Author: BCI Step by Step

Doing the Will of God from the Heart

Posted on by BCI Step by Step

Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart;
(Ephesians 6:6 KJV)

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Do you believe that your future matters according to your faith?

Then touched he their eyes, saying, According to your faith be it unto you.
(Matthew 9:29 KJV)

Not boasting of things without our measure, that is, of other men’s labours; but having hope, when your faith is increased, that we shall be enlarged by you according to our rule abundantly,
(2 Corinthians 10:15 KJV)

For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee.
(Proverbs 23:7 KJV)

Do you believe that God has the best plan for your life?

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. (Jeremiah 29:11 KJV)

The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. (John 10:10 KJV)

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. 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. (Romans 12:1-2 KJV)

Do you believe that many Christians missed God’s best plan for them because they do not seek God’s will in their lives?

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. (Matthew 6:33 KJV)

Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.
(Psalms 37:4 KJV)

Do you believe that Satan still tempts believers, misleads them, and brings destruction to their bodies and troubles in their lives?

To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus. (1 Corinthians 5:5 KJV)

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: (1 Peter 5:8 KJV)

The consequence of right or wrong decisions affects one’s future.

And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ. But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons. (Colossians 3:23-25 KJV)

WHAT YOU NEED TO DO?

SEEK GOD FIRST

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
(Matthew 6:33 KJV)

For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?
(Mark 8:36 KJV)

O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.
(Psalms 34:8 KJV)

And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name’s sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life. But many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first. (Matthew 19:29-30 KJV)

LEARN GOD’S WORDS

But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen. (2 Peter 3:18 KJV)

And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. (2 Timothy 3:15-17 KJV)

So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
(Romans 10:17 KJV)

ATTEND THE SERVICES OF A BIBLICAL CHURCH REGULARLY

Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men: (Ephesians 6:6-7 KJV)

And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. (Hebrews 10:24-25 KJV)

SUPPORT THE MINISTRY

For we stretch not ourselves beyond our measure, as though we reached not unto you: for we are come as far as to you also in preaching the gospel of Christ: Not boasting of things without our measure, that is, of other men’s labours; but having hope, when your faith is increased, that we shall be enlarged by you according to our rule abundantly, To preach the gospel in the regions beyond you, and not to boast in another man’s line of things made ready to our hand. (2 Corinthians 10:14-16 KJV)

But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work: (2 Corinthians 9:6-8 KJV)

Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed: And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine. His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed: Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury. Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents. (Matthew 25:24-28 KJV)

DAILY SEEK GOD’S GUIDANCE THROUGH PRAYER AND MEDITATION

Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. (Psalms 1:1-2 KJV)

And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed. (Mark 1:35 KJV)

Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest. This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success. (Joshua 1:7-8 KJV)

NUN. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. (Psalms 119:105 KJV)

Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. (Psalms 119:11 KJV)

Order my steps in thy word: and let not any iniquity have dominion over me. (Psalms 119:133 KJV)

SEEK GODLY COUNSEL

Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.
(Proverbs 11:14 KJV)

The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.
(Proverbs 12:15 KJV)

Poverty and shame shall be to him that refuseth instruction: but he that regardeth reproof shall be honoured. (Proverbs 13:18 KJV)

Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end. (Proverbs 19:20 KJV)

Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established.
(Proverbs 15:22 KJV)

BE STRONG IN THE LORD TO OVERCOME SATAN’S TEMPTATIONS

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: (1 Peter 5:8 KJV)

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. (Ephesians 6:10 KJV)

This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. (Galatians 5:16-17 KJV)

The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? (Jeremiah 17:9 KJV)

Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. (Proverbs 4:23 KJV)

TRUST AND OBEY GOD

But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith.
(Galatians 3:11 KJV)

Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. (Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV)

But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. (James 1:22-24 KJV)

RELATED LESSONS:

Why a Christian experiences afflictions

What benefits can you get out of your problems

Why does God allow people to experience suffering?

Which will you follow, truth or feelings?

Reasons for Knowing God

BE FIRM IN THE FAITH

Posted on by BCI Step by Step

And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; (Ephesians 4:11-14 KJV)

Leaders of the church are God’s gifts. It says, “He gave….”

And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding. (Jeremiah 3:15 KJV)

The office of the Apostles and Prophets, however, had already ceased. The requirement for the office of the Apostle is mentioned in Acts 1: 21-22 and no one would qualify now. In the case of Paul, he was a special Apostle and he had a personal encounter with the Lord Jesus at Damascus road. The office of the Apostles ceased at the death of the last Apostle. The prophets ceased when the Bible was completed. No prophecy is to be added to the Bible. (Rev. 22: 18). The Bible is complete as our rule and guide. (2 Timothy 3: 16-17). The Bible was given in an installment basis until the whole Bible was completed. Before the Bible was completed there were Apostles and Prophets. Now we have the complete Bible as our guide and basis of faith (1 Cor. 13:8-10, James 1: 25). What we need today are pastors who will explain the prophecy of the Bible.

God desires us to grow in the knowledge of God’s word. We must be careful of so many false teachings and false teachers today. We must be grounded in the right doctrines of the Bible.

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DEPENDENCE ON GOD IN DISCIPLE-MAKING

Posted on by BCI Step by Step
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Are you a Christian? If you claim to be a Christian, you must be following Christ, because a Christian is a follower of Christ. Be a disciple, a student of the word, a learner. Being a disciple is more than agreeing to religious truth. Rather, it is a commitment to follow Christ. Discipleship is a process of continuous learning and growth. Be a disciple, a follower of Christ.

PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS OF A DISCIPLE

A disciple is in constant fellowship with Christ through regular prayer and meditation.

If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. (John 15:7 KJV)

A disciple bears fruit.

Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. (John 15:8 KJV)

A disciple responds to God’s love and obedience.

As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love. If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love. (John 15:9-10 KJV)

A disciple is joyful.

These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. (John 15:11 KJV)

A disciple loves as Jesus loves.

This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. (John 15:12-13 KJV)

PERSONAL COMPETENCES OF A DISCIPLE

A disciple submits to a teacher who teaches him how to follow Jesus.

Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.
(1 Corinthians 11:1 KJV)

Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.
(Hebrews 13:17 KJV)

A disciple studies and learns Jesus’ words.

These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.
(Acts 17:11 KJV)

A disciple learns Jesus’ way of ministry.

And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.
(Matthew 4:19 KJV)

A disciple imitates Jesus’ life and character.

Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: (Philippians 2:2-5 KJV)

A disciple finds and teaches other disciples to follow Jesus.

Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
(Matthew 28:19-20 KJV)

And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also. (2 Timothy 2:2 KJV)

WE MUST DISCIPLE

If we don’t disciple, will some disciples be active and committed to the great commission?

DEPEND ON GOD’S GRACE — GRACE TRANSFORMS

We are saved by grace through faith. We started by God’s in salvation, and so we continue to walk in our Christian life by God’s grace.

O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you? This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh? (Galatians 3:1-3 KJV)

But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen. (2 Peter 3:18 KJV)

As we are involved in discipleship, we must remember that we cannot do it on our own. But we need to rely on God’s grace to transform lives.

Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ: (Philippians 1:6 KJV)

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. (Zechariah 4:6 KJV)

Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus: (Colossians 1:28 KJV)

There is grace in conversion, and so, in our whole journey of our Christian walk. God’s grace transforms. First, we are justified at the new birth. Then after salvation, the Spirit continues to work in our sanctification. That is the process of being Christ-like.

THE OBJECTIVE OF DISCIPLESHIP IS TRANSFORMATION.

The evidence of salvation is transformed lives.

A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.
(John 13:34-35 KJV)

He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.
(1 John 2:4-6 KJV)

FAITH IN GOD IN DISCIPLESHIP IS EVIDENT IN ONE’S DEDICATION

“God does not choose men and women because of what they are, but because of what they will become.”

I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy, For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now; Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ: (Philippians 1:3-6 KJV)

So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us.
(1 Thessalonians 2:8 KJV)

EXAMPLES OF FAITH IN THE BIBLE, HEBREWS CHAPTER 11.

ELDERS — They obtained a good report, (v.2).

ABEL — He offered a more excellent sacrifice than Cain (v.3).

ENOCH – He had a testimony that he pleased God, (v.5).

NOAH — He moved with fear, and prepared an ark ( v.7).

ABRAHAM – He obeyed and went, offered up Isaac under great test, (vv. 8-19).

SARA – received strength to conceive, v.11.

JOSEPH – made mention of the departing of Israel when he died, v.22.

MOSES – chose to suffer affliction with God’s people, etc. vv. 24-29.

RAHAB – perished not with unbelievers, v.31.

WE NEED FAITH THAT MOVES US TO ACTION

What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. (James 2:14-17 KJV)

And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say? Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them, I will shew you to whom he is like: He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock. But he that heareth, and doeth not, is like a man that without a foundation built an house upon the earth; against which the stream did beat vehemently, and immediately it fell; and the ruin of that house was great. (Luke 6:46-49 KJV)

FAITH THAT EMBRACES DISCIPLESHIP

REAL — Actively obey it.

HISTORICALLY defined by people who make action

DISTINGUISHED itself from intellectual or mere because it demonstrates proof.

THOUGHTFUL OBEDIENCE, not religious words.

— E. J.

RELATED LESSONS

The cost of discipleship

Spiritual qualification of a discipler

Delighting in the Lord

Posted on by BCI Step by Step

Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.
(Psalms 37:4 KJV)

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There are three important events that people celebrate: Birth, Marriage, and Death. Someone said, “What about graduation?”, But I replied, “People do not celebrate graduation yearly, hahaha!” Therefore, we cannot say that marriage is a less important decision. There are many youth who enter into relationship without thinking of marriage. If you make a wrong decision, that will affect the course of your life. King Solomon gave some advice:

“Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.”
(Proverbs 4:23 KJV)

Many young people follow their feelings and do not seek God’s will for their lives. The reason is that they easily trust in man or themselves more than God. The Bible says:

“Thus saith the LORD; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD.” (Jeremiah 17:5 KJV)

“It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man.”
(Psalms 118:8 KJV)

If you truly trust God, you will obey God’s commandments and put a Christian standard in your relationship goals.

“Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.” (2 Corinthians 6:14-16 KJV).

“Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.“
(1 Timothy 4:12 KJV)

“Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.“
(Proverbs 31:10 KJV)

If you truly trust God, you will seek God first, grow in Him, and trust that He will grant the desires of your heart. 

“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” (Matthew 6:33 KJV)

“Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.”
(Psalms 37:4 KJV)

RELATED LESSONS:

Guard Your Heart

What does the Bible say about your heart?

Defining True Love

True Love

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Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. (1 Corinthians 13:4-7 KJV)

It is hard to prove a person’s love without proving his patience. The Bible says, “A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” (Proverbs 17:17 KJV). That means a person who truly loves will always be loving even in adversity or difficult circumstances. This is the reason why many relationships do not succeed because they have mistaken lust for love. People say “Love is blind”. Soon when romance fades, they will be able to see each other’s weaknesses and undesireable character. One way to prove a person’s love is that he is willing to wait. Friendship is a good foundation for relationships. 

True love involves sacrifice, concern for another person’s welfare, growth, not self-seeking, nor taking advantage for selfish motives and fleshly satisfaction. A person who loves will not ruin your life or pull you down but rather lift and build you up.

Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.
(Proverbs 27:17 KJV)

Christ demonstrated His love by His sacrifice. 

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16 KJV)

It is by knowing Christ that you will understand what is God’s love.  

Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another. (1 John 4:10-11 KJV)

If you focus on the wrong aspect, soon you will understand that it is just temporal but true love endures. 

For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever. (1 John 2:16-17 KJV)

And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.
(1 Corinthians 13:13 KJV)

Always put God first in your life and seek His best plan for you. 

Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.
(Psalms 27:14 KJV)

Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.
(Psalms 37:4 KJV)

RELATED LESSONS:

Defining True Love

True Love Relationship

Why do you have to guard your heart

What does the Bible say about your heart?

Reasons for loving one another

The Greatest Gift that You Can Receive

Faith can move mountains

Posted on by BCI Step by Step

Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done. And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.
(Matthew 21:21-22 KJV)

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When I was a little boy, we used to stroll around Ramon Magsaysay Park along the coast. As time went by, I saw there was a change because the land area of the park extended toward the sea. The Engineers filled the seashore with earth to extend the area of the park. Where did they get some earth to fill a portion of the seashore? Usually, they got them from the mountains. Some mountains were made plain and they filled the sea with land. All are possible by faith.

Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.
(Mark 9:23 KJV)

There might be some dreams or goals that seem so hard to achieve. But all things are possible to him who believes. 

“SAY TO THIS MOUNTAIN”

Why not just keep it in your mind? Why do I have to say it? I was memorizing a chapter in the book of Proverbs, and it helps a lot when I recite it verbally rather than just trying to memorize it with my mind. I have also experienced that it is hard for a plan to materialize if you just keep it within you. When you share your plans with your team or congregation, then it is easier to work them out. When you speak to a mountain, you will hear an echo. As a leader, you need to have a clear vision and goal. When you share your vision with others, and they catch it up, you will hear their positive responses and they will the more encourage you to pursue it. Successful organizations usually have clarity of visions and goals, and they often write them on their walls for their team to memorize. 

“BE THOU REMOVED AND BE THOU CAST INTO THE SEA” 

We may look at our problems as big as a mountain. But no matter how big our problems are, God is greater than our problems. No matter what obstacles are hindering our path to success, God will help us through, we only need to believe. God must have a purpose of placing them there for us to fully depend on Him and grow. We just need to trust God.

And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong. (2 Corinthians 12:7-10 KJV)

When we experience problems, difficulties, and weaknesses, remember that God allowed such for us to rely on Him. When we trust in the Lord and work to develop those weaknesses into strengths or to solve those problems by doing right, little by little, we will find success. 

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
(Philippians 4:13 KJV)

For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.
(2 Corinthians 4:16-18 KJV)

“ALL THINGS WHATSOEVER YE SHALL ASK IN PRAYER BELIEVING”

The “ALL THINGS” referred to here are the things that you asked in prayer believing. Did you pray and doubt, then that is not believing. Doubt is a sin. 

And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin. (Romans 14:23 KJV)

Doubt hinders our prayer. 

If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. A double minded man is unstable in all his ways. (James 1:5-8 KJV)

However, you need to understand that it is not faith in yourself that makes prayer effective but rather faith in God. Faith in God grows through hearing and understanding God’s word. 

So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
(Romans 10:17 KJV)

If your trust is in man, your boss, your fellows, or in yourself, you will have the tendency to drift away from the truth and there is a consequence. 

Thus saith the LORD; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD. For he shall be like the heath in the desert, and shall not see when good cometh; but shall inhabit the parched places in the wilderness, in a salt land and not inhabited.
(Jeremiah 17:5-6 KJV)

If you trust the Lord, you will be blessed indeed. 

Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is. For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit. (Jeremiah 17:7-8 KJV)

If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.
(John 15:7 KJV)

(Since Christ was speaking to the disciples who were already saved, thus, He was speaking to them about faith in their daily walk. “The just shall live by faith” Gal. 3:11). 

E. J.

RELATED TOPICS :

Walking in the Spirit

Inner Struggles in the Life of the Believer

How Can I Know God’s Will?

Salvation by Grace Through Faith

Build Friendship on Solid Ground

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Pray for and with your friend

Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
(James 5:16 KJV)

Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God. (Colossians 4:12 KJV)

Be patient and understanding of your friend’s shortcomings.

Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.
(Colossians 3:13-14 KJV)

Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. (Galatians 6:1-2 KJV)

Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,
(1 Corinthians 13:4 KJV)

Help your friend to grow

Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.
(Proverbs 27:17 KJV)

Open rebuke is better than secret love. Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful. (Proverbs 27:5-6 KJV)

Share your meditations

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
(Colossians 3:16 KJV)

Be a good testimony

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. (Matthew 5:16 KJV)

Protect from the wrong influence

Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. (Psalms 1:1 KJV)

Participate in the ministry

I beseech you, brethren, (ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints,) That ye submit yourselves unto such, and to every one that helpeth with us, and laboureth. (1 Corinthians 16:15-16 KJV)

RELATED LESSONS:

Characteristics of a true friend

Friends in the ministry

Being Friendly

Posted on by BCI Step by Step

A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother. (Proverbs 18:24 KJV)


Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.
(Proverbs 27:17 KJV)

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No man is an island. Life is lonely without a friend. We are social beings, and we need to be sociable. Communication is important. A child learns first to communicate with his parents. Social maturity is the ability to relate well with others. Sociability is part of maturity. When a person grows spiritually mature, he also grows in many aspects of his life. A Christian can grow to be spiritually and socially mature in the church. 


A GOOD CHRISTIAN FRIEND IS A BLESSING FROM GOD.


A true friend loves at all times.


A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.
(Proverbs 17:17 KJV)


A true friend builds you up.
Open rebuke is better than secret love. Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful. (Proverbs 27:5-6 KJV)


A true friend can give you comfort and godly counsel
Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so doth the sweetness of a man’s friend by hearty counsel.
(Proverbs 27:9 KJV)


A true friend will sacrifice for you.

Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
(John 15:13 KJV)


BENEFITS OF BEING FRIENDLY


It increases your friends.


A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.
(Proverbs 18:24 KJV)


It helps increase your influence. 


And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that thine hand might be with me, and that thou wouldest keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me! And God granted him that which he requested. (1 Chronicles 4:10 KJV)


It helps you find growth opportunities. 


The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself.
(Proverbs 11:25 KJV)


It provides an opportunity to share the gospel. 


The Son of man came eating and drinking, and they say, Behold a man gluttonous, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners. But wisdom is justified of her children. (Matthew 11:19 KJV)


Howbeit Jesus suffered him not, but saith unto him, Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee. (Mark 5:19 KJV)

FIND FRIENDS TO WIN AND ENCOURAGE

You will be blessed and also encouraged

The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself.
(Proverbs 11:25 KJV)

You will be wise and productive

The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.
(Proverbs 11:30 KJV)

The wicked worketh a deceitful work: but to him that soweth righteousness shall be a sure reward.
(Proverbs 11:18 KJV)

BE FRIENDLY TO EVERYONE

A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother. (Proverbs 18:24 KJV)

Be cheerful

A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.
(Proverbs 15:13 KJV)

Be interested in people

And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.
(Luke 6:31 KJV)

Be hospitable

Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.
(Hebrews 13:2 KJV)

Be prayerful

And the LORD turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends: also the LORD gave Job twice as much as he had before. (Job 42:10 KJV)

Be patient and loving

Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,
(1 Corinthians 13:4 KJV)

A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.
(Proverbs 17:17 KJV)


RELATED LESSONS


Characteristics of a true friend
Thank you for being a friend

God’s Conditions to Blessing and Curse

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Thus saith the LORD; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD. For he shall be like the heath in the desert, and shall not see when good cometh; but shall inhabit the parched places in the wilderness, in a salt land and not inhabited. Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is. For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit. The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?
(Jeremiah 17:5-9 KJV)

CURSE BE THE MAN…

THAT TRUSTETH IN MAN

It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man.
(Psalms 118:8 KJV)

God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged. (Romans 3:4 KJV)

He that tilleth his land shall be satisfied with bread: but he that followeth vain persons is void of understanding. (Proverbs 12:11 KJV)

MAKETH FLESH HIS ARM

This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.
(Galatians 5:16 KJV)

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. (Zechariah 4:6 KJV)

Be strong and courageous, be not afraid nor dismayed for the king of Assyria, nor for all the multitude that is with him: for there be more with us than with him: With him is an arm of flesh; but with us is the LORD our God to help us, and to fight our battles. And the people rested themselves upon the words of Hezekiah king of Judah. (2 Chronicles 32:7-8 KJV)

Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD. (Jeremiah 9:23-24 KJV)

WHOSE HEART DEPARTETH FROM THE LORD.

The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?
(Jeremiah 17:9 KJV)

The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways: and a good man shall be satisfied from himself.
(Proverbs 14:14 KJV)

Incline not my heart to any evil thing, to practise wicked works with men that work iniquity: and let me not eat of their dainties. (Psalms 141:4 KJV)

BLESSED IS THE MAN…

THAT TRUSTETH IN THE LORD

Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil. It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones. Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: (Proverbs 3:5-9 KJV)

Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done. And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive. (Matthew 21:21-22 KJV)

WHOSE HOPE THE LORD IS.

That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us: Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil;
(Hebrews 6:18-19 KJV)

Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.
(Psalms 42:11 KJV)

HE SHALL BE LIKE

For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit. (Jeremiah 17:8 KJV)

A man shall not be established by wickedness: but the root of the righteous shall not be moved.
(Proverbs 12:3 KJV)

The wicked desireth the net of evil men: but the root of the righteous yieldeth fruit.
(Proverbs 12:12 KJV)

If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.
(John 15:7-8 KJV)