Thirst with Sheryl: season 2- Holistic Change

Weight Removal

In Hebrews chapter 12, verse 1 the author likens this verse to a race. The NLT version reads as such: Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.  
The Challenge
So, I want to challenge you, the listeners; we know that it is impossible to please God without faith; we want to avoid “the sin” that so easily trips us up, which is unbelief; because we know that unbelief means you lack faith, and consequently in the book of James 2:14 he wrote that faith without works is dead.
So, this challenge is for you the listener to identify the weights/distractions/hindrances that have gotten in the way of your race. 
When you identify them write them down, on a piece of paper and then ball it up and throw it in the trash as an act of faith; as if you are giving this hindrance to God.
Ps 55: 22 says to cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you. Finally, Trust that God will see you through.
Ps 56:3 says When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. 
That’s it! That is your exercise! Because if we continue to hold on to our weights or hindrances, before we know it, we will be so entangled, we won’t even realize that we are headed for “the sin” unbelief. 

Rightly Dividing the Word of Truth Part 3

There is a correct way to analyze scripture and an incorrect way to analyze scripture.  God puts structure on how to read the bible & how to correctly analyze it. So, to reiterate again, if you do not consider before the cross and after the cross, more than likely you will end up somewhere not seeing something correctly.
I invite you to listen for a few tips I use for rightly dividing the word of Truth.

Dividing Rightly the Word of Truth Part 2

OT/Old covenant/before the finished work; NT/New covenant/after the finished work.  The blood that was shed not only dealt with sin, but also the sinner! In light of this, we need to study the bible as it pertains to the finished work, so that we can rightly divide the Word of Truth. What was so before the cross, changed when Jesus shed His blood on the cross.

Rightly Dividing the Word of Truth Part 1

Let’s start with the title of this podcast, “Rightly dividing the Word of Truth,” “which is vital; it is not only vital that we rightly divide the word of God but also comprehend what we read. You may find one scripture on a subject, but yet there is always another and another on that subject supporting the other.
 

A Very Important Point

Today we discuss A Very Important Point and the last 2 parts of Isaiah 54:17 which is a very important point and says:  And every tongue which rises against you in judgment, you shall condemn; this means That means YOU shall cancel, you shall refute and you shall render useless any idle word that is spoken against you. God is telling us, that “You shall condemn” which means we do it. God won't do it for you. It is our duty to do so. 

An Eye-Opener

The proud heart says we are good, that we should get what we want, and if we don’t, we’re justified in our ingratitude. If we’re uncomfortable or inconvenienced in any way, we murmur & grumble.  Phil 2:14 CEV says Do everything without grumbling or arguing. 
What is the commonality with all these behaviors? Control, self-reliance, self-centeredness, selfishness & of course, Pride! 

The Oblivious Spirit

Today I want to discuss a spirit that plagues a great number of Christians and at times they are oblivious to it.  I am talking about the spirit of Offense.
People can offend us, but we do not have the right to carry an offense. As blood bought believers, we have the position to release the offense; 1Cor 13:5 says that love is not easily provoked or offended.

Shut the Gate

We must be gatekeepers; A gatekeeper is a person who controls access to something. We must be gatekeepers of our soul & body. 

Prepare to Fight

Prayer is so very crucial to the believer’s life. Prayer = Power
Beware: a serious prayer life will cause the enemy to devise a serious plan for your defeat.
Consider John 10:10a NLT, “The thief’s purpose is to steal, kill and destroy.”
However, the second part of this verse is more promising; it says “My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.”
 
 

Designed to go Together

Prayer & Praise are designed to go together like peanut butter & jelly!
Prayer sends the angels (Ps 103:20 says angels are activated by God’s Word & we should be praying God’s Word & praise sends God) Ps 22:3 says that God inhabits the praises of His people