How To Win At Life No Matters What Happens ----Romans 12:1-2 By David Higgs

Translation:  I urge you or beseech you.


Parakaleo  -- someone coming alongside you and providing counsel, courage, hope, and encouragement....it is the role of a coach who encourages and challenges an athlete toward excellence.



1.  Commit Your Body To GOD!

"Romans 12:1 is the greatest call to Christian commitment ever recorded in the New Testament."
Dr. J.W. MacGorman

I Corinthians 6:19



2.  Commit Your Mind To GOD!




3.  Commit Your Will To The Will of GOD!
Question:  How can I know GOD'S will for my life?
Answer:  GOD'S will is found in GOD'S Word.


"The Will of GOD is exactly what we would choose if we knew all the facts."



Applications

Commit your body to the will of GOD!
Commit your mind to the will of GOD!
Commit your will to the will of GOD!

 

Things To Do To Be Saved?

This Is What Our Family Will.....

A Snapshot Of The Christian Life ----- Romans 12:3-13

Outline of Romans

• Sin  (1-3:20)
• Salvation  (3:20-5)
• Sanctification  (6-8)
• Sovereignty  (9-11)
• Service  (12-16)

I.  Christian Ministry To The Church  --  (3-8)

• Spiritual Gifts
• Spiritual gifts are abilities GOD gives the believer for the purpose of service.
• Every Christian has at least one spiritual gift.
• Every Christian is gifted differently.
• Using your spiritual gift will fulfill a deep inner need in your life.
• GOD intends for every Christian to faithfully use their spiritual gift.
• Romans 12:6-8;  I Corinthians 12:4-11; 
•  Ephesians  4:11; I Peter 4:10-11

II.  Christian Ministry To Others  -  (9-13)

1. Love sincerely.
2. Hate evil.
3. Cling to good.
4. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love.
5. Honor one another above yourselves.
6. Be full of zeal.
7. Be full of spiritual fervor.
8. Serve the LORD.   Psalms  100:2
9. Be joyful in hope.
10. Be patient in affliction.
11. Be faithful in prayer.   I John 3:17
12. Meet the needs of your Christian family.
13. Be hospitable.  Hebrews 13:2

Hope  --- Confident of reaching out for the heavenly future.

Application

• Faithfully fulfill the Christian responsibilities we have at church.
• Faithfully fulfill the Christian responsibilities we have with our brothers and sisters in CHRIST.

First Baptist Church of Henderson, Texas  has been in existence for 169 years.

Hallelujah
 

Life With Joy ---- Psalms 40: 1-4

 

 

Psalm 40:3 King James Version (KJV)

³ And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the Lord.

King James Version (KJV)

The Whys Of Life ----- Ecclesiastes 7:13-18

 

 

Ecclesiastes 7:16 King James Version (KJV)

¹⁶ Be not righteous over much; neither make thyself over wise: why shouldest thou destroy thyself ?

 

A Wife Of Noble Character ----- Proverbs 12:1-7

 

Proverbs 12:4 King James Version (KJV)

⁴ A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband: but she that maketh ashamed is as rottenness in his bones.

If We're Fighting Each Other ------ We Can't Fight The Enemy

 

Thoughts For Action

Pray about and identify one perssonin your family whop needs to be reunited woth your family.

Establish a plan on how to reunite this family member with the family.
Step out and risk rejection.

Matthew 12:25 King James Version (KJV)

²⁵ And Jesus knew their thoughts, and said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand:

Luke 11:17-22 King James Version (KJV)

¹⁷ But he, knowing their thoughts, said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and a house divided against a house falleth.
¹⁸ If Satan also be divided against himself, how shall his kingdom stand? because ye say that I cast out devils through Beelzebub.
¹⁹ And if I by Beelzebub cast out devils, by whom do your sons cast them out? therefore shall they be your judges.
²⁰ But if I with the finger of God cast out devils, no doubt the kingdom of God is come upon you.
²¹ When a strong man armed keepeth his palace, his goods are in peace:
²² But when a stronger than he shall come upon him, and overcome him, he taketh from him all his armour wherein he trusted, and divideth his spoils.

 

A House Divided ------- Mark 3:24-27

 

 

Mark 3:24 King James Version (KJV)

²⁴ And if a kingdom be divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand.

Just when the caterpillar thought ifs life was over ...... It Became a Butterfly!

 
Thoughts For Action

1. Why am I here on planet earth?
2. Why do I do what I do?
3. How do I find importance in my life?
4. How did I get caught up in this race that doesn't produce winners?
5. What change am I going to make today?

 

1 Corinthians 6:12 King James Version (KJV)

¹² All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.

Ecclesiastes 5:10 King James Version (KJV)

¹⁰ He that loveth silver shall not be satisfied with silver; nor he that loveth abundance with increase: this is also vanity.


 

Romans 12:1-2 King James Version (KJV)

12 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

² 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.


 

2 Corinthians 5:17 King James Version (KJV)

¹⁷ Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

A Rat In A Maze ------ Galatians 5:7-10, 13-15

 

 

Galatians 5:7 King James Version (KJV)

⁷ Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth?

We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed

 

Prayer

FATHER GOD, it is hard to desire testing in order to be more Christlike.  However, I know from experience that we rarely grow in good times.   It's the intense heat that makes us pure.  May I be gold and not wood, hay, or stubble.  In JESUS'S name.  Amen.

Thoughts For Action

• Write down in  your journal what pain and/or test you are experiencing today.

• Take a step to help yourself work toward becoming as gold.

• Write al letter to GOD about how you feel.

• Get involved in a support group.

 

Psalm 66:10-12 King James Version (KJV)

¹⁰ For thou, O God, hast proved us: thou hast tried us, as silver is tried.
¹¹ Thou broughtest us into the net; thou laidst affliction upon our loins.
¹² Thou hast caused men to ride over our heads; we went through fire and through water: but thou broughtest us out into a wealthy place.

 

2 Corinthians 4:7-9 King James Version (KJV)

⁷ But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.
⁸ We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;
⁹ Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;

Becoming As Gold ------- Job 23:1-12

Job 23:10 King James Version (KJV)

¹⁰ But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.

One Day At A Time ---------- Zechariah 4: 1-7

 

 

Zechariah 4:6 King James Version (KJV)

⁶ Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the Lord unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the Lord of hosts.

Why a Good Name Is Better Than Riches?

 

Why a Good Name Is Better Than Riches?

1. A good name provides stability

When you have a good name people can trust you. That trust is a stabilizing factor in your relationship with them. They know what to expect from you and can lean on your decisions with absolute surety, knowing they were made with pure motives.

Those whose good name has been tarnished have a difficult time building trust and consequently maintaining friendship. Their motives will always be questioned as insincere. They are more or less seen as looking out for themselves and taking little consideration for the needs of others.

And how often do you question the motives of those who throw their great wealth around? Doesn’t it seem like there are often strings attached? That they have an ulterior motive for using their money?

2. A good name is eternal

Riches are fleeting. They could be with us one minute and gone the next. And of course we know that we can’t take riches with us once we leave this world at the time of our death.

A good name however is theoretically eternal. How many men and women of history are still being spoken of in a positive light? Wouldn’t it be special if that could be you?

How will your legacy be remembered and portrayed by family, friends or colleagues once you are gone? Will they focus on the value of your good name or only remember that you cared about money? One of those will provide fonder memories and produce more positive future dialogue than the other.

3. A good name brings loving favor

The ending phrase of Proverbs 22:1 says, “…loving favor rather than silver and gold.” As we are to seek a good name instead of riches, so we are also to seek loving favor over riches. And I can think of no better way to garner loving favor than to have a good name.

People will love you for having integrity. They appreciate you for the kindness, mercy and attention to their needs that you show. They will stay by your side when you are attacked.

And let’s be honest – we all would prefer to be loved, right? “I want to be loved” is one truism to which we can all relate.

While riches we could live without, a life that doesn’t experience love would be devastating.

In conclusion, riches are not evil and there is nothing wrong with having them. But a good name is better than riches, better than all the riches of the world. It provides more value in the present and the future. Do you need to start working on yours today?

Do you have a Good name?

Proverbs 22:1-2 King James Version (KJV)

 

22 A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold.

² The rich and poor meet together: the Lord is the maker of them all.

 

Being Content

 

Most Relevant Verses

Hebrews 13:5

Make sure that your character is free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, "I WILL NEVER DESERT YOU, NOR WILL I EVER FORSAKE YOU,"

Psalm 37:16

Better is the little of the righteous Than the abundance of many wicked.

Philippians 4:11

Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am.

Ecclesiastes 3:12

I know that there is nothing better for them than to rejoice and to do good in one's lifetime;

Proverbs 15:13

A joyful heart makes a cheerful face, But when the heart is sad, the spirit is broken.

Proverbs 30:8

Keep deception and lies far from me, Give me neither poverty nor riches; Feed me with the food that is my portion,

Ecclesiastes 5:10

He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves abundance with its income. This too is vanity.

Proverbs 19:23

The fear of the LORD leads to life, So that one may sleep satisfied, untouched by evil.

1 Corinthians 7:20

Each man must remain in that condition in which he was called.

Luke 3:14

Some soldiers were questioning him, saying, "And what about us, what shall we do?" And he said to them, "Do not take money from anyone by force, or accuse anyone falsely, and be content with your wages."

1 Timothy 6:8

If we have food and covering, with these we shall be content. 

1 Timothy 6:8 King James Version (KJV)

⁸ And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.

Hebrews 10:24-25

Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?

 

 

 

  Mark 10:17-25 King James Version (KJV)

¹⁷ And when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?

¹⁸ And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God.

¹⁹ Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother.

²⁰ And he answered and said unto him, Master, all these have I observed from my youth.

²¹ Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me.

²² And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions.

²³ And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto his disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!

²⁴ And the disciples were astonished at his words. But Jesus answereth again, and saith unto them, Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God!

²⁵ It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.

O man Of GOD, flee these things ........

 

1 Timothy 6:11-21 King James Version (KJV)

¹¹ But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.

¹² Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.

¹³ I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession;

¹⁴ That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ:

¹⁵ Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords;

¹⁶ Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen.

¹⁷ Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;

¹⁸ That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;

¹⁹ Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.

²⁰ O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called:

²¹ Which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with thee. Amen.

Write a letter to GOD thanking HIM for all your blessings.

 

 Prayer

FATHER GOD, YOU know that my heart's desire is to be content in whatever state I'm in.  I want to be like Paul in that  regard.  YOU have given me so much and I want to graciously thank YOU for those blessings.  In JESUS'S  name.  Amen.


Thought For Action

• Instead of being preoccupied with your station in life, start praising GOD for where you are.

• Pray to GOD asking HIM to reveal to you what you are to learn in your present situation.

• Write a letter to GOD thanking HIM for all your blessings.  

 

• Name them individually.

 

I Timothy 6:11-14 ----- King James Version

Be Content In Everything .......I Timothy 6:1-10

1 Timothy 6:6 King James Version (KJV)

⁶ But godliness with contentment is great gain.

 

I Didn't Believe It ....... John 6:35-40

For my FATHER'S will is that everyone who looks to the SON and Believes in HIM shall have eternal life, and I will raise HIM up at the last day.

John 6:40 

 

For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord JESUS CHRIST

 

Thoughts For Action

• In your journal, write down the names of one to three friends that you want to pray for each day.

• Under each name list several specific areas which you want to pray for them.

• Read Colossians 1:9-12 for 3 straight days. 

 

•  Think specifically of the friends you listed in your journal.

Additional Scripture Reading

 

Ephesians 3:14-19 King James Version (KJV)

¹⁴ For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
¹⁵ Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,
¹⁶ That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;
¹⁷ That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,
¹⁸ May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;
¹⁹ And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.

I John 1:9 --- Philippians 2:4 ----- Philippians 4:6

Confess you sins.  

• Tell GOD about the things you have done and  
• said and 
• thought for which you are sorry.  HE tells us in
•  I John 1:9 that HE is "faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins."

_________________________________________________________________

1 John 1:9 King James Version (KJV)

⁹ If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Pray for your family....

•  for friends of neighbors who have needs, physical or spiritual.  
• Ask GOD to work in the heart of someone you hope will come to know JESUS as Savior.  
• Pray for our government officials,
•  for your minister 
• and church officers,
•  for missionaries and other Christian servants 

• (Philippians 2:4).

  ______________________________

Philippians 2:4 King James Version (KJV)

⁴ Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.

Pray, too, for yourself. 

•   Ask for guidance for the day ahead. 
•  Ask GOD to help you do HIS will... 
• and ask HIM for opportunities to serve HIM throughout the day

•  (Philippians 4:6).

 ___________________________________________

Philippians 4:6

“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.”

King James Version (KJV)

 
 

What should you do in your time alone with GOD?

What should you do in your time alone with GOD?

•  After you've read and meditated on GOD'S Word for a while, 
• spend some time with GOD in prayer.  
• Talk to GOD as you would to your earthly parent or a special friend who loves you,  or that desires the best for you, and wants to help you in every way possible.

Are you wondering what to talk to GOD about when you pray?  

Here are  a few suggestions:

•   Praise GOD for who HE is, the Creator and Sustainer of the whole Universe
•  who is interested in each of us who are in HIS family. 
•  ( Palms 150;  Matthew 10:30).

• Thank GOD for all HE has done for you.... 
• for all HE is doing for you.... 
• and for all that HE will do for you in the future 
• (Philippians 4:6).

Philippians 4:6 King James Version (KJV)

⁶ Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

 
 

A Prayer For All Seasons Colossians 1:9-12 King James Version

 

Colossians 1:9 King James Version (KJV)

⁹ For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;
 

Be Ye Transformed By The Renewing Of Your Mind Romans 12:1-2

Thoughts For Action

• List in your journal five decisions that need to be answered today. 

•  On what basis will they be answered?  Scriptural or secular?

• Get in the habit of answering basic questions from a theological framework.

• Select a verse of Scripture that will be your theme verse for life.

Additional Scripture Reading

                             

Romans 12:1-2 King James Version (KJV)

12 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

² 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.

James 3:13-14 King James Version (KJV)

¹³ Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.
¹⁴ But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth.
 

Love the LORD your GOD with all your Heart, Soul, and Strength

Thoughts for Action

• In your journal write down five things you like about yourself.

• Also, write down five things you want to improve about yourself.

• After each item on the second list write one or two things you are going to do to improve that area of your life.

• Take a stroll at the beach, in the woods, through the snow, or on a windy trail.

• Ponder how wonderfully you are made by GOD!

       Psalms 139:14

Additional Scripture Reading

Deuteronomy 6:4-9        Philippians 4:13 

Deuteronomy 6:4-9 King James Version (KJV)

⁴ Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord:
⁵ And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.
⁶ And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart:
⁷ And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.
⁸ And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes.
⁹ And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates.

The Qualities of Positive Self-Image

Positive self-image demonstrates the following qualities:

1.   They have a high moral and ethical sensitivity.

2.   They have a strong sense of family.

3.   They are far more successful in interpersonal relationships.

4.   Their perspective of success is viewed in terms of inter personal relationships, not in crass materialistic terms.

5.   They're far more productive on the job.

6.   They are far lower in incidents of chemical addictions.  (Current research shows that 80 percent of all suicides are related to alcohol and drug addiction.)

7.   They are more likely to get involved in social and political activities in their community.

8.   They are far more generous to charitable institutions and give far more generously to relief causes.

As contributing members of our family, church, community, and society, each of us wants these positive qualities.

How to be Saved from going to hell

 
Which of the gods will you serve?  Your life today is the consequences of the decisions you made yesterday.  Are you tired of being a slave to poor decisions of the past?

If so, you can have the freedom and joy of being in CHRIST.  You do not have to continue to suffer the pain of yesterday;  today you can commit to turning your life around.

Paul writes in Romans 10:9-10, "That if you confess with your mouth, "JESUS is LORD," and believe in your heart that GOD raised JESUS from the  dead, you will be saved. 

For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved."

Can you make a decision today about this Promise? 

 It will  be the best decision of your life!  

 Don't wait, make the decision now.

Pray For Wisdom

1 Kings 3

This is how Solomon Prayed for Wisdom

 ⁴ And the king went to Gibeon to sacrifice there, for that was the great high place. Solomon used to offer a thousand burnt offerings on that altar. 

 ⁵ At Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream by night, and God said, “Ask what I shall give you.”

  ⁶ And Solomon said, “You have shown great and steadfast love to your servant David my father, because he walked before you in faithfulness, in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart toward you. And you have kept for him this great and steadfast love and have given him a son to sit on his throne this day. 

⁷ And now, O Lord my God, you have made your servant king in place of David my father, although I am but a little child. I do not know how to go out or come in. 

 ⁸ And your servant is in the midst of your people whom you have chosen, a great people, too many to be numbered or counted for multitude.

  ⁹ Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, that I may discern between good and evil, for who is able to govern this your great people?”


¹⁰ It pleased the Lord that Solomon had asked this. 

 ¹¹ And God said to him, “Because you have asked this, and have not asked for yourself long life or riches or the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern what is right,  

¹² behold, I now do according to your word. Behold, I give you a wise and discerning mind, so that none like you has been before you and none like you shall arise after you. 

 ¹³ I give you also what you have not asked, both riches and honor, so that no other king shall compare with you, all your days. 

 ¹⁴ And if you will walk in my ways, keeping my statutes and my commandments, as your father David walked, then I will lengthen your days.”

¹⁵ And Solomon awoke, and behold, it was a dream. Then he came to Jerusalem and stood before the ark of the covenant of the Lord, and offered up burnt offerings and peace offerings, and made a feast for all his servants.

The Power of Prayer

 

Power of Prayer

I got up early one morning and
rushed into the day;
I had so much to accomplish that
I didn't have time to pray.

Problems just tumbled about me,
and heavier came each task,
"Why doesn't GOD help me?"
I wondered.  HE answered,
"You didn't ask."

I wanted to see joy and beauty, but
the day toiled on, gray and bleak;
I wondered why GOD didn't show me.
HE said, "But you didn't seek."


I tried to come into GOD'S  presence;
I used all my keys at the lock.
GOD gently and lovingly chided,
"My child, you didn't knock."

I woke up early this morning, and
paused before entering the day;
I  had so much to accomplish that
I  had to take time to pray.


                 ----- Author Unknown 

Please protect me in this endeavor, dear GOD

 



Dear GOD,  please protect me in this endeavor so that I will only love in an honorable way and express my love in a language that the person I care for will understand.  Amen

Eternity by Brian Doerksen

Margaret Powers --- the real person who wrote "Footprints"

You most likely have read "Footprints in the Sand."  That inspiring poem was written by Margaret Powers.  In it, she describes the plight of a person who felt abandoned by GOD in  his or her darkest hour only to discover that he or she wasn't abandoned at all. 

The single set of footprints didn't  belong to the person in pain walking the beach alone.  They were the LORD'S.  The reason there was only on set of footprints was because the person in crisis was being carried.

Shortly after writing, "Footprints." Margaret's  poem was stolen and distributed throughout the world.  For over two decades, the poet received neither recognition  nor royalties.  At long last,  her ownership of the poem was proven.  Looking back on this grave injustice, Margaret attests to the "arms of love" that held her.  Although some days she didn't  feel the LORD close.  HE never let her down.  Perhaps you can relate.

Isaiah 46:4 King James Version (KJV)

⁴ And even to your old age I am he; and even to hoar hairs will I carry you: I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver you.