How Humility Will Change the World

Join us as we explore the Triumphal Entry of Jesus the Humble King. This event marks a pivotal moment in the New Testament. Discover the deeper meaning behind this significant occasion. Learn about the lessons of humility and faith that resonate today. Whether you are familiar with the story or learning it for the first time, this video will provide insights into Jesus' journey into Jerusalem and its impact on Christian beliefs.

Trevor H. Lund is the founder of Live LIGHT Academy at https://livelight.ca/ and the Creative Storyteller at https://revtrev.com Check out https://revtrev.com/tv for past videos and live casts and https://revtrev.com/radio to subscribe to his podcast wherever you listen.

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Jesus left Bethany and probably the home of Lazarus, Mary and Martha and set out for Jerusalem. It was time to announce his arrival in a way he never did before. His time had come. It was the week of his death.

Matthew 21:1-17 NLT As Jesus and the disciples approached Jerusalem, they came to the town of Bethphage (bayth-fag-ay’) on the Mount of Olives. Jesus sent two of them on ahead. 2 “Go into the village over there,” he said. “As soon as you enter it, you will see a donkey tied there, with its colt beside it. Untie them and bring them to me. 3 If anyone asks what you are doing, just say, ‘The Lord needs them,’ and he will immediately let you take them.” 4 This took place to fulfill the prophecy that said, 5 “Tell the people of Jerusalem, ‘Look, your King is coming to you. He is humble, riding on a donkey— riding on a donkey’s colt.’ 6 The two disciples did as Jesus commanded. 7 They brought the donkey and the colt to him and threw their garments over the colt, and he sat on it. 8 Most of the crowd spread their garments on the road ahead of him, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 9 Jesus was in the center of the procession, and the people all around him were shouting, “Praise God  for the Son of David! Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Praise God in highest heaven!” 10 The entire city of Jerusalem was in an uproar as he entered. “Who is this?” they asked. 11 And the crowds replied, “It’s Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.” 12 Jesus entered the Temple and began to drive out all the people buying and selling animals for sacrifice. He knocked over the tables of the money changers and the chairs of those selling doves. 13 He said to them, “The Scriptures declare, ‘My Temple will be called a house of prayer,’ but you have turned it into a den of thieves!” 14 The blind and the lame came to him in the Temple, and he healed them. 15 The leading priests and the teachers of religious law saw these wonderful miracles and heard even the children in the Temple shouting, “Praise God for the Son of David.” But the leaders were indignant. 16 They asked Jesus, “Do you hear what these children are saying?” “Yes,” Jesus replied. “Haven’t you ever read the Scriptures? For they say, ‘You have taught children and infants to give you praise.’” 17 Then he returned to Bethany, where he stayed overnight.

Can I pray?

Humility changes the world

4 Reasons Jesus Entered Jerusalem on a foal of a donkey

• 1. Fulfillment of Prophecy: This event fulfilled the prophecy found in Zechariah 9:9, which states, “Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout, daughter of Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and having salvation, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.” This demonstrated Jesus as the Messiah.
• 2. Public Declaration: This act was a public declaration of His identity as the Messiah. The crowds recognized this and honoured Him with palm branches, shouting, “Hosanna!” This shows their acceptance and recognition of His role.
• 3. Contrast to Expectations: Many expected a political leader to overthrow Roman rule. Jesus’ choice of a donkey countered these expectations, highlighting His kingdom was not of this world.
• 4. Symbol of Peace: A donkey symbolizes peace. Kings who rode horses usually showed power and military strength. By riding a donkey, Jesus presented Himself as a humble king who came to bring peace rather than conflict.

So you might be asking…

How could Jesus arrive in Jerusalem on a symbol of peace and then go to the temple and cause chaos?

That’s a good question…

First let’s realize that’s not all he did at the temple. We’re also told “The blind and the lame came to him in the Temple, and he healed them.” V14 He was also questioned by leaders and He taught them and those around.

Secondly I think we need to recognize:

Humility does not negate authority.

On the day Jesus entered Jerusalem to shouts of Hosanna!; we him exhibit both his humility and his authority. We need to keep both things in mind. He shows it even more a little later in the week, in fact we see something more about the connection between authority and humility on the night he was betrayed.

Next time I speak I hope to talk about this more. For now, I’ll give you sneak peak to show you something mind-blowing.

John 13:1-5 NLT Before the Passover celebration, Jesus knew that his hour had come to leave this world and return to his Father. He had loved his disciples during his ministry on earth, and now he loved them to the very end. It was time for supper, and the devil had already prompted Judas, son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus. Jesus knew that the Father had given him authority over everything and that he had come from God and would return to God. So he got up from the table, took off his robe, wrapped a towel around his waist, and poured water into a basin. Then he began to wash the disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel he had around him.

It was because of his authority he showed them his humility.

In this inside, outside, upside, downside kingdom

Authority Allows For Real Humility

I want you to catch that. Humility and Authority are connected. But it’s not two sides of the some coin. Real humility flows from authority. We show humility because of His authority. (See Ephesians 5:21)

Let me explain. It’s best we start with what the Bible says humility is not and what is says it is.

3 Things Real Humility is not…

1. Putting yourself down James 4:6

2. Acting like you’re doing someone a favour Matthew 23:12

3. Comparing yourself to Others 2 Corinthians 10:12 and saying someone is better than you.

7 Things Real Biblical Humility Is…

1. Recognizing Dependence on God Psalm 25:9

2. Serving Others in Love Mark 10:44-45

3. Being Teachable and Open to Correction Proverbs 11:2

4. Putting Others Ahead of Yourself Philippians 2:3-4

5. Gentleness and Patience Ephesians 4:2

6. The Fear of the Lord Proverbs 22:4

7. Doing What You Do Out of Who and Whose You Are John 13:4

The disciples didn’t get what Real Humility was. It didn’t come to them naturally. It’s certainly didn’t come their mothers naturally. Real humility needs to be caught AND taught. Look at what happened here. In Matthew this happens right before Jesus enters Jerusalem.

Matthew 20:20-28 NLT Then the mother of James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to Jesus with her sons. She knelt respectfully to ask a favour. “What is your request?” he asked. She replied, “In your Kingdom, please let my two sons sit in places of honour next to you, one on your right and the other on your left.” But Jesus answered by saying to them, “You don’t know what you are asking! Are you able to drink from the bitter cup of suffering I am about to drink?” “Oh yes,” they replied, “we are able!” Jesus told them, “You will indeed drink from my bitter cup. But I have no right to say who will sit on my right or my left. My Father has prepared those places for the ones he has chosen.” When the ten other disciples heard what James and John had asked, they were indignant.  But Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers in this world lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them. But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must become your slave. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

The Problem with Humility

We live in the same world that the first disciples did. We live in a world often captivated by power and prestige. The concept of humility can feel out of place. Look at current US politics.

We often associate greatness with grand displays, wealth, and dominance. And think of humility as humiliation.

But Christ’s humiliation allows us to have real humility. Philippians 2:5-8 Did you catch that? Our Authority comes from identity. Our identity whose we are—the one who adopted us, the one one who named us and called us His own, the one who bought us with a price so we belong to him—We are born not of perishable seed, but of imperishable seed. He has set us free and our freedom allows us to serve others in love.

His humiliation allows us to have real humility.

Does this really matter?

It is counterintuitive to the world’s system. It is the way Jesus showed us to live. The Triumphal Entry is more than just a historical event; it is a profound lesson about humility and service.

In our daily lives, we encounter situations where we may feel pressured to assert ourselves or seek recognition. Understanding Jesus' approach encourages us to embrace humility and to recognize that true strength lies in serving others.

Ephesians 4:2 NLT Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love.

What if?

What if we embraced this example of humility in our own lives?

What if we approached challenges with grace rather than aggression?

Think about how our relationships could transform if we prioritized service over status.

Humility changes the world.

Philippians 2:3-8  {Jesus did} nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility {he} value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!

Humility changes the world.

Look how Jesus endured his humiliation with humility…

Hebrews 12:2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

His humility changed the world.

Imagine Humility changing your World

Imagine a community where humility reigns—where nothing is done out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Leaders serve selflessly, and individuals prioritize the well-being of one another. Conflicts would give way to earned understanding, and joy would flourish as everyone works together for the common good. Crap still happens, but real love reigns.

What can I do?

That’s a great question.

You can’t control the humility of others. You can only control a humbling of yourself James 4:10

And don’t worry, I have a tool that can help.

How to Practice Christ-like Humility - BE KIND

B - Be Bold in Love
E - Encourage Always

K - Keep Forgiving
I - Initiate Simple Acts of Kindness
N - Nurture Real Relationships
D - Dwell in Compassion

B - Be Bold in Love

1 John 4:19 We love each other because he loved us first.

Perfect love comes from God and flows through us to others. Show love fearlessly, reflecting the love God has shown you

Am I confident enough in God’s love I can share it with others?

E - Encourage Always

1 Thessalonians 5:11 So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.

Offer words of affirmation and support to uplift those around you. We are to let nothing come out of our mouths that isn’t for the encouragement of others.

Do I let nothing come out of my mouth that isn’t for the encouragement of others?

K - Keep Forgiving

Colossians 3:13 Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.

Let go of grudges and practice forgiveness to foster peace.

Is there anything keeping me from forgiving others?

I - Initiate Simple Acts of Kindness

Galatians 6:9 So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.

Little simple gestures change lives daily.

I’m working on a 47-Day Negativity Fast Challenge where I’m encouraging people to Be Grateful-Be Mindful-Be Kind and I knew I needed a tool or a rhythm to help people know when they are being kind. You get a sneak peak at it today. Try it out and let me know if it helps.

Do I say YES? Tool

Y - Your State Proverbs 16:2

Check your motivation

We shouldn’t do anything for the show or the dough or the worry or the hurry. We shouldn’t do anything out of shame or to avoid shame. We should let our compassion lead us and not shut off our compassion. 1 John 3:17-18

Why do I want to help?

E - Evaluate the Situation - Luke 12:12

Be situationally aware.

Consider the context and the needs of those around you. Remember a loud blessing too early in the morning can be considered a curse. Proverbs 27:14 Will your kindness be seen as a kindness or as an obligation to repay? The good news is Holy Spirit will give you the words to say or attitude to show. As for His heart in the moment.

What does kindness look like in this moment?

S - Skills and Resources - Colossians 3:23-24

Hear and obey.

Think about what you can offer—time, skills, or words of encouragement. When we do what we do “as unto the Lord” and work with our whole heart, we do not become overwhelmed. We feel busy-ness based not on what is done but what is left undone. When we do what we do to serve Jesus, we never feel the burden of busyness.

The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed. Proverbs 11:25

What does God want me to do?

Y - Your State Proverbs 16:2 - Why do I want to help?

E - Evaluate the Situation - Luke 12:12 - What does kindness look like in this moment?

S - Skills and Resources - Colossians 3:23-24 - What does God want me to do?

Do I say YES to daily acts of kindness?

N - Nurture Real Relationships

Proverbs 17:17 A friend is always loyal,  and a brother is born to help in time of need.

All the ‘one another commands are naturally occurring when we consider each other friends.  Friendship takes time and trust. Invest time in building and maintaining strong relationships with others.

How can I nurture real relationships this week?

D - Dwell in Compassion

Ephesians 4:32 (NIV)  Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

Let compassion lead you and don’t shut off your compassion. Compassion is love in action. Since God is love, God leads us through our compassion. Jesus was lead by compassion. Look at his miracles and the times it says he looked with compassion.

Do I let compassion lead?

Recap..

B - Be Bold in Love 1 John 4:19

• Am I confident enough in God’s love I can share it with others?

E - Encourage Always 1 Thessalonians 5:11

• Do I let nothing come out of my mouth that isn’t for the encouragement of others?

K - Keep Forgiving Colossians 3:13

• Is there anything keeping me from forgiving others?

I - Initiate Simple Acts of Kindness Galatians 6:9

Do I say YES to daily acts of kindness?

N - Nurture Real Relationships Proverbs 17:17

How can I nurture real relationships this week?

D - Dwell in Compassion Ephesians 4:32

Do I let compassion lead?

Will you let your humility change your world?

Will you BE KIND more and more? You’ll be practicing humility.

Can I pray for you?

Practical application

We’re going into a time of fellowship. Don’t rush out the door, even if you think you have to. Spend time talking. Spend time praying. BE KIND to one another.

I don’t see any problem with anyone not showing Christ-like humility. This is just a reminder and an opportunity to not grow weary doing good works to others. You will see a harvest…if you do not give up.

You can leave if you need to, but I’m not saying “You’re dismissed.” Because it’s time to be Jesus to each other. You’re the church. Be the church.

Trust God in Uncertainty

How a Convergence of Testimony can Help you Trust God in Uncertainty Trust God in Uncertainty: Discover ways to hold onto faith and find peace in uncertain times. Learn practical steps to deepen your trust in God's plan.

In this message, we explore the theme of "Trusting God in Uncertainty." Life often throws unexpected challenges our way, leaving us feeling unsure and anxious. Discover practical steps and biblical insights to deepen your faith and find peace amidst the chaos. Learn how to trust in God's plan and overcome fear by strengthening your spiritual foundation. Join us on this journey to spiritual growth and reassurance. Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe for more inspirational content.

Trevor H. Lund is the founder of Live LIGHT Academy at https://livelight.ca/ and the Creative Storyteller at https://revtrev.com He helps you give thanks with your whole heart https://revtrev.link/heart Check out https://revtrev.com/tv for past videos and live casts and https://revtrev.com/radio to subscribe to his podcast wherever you listen.

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Trust God in times of Uncertainty

We live in a world that has yet to be redeemed, surrounded by people who at best are being redeemed and at worst and doing everything they can not to be redeemed, in bodies that yearn to be redeemed.

All that is to say, like Jesus said “In this world you will have trouble…” but he goes on and says “but take heart I have overcome the world.”

“Life will shake us, trust steadies us.”

If I could impart to brand-new baby Christians only three things they would be:

1. To Hear God
2. To Obey God
3. To Trust God when you can’t hear him and obeying him doesn’t make sense.

Because we’re all going to be there time and time again. We are 1 text, 1 email, 1 phone call away from everything changing, our world upending, our future being uncertain.

You might be there right now. Your hope will be tested in your relationships, in your health and in what you receive for what you do. Those three things make up who you are. Your identity will be tested. The enemy wants to kill, steal and destroy you. The Father wants to take what the enemy does and make you more like Jesus.

Will you trust Him in that process?

When life shakes us, trust steadies us.

Story of Daniel

Give background of story. Nebuchadnezzar captured Jerusalem (2 Kings 24:10-16) and took Daniel and his friends as hostages. They didn’t eat meat sacrificed to idols and still out performed all the others and God gave them unusual aptitude for understanding every aspect of literature and wisdom. Daniel was given the ability to interpret dreams and visions (Daniel 1:17) The Babylonian empire was taken over by the Persian empire and Daniel rose in the ranks. That gets us to chapter six where Daniel faced time of uncertainty.

Daniel and the Lions Den

Read Daniel 6:1-28 (NLT)

Darius (daw-reh-yaw-vaysh’) the Mede decided to divide the kingdom into 120 provinces, and he appointed a high officer to rule over each province. The king also chose Daniel and two others as administrators to supervise the high officers and protect the king’s interests. Daniel soon proved himself more capable than all the other administrators and high officers. Because of Daniel’s great ability, the king made plans to place him over the entire empire.

Daniel found trustworthy

Then the other administrators and high officers began searching for some fault in the way Daniel was handling government affairs, but they couldn’t find anything to criticize or condemn. He was faithful, always responsible, and completely trustworthy.

The trap is set

So they concluded, “Our only chance of finding grounds for accusing Daniel will be in connection with the rules of his religion.” So the administrators and high officers went to the king and said, “Long live King Darius! We are all in agreement—we administrators, officials, high officers, advisers, and governors—that the king should make a law that will be strictly enforced. Give orders that for the next thirty days any person who prays to anyone, divine or human—except to you, Your Majesty—will be thrown into the den of lions. And now, Your Majesty, issue and sign this law so it cannot be changed, an official law of the Medes and Persians that cannot be revoked.” So King Darius signed the law.

Daniel stayed trusting God

But when Daniel learned that the law had been signed, he went home and knelt down as usual in his upstairs room, with its windows open toward Jerusalem. He prayed three times a day, just as he had always done, giving thanks to his God. Then the officials went together to Daniel’s house and found him praying and asking for God’s help. So they went straight to the king and reminded him about his law. “Did you not sign a law that for the next thirty days any person who prays to anyone, divine or human—except to you, Your Majesty—will be thrown into the den of lions?” “Yes,” the king replied, “that decision stands; it is an official law of the Medes and Persians that cannot be revoked.” Then they told the king, “That man Daniel, one of the captives from Judah, is ignoring you and your law. He still prays to his God three times a day.” Hearing this, the king was deeply troubled, and he tried to think of a way to save Daniel. He spent the rest of the day looking for a way to get Daniel out of this predicament.

The King trusts Daniel to God

In the evening the men went together to the king and said, “Your Majesty, you know that according to the law of the Medes and the Persians, no law that the king signs can be changed.” So at last the king gave orders for Daniel to be arrested and thrown into the den of lions. The king said to him, “May your God, whom you serve so faithfully, rescue you.” A stone was brought and placed over the mouth of the den. The king sealed the stone with his own royal seal and the seals of his nobles, so that no one could rescue Daniel. Then the king returned to his palace and spent the night fasting. He refused his usual entertainment and couldn’t sleep at all that night.

Because Daniel Trusted God

Very early the next morning, the king got up and hurried out to the lions’ den. When he got there, he called out in anguish, “Daniel, servant of the living God! Was your God, whom you serve so faithfully, able to rescue you from the lions?” Daniel answered, “Long live the king! My God sent his angel to shut the lions’ mouths so that they would not hurt me, for I have been found innocent in his sight. And I have not wronged you, Your Majesty.” The king was overjoyed and ordered that Daniel be lifted from the den. Not a scratch was found on him, for he had trusted in his God.

Repaying the evil

Then the king gave orders to arrest the men who had maliciously accused Daniel. He had them thrown into the lions’ den, along with their wives and children. The lions leaped on them and tore them apart before they even hit the floor of the den.

The end of the story

Then King Darius sent this message to the people of every race and nation and language throughout the world: “Peace and prosperity to you! “I decree that everyone throughout my kingdom should tremble with fear before the God of Daniel. For he is the living God, and he will endure forever. His kingdom will never be destroyed, and his rule will never end. He rescues and saves his people; he performs miraculous signs and wonders in the heavens and on earth. He has rescued Daniel from the power of the lions.” So Daniel prospered during the reign of Darius and the reign of Cyrus the Persian.

Daniel did everything right and ended up in a lion’s den. But he trusted in his God and miracles happened. He is a wonderful example of:

When life shakes us, trust steadies us.

Can I pray?

My Day Job

My day job I work with companies who care about their employees mental wellness. Our service is unique. Instead of simply getting a phone number to call or app to use when someone is needing help to self-regulate in the moment, these companies go a step further and and bring our care team support system onto their worksite to make regular visit so that - over time - their employees have someone they already trust to talk to when they need to.

I connect teams with companies. So I need to look for people who are trustable, capable and caring to join our teams. And that means I’ve had to think about what trust looks like and how to build it between people. I’ve become convinced that the way we build trust between people is very similar to how we build trust between ourselves and God.

Let me explain…

Trust grows through...

• Consistency over time
• Compassion in tragedy
• Companionship in teamwork
• Convergence of testimony
• Chancing the truth

Today I want to focus on Convergence of Testimony - basically how a multiplicity of stories helps us to trust not only each other, but also God. We don’t name and claim one verse with God and try to convince ourselves of the truth. Instead it’s an ever-developing, often more-complicating dance of trust that happens throughout our lives.

Convergence of Testimony

When I’m taking to potential Care Team members I let them know the progression we see on worksites. If they are going to be the first ones on the site, it’s probably not going to be going to be easy. Hopefully the employees are polite and a little communicative. But consistency over time will always lead to deeper trust. Just being there, showing up, remembering names and continuing stories…and over time, people will risk trusting you with their problems.

HR Trust us

The first ones who come to you with bigger problems will probably start with “HR told me to come talk to you.” HR love us when they learn to trust us. One more than one occasion I’ve had an HR tell me “Trevor you take care of the person, I’ll take care of the paperwork.” So the first people who come to us will usually say, “HR told me to come”.

Supervisors Trust us

Then when you’ve been there a little longer and helped a few more people, someone will come to you and say “My supervisor told me to come talk to you.” That’s great because it’s not an easy thing to have a supervisor trust you with their people. They need to see you in action. But when you help enough of their people, and maybe even help them - in time- they’ll trust you their team members.

Friends Trust us

Then in little more time, as HR is sending you people and supervisors are sending you people you’ll have someone come to you and say “My friend told me to come talk to you.”

That’s a convergence of testimony. This person’s friend trusts you enough to tell their friend to go to you for help.

When that happens, when you come on site, people will see you and their shoulders go back and a smile comes to their face. They sit up at their desk. They might smile and wave. It’s not that they all have something terrible to share with you that day. It’s that this convergence of testimony tells them that they are cared for and tells you that you’re trusted.

I have seen that when we have a convergence of testimony on the goodness of God, trust looks the same in us. We have peace, we have hope, we have joy.

So what is Trust?

1. Noun: Confidence: A firm belief in the reliability, truth, ability, or strength of someone or something. Reliance: The state of relying on someone or something. Trustworthiness: The quality of being reliable or deserving of trust.

2. Verb: To place confidence in someone or something; to rely on the integrity, strength, or ability of a person or thing.

What is Biblical Trust?

• Faith and Assurance Hebrews 11:1
• Relationship with God Proverbs 3:5-6
• Obedience to God John 14:15
• Peace in Difficult Times Philippians 4:6-7
• Confidence in God's Faithfulness Lamentations 3:22-23

When life shakes us, trust steadies us.

What does trust look like?

When we trust God we surrender control (Proverbs 3:5-6), have faith in his promises (Romans 4:20-21) and find peace in our uncertainty (Philippians 4:6-7) We seek out His guidance (Psalm 25:4-5) and endure through life’s challenges (Isaiah 40:3). We exchange our problems for His peace (1 Peter 5:7) and rejoice in His goodness (Psalm 37:3-4)

How do we know if we don’t trust Him?

The first clues we’ll notice are lacking are peace, joy and hope. If you don’t have peace, joy and hope, you’re not trusting God somewhere for something.

Romans 15:13 (NIV): "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."

"You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you." — Isaiah 26:3 (NIV)

When we trust in God we have peace, joy and hope.

Imagine

• Do you want to have peace and hope and joy at all times and in every situation?
• Do you want to have no fear of bad news when it comes?
• Do you want to exchange your problems for His peace?

You need to decide to trust him when difficulties come. Or better yet, trust him now if you don’t have difficulties. It’s never too early to start and never too late to trust God more.

When’s the best time to trust the Lord?

Well, when’s the best to plant a tree? Twenty years ago. When’s the next best time to plant a tree? Today.

When’s the best time to trust the Lord? Every day of your life. When’s the next best time to trust the Lord? You can start or restart today.

Listen,

You know you’re going to need it.

John 16:33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

You know others will see it.

1 Peter 3:15 But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,

You know you’re going to use it.

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.

When life shakes us, trust steadies us.

We need to know how to trust God. It matters.

So how can a convergence of testimony help you trust in the Lord at all times?

That’s a great question, I’m so glad you asked.

I’m going encourage you to:

• Look down
• Look up
• Look around
• Look back
• Look ahead

Now when you do this, you need to make two decisions. These two decisions need to continually be made or else the practice I give you will lead to so many other places but not to trust and not to peace and hope and joy.

Are we clear? You will be.

Convergence of Testimony Tool

MY STORY

Decisions:

M - Meditate with Gratitude 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Y - Yield to His Control 1 Peter 3:15

Practice:

S - Soak in Scripture Psalm 77:11-12
T - Take time to be in His presence 1 Peter 5:7
O - Observe God’s work in others Hebrews 10:23-24
R - Rehearse what He’s done in your life 1 Corinthians 15:10
Y - Yearn for greater revelation Ephesians 3:17-19

The two decisions you need to make are - Gratitude and Lordship. Let’s remember this with the MY part of the MY STORY

M - Meditate with Gratitude

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 "Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus."

When we choose gratitude we look to what He is doing, not to what’s left undone. We need to do this with our whole heart, otherwise it can become toxic gratitude. You know what that is, saying you’re grateful without feeling it or showing appreciation.

This week I’m starting a 70 Day Gratitude Challenge where everyday I want to choose to be grateful, feel gratitude and show appreciation. We’re told in scripture to give thanks with our whole heart (Psalms 138:1) and that’s what it means. We make the decision, we feel the emotion and we act on that decision and emotion. I’m going to be doing live casts, podcasts and blog posts each day from September 19 through Canadian Thanksgiving to November 28 (American Thanksgiving).

If you wan to join the 70 Day Gratitude Challenge you can find out more at https://revtrev.link/thanks

Gratitude is so important to guard the actions I’m going to be encouraging you to do. To:

• Look down
• Look up
• Look around
• Look back
• Look ahead

Because Gratitude grasps grace. We awaken to the grace of God and can extend His grace to others.

Am I giving thanks in all circumstances?

The second decision we need to continually make is lordship. The Y in MY reminds us to yield to His control.

Y - Yield to His Control

1 Peter 3:15 But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord.

Surrender and Lordship is not something we talk about much anymore. I think I assume we all know what it means. I know it’s not true. I just know I assume it.

For me lordship means He’s in the driver seat of my life. I need to go when He says “Go” and stop when He says “Stop” and wait when he says “Wait” because it’s in Him I can live and move and have my being.

And yet it’s so easy for me not to live that way in the day-to-day of everyday.

The good news is He gives us Holy Spirit to teach us all things. And He has this way of pointing things out for me that I grow clueless to on my own. Yes, sometimes it’s in the voice of my wife.

Don’t turn off your compassion. Compassion conquers comparison. Jesus was led by His compassion and you need to be led by the compassion He gives you. Since He is Lord, you follow Him.

Follow those gentle nudges and loud shouts of Holy Spirit. We need to abide in Christ and let his words abide in us. That’s what Lordship means. When he is Lord of my life, I can pray and ask anything in his name (John 14:13-17) and speak the very words of God (1 Peter 4:11)

When we agree that He is King and that’s a good thing, we are led by His compassion and compassion conquers comparison.

So we can:

• Look down
• Look up
• Look around
• Look back
• Look ahead

With His grace and a heart of compassion.

In my heart have I set apart Christ as Lord?

So with grace and compassion we do these actions.

Look down

S - Soak in Scripture

Psalm 77:11-12 I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. I will consider all your works and meditate on all your mighty deeds.”

Scripture is the revealed word of God. It’s written by 40 people over 1500 years across 3 continents, in 3 languages and it’s all about trusting God. It’s his love letter to us and it reveals the love of God which is why he is trustable.

If you want to have convergence of testimony so you can trust God in times of uncertainty, it starts with being in the word. Let the word of God dwell in you richly.

Am I letting the Word of God dwell in me richly?

Look up

T - Take time to be in His presence

1 Peter 5:7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

When we are alone in His presence He can rewrite the story of our life. Where we saw lack, he can show us protection. When we saw pain, he can show us healing. Where we saw rejection, he can show us acceptance. We need his opinion of us, because that’s the only opinion that matters.

We have an enemy that comes to steal, kill and destroy. We need to be aware of our Good Father’s presence and hear his voice speak the words of life to us.

Whenever we go to Him in prayer we need to exchange your problems for His peace. When we’ve leave his presence without his peace, all we’ve done is complained.

When we hear what God says about us, it adds to the convergence of testimony that we need to trust Him at all times and in every situation.

Do I exchange my problems for His peace?

Look around

O - Observe God’s work in others

Hebrews 10:23-24 Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds,

The saints overcome by the blood of the lamb and the word of their testimony. Revelation 12:11 When we tell each other the good things that God has done in our life, we invite Him to do it again. We need each other’s story. Your story becomes part of my story. Your good news connects with my good news and we have a convergence of testimony.

What has God done for others? Where can you see him working all things together for good in their lives?

If he did it for them, he’ll do it for you. If he did it for you, he’ll do it for you.

Observing the good God does for others adds to the convergence of testimony that helps us trust Him in uncertainty.

Do I rejoice with other’s testimony?

Look back

R - Rehearse what He’s done in your life

1 Corinthians 15:10 But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me.

What has God done in your life? Can’t think of anything? Ask Holy Spirit to remind you.

Because you have been through the fire and have not been burned. You have been through the water and did not drown. You’ve been through deep waters and have not been overcome. You have seen the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. You can be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord because He has been good to you.

Read your journals. If you don’t have journals, ask Holy Spirit what He’d like to remind you of…then write it down someplace your remember to read it sometime. Your story is important to your future and even unborn generations.

Remembering what God has brought you through adds to the convergence of testimony we need to trust him when we might otherwise be concerned about his trustworthiness.

What is so amazing about grace in my life?

Look ahead

Y - Yearn for greater revelation

Ephesians 3:17-19 (NIV) And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

One of the hardest times I have containing myself—it’s usually when someone is risking to share something with me and I need to contain myself and let them talk—it’s when someone says “I’ve studied the Bible and it does nothing for me.” I want to scream “You’re 16 years old! How have you studied the Bible? It’s still reading me!”

In the history of evangelicalism, we’ve done a great disservice to emphasize praying a prayer to make Jesus our Lord. First off, Jesus is Lord. We acknowledge that and start to live like he’s Lord. And that’s confession and repentance that leads to salvation. Secondly, we’ve inoculated people against the transformative power of the gospel by saying, “You want to not go to hell, say Jesus is Lord.”

We can know the love of God that surpasses knowledge.

Just consider that nonsensical statement…and be in awe.

Having a heart to know God (Jeremiah 24:7) adds to the convergence of testimony that allows us to have no fear of bad news even when it comes.

Probably, if I could teach brand new baby Christians 3 things it would be to always have a heart to Know God, Obey God and Trust God. Figuring those three out in your life, you’ll change your everyday world.

Do I have a heart to know God?

You and I need a continual revelation of the love of God, so that we can trust Him.

Bring it together

We need his grace and compassion as we...

• Look down
• Look up
• Look around
• Look back
• Look ahead…

…testimonies converge from the book, time in His presence, our own experience, the story of others and greater revelation of His love… MY STORY will build your trust in God, so that …

When life shakes you, trust will steady you.

MY STORY

M - Meditate with Gratitude Am I giving thanks in all circumstances?
Y - Yield to His Control In my heart have I set apart Christ as Lord?

Look down
S - Soak in Scripture Am I letting the Word of God dwell in me richly?

Look up
T - Take time to be in His presence Do I exchange my problems for His peace?

Look around
O - Observe God’s work in others Do I rejoice with other’s testimony?

Look back
R - Rehearse what He’s done in your life What is so amazing about grace in my life?

Look ahead
Y - Yearn for greater revelation Do I have a heart to know God?

Prayer

Conclusion

Wait on God - Time of reflection

Ask…

Am I giving thanks in all circumstances?
In my heart have I set apart You as Lord?
Am I letting Your Word dwell in me richly?
Do I exchange my problems for Your peace?
Do I rejoice with other’s testimony?
What is so amazing about Your grace in my life?
Do I have a heart to know You?

What is an Orphan Spirit? How You Can Experience God as Your Good Father Today

Discover the concept of an orphan spirit and learn how to experience God as your loving Father, transforming your spiritual journey with His grace and love.

In this message, we explore the concept of the orphan spirit and how it impacts our relationship with God. Learn how to experience God as your good, good Father and transform your spiritual journey with His love and grace. Discover practical steps to heal from an orphan spirit and embrace the fatherhood of God in your daily life. Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more insights on deepening your faith and understanding God's love.

Trevor H. Lund is the founder of Live LIGHT Academy at https://livelight.ca and the Creative Storyteller at https://revtrev.com. Subscribe and set notifications on YouTube at https://revtrev.com/tv and visit https://revtrev.com/radio to subscribe to his podcast wherever you listen.

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Read Psalm 68:1-6

Someone left a comment on our church website.

“Do you have any further study of God as a Father? I have an orphan spirit from my past and a leader has said that to defeat it I need to study the fatherness of God.”

I thought it was a great question, and was surprised to learn I’ve never addressed it head on.

As I got into studying on it, I realized I had more than enough material for at least six messages and understood God was prompting me to change my plans for one of the courses I know He wants to do. It’s coming together amazingly and you’ll reap the benefit of it first.

The problem with the “Orphan Spirit”

The problem is the Bible never talks about the “orphan spirit” it’s a term we’ve coined more recently to describe a situation that many Christians find themselves in.

An "orphan spirit" is a term used in some Christian circles to describe a mindset or attitude where a person feels abandoned, rejected, or without a sense of belonging, particularly in a spiritual sense.

This can manifest in feelings of isolation, insecurity, and self-reliance rather than trusting in God's love and provision.

Fatherlessness

The biblical term that is often associated with the concept of an "orphan spirit" is "fatherless" and that feeling of fatherlessness that can be a better term to reflect the condition of being without a father, which can imply feelings of abandonment, lack of guidance, and emotional pain.

Let me highlight what I see in the Bible around fatherlessness. We are told…

8 things the Bible says God is to the Fatherless

God is…

1. ...a father to the fatherless Psalm 68:5

(NJKV) "A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling."

2. …a helper to the fatherless Psalm 10:14

(NKJV) "But You have seen, for You observe trouble and grief, To repay it by Your hand. The helpless commits himself to You; You are the helper of the fatherless."

3. …a protector of the fatherless Jeremiah 49:11

(NKJV) "Leave your fatherless children; I will keep them alive; and let your widows trust in me."

4. …the one who shows mercy to the fatherless Hosea 14:3

(NKJV) "Assyria shall not save us, We will not ride on horses; Nor will we say anymore, 'To the work of our hands we will not rise.' For in You the fatherless finds mercy."

5. …the one who vindicates the fatherless Psalm 10:18

(NKJV) "To vindicate the fatherless and the oppressed, That the man of the earth may oppress no more."

6. …the one who executes justice for the fatherless Deuteronomy 10:18

(NKJV) "He executes justice for the fatherless and the widow, and loves the sojourner, giving him food and clothing."

7. …the one who relieves the fatherless Psalm 146:9

(NKJV): "The Lord watches over the strangers; He relieves the fatherless and widow; But the way of the wicked He turns upside down."

8. …the one who places the lonely in families Psalm 68:6

(NLT) God places the lonely in families; he sets the prisoners free and gives them joy. But he makes the rebellious live in a sun-scorched land.

God is speaking about literal orphans, not just someone with an orphan spirit.

But it does show us his heart towards those who feel and act like an orphan, even when they are amazingly loved by Him.

God’s heart is for the fatherless. He is as a protector and provider for those who are fatherless, highlighting His desire to fill the void left by earthly fathers.

We see His heart towards them in how He wants us to show His heart to them:

11 Ways the Bible Says we are to treat the Widows and Fatherless

God wants us to…

1. …worship him by visiting the fatherless James 1:27

(NKJV): "Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world."

2.…care for the fatherless Proverbs 19:17

(NLT): If you help the poor, you are lending to the Lord—and he will repay you!

3. …defend the fatherless Psalm 82:3

(NKJV): "Defend the poor and fatherless; Do justice to the afflicted and needy."

4. ..never mistreat the fatherless Exodus 22:22-24

(NKJV) "You shall not mistreat any widow or fatherless child. If you do mistreat them, and they cry out to me, I will surely hear their cry, and my wrath will burn, and I will kill you with the sword, and your wives shall become widows and your children fatherless.”

5. …never oppress the fatherless Zechariah 7:10

(NKJV): "Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the alien or the poor. Let none of you plan evil in his heart against his brother."

6. …never steal from the fatherless Isaiah 10:1-2

(NKJV): "Woe to those who decree unrighteous decrees, Who write misfortune, Which they have prescribed To rob the needy of justice, And to take what is right from the poor of My people, That widows may be their prey, And that they may rob the fatherless."

7. …never pervert justice against the fatherless Deuteronomy 24:17

(NKJV): "You shall not pervert justice due the stranger or the fatherless, nor take a widow's garment as a pledge."

8. …never steal the land of the fatherless Proverbs 23:10-11

(NKJV): "Do not remove the ancient landmark, Nor enter the fields of the fatherless; For their Redeemer is mighty; He will plead their cause against you."

9. …never do violence against the fatherless Jeremiah 22:3

(NKJV): "Thus says the Lord: 'Execute judgment and righteousness, and deliver the plundered out of the hand of the oppressor. Do no wrong and do no violence to the stranger, the fatherless, or the widow, nor shed innocent blood in this place.'"

10. …stand up for the fatherless Isaiah 1:17

(NKJV): "Learn to do good; Seek justice, Rebuke the oppressor; Defend the fatherless, Plead for the widow."

11. …speak for those who can’t speak for themselves Proverbs 31:8-9

(NLT) Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed. Yes, speak up for the poor and helpless, and see that they get justice.

We are to show God’s heart to people who have God’s attention, even if they don’t feel they have His attention.

How do you know if you have an orphan spirit?

An "orphan spirit" is a made up term and with made up terms I feel we can do better. I’ve too often seen someone in a position of power tell someone “You’re operating from an orphan spirit” to put someone in their place who offers a different perspective that they disagree with.

I think the term “feeling of fatherlessness” is better because it’s a feeling, not a position.

It moves it from something I need to be cast out of me and I need to be delivered from to something I can confess and repent of —as I’m convicted and prompted and empowered by Holy Spirit.

It’s like I have responsibility but it’s Holy Spirit’s work in me.

There is a metanoia - a changing of our mind, a repentance that needs to take place. But the difference is how we think and feel and not on who we are.

Does “feeling Fatherless” make better sense?

Feeling Fatherless refers to a mindset or attitude that manifests a sense of abandonment, lack of belonging, and feelings of inadequacy. Individuals with this mindset may exhibit several characteristics. Here are some common traits along with biblical citations that encourage positive change in the emotion:

8 Characteristics of Feeling Fatherless and what to remember

1. Feelings of abandonment
2. Fear of Rejection
3. Insecure Identity
4. Striving for Approval
5. Isolation and Withdrawal
6. Difficulty Trusting Others
7. Bitterness and Resentment
8. . Lack of Purpose

1. Feelings of Abandonment

People with an orphan spirit often feel abandoned and alone, leading to deep emotional pain.

Remember: Psalm 27:10 (NKJV): "When my father and my mother forsake me, Then the Lord will take care of me."p

2. Fear of Rejection

A constant fear of being rejected can stem from feeling unloved or unaccepted.

Remember 1 John 4:18 (NLT): "Such love has no fear because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced his perfect love."

3. Insecure Identity

Feeling Fatherless can lead to uncertainty about one’s identity and worth.

Remember Galatians 4:7 (NLT): "Now you are no longer a slave but God’s own child. And since you are his child, God has made you his heir."

4. Striving for Approval

Individuals may strive excessively for approval and validation from others, feeling they must earn love.

Remember Ephesians 1:6 (NLT): "So we praise God for the glorious grace he has poured out on us who belong to his dear Son."

5. Isolation and Withdrawal

A tendency to isolate themselves due to fear or past hurts can be prevalent.

Remember Hebrews 10:24-25 (NLT): "Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near."

6. Difficulty Trusting Others

A distrustful attitude towards others can be common, stemming from feelings of betrayal or hurt.

Remember Proverbs 3:5-6 (NLT): "Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take."

7. Bitterness and Resentment

An orphan spirit may lead to feelings of bitterness towards others, particularly authority figures.

Remember Hebrews 12:15 (NLT): "Look after each other so that none of you fails to receive the grace of God. Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many."

8. Lack of Purpose

Individuals may struggle with a sense of purpose or direction in life, feeling lost or aimless.

Remember Jeremiah 29:11 (NLT): "For I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope."

The characteristics associated with an orphan spirit can create significant barriers to experiencing love, acceptance, and fulfillment in life. Recognizing these traits can be the first step toward healing and embracing one's identity as a beloved child of God.

Those are tips to help you see if you’re feeling fatherless and how you can start not working out of fatherlessness. Sometimes that’s all somebody needs.

You make the decision to stop thinking from lack and what you don’t have and start being thankful for all you have and those verses become anchors for you to think God’s thoughts about your situation. You confess your thinking not God’s thoughts, train your brain to think God’s thoughts.

And you’re good. You realize God is good, and is working all things together for the good of making you more and more like Jesus, so you’re good.

But others may have a bit of a journey to get to the place that you don’t think I’m doing you a disservice to you to make you think slapping a Bible verse on a feeling is all you need to change it.

The length of your journey has little to do with how long you’ve been a follower of Christ and more to do with the lies you believe.

(This is where this one message becomes at least five more. )

How do you Break the (Orphan Spirit) Feeling of Fatherlessness?

To break the feeling of fatherlessness you need to know you have a Father who loves you. It can’t be head knowledge alone, it needs to be worked into the day-to-day of your everyday.

I guess what I’m trying to say is that you need to live LOVED

What does it mean to Live LOVED?

That’s a great question. Here’s what the Bible tells us about what living loved looks like.

If you’re not growing more and more like this, you may be hindered by feelings of fatherlessness…

To live loved means that we’re loved…

and the fact we’re loved by God is most important. John 16:27, Romans 5:8, 1 John 3:1; 4:10;19, Revelation 1:5
Because God’s love for us surpasses knowledge Ephesians 3:17-19
and nothing can separate us from His love…Romans 8:35-39
…remembering God is love and love comes from God 1 John 4:7-8;16
…and he disciplines those He loves. Hebrews 12:6; Revelation 3:19

To live loved means that we love God…

…with all our hearts, soul, mind and strength. Matthew 22:37, Mark 12:30, Luke 10:27
…more than the earliest, dearest and nearest love. Matthew 10:37, Luke 14:25
…more than anything else in this world. Matthew 6:24,Luke 16:13, 1 John 2:15
and show it by obeying Jesus…John 14:15, John 14:21, John 14:23, John 15:10, 1 John 4:18-22, 1 John 2:3-5, 1 John 3:10 , 1 John 3:23, 1 John 5:2-3, 2 John 1:6
…helping his people Hebrews 6:10, 1 John 3:11,17-18
…caring for the least of these Matthew 25:32-40
and seeking His Kingdom in all things… Matthew 6:33
Knowing we’re promised a crown of life…. James 1:12

To live loved means we love in action and truth

Our motivation is love… 1 Corinthians 16:14, 2 Corinthians 5:14, Galatians 5:6, Colossians 3: 17
Our labour is prompted by love… 1 Thessalonians 1:3
We’re generous… 2 Corinthians 8:7-8
We speak the truth in love… Ephesians 4:15
We walk in love… Ephesians 5:1
We grow in love… Philippians 1:9, 2 Thessalonians 1:3, 1 Thessalonians 4:10
We keep ourselves in God’s love… Jude 1:21
We have peace and are thankful… Colossians 3:14-15
We find comfort in love… Philippians 2:1
Our love springs from hope… Colossians 1:5
We have compassion, kindness, humility and patience Colossians 3:12

To live loved means we love each other

We love each other as we love ourselves… Matthew 22:39, Mark 12:31, Luke 10:27, Galatians 5:14, James 2:8, 1 John 4:10-11; 2 John 1:5
Because He first loved us… 1 John 4:19-20
Our love is sincere, we’re devoted to one another with brotherly love and honour one another above ourselves… Romans 12:9-10
We share with God’s people who are in need and practice hospitality… Romans 12:13
We forgive… Colossians 3:13-14
We are patient, kind. We don’t envy, don’t boast and are not proud… 1 Corinthians 13:4
We are not rude, we’re not self-seeking, we’re not easily angered… 1 Corinthians 13:5
We’re unoffendable and keep no record of being wronged… 1 Corinthians 13:5
We always protect, always trust, always hope and always persevere. 1 Corinthians 13:7
We are united together John 17:23
And can’t be motivated by fear 1 John 4:18
Knowing love covers a multitude of sins 1 Peter 4:8
The only debt that remains outstanding is our debt to love one another…Romans 13:8

To live loved means we love even our enemies

We don’t take revenge… Romans 12:19
If our enemy is hungry we feed them or thirsty we give them something to drink…Romans 12:20
We bless those who curse us… Luke 6:28
We pray for those who persecute us…Matthew 5:44
If someone strikes one cheek, we turn the other to them…Matthew 5:39
We represent our Father who is love and sends rain on the righteous and unrighteous…Matthew 5:45

Are you living LOVED?

How can you live that way? How can you live more and more this way?

That’s a great question, I’m so glad you asked.

You can live knowing you are LOVED. We’ll use the word LOVED to help us remember.

How to Live LOVED Tool

L - Leave pretence behind
O - Operate out of who God says you are
V - Value revelation
E - Embark on having well-healed wounds
D - Draw ever-deeper into His love

L - Leave pretence behind

Psalm 62:8 Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.

Are you honest with God? Do you regularly pour out your heart to him? Learn to do this, it will serve you well for now and all eternity.

Be honest with God. The most powerful tool to be honest with God is to use the phrase: “It’s not that it’s true, but it feels that it’s true that…”

Your emotions tell you what you actually believe. For example—Since the God of all hope fills us with all peace and joy as we trust in him… if I don’t have peace and joy, I know I’m not trusting him. So I can go to him and ask him “What am I not trusting you in or for?” He will show me. I’ve asked for wisdom, he gives it generously without finding fault. Then I agree with him—that’s confession, confession is agreeing with God. Repentance is changing my mind and turning around and going in the opposite direction. Then I have peace and joy again.

Tip:

Use the language of the Psalms. Psalms are emotional truth. They will stretch your theological comfort at times.

To live loved you need to stop pretending with God.

The good news is..

The surprise is for you, not Him. He won’t ever be surprised (Psalm 139:1-4) or disappointed in you (Romans 8:38-39).

Am I done with pretending with God?

O - Operate out of who God says you are

Ephesians 2:10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

You do good works because of who God says you are, not to get his approval or others approval. You don’t do it for the show, or do it for the dough. You don’t do it for the worry or do it for the hurry. This is what Jesus told us in the sermon on the mount, you know the message where he revealed more and more and more about our good Father.

Tip:

Go to https://revtrev.com/realme and print off your personalized identity in Christ. Print it off and start memorizing or reminding yourself of it.

The good news is…

He empowers you to accomplish every good work prompted by faith (2 Thessalonians 1:11).

Am I living out who God says I am?

V - Value revelation

Romans 8:15-17 "The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, 'Abba, Father.' The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ."

Since you’ve received him and believed in his name, you have the right to be a child of God (John 1:12). Since you are led by the Spirit you show you are a child of God (Romans 8:14-16) Since you are in Christ through faith, you are a child of God (Galatians 3:26-27). You have been chosen before creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight (Ephesians 1:4-5) as all his children have. See what great love the Father has lavished on us that we should be called children of God, and that is what we are (1 John 3:1).

That’s our theological understanding. How do we move it from thought to practice?

Tip: Be grateful for what’s been revealed to you, ask Holy Spirit to teach you how to make that make a difference in your life.

The good news is…

Holy Spirit does the work of transformation. Our role is to be in the Book.

Do I value the revelation of His love I have right now?

E - Embark on having well-healed wounds

Psalm 147:3 He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.

The first time I heard this phrase it came out of my mouth as a word of knowledge. I was teaching at a church in Calgary on how to fast from negativity. I said something like “Some of you take pride in your wounds and you need to know God takes pleasure in your well-healed wounds.” Afterwords…

When Jesus showed his disciples his nail-scarred hands and offered to show them his wounded side, he was showing them well healed wounds.

Well healed wounds are what he wants for us.

Many have had cruel, abusive or absent fathers, so how can they relate to the God of the universes using the same name as someone who has hurt them?

It’s only when you have well-healed wounds that you can.

Tip:

It could take:
- counselling,
- community,
- forgiveness,
- living unoffended at God.

Miracles can happen, but often God uses process. If you’ve been wounded in community, you need to be healed in community.

The good news is…

He works all things together to make us more and more like Jesus. He will finish the good work He’s started in you.

Are my wounds healing well?

D - Draw ever-deeper into His love

Ephesians 3:14-19 (NIVUK) For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge – that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

Tip:

We want to learn to value God’s opinion more than our own.

Since he rejoices to see the work begin in us to recognize His love for us and alignment of our lives to live loved, it’s ok if we’re not a finished product.

There may be days we don’t live like Jesus told us to live. He reminds us on the sermon on the mount that we have a good Father in heaven in…

The good news is…

Your Father...
...sees what is done in secret and will reward you
...knows what you need
...sees what is done in secret and will reward you
... forgives you
...sees what is done in secret and will reward you
... feeds and takes care of the needs...
... knows that you need them.
Your Father is perfect.

Do I have a growing revelation of God’s incomprehensible love?

How can you better understand God as Father?

Learn to Live LOVED

L - Leave pretence behind Psalm 62:8 Am I done with pretending with God?
O - Operate out of who God says you are Ephesians 2:10 Am I living out who God says I am?
V - Value ongoing revelation Romans 8:15-17 Do I value the revelation of His love I have right now?
E - Embark on having well-healed wounds Psalm 147:3 Are my wounds healing well?
D - Draw ever-deeper into His love Ephesians 3:14-19 Do I have a growing revelation of God’s incomprehensible love?

Conclusion

There is no biblical term called the Orphan Spirit. There is a position that lead to disadvantage called fatherlessness that God shows his heart for and instructs us to care for.

Feeling Fatherless -what some people call the orphan spirit- is broken through the ever-revealing, never fully understanding revelation of the love of God and responding to His love by living LOVED.

My prayer for you today is Paul’s prayer for the church in Ephesus.

Ephesians 1:17-21, 3:16-19 (NIVUK)

May the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge – that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

I speak against any feelings of fatherlessness and call out for wounds to be well-healed. I speak peace to storms and faith where doubts assail. I speak life. I speak hope. I speak joy…

You are loved. Live LOVED.

Podcasts, Live Cast and Training on knowing God

• Enjoying God as Father https://revtrev.com/living-light/enjoying-god-as-father/
• How to Know God as your Good, Good Father https://revtrev.com/living-light/how-to-know-god-as-your-good-good-father/
• God is always with us, Will I be with Him? https://revtrev.com/living-light/god-is-always-with-us-will-i-be-with-him/
• It’s God’s will to Heal https://revtrev.com/livecasts/its-gods-will-to-heal/
• How I Hear the Father Speak to me https://revtrev.com/live-intentional/how-i-hear-the-father-speak-to-me/
• I Trust God as My Good Father https://revtrev.com/livecasts/negativity-fast-reflection-day-34-i-trust-my-good-father/
• How to be at peace with God in the day to day of everyday https://revtrev.com/living-light/how-to-be-at-peace-with-god-in-the-day-to-day-of-everyday/
• Can my Weary Soul Rejoice Again? https://revtrev.com/livecasts/can-my-weary-soul-rejoice-again/
• How to understand and enjoy the Gifts God has for your Today https://revtrev.com/message/how-to-understand-and-enjoy-the-gifts-god-has-for-you-today/
• May God Produce in you.. https://revtrev.com/livecasts/blessing-day-21-livecast-may-god-produce-in-you/
• How to Know and Experience More of our Triune God https://revtrev.com/living-light/trinity-essential/
• Do you live out of your God-Created Identity? https://revtrev.com/manifesto/live-out-your-god-created-identity/
• How to Use God’s Gifts for One Another https://revtrev.com/living-light/how-to-use-gods-gifts-for-one-another/
• 10 Things God Can’t Do https://revtrev.com/live-hopeful/ten-things-god-cant-do/
• How to be a person after God’s Own Heart https://revtrev.com/living-light/how-to-be-a-person-after-gods-own-heart/
• What does it mean to live loved? https://revtrev.com/livecasts/what-does-it-mean-to-live-loved/
• I am loved. I live loved. https://revtrev.com/podcast/day-9-i-am-loved-i-live-loved-reflection-podcast/
• Do you want to know how to live loved radically? https://revtrev.com/manifesto/live-loved-radically/
• I love because I am first loved. https://revtrev.com/livecasts/day-15-i-love-because-i-am-first-loved-reflection-livecast/
• Live Loved https://revtrev.com/live-loved/live-loved/
• I am loved with an everlasting love https://revtrev.com/livecasts/day-26-i-am-loved-with-an-everlasting-love-reflection-livecast/
• 3 tips to live unoffended at God https://revtrev.com/living-light/negativity-fast-tips-3-tips-to-live-unoffended-at-god/
• Should I be Hungry for God? https://revtrev.com/live-intentional/should-i-be-hungry-for-god/
• How I hear the Father Speak https://revtrev.com/live-today/how-i-hear-the-father-speak/
• Does God want Good For Me? https://revtrev.com/live-loved/does-god-want-good-for-me/
• How does God Discipline Us? https://revtrev.com/live-light/how-does-god-discipline-us/
• Move Forward Following the Ancient Paths https://revtrev.com/living-light/move-forward-following-the-ancient-paths/
• Seek the Lord when you don’t know what to do https://revtrev.com/living-light/seek-the-lord-when-you-dont-know-what-to-do/
• How to build up strongholds that are good and necessary https://revtrev.com/living-light/how-to-build-up-strongholds-that-are-good-and-necessary/
• Why everyone needs to know and practice the rhythm of remembering https://revtrev.com/living-light/why-everyone-needs-and-practice-the-rhythm-of-remembering/
• 16 Reasons You Can Trust in the Lord with All Your Heart https://revtrev.com/living-light/16-reasons-you-can-trust-in-the-lord-with-all-your-heart/
• How to grow stronger when life seems impossible https://revtrev.com/livecasts/how-to-grow-stronger-when-life-seems-impossible/
• Seek the Lord when No One is watching https://revtrev.com/message/seek-the-lord-when-no-one-is-watching/
• How to have Faith for the Long Haul https://revtrev.com/livecasts/how-to-have-faith-for-the-long-haul/
• Shattering the 7 Myths that Lead to Complacency https://revtrev.com/living-light/shattering-the-7-myths-that-lead-to-complacency/
• Biblical Patience and why we need to have it https://revtrev.com/living-light/patience-biblical-patience-today/
• How to be a trustable person https://revtrev.com/living-light/how-to-be-a-trustable-person/
• 3 Thoughts to help you get through tough times https://revtrev.com/living-light/3-thoughts-to-help-you-get-through-tough-times/

Read more at >>> http://revtrev.com/living-light/how-to-know-god-as-father/

Next steps to BE REAL with GOD

Check out the Live LOVED - Know and Enjoy Your Good Father Course

Discover the joy of a deeper relationship with God in "Live LOVED." This course explores the profound love of the Good Father through engaging discussions and reflective exercises. Learn to embrace your identity as His cherished child and experience God's love in your daily life. Join us on this journey to cultivate peace, purpose, and belonging, whether you're new to faith or seeking deeper understanding. Embrace the transformative love that awaits you!

http://revtrev.link/LiveLOVED

How to add Agapeo Love to Faith

Are you ready to add agapeo love to your faith? In a world of uncertainty, how do you focus on doing everything with love? How do you embrace Paul's insistence that the only thing that matters is of faith expressing itself through love? Let's discover how love and faith can be combined to bring positive change to our lives, using insights from the Bible. Learn more in "How to Add Agapeo Love to Faith"

Trevor H. Lund is the founder of Live LIGHT Academy at https://livelight.ca/ and the Chief Storyteller at https://revtrev.com He helps you give thanks with your whole heart https://revtrev.link/heart Check out https://revtrev.com/tv for past videos and live casts and https://revtrev.com/radio to subscribe to his podcast wherever you listen.

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We live in a world that’s confused about love. The love of many have grown cold.

As of July 2022, in Canada - 40% to 50% of the first marriage is estimated to end up in divorce. 60% of second marriages are most likely to get divorced. 73% of the third marriages end up getting separated. Couples aging 50 and more have a divorce rate of 26%.

The top 5 causes of divorce (again in July 2022) Financial distress (50%+), Infidelity, Constant fighting, Lack of affection , Domestic violence.

That’s the whole of Canada and I’m told almost everyone in Quebec has been divorced four or five times and that women can’t legally take their husband’s last name because it’s too much paperwork - so the data might be skewed.

What about Christian marriages in Canada. A study in 2023 suggests that approximately 20 to 25 percent of Christian marriages end in divorce, with higher percentages reported among millennials and younger generations of believers.

So if you’re over 50 and have been a Christian for a long time, you may be the least likely to get divorced. I know, some things just aren’t worth it. But don’t become self satisfied.

Husbands, you need to learn to love your wife and lay down your life for her. Christ did it for you, you do it for her. Wives, you need to learn to love your husband. He needs your encouragement and support, your words and actions are what give him life or death. This is not mental ascent while you’re in public. You need to work reciprocal self-sacrificial love for each other into the day to day of everyday. You make and allow each other to bloom.

We’re going to talk about faith and love today. And that’s a fairly heavy introduction. So let’s pray.

Let’s pray. I want to pray Paul’s prayer to the Ephesians over us today.

Read Ephesians 3:14-21 NIV84 …I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge--that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

Paul started his letter to Ephesus that way, so I figured it was a good way for us to start talking about Agapeo love and Faith.

The problem is we don’t understand love

English is terrible when it comes to love. You can love your mom and love your hairstyle. You can love your wife and love your car. You can love your children and love your sports team. What does love mean to us?

Does this really matter?

It is so critically important for us to not have the same definition of love as our world has. God is love and we can’t define God by our own experiences. If God is love and love never fails why do so many relationships fall apart and so many others barely whimper along?

The short answer to a complicated question is this world doesn’t have the same understanding of love that God reveals to us. And it is a revelation, and it continually unveils more and more over time.

I personally try to only use “love” for God and people and maybe pets. It’s tough. “I would love to” becomes “I would enjoy that”. “I love that…” becomes “I really appreciate that”. “I’d love to be able to…” becomes “I’d really like to…”

It’s a more honest use of language to not always rely in the superlative. Just watch how many times you use the word love for anything that’s not God, people or pets. We’re sloppy.

The story

If you’ve been around for any time and you’ve heard me speak a few times, you know I can get excited about the original languages and what scriptures meant for the original audiences.

When I went to my last church, I felt God tell me that he was going to teach me more about how to love and about love. And he did, in more ways than one. I don’t need to share all those stories. But I will share this one with you. Maybe a bit of backstory.

While there are other words for love used once in a while in the Bible, Agapeo is used the most by far and Phileo is used about a third as often as Agapeo. Phileo and Agapeo are the two main words used for love in the new testament.

When I was growing up, I understood that Agape love was God’s love towards us… “for God so Agapeo the world that he gave his only Son.” It’s self-sacrificial love. It’s love that is patient and kind and does not envy or boast and is not proud and is not rude and is not self seeking or easily angered. It keeps no record of being wronged. It doesn’t delight in evil, but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes always perseveres and never fails.

The word used for love in 1 Corinthians 13 - that passage above - is agapeo and it has to be God’s love for us because how can any of us ever expect to love love others like that? It let me off the hook to think only God could love like that.

A bigger problem came for me when I went to university and took Attic Greek. It’s Greek from about 500 years before the Koine greek that the New Testament was written in. But I could still read Koine greek - just some of the rules changed, so I started reading the greek new testament and I came across things like…

John 3:19 (NLT) And the judgment is based on this fact: God’s light came into the world, but people loved the darkness more than the light, for their actions were evil.

Luke 11:43 (NLT) “What sorrow awaits you Pharisees! For you love to sit in the seats of honor in the synagogues and receive respectful greetings as you walk in the marketplaces.

2 Timothy 4:10 (NLT) Demas has deserted me because he loves the things of this life and has gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, and Titus has gone to Dalmatia.

And John tells us…

1 John 2:15 Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you.

So I was confused for a number of years.

I decided the greeks were probably like us and used agapeo to describe everything from your nearest and dearest love to ice cream.

The greeks generally aren’t sloppy when it comes to words. So, when I felt God say he was going to teach me about love when I went to my last church, I really sought him to try to understand Agapeo and Phileo.

And one day, when I prayed and studied, and studied it and prayed about, I had a thought that was smarter than me drop into my head.

Phileo is definitely emotional love. I wondered if Agapeo love could be love that is a decision, not necessarily an emotion.

I have never thought that way before. I had to check it out. So I went to a bunch of verses I knew used agapeo and it made sense. Yes, if agapeo is a decision, I could chose to love the world, or I could chose to love God. I could choose to love compliments or I could choose to love people. I could choose to love and be chose to be patient and kind and not boast and not envy or be proud or rude or self-seeking or easily angered. I could choose to keep to records of wrongs and not delight in evil but rejoice with the truth…With his help I could always protect and always trust and always hope and always persevere.

It was incredible.

As soon as I search for that, “Is Agapeo love a decision”. I found it all over the place. People I trusted and theologians I read were teaching it the same way it dropped into my head.

God taught me more about love.

Interestingly enough, this week I was attempting to learn more about a Bible program I have that I really need to learn how to use. I came on a study done on Agapeo and phileo. It turns out that

Agape is commanded in the New Testament while , phileo, is never an imperative in the New Testament.

Why is that important to know about Agapeo love?

You can’t command an emotion (parents have you ever told your kids to “be happy!” It doesn’t work). You can’t command someone’s emotions. If you’re God, you can command someone make a decision that’s aligned with your will. Agapeo is love that is a decision.

What if?

What if you could redefine your understanding of love that you’ve experienced in the world and see the possibilities of what it means to have a God who loves you and empowers you to accomplish every good work prompted by your faith, including loving God and loving others like God loves you?

What would this supernatural flow - of God’s love naturally flowing to you and through you to others and back to God - feel like?

How would this change your life?

How would this change your driving?

Today we’re going to talk about How to Add Agapeo Love to Faith.

2 Peter 1:5-9 NLT In view of all this, make every effort to respond to God’s promises. Supplement your faith with a generous provision of moral excellence, and moral excellence with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with patient endurance, and patient endurance with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection (Philadephia - emotional love), and brotherly affection with love (Agapeo) for everyone. The more you grow like this, the more productive and useful you will be in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But those who fail to develop in this way are shortsighted or blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their old sins.

This is one of the locations in Scripture where the author juxtaposes Phileo (emotional love) and Agapeo (love that comes from a decision) there is a difference between the two and the difference is important.

Today we’re going to look at how Agapeo love builds our faith. Remember that all of these things we should be adding to faith are fruit of the spirit that Holy Spirit grows in us. We have a role, but Holy Spirit does the supernatural work.

When we look at Scripture we see that:

• Faith and love come FROM Jesus (1 Timothy 1:14)
• Faith and love IN Jesus will be preserved by Holy Spirit (2 Timothy 1:13-14)
• Faith and love are both fruit of the Spirit. (Galatians 5:22-23)
• Faith without love makes us nothing (1 Corinthians 13:2)
• Faith and love is armour for us to be clearheaded (1 Thessalonians 5:8)
• Faith expressing itself in love is one of the only things that matter (Galatians 5:6)

How do you add the decision to love to faith?

That’s a great question, I’m so glad you asked.

Here’s the DELIGHT yourself in the Lord Tool.

Psalm 37:4 When you delight yourself in the Lord he will give you the desires of your heart… I’ve found when I delight myself in him, I want his desires for me more than my desires…or my desires become what he’s already desiring for me…to be made more and more into the image of Christ. That’s how God describes what it is good. When we say “God is working all things together for good” it means he is using everything to make us more and more like Jesus, who is good, so it is good. (Romans 8:28-30).

DELIGHT yourself in the Lord Tool

D - Do all that you do in love - 1 Corinthians 16:14

E - Examine your walk -John 13:34-35

L - Let His love build your faith- Romans 8:35-39

I - Initiate forgiveness - 1 Peter 4:8

G - Grasp a greater revelation of love - 1 John 4:7-8

H - Have your faith express in love - Galatians 5:6

T - Thrive with love - 1 Corinthians 13:2

Let’s unpack that...

D - Do all that you do in love

1 Corinthians 16:14 (NLT) And do everything with love.

Love needs to be the motivation of all our actions.

You can only do this with Holy Spirit’s help. He empowers you to accomplish every good work prompted by faith. Let your good works prompted by faith also be done in love.

What does love look like?

1 Corinthians 13:1-7 If I could speak all the languages of earth and of angels, but didn’t love others, I would only be a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. If I had the gift of prophecy, and if I understood all of God’s secret plans and possessed all knowledge, and if I had such faith that I could move mountains, but didn’t love others, I would be nothing. If I gave everything I have to the poor and even sacrificed my body, I could boast about it; but if I didn’t love others, I would have gained nothing. Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.

These are all agapeo love. These are all decisions we make. These are all things we step out in faith to do, knowing he empowers us to accomplish every good work prompted by faith.

Are my good works prompted by faith, done in love?

E - Examine your walk

John 13:34-35 So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.

Love is a significant mark of faith. It’s not just that we say we love God, people need to see our love for God in practical ways AND our love for people God puts on our path AND of course, our love for one another.

We can say we love God, and not make it make a difference in our life. We can placate our need to love other humans by donating to whatever charity our grocery store is promoting this week. It’s the love we show to each other - those nearest and dearest to us - that we can’t really fake or ignore… John writes..

1 John 4:7-21 NLT Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is a child of God and knows God. 8 But anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love. God showed how much he loved us by sending his one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him. This is real love—not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins. Dear friends, since God loved us that much, we surely ought to love each other. No one has ever seen God. But if we love each other, God lives in us, and his love is brought to full expression in us. And God has given us his Spirit as proof that we live in him and he in us. Furthermore, we have seen with our own eyes and now testify that the Father sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. All who declare that Jesus is the Son of God have God living in them, and they live in God. We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in his love. God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them. And as we live in God, our love grows more perfect. So we will not be afraid on the day of judgment, but we can face him with confidence because we live like Jesus here in this world. Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced his perfect love. We love each other because he loved us first. If someone says, “I love God,” but hates a fellow believer,[b] that person is a liar; for if we don’t love people we can see, how can we love God, whom we cannot see? And he has given us this command: Those who love God must also love their fellow believers.

We need to be “God-with-flesh-on” to each other.

It occurred to me this week that all the One Another Commands connection to showing love.

Love fulfills the One Another Commands…

Love One Another

John 13:34-35; 15:12,17; Romans 12:10a; 13:8; 1 Thessalonians 3:12, 4:9-10; 1 Peter 1:22, 4:8 ;1 John 3:11,22,4:7,11-12; 2 John1:5

Agapeo Love

...is patient

Be at Peace With One Another Mark 9:50

Wait for One Another 1 Corinthians 11:33

... is kind

Be Kind to One Another Ephesians 4:32a

Show Hospitality to One Another 1 Peter 4:9

Have Fellowship With One Another 1 John 1:7

Wash One Another’s Feet John 13:14

... does not boast

Agree With One Another 2 Corinthians 13:11b

Live in Harmony With One Another Romans 12:16, Romans 15:5

...is not jealous

Do Not Envy One Another Galatians 5:26b

Submit to One Another Ephesians 5:21

...is not proud

Honour One Another Romans 12:10b

Be Humble Toward One Another 1 Peter 5:5

Live in Harmony With One Another Romans 12:16

...is not rude

Greet One Another Romans 16:16; 1 Corinthians 16:20;2 Corinthians 13:12; 1 Peter 5:14

Welcome One Another Romans 15:7

...is not self-seeking

Bear With One Another Ephesians 4:2-3; Colossians 3:13a

Do Not Speak Against One Another James 4:11, 5:9

...is not easily angered

Do Not Provoke One Another Galatians 5:26a

Do Not Judge One Another Romans 14:13

...keeps no record of wrongs

Forgive One Another Ephesians 4:32b, Colossians 3:13b

…does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth

Speak the Truth to One Another Ephesians 4:25; Colossians 3:9

Confess Sins to One Another James 5:16a

…always protects

Care for One Another 1 Corinthians 12:25

Do Good to One Another 1 Thessalonians 5:15

Bear One Another’s Burdens Galatians 6:2

Comfort One Another 2 Corinthians 13:11a

…always trusts

Serve One Another Galatians 5:13, 1 Peter 4:10

Instruct One Another Romans 15:14

Teach and Admonish One Another Colossians 3:16

…always hopes

Encourage One Another 1 Thessalonians 4:18, 5:11; Hebrews 10:25

Build One Another Up 1 Thessalonians 5:11b

Exhort One Another Hebrews 3:13

…always perseveres

Pray for One Another James 5:16b

Sing With One Another Ephesians 5:19

… never fails

Stir Up One Another to Love and Good Works Hebrews 10:24

How does my love show my faith?

L - Let His love build your faith

Jude 1:20-21 NLT But you, dear friends, must build each other up in your most holy faith, pray in the power of the Holy Spirit, and await the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will bring you eternal life. In this way, you will keep yourselves safe in God’s love.

As you build each other up in your most holy faith, you’ll keep yourself safe in God’s love.

How to you build yourself up?

1.Pray in the Holy Spirit

2. Await his coming mercy

Building up your faith, keeps you in God’s love. God’s love also builds your faith. The more you know and experience his love, the more you trust him, the more you trust him, the more faith you have. This image illustrates what I’m trying to say…

Building up your faith, keeps you in God’s love. Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God.

Romans 8:35-39 Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? (As the Scriptures say, “For your sake we are killed every day; we are being slaughtered like sheep.”) No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us. And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love.

Does not talking about God’s love seem to build your faith in God’s love? It sure does to me

Do I let His love build my faith?

I - Initiate Forgiveness

1 Peter 4:8 "Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins."

The only way for love to cover over a multitude of sins is for there to be confession and repentance and forgiveness.

Confession and repentance is for the one who preformed a sin of commission or a sin of omission. When we come before God and remember someone has something against us, we go and reconcile with that person as soon as possible. Jesus said, leave your sacrifice on the altar and go and be reconciled. This horizontal relationship is so important for the vertical relationship with the Father. We know when we confess our sins he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness… but will the one we’ve offended choose to reconcile with us? You won’t know until you initiate forgiveness with them.

However, if we’re the one who has been hurt by someone’s sin of commission or sin of omission, forgiveness is not something you need wait for confession and repentance to do. We forgive as Christ forgave us. How is that? While we were still sinners Christ died for us. He laid down is life and completed the task the Father gave him to do, before anyone knew they needed to confess Jesus as Lord and repent of their sins.

Matthew 6:14-15 NLT “If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.

Forgiveness is a choice - we make the decision to forgive.

Forgiveness is an action - we choose to bless in tangible, safe ways.

Forgiveness is an emotion - you can feel like you’ve forgiven when you learn to forgive with your whole heart.

Does my love cover over a multitude of sins?

G - Grasp a greater revelation of love

Ephesians 3:18-19 NLT And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.

Your faith grows as you become more and more like the Son, who He loves. Let me clarify what I’m trying to say. As you trust God more and more, your faith grows more and more and you experience more and more of God’s love for you and you have more and more of God’s love in you that you love God more and better and love others more and better because you are becoming more and more like Jesus as you grow in confidence of God’s love for you. Don’t forget what Jesus said…

John 15:9-12 NLT “I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love. When you obey my commandments, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father’s commandments and remain in his love. I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow! This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you.

To get a greater revelation of love, you need to abide in His love.

Do I abide in Jesus’ love?

H - Have your faith express in love

Galatians 5:6 For when we place our faith in Christ Jesus, there is no benefit in being circumcised or being uncircumcised. What is important is faith expressing itself in love.

Faith is made complete through love. The church in Galatia was a mess. Jewish Christians had convinced non-jewish christians to become jewish to be a good Christian and Paul lost it on them. One verse he writes that he wishes the ones causing the problems wouldn’t stop at circumcision, but go farther and emasculate themselves (the greek word was much more graphic and direct).

He comes out of that tirade and says the thing that matters is faith expressing itself through love. Jesus said we can tell a lot about people by their fruit,

Matthew 7:15-20 NLT “Beware of false prophets who come disguised as harmless sheep but are really vicious wolves. You can identify them by their fruit, that is, by the way they act. Can you pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? A good tree produces good fruit, and a bad tree produces bad fruit. A good tree can’t produce bad fruit, and a bad tree can’t produce good fruit. So every tree that does not produce good fruit is chopped down and thrown into the fire. Yes, just as you can identify a tree by its fruit, so you can identify people by their actions.

Do people see my good works and glorify my father in heaven?

T - Thrive in love

1 Corinthians 13:2 "If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing."

We can have faith without love…and have nothing. We can have love without faith…and it will be fleeting. Our promise from God for this life is that he is with us. GOD is with us. His Spirit is with us. Jesus is with us. Look at what Paul wrote to the church in Rome.

Romans 5:1-11 NLT Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory. We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love. When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners. Now, most people would not be willing to die for an upright person, though someone might perhaps be willing to die for a person who is especially good. But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. And since we have been made right in God’s sight by the blood of Christ, he will certainly save us from God’s condemnation. For since our friendship with God was restored by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies, we will certainly be saved through the life of his Son. So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God.

Do you rejoice in your wonderful relationship with God? Jesus made us friends again with God.

Do you thrive in his love?

Conclusion

DELIGHT yourself in God’s love and you will be filled to the measure of the fullness of God.

DELIGHT yourself in the Lord Tool

D - Do all that you do in love
E - Examine your walk
L - Let His love build your faith
I - Initiate forgiveness
G - Grasp a greater revelation of love
H - Have your faith express in love
T - Thrive with love

Stand to pray

Read Ephesians 3:14-21 NIV84 …I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge--that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.