Improve your life with insight from the Bible - 2017
Your life will be better when you do two difficult things. 1) You thank God for everything in your life, including things that you think are bad. 2) You endure trials, leading to maturity and a state where you lack nothing.
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Everything in your life -- even the disappointments -- work together for good when you love God and are called according to his purpose.
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We boldly stand before the throne of a holy God, not because of what we have done, but because of what Jesus did for us. We boldly have confidence in our lives in spite of how things because of the promises of God to us. We walk by faith, not by sight.
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Be clothed in Christ's righteousness
When David volunteered to fight Goliath, King Saul tried to tell David how to do the task that neither Saul nor his warriors were willing to attempt.
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Jesus says when he returns, not everyone will be ready.
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Explore some of the things the Bible says will happen when "the last trumpet sounds" and Jesus returns.
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God gives the Holy Spirit to anyone who asks. The Holy Spirit guides, comforts, and encourages you, advocates for you, and equips you for things you need to do.
God, help us to receive your Holy Spirit. Thank you! Amen!
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Jesus (and God) love us even when we go places we shouldn't.
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The closer you get to God, the more you will reflect God's character: you will be creative, have a passion for both justice and mercy, and have an astounding love for people who don't deserve it.
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Be transformed. Read the Bible.
One of the best things you could do over the next year is read the Bible on a regular basis. If you do you'll see transformative things that you didn't know.
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Let Jesus teach you how to pray
Probably the most important thing you could ever memorize is what Jesus says is the best request you could ever make of God.
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Your best move: Follow God's plan
Whenever we desire something that God says is harmful, we face key question: Will we trust God? Will we believe that God loves us and wants the best for us?
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Jesus wants to be remembered as being broken for you
Three troubling stories in the Bible have hidden insights into God's mercy, love and compassion.
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Jesus says you should be baptized, both in water and in the Holy Spirit.
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People who follow Jesus stand out. Not all the time, perhaps. But eventually, they're going to have compassion when no one else does. At some point, they're going to have mercy when no one else will.
Jesus says his followers are designed to stand out, to act differently than the people around them. Don't try to blend in. You were designed to be different!
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God's kingdom is like hidden treasure
Jesus said sometimes people aren't able to see the value of God's kingdom. It's like hidden treasure. They're liable to pass over it, not recognizing its amazing value.
Ask God to open your eyes to any hidden treasure that you're missing.
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God's kingdom may not look like much at first
When you're at the beginning of something great, it may not look like much.
Honor the people around you, whether you can see their greatness or not .
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You can change your environment
Jesus expects you to change your environment, calming the storms you encounter with the peace Jesus has given you.
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Invite Jesus into your neighborhood
Heal the sick. Cast out harmful spirits. Cleanse lepers. You'll never know what God can do through you until you try.
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If you're having trouble sleeping at night, ask God to give you peace and rest. And then, if you still can't sleep, use the time to pray for and bless others. They probably need it.
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Forgive others and receive forgiveness
Jesus encourages us to forgive others in the same way that we have been forgiven -- fully and completely.
If you're having trouble sleeping at night, ask God to give you peace and rest. And then, if you still can't sleep, use the time to pray for and bless others. They probably need it.
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God is with us (even when we can't feel it)
God is with us, even when we are not aware of God's presence.
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Walk with Jesus (even when it hurts)
God's plans for your life are sometimes painful, but they are always strategic and good.
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God's possibilities will stretch your faith
Jesus expects his followers to heal the sick and raise the dead. Most of us need more practice.
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Learn from Jesus: Heal and help those you see in need
Healing people and helping those in need is one of the primary attributes of a normal Christian life.
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Learn from Jesus: Love without reserve
Jesus says we should love our enemies. But if we watch how he acts, we quickly learn that loving our enemies does not mean we have to do what they say. It does not mean we have to be silent when they make statements that aren't true. It does not mean that we have to adopt their values. In fact, when we love our enemies, they might not like it.
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Jesus had critics. You will, also.
The better your idea, the more certain it is that people will oppose you. Don't let critics stop you from doing something great.
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Find your purpose. It's why you're gifted.
God gives you gifts so you can accomplish far more than you think is possible.
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Power flows from Jesus. Stay connected.
Jesus wants you to work on things that will last for eternity. Fortunately, he gives the power to do them when you stay connected to him.
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Storms won't hurt homes on solid foundations
A house can appear stable for decades. But Jesus says when a huge storm comes you'll learn if the house is built on a solid foundation.
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If you quit a bad habit, you need to replace it with a good one or at some point you will feel like going back. Israel wanted to go back to slavery rather than face the challenge of advancing to the good place God intended for them.
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What would you do if you were brave?
You are capable of far more than you think you are. God sees your full potential and calls you to it.
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Abundance flows from understanding and action
Jesus says abundance flows from understanding God's word.
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Fill your life with good deeds
Selfish deeds won't produce anything lasting. But good deeds? The bountiful harvest from them can last into eternity.
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Offer your requests to God with thanksgiving. Some days you may be hurting so bad it will seem impossible. But stay focused on God who loves you. God can heal your hurts.
Many of the things we do won't last. But good deeds can produce an eternal harvest.
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Some people are able to see what God is doing before anyone else. Anna was like that. Like her, you can encourage people. This video also includes tips for making (and keeping!) New Year resolutions and goals.