to God with the very best you have--and be rejected, or you can come by way of the blood and find pardon and peace. DO YOU HAVE THE BLOOD APPLIED TODAY???

MUSIC MINISTRY

Music can Teach us (Books of the Bible Song); Calm us (Jesus Loves me); and Encourage us (Just a little Boy David). MUSIC IS A MINISTRY. As such it can not only Entertain us; but also Enlighten us when:

1. Seeking for the Will of God: When Elisha was asked to give the king advice about how to defeat the Moabites-II Kings 3:15 But now bring me a minstrel. And it came to pass, when the minstrel played, that the hand of the Lord came upon him.

2. When faced with a "bad Spirit: I Sam 16:23 And it came to pass, when the evil spirit from God was upon Saul, that David took an harp, and played with his hand: so Saul was refreshed, and was well, and the evil spirit departed from him.

3. To show you're filled with the Spirit: Eph 5:18-19 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;

4. When Sorrow surrounds you: Isaiah 30:29 Ye shall have a song, as in the night, when a holy solemnity is kept; and gladness of heart, as when one goeth with a pipe to come into the mountain of the Lord, to the mighty One of Israel

5. When you feel good: James 5:13 Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms.

6. To Defeat your enemy: II Chron 20:21-22 And when he had consulted with the people, he appointed singers unto the Lord, and that should praise the beauty of holiness, as they went out before the army, and to say, Praise the Lord; for his mercy endureth for ever. And when they began to sing and to praise, the Lord set ambushments against the children of Ammon, Moab, and mount Seir, which were come against Judah; and they were smitten.

7. To "Preview" Heaven: Rev 5:9 And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;

May this great "Heavenly Hymn" be an example in all our music for it magnifies-
God's Greatness    God's Power     God's Sacrifice

HOW TO KEEP THE AXE SHARP

II Kings 6:1-7 tells the Story of the lost Axe head that was made to "Swim". Sadly today, some people are trying to do God's work without the "Axe-head" and all they are doing is expending energy and time and bruising the trees!!! Their life has no meaning or purpose and they consider themselves failures because they can't accomplish anything. So if God is to work THRU us He must first work ON us to give us something to work with. He then must keep that Axe-head sharp so it can accomplish it's job. Let's see how He does this

Anytime you want to do something you need something to work ON and something to work WITH. So the first thing we need to understand is WHAT IS GOD TRYING TO ACCOMPLISH???

A) Relationship- God desires relationship with His people and He is trying to build that. But Sin stands in the way; therefore there must be-

B) Redemption- God had to make a way to redeem man from the bondage of sin and death so fellowship would be possible. He did that by sending His own Son to die in our place and pay the debt we owe. But God knows it is not enough to simply "buy us off the slave market"; we must now be-

C) Renewed- There are 2 main ways God uses to accomplish this:

    1. The work of the Holy Spirit in our lives that guides us into the ways of God thru the Word of God.

    2. Circumstances that God allows to come our way to conform us to the image of His son Jesus.

So God can take an "old Stick", fit only for the fire, and give it Purpose and direction. Suddenly we find ourselves with Joy in this life and rewards in the life to come

Sad to say though, as we work the axe can become dull and the Joy turn into a real Job. Ecc 10:10 If the iron be blunt, and he do not whet the edge, then must he put to more strength: but wisdom is profitable to direct

HOW CAN WE KEEP THE AXE SHARP??

A) Avoid things that would dull the axe (The Sinful "stones" of Society)- II Cor 6:17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, (Change friends- Abram left Ur and his family)

B) Don't let the Axe sit idle and get "rusty"-
    Witness of what God has done for you
    Tithe your income to God's work
    Maintain contact with God              (Prayer- Talk to God/ Bible Study- God talk to you)

C) Understand God's way of Sharpening you- CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP Prov 27:17 Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend. Join God's People (Church Membership). You need the Fellowship- Ecc 4:9-12 Two are better than one because:
1. They have a good reward for their labor- an award means little if no one knows you received it. Sharing Triumph is important
2. If they fall, one helps the other. Sharing Troubles is necessary (Mountain climbers tie together to help should one fall)
3. Two together have heat- a single coal goes out
4. Two can withstand stress- strength in unity

Are you "Beating your head against the wall" and just getting a headache for your efforts?? God wants to Redeem you today, so you can find Abundant Life in service with Him.

Is your "axe" dull and your life ineffective?? Dedicate yourself to doing right by becoming a working part of Christian Fellowship.

GOD'S GOALS

Many people today seem little concerned about what God wants with them. Their main concern seems to be that God meets their every whim and makes sure they stay Healthy, Wealthy, and Happy. God has been turned from the Sovereign to a Servant and as such men seek to control Him instead of Obey Him.

One of the reasons men are Misusing God is that they are "Misty" about what God's Goals really are. I think it's time we re-examined God's Goals for:

1. HIS PEOPLE- That in the dispensation of the fullness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him Eph 1:10. God desires to unite the Body of Christ with the "head" and the Bride of Christ with her "Groom". Our responsibility is to give Him our Service and our Love. The Enemy tries to defeat God's Goal by getting us to use our Time and Talents for the world, the flesh, or the Devil; or by "stealing" our Love with the Lure and Lust of the world.

Do you realize you were Saved to Serve God; or do you think God had to save you because you're "Special" and must be Satisfied??

2. OUR PERSONALITY- For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren Rom 8:29. God's Goal for our Sin warped Natures is that we become Pleasing to Him as demonstrated by His Son Jesus. The Holy Spirit that indwells us changes the works of the Flesh into the Fruits of the Spirit as we yield ourselves to Him so we can say with Paul, I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me (Gal 2:20).

Do you pray for God to give you a life of ease; or do you ask Him to use whatever pressure is necessary to make you like Jesus???

3. PREACHING- Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus: Col 1:28. God's Goal in our Preaching and Teaching is that every man may become "Mature" (That's what "Perfect" means in Greek) in Christ. Far far too many Preachers and Teachers simply want to "Get through" their hour in such a way as to receive a pat on the back when they conclude. They accomplish THEIR Goal of "Getting Through" the hour but they fail miserably in accomplishing GOD'S Goal of Maturing baby Christians into mature sons of God (As exemplified by the large amount of "Fighting, Feuding, and Fussing" among Church members). This sort of Preaching and Teaching involves:

A) Evangelism- Showing a lost world the Folly of Sin and the need of Faith in Christ. You can't mature a "dead" person!! They must be Born Again first. Let's stop trying to make well dressed, well behaved corpses!! Get them Saved first.

B) Education- Teaching new baby Christians how to Grow in Christ while at the same time showing them the "Doctrines of Devils" to avoid (These are "Foods" to eat and these are things to avoid). Multitudes of people attend Sunday School and Church week after week and yet live on the world's "Junk food" so that they are so spiritual anemic they never have the strength to do anything for God.

C) Edification- Comforting those who mourn, giving Hope to those who are depressed, Warning those who are growing Lukewarm. Building up the Body of Christ so that it's more than a "Mind"; it's a living working organism.

Whose Goals are you trying to accomplish? Yours or God's???

STRIVE

The Christian Life is not simply Faith, it's also a Fight. The Discipline and Dedication needed to successfully accomplish God's will for your life is missing in many Christians today and as a result the Devil is destroying our Foundations and our Families. I want to look at some things the Bible Commands us to "Strive" to do and help us to see our obligation to God and His Work.

The Bible says we are to STRIVE:

1. To enter the strait Gate Luke 13:24 Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able. The word "strive" here means "to struggle to accomplish something" and literally means to "struggle as in agony". This involves Determination and a willingness to suffer to accomplish something. Compare that with the average Christian today who is unwilling to do anything for the Lord if it involves inconvience or discomfort. How many Christians "wrestle" in Prayer, fast, read the Bible regularly?

2. For the Mastery (Reward given to the Winner) II Tim 2:5 Strive [to content in the Games] for the mastery (See I Cor 9:25- And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.)

American praise our Olympic athletes but few of them are willing to put in the time and effort of the athlete in order to become the "best in the world". In similar fashion, Most Christians would like to do something "great" for the Lord but are unwilling to put in the necessary time and effort.

3. Against Sin Heb 12:4 Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin. Here the word means "to struggle against" and gives the idea of struggling to the point of injury. Most Christians seem much more eager to embrace sin than to expose it. Are we struggling against sin or snuggling up to it???

4. As a group- In Prayer Rom 15:30 Striving [To struggle in company with] together in prayers. Group Prayers are great!!

For Faith Phil 1:27 Strive together for the Faith

A body of Believers tend to act as "checks and balances" on someone straying from the right path- but there must be concern.

5. Not about words- II Tim 2:14 Strive not about words to no profit Do we simply Talk a good life or live one??

6. In God's Power- Col 1:29 Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily. Do we realize that all of our efforts will fail apart from the Power of God?? Do we consciously seek to have that power on our lives??

Don't Strive with God- Isaiah 45:9 Woe unto him that striveth with his Maker! Let the potsherd strive with the potsherds of the earth. Shall the clay say to him that fashioneth it, What maketh thou? or thy work, He hath no hands? But Realize that God will not always strive with you!! Gen 6:2 My Spirit shall not always strive [to appear in court] with man

GRATITUDE

I Thess 5:18 In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

Let's begin with a "Quiz". List the Following in the order you feel they belong. "The Problem with People is":

1. Not Grateful
2. Not Showing Love
3. Critical
4. Prideful
5. Not Understanding

I sort of "stacked the decks" in this list. Each of these is basically the same form of Ingratitude. Many years ago someone took a poll as to the greatest sin committed by mankind and the surprising answer was "ingratitude". Let's look at 10 ways we can cultivate the habit of Gratitude.

1. Remember that there is no such thing as a self made man. All Christians are part of the Body of Christ and each part is vital to the others- I Cor 12:12 For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body being many, are one body; so also is Christ.

2. The Foundation of Gratitude is to expect nothing- Luke 17:10 So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do. Remember it's better to be asked to come up to the head of the table than to be put down.

3. Weigh a Small Gift- Prov 17:8 A gift is as a precious stone in the eyes of him that hath it: whithersoever it turneth, it prospereth. Remember that "money is time wrapped in a paper sack" {$10 is 2 hours of a person's life at $5 per hour!}.

4. Do Not Weigh a Large Gift- Deut 16:19 Thou shalt not wrest judgment; thou shalt not respect persons, neither take a gift: for a gift doth blind the eyes of the wise, and pervert the words of the righteous.

5. Never lose appreciation for a gift. Kids expect big Christmas Presents and don't appreciate them as much as a surprise.

6. Let nothing extinguish gratitude- Don't Second Guess the Giver.

7. Feel Gratitude as you remember things done for you- Keep a "Gratitude Book" instead of a "Grudge Book".

8. Express Gratitude- Remember the 9 lepers who didn't return. Send Cards, Calls, etc.

9. Be Grateful for the USUAL- Anyone can be thankful for bonus; be thankful for a salary.

10. Be Grateful for not receiving what some others receive- Those with less responsibilities also have less pressures! Don't Covet until you know the groaning that goes with the gift!

TEMPTATION'S COLORS

James 1:2 My brethern, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations: The word "divers" here comes from a Greek work meaning "motley" or "Many colored" (usually translated "Different"). James wants us to know that Temptation takes many forms, and sometimes it's difficult to identify, but I think it will be easier if we learn to recognize the Many Colors of Temptation:

1. Black- Black comes from the absence of light and is usually associated with "the blackness of Despair" or Discouragement. This is a Temptation that everyone must endure as Satan continually tries to hide the light of God from our faces. In the Dark you must deal with an Active Imagination ("Boogie men") and Isolation (You lose the "sight sensor" and only relate to things that YOU can feel). It was in the Blackness of Despair that Job's wife said, "Curse God and Die" (There is no Hope) and in the Blackness of Discouragement that Elijah sulked under the Juniper Tree saying, "I, alone, am left" (There is no Help). This Temptation can be conquered by the Light of God thru His Word (Ps 119:105) and thru the Witness of Christians (Matt 5:14).

2. Red- Red is normally associated with Danger. In this regard I think we can classify this as the Temptation to "Open Sin". These are the sins of the "red light District". This was the Temptation the Prodigal Son succumbed to. He thought the world would be wild and wonderful but it turned out to be poverty and hog-pens. Young people especially are attracted by "Red" but people in their mid forties seem to get "red-eye" also. The way to Avoid this temptation is to AVOID THIS TEMPTATION!! When you see "Red", Stop.

3. Yellow- Yellow is the color of a Coward and is linked to the temptation to lack of Faith- Rev 21:8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, ...shall have their part in the lake of fire which burneth with fire and brimstone: This Temptation can be avoided by putting on the whole armor of God (Ep 6:10-17) so you can defeat Satan and then Building your life on Christ the Rock so life's Storms won't frighten you.

4. Green- This is when people are "Green with Envy". This Temptation is seldom preached on today but it greatly affects our society. It was such a prevalent Temptation until God made the 10th Command to deal with it; Ex 20:17 Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbor's. And Paul told the Colossians that it could lead to a far worst sin; Col 3:5 covetousness, which is idolatry;. The Answer to this Temptation is found in Heb 13:5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.- Count your Blessings and Remember God's constant care and protection are yours.

5. Blue- This is a subtle temptation because it deals with Pleasures that become Problems- The "good" replaces the best. Every life needs some Blue Skies but Blues Skies alone produce desert- "I walked a mile with Pleasure, she chattered all the way, but I was none the wiser for all she had to say. I walked a mile with sorrow, not a word said she, but O the things I learned that day when sorrow walked with me". It is when you are rich and increased with goods and have need of nothing that you wander away from God. Remember the admonition of Ps 62:10 if riches increase, set not your heart upon them

Temptation has many shades and colors but a Christian knows to keep his garment white as all times.

SPIRITUAL POSITIONS

During the course of a day we find ourselves in numerous Physical Positions. In much the same way, as we live for the Lord we find ourselves in many Spiritual Positions. I want us to look at some of them and determine to make the most of every situation we find ourselves in [Sometimes we think we must "bow our heads to pray" but that is difficult (and Dangerous!!) while driving a car. Today preachers stand to preach while in Jesus' day they sat (Luke 4:16-21). Not many years ago people would "walk the aisles" Praising God; today we're much too sophisticated for that (Unless of course it's at a ball game and our team is winning!)].

I believe it's possible to worship God in the Sick Bed as well as the Church; in the Work Place as well as the Worship Service. We simply must look for Opportunities.

The Seven Spiritual Positions We can use to advantage are:

I. Lying Down- Spiritual Rest Psalms 23:2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. A time of Spiritual Rest has been one of God's requirements from the very beginning (Gen 2:2-3); but today it goes like this- rush to Church (Coming in breathlessly at the very last minute), leave church and throw together something for dinner before rushing off to do some shopping or other activity so you can just get back in time for the evening service (and pat your foot during it because you've got more things to do as soon as it's over). Then we wonder why we don't enjoy fellowship with God or feel so tired on Monday.

And we go through the entire week like that also. Try this for one week and see if you don't find a noticeable difference-- Take 5 Five minutes breaks during the day to read a Chapter in the Bible and think about what God is telling you. You'll find increased energy, tremendously less stress, and a wonderful relationship with God.

The Three Elements the Psalmist lists are: (1) Requirement "He Maketh Me", (2) Refreshment "Green Pastures", and (3) Reflection "Beside the Still Waters". Do you need Spiritual Rest??

II. Sitting- Spiritual Instruction Luke 10:39 And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word. As long as you're "roaming around" it's hard to instruct you but when the teacher can get you seated then they can get your attention. Many people fail to understand (and as a result fail to accomplish) God's Will for their lives because God can't get them to focus on what He's trying to say to them. They're so busy with living until they miss the purpose of life.

Try this for a week- Take a Half Hour of your "television Time" and use it to sit and read the Bible. You'll find God has been saying a lot more than you've been hearing!

III. Standing- Spiritual Warfare Ephesians 6:14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with the truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness. You need something firm to stand on- Get on the Rock so the Storms of life won't undermine you. You also need a good pair of Shoes to grip the Rock, Eph 6:15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the Gospel of peace;. If you don't stand for God you'll fall with the Devil.

IV. Walking- Spiritual Fellowship
    A) Walk by Faith- II Cor 5:7
    B) Walk in the Spirit- Gal 5:25
    C) Walk with Christ and His Church- I John 1:7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

Wouldn't it be great if they could write on your tombstone as they did on Enoch's "He Walked with God"? But it can't be just on Sunday, It must be a Daily Fellowship.

V. Running- Spiritual Progress Hebrews 12:1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us. A Runner realizes two things-- He must run within Boundaries (God's Guidelines) and He run toward a Goal (God's Purpose). How far have you progressed from the time you were saved?? Have you laid aside the hindrances and determined to patiently go forward (A long distance runner realizes he can "dash" the entire way. He learns to get in the proper "stride" so that he can manage the long haul).

VI. Leaping- Spiritual Praise Acts 3:8 And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping and praising God. Sometimes we simply must leap in exhalation as we praise the Lord and Rejoice in His goodness. While Christianity can not be based solely on emotion, one of the things that is missing in many people's relationship is emotional involvement. No wonder some people dread coming to church instead of joy in serving the Lord.

When is the last time the Word of God so excited you until a hearty "AMEN" burst from your lips?? When's the last time God so blessed you until you couldn't wait to get to Church and testify?? When is the last time you really ENJOYED serving the Lord??

VII. Mounting Up- Spiritual Energy Isaiah 40:31 But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength: they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. Isaiah uses this verse to include all the positions- Waiting (Resting and Sitting), walking, running, and leaping (Mount up with wings of Eagles). He shows us that when we position ourselves correctly with the Lord then we receive the power we need to do the jobs on life's journey. Instead of being tired all the time we are able to accomplish exactly what the Lord intends; and enjoy life while we're doing it!

What Position are you in?? Do you need

REST- Matt 11:28 Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Lay or Sit at His Feet

SECURITY- Plant your feet securely on the Rock

FELLOWSHIP- Walk with the Lord and His People

JOY- Count your Blessings

ENERGY- Wait on the Lord. Most of the pressure you are under is of your own making!! because you're following your timetable instead of the Lord's. Stop trying to be what everyone else wants you to be and become what God intends you to be.

OBEYING GOD'S COMMAND

I hope each of you would readily agree that obeying God's Commands is an absolute must in our lives. Then why don't we do it?? What keeps us from letting the "will of God be done on earth as it is in Heaven"?

Let's look at several times God gave commands to men; and they hesitated to do what He said. Then as we find out why they wouldn't do God's Will it may help us realize why we fail to obey God's Command.

1. II Kings 5:9-14 Naaman was told to dip in the Jordan River 7 times in order to cure his leprosy. He didn't want to do so because he was looking for some great magic show instead of a simple act of obedience- The Command of God deals with our PRIDE. Naaman's servants said that if Elisha's had told him to do some great thing then he would have done it but he didn't want to do anything that would make him look foolish. We must come to God thru the Foolishness of Preaching, Become Fools for Christ's sake, and live by what the world calls "Foolish Faith".
Will Pride keep you from Obeying God in the matter of Salvation or Service?

2. Acts 10:9-16. Peter didn't want to eat with, or associate with, the Gentiles so God used this vision to show him that anything God made was not unclean. The Command of God deals with our PREJUDICES. Christians are color Blind and pocket book blind (James 2:1-4); although we are not character blind (We love everyone equally- which means we dislike sin or slothfulness in anyone).
Some sinners are prejudice against the hypocrites in the Church. If they're good enough to spend eternity in Hell with they're surely good enough to spend a Sunday with!

3. And Moses said unto the LORD, O my Lord, I am not eloquent, neither heretofore, nor since thou hast spoken unto thy servant: but I am slow of speech, and of a slow tongue (Exo 4:10). Moses was willing to go back to Egypt but he didn't want to speak- The Command of God deals with our PERSONALITIES. Many People don't mind serving the Lord as long as it doesn't require any real effort or stress.
We become New Creatures at Salvation. We are indwelt by the Holy Spirit to conform us to the image of Christ. God uses the Bible and the events of life to mold and make us.

Are you going to miss Heaven because you think you aren't good enough, or bright enough, or strong enough?? Obey God's Command.

"Look at your life as you will see it on ETERNITY'S MORNING when life will be all behind you. What will you and I count on Eternity's morning? Money? No, that will be gone, never to come back again. Position? That will have passed away forever. Pleasure and ease? They, too, will have gone.

But there will be two things which we shall value with all our being on Eternity's morning. The first is to know that we have done His will with our lives, and the second thing will be to know that there are precious souls standing around the throne on the solemn morning that God used us to have a share in winning." (G.S. Graham)

The world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever. (1 John 2:17)