Love Your Wife

This is a message to all husbands. Value your wife, she is the strongest link in the family chain. She is the heart of every relationship. So do yourself a favor and love your wife.

Verse Today

1 John 2:1 New International Version (NIV)

2 My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One.

To numerous

Aug 31 – To numerous – Psalm 105:24

     The Lord makes a promise today that He will make His people and numerous.  We will not be over

Whelmed by our enemies but we will overwhelm them.  What a great promise to know we can be

fruitful.  Jesus told His disciples that He was going to make them fruitful and that their fruit would

remain.  There are nine fruit of the Spirit mentioned in Gal 5:22-23.  The love, peace, kindness of God

are wonderful.  These are fruit that grow and are harvested by the Holy Spirit. 

     A great thought is to know that greater are those that are with us than those who are against us.

Greater is He that is in us than He that is in the world.  Today tell yourself you are success story because

of Jesus Christ.  You are a winner, overcomer, and victor because of the Lord.  Whenever you feel like

a loser just remind yourself you are a chosen generation, royal priesthood, holy nation and unique called

out person in the Lord.  Remember that is who you are in Christ.

Proverb of Steel

Proverb of Steel

Never seek love outside of the Lord and refuse the offers of those who claim to know about love.  God is love and it originates with Him.

Verse Today

1 John 1:10 New International Version (NIV)

10 If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us.

Do no harm

Aug 30 – Do no harm – Psalm 105:14-15

     The Lord has a message in these verses to those that would try to harm or oppress the Lord’s people.

God offers full protection to His people.  He will fight on behalf of His people.  He does allow anyone to

Oppress His people.  He will even rebuke the greatest and most powerful leaders,  He humbled

Nebuchadnezzer.  He had an angel come and destroy 185,000 Assyrian soldiers.  No one to attack the

Lord’s anointed or do His prophets harm.  These attacks will have eternal reprecussions.   David was

aware of this and that is why He refused to kill or harm Saul when he had the chance.  It is the Lord’s

place for vengeance not ours.  God will deal with any leader who is wrong.  It is  not our job to right

every wrong.  In fact when a person comes to Jesus Christ we give up that right.  We let the Lord fight

all our battles.  There is an adage that says, “fight all your battles on your knees and you will win.”  Great

thought.  So today remember the Lord is your protection and help.  He has angels camping around you

today.  You are never alone and always protected. 

Love

It is Thursday and here is your thought to ponder. Never seek love outside of the Lord and refuse the offers of those who claim to know about love. God is love and it originates with Him. He gives us this love and it is pure and holy. With it we can change ourselves, others and our world.

Proverb of Steel

The Bible is meat for the soul the problem today is many want to eat salad.

Verse Today

1 John 1:9 New International Version (NIV)

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

He Remembers

Aug 29 – He Remembers – Psalm 105:8

      The psalmist recounts about how when the Lord makes a declaration or promise He always

Remembers it.  This promise will be for a thousand generations.  God will never turn His back on his

Word.  This is a promise for the child of God.  He will never forsake or forget His promises to you.  What

He says he will do, He will do.  His healing, salvation, deliverance, anointing.  Empowerment and victory

Will come because of His word.  He puts His word above His name.  Through the Word of God we see

and receive all His benefits. 

     Today reflect and rejoice in the Lord’s consistency.  He will never change.  He is the same, yesterday,

Today and forever.  God is faithful.   Today stand on the promises for they cannot fail.  Every man may

Be a liar but the word of God is true.  So as you go through this day.  Stand upon the promises and they

Will not fail you.  Amen.

Meat

Today is the middle of the week and here is you thought.  The Bible is meat for the soul the problem today is many want to eat salad.  So today read the word and grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Proverb of Steel

Tears without true sorrow is a waste of bodily fluids.

Verse Today

1 John 1:8 King James Version (KJV)

8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.

Give Thanks

Aug 28 – Give Thanks – Psalm 105:1,4-5

     In this Psalm the writer begins by telling their audience to give thanks to the Lord and call upon His

name.  Praise and worship is the launching point for seeking and calling on the name of the Lord.  It

releases God’s presence into our lives and helps us focus and get into a place to receive from the Lord. 

We are also call to make His name known among all nations.  This is a reflection of Matt 28:19 where

Jesus tells His disciples to go into all the world and preach the gospel.  Our world is to be changed by

The message of salvation and truth we bring.

     Look to the Lord for strength.  The Lord is our strength.  His joy flowing through our life gives victory

And power in every situation.  This strength comes when we seek the Lord always.  It comes from face

to face contact.  Remember the wonders and miracles He has done.  This is another way of saying, count

your many blessings and see what God has done.  The Lord had been good to Israel.  They had been

delivered from Egypt, given a new land and now they were at the peak of their influence in the world

during the time of David.  They had seen miracles, wonders and now they have God’s word.  They were

truly blessed.  Today the church has been given this same privilege.  Through Jesus Christ we can see

signs, wonders and miracles.  We have His word and it can heal and restore us.  Let us rejoice and gives

thanks throughout this day.

Tears

It is Tuesday and here is your thought to ponder.  Tears without true sorrow is a waste of bodily fluids.  So today don't waste your tears or time if you have no intention of change but if you want to change than ask the Lord and He will help you change into the person He intended you to be,

Monday Muse

It is Monday and here is your thought to ponder. To mock a friend is like sticking you head in the mouth of a lion. A dangerous proposition. When you mock a friend you are putting them down and this shows you really don't value their friendship and never do it to your spouse. This shows you do not respect them.

Verse Today

1 John 1:7 New International Version (NIV)

7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all[a] sin.

Please the Lord

Aug 27 – Please the Lord – Psalm 104:34-35

     The Psalmist has been talking extensively about the Lord and His place in this universe.  At this point

the psalmist declares they are going to sing of the Lord and His involvement in life.  The Lord is the

center and the giver of all life.  The Lord is to be praise as long as we live.  Our existence is because of

Him.  In Him we live and move and have our being.  When someone fully comprehends who the Lord is

They have no other response except worship.

      As the psalmist reflects, meditates and thinks about the Lord.  May our  thought process be pleasing

to the Lord.  May the thoughts and words of our heart be pleasing to the Lord.  God knows everything

about us and the amazing things is that He still loves us.  This morning let your praise, worship and

reflect on the Lord.  Remember all His blessings, encouragements and love.  

FAith in Action

It is the weekend and here is your thought. True repentance and sorrow is followed by action. Action speak louder than words. James says that His faith was shown by what he did. So do the same and you will show the real faith God wants.

Proverb of Steel

True repentance and sorrow is followed by action.

Verse Today

1 John 1:6 New International Version (NIV)

6 If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness,we lie and do not live out the truth.

Everlasting to Everlasting

Aug 24 – Everlasting to Everlasting – Psalm 103:17-18

     We have only two days left in Psalm 103 and today we are looking at some more great and powerful

promises.  First, the Lord from everlasting to everlasting love is with those who respect, fear and love

Him.  Nothing can separate us from the love of God.  His love is with us from the beginning and will be

With us forever.  What a great promise for the lonely, the discouraged, the hurting and the hopeless.

     His righteousness will be with not only our children but the generations that follow.  In Acts 16:31

We have a great promise that not only shall we be saved but our household as well.  Household

Salvation is a wonderful truth.  God wants you and your entire household saved.  Like Lydia, Cornelius,

And the Philippian jailer we can see our household saved.  God’s love and righteousness is through out

The generations. 

     There are two conditions to all the benefits mentioned in this psalm.  To keep his covenant and to

Remember what He has written in His word.  If we do our part God will do His part.  God is not a candy

Vending machine that you can access anytime.  He is not a sugar daddy in the sky.  We have our part

To play.  We must keep His word and remember in our day to day life, His word.  We are called to be

light and salt in our world.  God loves us to much to leave us the way we are.  We are not these great

lights of righteousness.  By nature we are cold, cruel and mean.  We are sinners saved by grace and each

day being changed into the full likeness of God through the power of the Holy Spirit.  It is by grace we

are not consumed.  So today let the Lord work in your life and be the blessing He intended.

Thursday Thought

It is Thursday and here is your thought to ponder. Helping someone without being asked is like giving a cup on cold water on a hot day. Most refreshing. So help someone today it will do both them and you good. It will also show you are a follower of Jesus Christ.

Proverb of Steel

Helping someone without being asked is like giving a cup on cold water on a hot day.  Most refreshing.

Verse Today

1 John 1:5 New International Version (NIV)

Light and Darkness, Sin and Forgiveness

5 This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all.

New International Version (NIV)

Compassion

Aug 23 – Compassion – Psalm 103:13

     This is one of the few times we actually have the Lord used in the Old Testament in the Father figure

Identity.  In the New Testament the Lord is known as the Father 168 times.  As a Father has compassion

On His children so the Lord has compassion on those who fear Him.  God gives us love and compassion

When we have respect and awe for Him.  Remember He is the creator of the universe.  He breathed life

In us at creation and we became a living soul.  We are made in His image.  We have a mental, moral and

spiritual image.  We are God’s greatest creation.  We have the ability to communicate with God.  We can

have Spirit to Spirit contact.  No other creature on this planet has that ability or privilege.

     God has compassion and love for us.  We also have that same ability.  We can be God’s hand of

Compassion and love today.  Today make it your aim and goal to walk in love and compassion.  Be an

Encouragement and help to those in your world.  We only have this day and we should redeem every

Moment and look for opportunity to be a blessing today.  As the old hymn says, “Make me a blessing

Today.”  Be like Jesus He walked with compassion.  The gospel writer Mark states that everyone who

Came to Jesus was healed.  Heal those in your world with your love & compassion,.  Heal them through

Your attitude, words and actions.  Be a blessing as God has blessed you.  He loves and has compassion

For you today.

Encouragement

It is the middle of the week and here is your thought. A word of encouragement at the right me is like a cool breeze on a hot summer`s day. Be that person who encourages. It will change someones world today.

East from West

Aug 22 – East from West – Psalm 103:12

      This is one of the most wonderful and powerful verses in the Bible.  It is a promise without

Comparison.  David says that as far as the east is from the west.  Now this is not a round line but a

straight line.  It is an infinite line.  God takes our sins, iniquities and transgressions and removes them

from us.  He will never bring them up again.  When we confess our sins He is faithful and just to

forgive our sins.  What a great promise.  What a wonderful savior and God.  This should make you shout

for joy.  You should clap your hands and dance before the Lord.  You sins are forgiven.  You have been

redeemed.  The Lord will never exploit, or mention your sins again.  They are in His sea of forgetfulness.

So today remember if your sins are exposed to you it is either you or the devil who brings it up.  God

Looks at your through rose colored glasses.  He looks at you through the blood of Jesus Christ.  Though

Your sins be as scarlet they will be white as snow.  You are forgiven and release.  Live in that reality

Today.

Verse Today

1 John 1:4 New Living Translation (NLT)

4 We are writing these things so that you may fully share our joy

Proverb of Steel

A word of encouragement at the right me is like a cool breeze on a hot summer`s day.

Stand Firm

2 Thessalonians 2:15-17New International Version (NIV)

15 So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold fast to the teachings[a] we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter.

16 May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, 17 encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.

-          Stand firm, be anchored, don’t move and like a romans soldier who will not give up the territory he has been assigned too.  Talk about building that collapsed into the ground in YK.

-          Hold on, do not let go, let a man holding on for dear life.  Never let go.  They are a treasured possession.

-          To the teachings[we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter.  The method of promotion and education in Paul’s day was oral or written means.  The word of God we should study it for all we are worth.  That is what Paul said to Timothy in 2 Tim 2:15. 

-          May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us.  This is such a truth.  God loves you and likes you.  His is agape without strings attached type of love.  Story of Hosea is a great illustration.

-           By his grace gave us eternal encouragement.  Grace is God’s riches as Christ’s expense.  Grace is favor, goodwill and loving kindness.  It is bestowed freely, received with thanksgiving, and continues as long as the reliever wishes it.

-          God gives us eternal encouragement.  Encouragement means to inspire, stimulate and to promote.  God is on your side.  He is not just the eternal cheer leader but he has given you a person to come along side, the power to succeed and tools, training and help to finish the job.

It is like having Mike Holmes helping you build your house.

-          Good hope, hope is you believe in the future.  Jeremiah 29:11New International Version (NIV)

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.  What a great verse.  Check out Revelation 2-3 and see what God has in store for us.

-          Encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.  God will encourage you and strengthen you.  That is divine energy and help.  You are connected to the source.  Talk about when I was kid and got electrocuted. 

God has a plan to encourage and strengthen you because He wishes you to do good deeds and words.  They glorify Him.  James says we show our faith by what we do.  It is a combination of the spiritual and national.  You show your faith by what you say and do.  Talk about Peter and the lame man.  Close with William Booth and Salvation Army

Final Thought

The Last Thought – One Hundred

     As we complete this last word or thought it is important to note God`s presence.  Moses said “If the presence of the Lord does not go before us we will not go up.”  You cannot do the work of God without His presence.  His presence breaks down all doors and iron bars.  It has the ability to change a situation or circumstance in a moment.  The presence of God brings fullness of joy.  His presence forces people to deal with their faults, failures and sin.

     The presence of the Lord went before Jesus wherever He went.  Jesus is the presence of the Lord in flesh.  When Jesus calmed the storm, His presence brought peace to the people in the boat.  Jesus brought love into the woman at the well and the one who was caught in adultery.  Jesus was the presence in compassion.  He was the presence in healing.  He was the presence of God in driving out demonic power.  Jesus brought joy at parties and wedding.  Banquets were never the same when Jesus left.  You see when the presence of the Lord comes into a place it will never be the same again. 

     The Apostle Paul experienced the presence of the Lord when He met Jesus on the road to Damascus.  Paul was never the same after that experience.  The presence of the Lord brought new purpose and direction to Paul’s life.  He was willing to die for the presence of the Lord.  John the Apostle on the Isle of Patmos after encountering the presence of the Lord wrote about the future.  The Presence of the Lord gives hope and a future.   When you have been in the presence of the Lord life is never the same.  You will never see the world the same way.  It spoils you for this world.  You see the world as it really is, stale, cold, lifeless and void. 

     Today seek the presence of the Lord in its fullness.  Be desperate for God’s presence.  Hunger and thirst for it and you will not be disappointed.  In the presence of the Lord are love, joy, peace, grace and mercy.  God’s presence will strengthen and empower you.  His presence is a light in a dark world.  The pureness of the presence of the Lord can never be matched by anything in this universe.  Today desire and seek for His presence.  The presence of the Lord is food for the spirit and soul.  Delight in His presence and release your victory in Him.

He will treat us

Aug 20 – He will treat us – Psalm 103:9-10

     David today continues with the benefits of knowing the Lord.  The Lord will not harbour His

anger towards us forever.  David knew this from personal experience.  When he sinned with Bathsheba

God was not angry forever.  When David repented God gave him and Bathsheba another son who was

Named Solomon.  Good can come out of bad.  So repent and see God’s goodness.

     The Lord does not treat us according to what we deserve or repay us according to our iniquities.  The

Lord is compassionate, loving, kind and graceful.  David wants to remind his audience that God is not an

Angry deity looking to punish everyone.  He only brings judgment as a last resort.  So today fear the Lord

but this is respect.  God will be gracious, kind and loving to you if you keep short accounts with Him.

Proverb of Steel

A wise man build his home and life on the principles of love, acceptance and forgiveness.

Verse Today

1 John 1:1-2 King James Version (KJV)

1 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life;

2 (For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;)

Happy Home

It is the beginning of the week and here is a thought to ponder. A wise man build his home and life on the principles of love, acceptance and forgiveness. So build your house on these and see God bring such abundance.

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God's Image

2 Corinthians 4:4

In whose case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving so that they might not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.

Ephesians 3:20

20 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,

Did you know that God has an extra-ordinary destiny and purpose for you.   John 10:10 tells that Jesus came to give us life and abundantly.  The problem is we either don’t believe it or have a wrong concept of what God wants. 

1.        Many people say they love the inspiration of the Bible.  But the Bible isn’t just inspiration it is transformation.  Rom 2:2 says be transformed by the renewing of your mind.  Most of us have a mindset problem.  We read the Bible and what it says but we cannot get what it really says.  This message I hope will help set this straight.

a.       The word of God is design to bring about change.  A paradigm shift.  It is design to change us into the image of Christ.  The Bible is communicated knowledge.  It brings us God’s truth into our world.  Communicated knowledge becomes revealed knowledge and this brings transformation.  Talk about faith works.

b.      Here is a reality.  Information can brings inspiration, but only the Bible can bring true transformation.  The Holy Spirit moved men to write the Bible and then He transforms us as we read and apply the Bible.  We are workers together in this transformation.  He works with us and we submit our will to Him.

2.       Now there are three images that we have in our lives. 

a.       There is the projected will.  This is where we project how we desire people to see us. 

b.      There is the perceived image which how people see  us.

c.       Thirdly the actual image.  This is really who we are and how God sees us.

3.        Now Jesus was a perfect example of a person who lived the actual image of both Himself and God. 

a.        Jesus was perceived to be a party person, liar, lunatic, fraud, and blasphemer.  We see in His baptism, the Mount of Transfiguration and in the Temple.  God father said three times, this was His beloved Son in whom he was well pleased.  What a great testimony. 

b.      Those who lived their actual image will hear the words.  Well done God and faithful servant, enter into my rest.

c.       Those who live the actual image of God will be called extra-ordinary, remarkable, beyond understanding. 

4.       The problem with many people including Christians is that they are more concerned about image than substance.  Social media is a perfect example.  We want to appear as smart, interesting, athletic, good looking, wealthy and educated.  That is image not substance.  So here is a question how can a person move from image to substance, two  things, Love and fear.  This almost sound like a contradiction but it is not.

1.        You respond to God’s love.  John 3:16. 1 J John 4:7-8 You do not want to do anything to hurt and jeopardize the relationship.  It is like two lovers desiring to respond and meet each other needs, wants and desires.  Tell someone God loves me and them.

2.       The second is fear and this one I want to camp on for a few minutes.  2 Corinthians 5:9-10New International Version (NIV)  9 So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it. 10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.  This is a powerful verse. 

a.        Judgment is about accountability, responsibility and lifestyle.  One day we are going to be judged by the Lord and it is not just about thoughts, words and deeds but attitudes, motive, intentions, obedience and faithfulness.

b.      1 Cor 4:5, says, So don’t make judgments about anyone ahead of time—before the Lord returns. For he will bring our darkest secrets to light and will reveal our private motives. Then God will give to each one whatever praise is due.

c.       This is both a sobering and liberating thought.  If you have something to hid.  No fun.  If you have been keeping short  accounts with God quite the opposite. 

d.      2 Corinthians 5:11New International Version (NIV)The Ministry of Reconciliation

       11 Since, then, we know what it is to fear the Lord, we try to persuade others. What we are is   

       plain to God, and I hope it is also plain to your conscience.  You see when you fear or respect

      God as your judge you work hard on the right things.

e.      The more fear or respect for God you have the more you will work on the actual image.  3 John 2 says, I pray that you will be prosperity and health even as your soul prospers.  It begins from the inside out.  Gordon Macdonald called it ordering your private world. 

5.       The less you fear the Lord the more incline you are to work and care on your projected image.    Talk about Peter failed in Gal 1-2 because of that.  Talk about this.

a.       Proverbs 29:25 Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe.

b.      Hebrews 4:12  For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. 13 Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.    The Word of God can protect us from our projected image. 

c.       Moses an encounter with God.  In Exodus 3 and when he went to Egypt he wanted the people to encounter God as well.  In Ex 20:20, God tested the people to see if they feared him the right way.  God will test you as well.   The one who has something to hide fears the Lord.  The one who does respect the Lord  desires an encounter with God. 

d.      When we love the Lord with all our heart, soul, kind and strength .  We want to love others, and respect God,  Live a life that pleases Him.  We will walk in unconditional obedience and we know that true holiness begins in the heart. 

e.      Our projected image can lead to deception because we care more about people think about us than God.  This also leads us missing out to God`s blessing.

f.        Wisdom is knowing the difference.    Let us pray.

His Love

His Love – Ninety Nine

My children the world does not need more media. It does not need more technology. It does not need more money or exploitation of resources. The world does not need more philosophy or religion it has enough of that. People do not need more possessions or popularity. It needs love.

Jesus said, that people will know we are His disciples by the way that we love one another. Today walk in His love. A person who lives produces, receives and is of real value. A person who loves will always have love return to them. When you love even the most violent sinner will come to Christ. What people need most is just someone to love them. Love makes all the difference. When a person is loved even the most terrible scars can be healed. When a person is loved they will learn to heal and be an instrument of healing to others.

Love is the language of heaven. It is God's way of setting al things right. Remember is the nature and character of God. When we love, we are shown God. When we love we are showing how much He loves us. Love makes us whole and in return we make others whole. So today go and love others made in the image of God and you are showing that you have the Lord. Jesus showed the love of God in the way he dealt and healed people. Be the Lord's healer today and love. Remember it is what the world needs.

More Benefits

Aug 17 – More Benefits – Psalm 103:5

     David then states that the Lord will satisfy His life with good things.  James stated the same thing

when He says that every good and perfect gift comes from the Father of Lights.  The promises of God are

yes and amen.  God has good things in store for you.  These benefits will also renew us and make us feel

young.  Through out the Bible we have the aged being renewed.  We will always feel like a child.  In fact

it is through childlike faith that we receive them.  Jesus said come like a child.  Children just take things

at face value.  If an authority figure tells them something is going to happen, they believe them.  The

Lord who our authority promises we will have all our diseases healed and will be strengthened. 

So today stand upon these promises and walk in your healing and victory.  The woman with the issue of

blood believe that Jesus could heal her and she saw her answer come.

'The Queen of Soul' Aretha Franklin dies at the age of 76

Minds Blinded

2 Corinthians 4:4

In whose case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving so that they might not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.

Ephesians 3:20

20 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,

Did you know that God has an extra-ordinary destiny and purpose for you?   John 10:10 tells that Jesus came to give us life and abundantly.  The problem is we either don’t believe it or have a wrong concept of what God wants. 

1.        Many people say they love the inspiration of the Bible.  But the Bible isn’t just inspiration it is transformation.  Rom 2:2 says be transformed by the renewing of your mind.  Most of us have a mindset problem.  We read the Bible and what it says but we cannot get what it really says

a.        The word of God is design to bring about change.  A paradigm shift.  It is design to change us into the image of Christ.  The Bible is communicated knowledge. 

b.       Here is a reality.  Information can brings inspiration, but only the Bible can bring true transformation.  The Holy Spirit moved men to write the Bible and then He transforms us as we read and apply the Bible   He works with us and we submit our will to Him.

2.       Now there are three images that we have in our lives. 

a.        There is the projected will.  This is where we project how we desire people to see us. 

b.       There is the perceived image which how people see  us.

c.        Thirdly the actual image.  This is really who we are and how God sees us.

3.        Now Jesus was a perfect example of a person who lived the actual image of both Himself and God. 

a.         Jesus was perceived to be a party person, liar, lunatic, fraud, and blasphemer.  We see in His baptism, the Mount of Transfiguration and in the Temple.  God father said three times, this was His beloved Son in whom he was well pleased.  What a great testimony. 

b.       Those who lived their actual image will hear the words.  Well done God and faithful servant, enter into my rest.

c.        Those who live the actual image of God will be called extra-ordinary, remarkable, beyond understanding. 

4.       The problem with many people including Christians is that they are more concerned about image than substance  So here is a question how can a person move from image to substance, two things, Love and fear.  This almost sound like a contradiction but it is not.

a.        You respond to God’s love.   You do not want to do anything to hurt and jeopardize the relationship

b.       The second is fear.  2 Corinthians 5:9-10New International Version (NIV)  9 So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it. 10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.  This is a powerful verse. 

c.        Judgment is about accountability, responsibility and lifestyle.  One day we are going to be judged by the Lord and it is not just about thoughts, words and deeds but attitudes, motive, intentions, obedience and faithfulness.

d.       1 Cor 4:5, says, So don’t make judgments about anyone ahead of time—before the Lord returns. For he will bring our darkest secrets to light and will reveal our private motives. Then God will give to each one whatever praise is due.

e.       This is both a sobering and liberating thought.  If you have something to hid.  No fun.  If you have been keeping short  accounts with God quite the opposite. 

f.         2 Cor 5:11  (NIV)  Since, then, we know what it is to fear the Lord, we try to persuade others. What we are is  plain to God, and I hope it is also plain to your conscience.  You see when you fear or respect

        God as your judge you work hard on the right things.

g.        The more fear or respect for God you have the more you will work on the actual image.  3 John 2 says, I pray that you will be prosperity and health even as your soul prospers.  It begins from the inside out. 

5.       The less you fear the Lord the more incline you are to work and care on your projected image

a.        Proverbs 29:25 Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe.

b.       Hebrews 4:12  For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. 13 Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.    The Word of God can protect us from our projected image. 

c.        When we love the Lord with all our heart, soul, kind and strength .  We want to love others, and respect God and live a life that pleases Him.  We will walk in unconditional obedience and we know that true holiness begins in the heart. 

d.       Our projected image can lead to deception because we care more about people think about us than God.  This also leads us missing out to God`s blessing.

e.       Wisdom is knowing the difference.