“Be Open to the Lord in 2012”
Sunday January 1, 2012
scriptures: Hebrews 10, Romans 2, Genesis 17, 1 Corinthians 7, Deuteronomy 10
keywords: commitment, provoke, love, good works, thankful, plan, circumcision, stubborn.
audio file: click to open in a new window or right-click to download
Hebrews 10:23-24
Were we being what we should be in God this past year and more knowledgeable in God?
In 2012, we should do more and commit to be better this year.
Have we failed in things in God this year or being less than that? We need to make a commitment. Not making a commitment is a failure to make a commitment.
Hebrews 10.24- Provoke- sometimes you have to irritate. We should provoke to be more loving and to have good works. We should see each others good works- I see your works.
Are you mad because someone told you to do more? Instead of getting mad, the first thing that you ought to do is to look at yourself. The Bible says be slow to speak, slow to wrath so we shouldn’t argue when someone tells us something that we should change. Don’t try to one-up someone else- listen.
We should be trying to help grow others instead of just ourselves. We should help each other this year with their commitments. Be thankful for other people in your life you want to help you be better- be thankful.
Be specific in what you are planning to do this year- be plain. Making a phone call is very simple. Giving yourself over to worship is very plain and simple.
Romans 2:26-29
This talks about circumcision.
Gen 17:1-12
We know from world events and the bible that Israel is the center of a lot of attention- just as God has said.
v. 10-11- God made it medically safe on the eighth day to cut the foreskin.
1 Corinthians 7:19- What is key is keeping the commandments of God.
Romans 2:27-29 It is about opening up heart which is what circumcision symbolically represents.
Deuteronomy 10:1-15
v. 12- If you do what you are supposed to do your life would be better.
v. 16- Circumcise the foreskin of your heart and don’t be stubborn. Open up. If you are a Christian you are one that is willing to listen, to stop, pause and ponder.
What do I need to do for you Lord ?- open up your heart. You have a new year- don’t do it alone.