ALL IN OR NOT AT ALL!

   You will need your Bible and a pen & notebook to complete these lessons. You should be able to copy and paste these outlines to your word processor and print them without difficulty if you so desire. We recommend you record in your note book deep thoughts or questions that may arise as you study, and certainly record all things God reveals to your heart. Look over these notes frequently and use them even as you pray. God will cause you to grow in wisdom and understanding. Keep your note book with you throughout the day as much as possible to record all God reveals to you and to review the things you have learned.

   We also recommend you make a habit of memorizing a scripture each week. This not only helps get the Word deep in your heart, but is also an excellent mental exercise.

                                                                         ALL IN OR NOT AT ALL!

   What satisfaction can come from life if we cannot see ourselves as good people. What purpose can life serve then? Can we live with ourselves if we can’t love who we have become?

   The Word clearly states ‘God is love’. To lean towards anything else within ourselves is to take a step away from God. Our main attribute should be love. This is the first thing people should say about you.

James 4:8 - Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinner; and purify your hearts, you double minded.

   It should be the endeavor of every man to pursue living a life of love; Peace, forgiveness, kindness, generosity, selflessness and patience. Love is the principle thing.

   So how does one go about becoming a person who others describe as genuine, loving, kind and generous? How do we do it with sincerity? How do we make it second nature within ourselves?

   If we long to be this person on the inside and on the outside, let’s look at what the Word tells us to help in this pursuit.

1. Pursue and keep pursuing the indwelling of Holy Spirit within oneself.

    Galatians 5:22&23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering

    (patience), kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such

    there is no law.

2. Replace anxious thoughts with good, focusing on the positives and God’s

    blessings.

    Phil 4:6-8 Be anxious for nothing…and the peace of God…will guard your hearts

    and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally brethren, whatever things are noble,

    Whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely,

    whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if anything

    praiseworthy - meditate on these things.

    - Remember; ‘the just shall live by faith’, not by fear.

3. Live life completely according to and by the Word of God.

    Joshua 1:8 This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall

    meditate in it day and night, that you shall observe to do according to all that is

    written in it. For then you shall make your way prosperous and then you will have

    good success.

    *See also Psalm 1:1-3

    2Timothy 2:15 *Be diligent to present yourself to God, a worker who does not need

    to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of truth.

    - * Be (spoudazo) : to use speed, i.e. to make effort, be prompt or earnest; - do (give)

    diligence, be diligent (forward), endeavor, labour, study.

Conclusion: Without a real dedication to the things of God life can easily lead us astray. There is no other scriptural based formula for success than living according to Gods Word, and when we choose to walk with Him, our eternal success is guaranteed. To reach the end of our days on this earth without looking back with regret is absolutely within reach of those who choose to go after life with God, living for something larger than themselves, grasping forward to grab hold of those things that carry an eternal weight and effect. God doesn’t call the qualified, God is willing to qualify those whom answer His call. Will you answer God’s call today?