Establishing the Temple of God begins with a choice…
- “Walking in God’s presence or living in worldly prominence is your choice.”
- That is the tension of life on earth.
· Jesus, “Lay down your nets and follow me.”
· Jesus, “Do not lay up for yourselves treasure on earth… but rather in heaven.”
· Jesus, “we will either seek the honor that comes from men… or seek the honor that comes from God.”
- That is the PASSION of Christ = the breaking down of worldly prominence for GODS presence, manifested.
- In truth by choosing God’s presence you are building your life, but it not with brick and mortar.
What I desire is where I will position my heart…
- I will be in the proximity of the thing that my heart desires.
- My spouse – drugs – fishing – family
- My mind, will and emotions are near to whatever I desire.
- Olympic Gold medal… I will think about it, work towards it and invest emotionally to accomplish that desire.
· People who received from Jesus positioned themselves close to him.
The position of me heart determines where I give my affection…
- I voluntarily come into agreement with what I desire.
- Affection cannot be coerced.
- I cannot “force” myself to desire – desire is an act of volition.
- I am free to choose what I desire.
- So… where my heart is placed is what I will give my affection to.
What I have affection towards is what I will reflect…
- If you are a fan of a particular team – you reflect that.
- If you are a runner – you reflect that.
- If you are a husband or wife – you reflect that.
- You will “be able to see” what I have affection towards.
That which I reflect is what I take delight in…
- Whatever I take delight in will be reflected in my life.
- If I take delight in a race – my actions will reflect that desire.
- If I delight in possessions – it will be reflected.
- I don’t “labor” for something I delight in.
· that is not to say it does not take effort…
- Training to run the race… I take delight in it.
What I take delight in is what I will give myself to…
- Regardless of how I “place” compared to others I can find delight in my affection.
- When I give myself to something it is joyful. I give without expecting anything.
- Giving without delight cancels out the giving.
· If I expect something in return for my offering – it is not an offering out of delight… it is an offering duty (short life span).
· If my offering is out of duty (obligation… I have removed love (eternal in nature – “love remains’)… I have removed God.
What I give myself to is what consumes me….
- If it costs me everything… it is worth it.
- No matter what others think… I will present my life as an offering.
- If it consumes me I do everything to maintain it – I apply myself to it.
- Faith takes effort… it is not easy.
Matthew 11:12-17
· The kingdom of God is taken with violence (effort)
· Faith is not like children playing.
What consumes you this morning?
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