Battle Plan part 3

This past Sunday we continued CONCLUDED our series "TEMPTATION." This entire we have looked at the reality temptations are inevitable so we should learn how to navigate successfully through them. We also looked at a few keys to becoming stronger in resisting temptation" You can listen to the podcasts or download it by clicking here WYANDOTTE FAMILY PODCAST You can also watch the sermons on our NEW You Tube Channel  CLICK HERE 

We ended the series talking about "The Fight of your life." You and I are in a spiritual battle until we cross over from this world into the next. So, what can we do to become stronger in the battle? What can we do to not grow weary in the battle? I am going to spend the next few posts going over different ways we can not only prepare for the fight but grow in the fight.

For part 1 of the blog we looked at Tactic #1 which was worship. For part 2 of the blog we looked at Tactic #2 "The Holy Spirit." Let's take a look at the 3rd tactic...

Tactic #3 - Vision 

Romans 6:6-13-6 We know that our old sinful selves were crucified with Christ so that sin might lose its power in our lives. We are no longer slaves to sin. 7 For when we died with Christ we were set free from the power of sin. 8 And since we died with Christ, we know we will also live with him. 9 We are sure of this because Christ was raised from the dead, and he will never die again. Death no longer has any power over him.10 When he died, he died once to break the power of sin. But now that he lives, he lives for the glory of God. 11 So you also should consider yourselves to be dead to the power of sin and alive to God through Christ Jesus.

12 Do not let sin control the way you live;[a] do not give in to sinful desires. 13 Do not let any part of your body become an instrument of evil to serve sin. Instead, give yourselves completely to God, for you were dead, but now you have new life. So use your whole body as an instrument to do what is right for the glory of God.

Mark Batterson says, "A consistent or habitual sin problem is a vision problem." 

Paul writes in Romans 6 because of Jesus Christ, we are free from the control and power of sin. Instead of using any part of your body for an instrument of evil to serve sin, give yourselves completely to God. Use your whole body as an instrument to do what is right. 

Right now whatever temptations you are facing, the vision of your life is leading your decisions. Change your vision. Write out the vision for your life, relationship with God, marriage, family. Write out action steps and goals that will lead you toward that vision. Consume your time and thinking with God's plan and purpose with your life. Completely give yourself to God! 

The more you seek God and pursue Him, the less you will give in to temptation. Will you still face temptation? Yes! However, your vision for your life will be a support in your time of testing. 

Here is are some examples of a life vision statement. "I exist to love God more every day of my life." "Every day and in every way I want to love God more and love people more." 

Be consumed with a vision to know God and do what He has called you to do. 

Battle Plan part 2

This past Sunday we continued CONCLUDED our series "TEMPTATION." This entire we have looked at the reality temptations are inevitable so we should learn how to navigate successfully through them. We also looked at a few keys to becoming stronger in resisting temptation" You can listen to the podcasts or download it by clicking here WYANDOTTE FAMILY PODCAST You can also watch the sermons on our NEW You Tube Channel  CLICK HERE 

We ended the series talking about "The Fight of your life." You and I are in a spiritual battle until we cross over from this world into the next. So, what can we do to become stronger in the battle? What can we do to not grow weary in the battle? I am going to spend the next few posts going over different ways we can not only prepare for the fight but grow in the fight.

For part 1 of the blog we looked at Tactic #1 which was worship. Let's take a look at the 2nd tactic...

Tactic #2 - The Holy Spirit 

Ephesians 5:18-Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit

Galatians 5:16-So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves.

The word "Filled" with the same spirit means to be "intoxicated." Paul is saying the same way you are intoxicated with wine, be intoxicated with the Holy Spirit. When someone is intoxicated with win it will ruin their life but being intoxicated or filled with the Holy Spirit will enable you to walk in strength, power and victory. 

The Bible makes it clear that every person who puts their faith and trust in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior has the Holy Spirit living inside of them. (Romans 8:9-14 & Ephesians 1:13-15). The Bible also makes it clear that there is a secondary experience or outpouring of the Holy Spirit in our lives. If you read the account of the early church in the Book of Acts you will see them being filled with the Holy Spirit time and time again. It wasn't just a one time experience in Acts 2 but continues on through the entire book and throughout human history. 

Paul said in Galatians 5:16 the more we are controlled and led by the Holy Spirit the less we will do what our sinful nature craves. We need the power of the Holy Spirit at work in our lives every single day. Here is a prayer you can pray each morning. Feel free to change the words and make it your own.

"Father God I thank you so much that you sent Jesus into this world to be the ultimate sacrifice for my sins. Thank you Jesus for loving me and taking my punishment. I believe you have rose again and defeated the power of darkness and the grave. Thank you Jesus for sending your Holy Spirit to be my comforter, counselor and guide. Thank you for sending your Holy Spirit to fill me with power from on high to be a witness unto you. I pray you fill my with your Holy Spirit today once again. I want to be completely filled the way Paul writes in Ephesians 5:18. I want the Holy Spirit to direct every thought, step and attitude today according to Galatians 5:16. I surrender to myself to you and want your Holy Spirit to fill me up. In Jesus Name!" 

Battle plan part 1

This past Sunday we continued CONCLUDED our series "TEMPTATION." This entire we have looked at the reality temptations are inevitable so we should learn how to navigate successfully through them. We also looked at a few keys to becoming stronger in resisting temptation" You can listen to the podcasts or download it by clicking here WYANDOTTE FAMILY PODCAST You can also watch the sermons on our NEW You Tube Channel  CLICK HERE 

We ended the series talking about "The Fight of your life." You and I are in a spiritual battle until we cross over from this world into the next. So, what can we do to become stronger in the battle? What can we do to not grow weary in the battle? I am going to spend the next few posts going over different ways we can not only prepare for the fight but grow in the fight.

Tactic #1- Worship 

Romans 13:14—Instead clothe yourself with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. And don’t let yourself think about ways to indulge your evil desires.

We talked about the battle between our flesh and spirit. Even as followers of Christ we have thoughts and desires that are not pleasing or honoring to God. We are under no obligation to fulfill those desires and urges. 

Paul says in Romans to clothe yourself with the presence of of the Lord Jesus Christ. When we do that we will not be thinking about the evil desires that want us to stray. 

When you and I begin to worship we taking our thoughts off of ourselves, our situations and our desires. Instead we fix our thoughts upon God's glory, holiness, power, grace and love. It is during worship when we realize how big God and in a healthy way how small we are. It is during worship we realize He is is with and He is able to overcome any battle we are facing. 

How can worship become a greater part of your day? 

a) I encourage you to set time aside every day simply to worship. It works best first thing in the morning. It allows you to get your mindset right before the chaos of the day. It helps you have the proper perspective on life and on the coming challenges. 

b) Listen to worship music in the car ride on the way to work and back or to school and back. Here are a few suggestions...
   -Here as in Heaven Album by Elevation Worship: Here is an example: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uxTc98K9OeU
   -No Longer Slaves by Chris Tomlin off the Passion 2016 Album: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oLaDzHL_Yx4
   -Other great groups are Bethel Music, Citi Live Worship and Jesus Culture

 c) Make corporate worship a priority. Find a local church and be faithful on a weekly basis. When you make worshipping with other believers a priority it will always increase your faith and strengthen your spirit in the battle

How pursuing God helps me overcome temptation part 2

This past Sunday we continued our SERIES "TEMPTATION." This entire we have looked at the reality temptations are inevitable so we should learn how to navigate successfully through them. We also looked at a few keys to becoming stronger in resisting temptation" You can listen to the podcasts or download it by clicking here WYANDOTTE FAMILY PODCAST You can also watch the sermons on our NEW You Tube Channel  CLICK HERE 

This is part 2 in my blog series. If you haven't read part 1 yet, pause, read it and then come back.

In my message we looked at David and how he stayed back from battle. He had spent his entire life pursuing what God had called him to do. When he was a shepherd he pursued the lion. When he was helping his dad and brothers and pursued a Philistine giant. When he served Saul he pursued his enemies. When he became King of Israel he pursued and led in many battles. 

Yet in 2 Samuel 11 we see in the spring when kings go out to war, David stayed behind. He delegated his calling to Joab his army commander. As leaders we need to delegate authority. We need to delegate tasks. However, we should never delegate calling. God has a specific plan and purpose for your life and you and I cannot delegate that to others. 

You cannot delegate your prayer life. You cannot delegate sharing your faith. You can not delegate obedience to God's voice. You cannot delegate the role that God has called you to. You and I are called to pursue the very role or calling he has placed on our lives. 

What has God called you to do in His Word? What has God called you to do in ministry? What has God called you to do at home? What has called called you to do in your community? Whatever he has called you to do pursue it with all of your heart! If you are not pursuing God's calling you will find yourself pursuing other things like David. When you pursue other things, the results will not be what you truly wanted for your life. Pursue God and his calling on your life! 

How pursuing God helps me overcome temptation part 1

This past Sunday we continued our SERIES "TEMPTATION." This entire we have looked at the reality temptations are inevitable so we should learn how to navigate successfully through them. We also looked at a few keys to becoming stronger in resisting temptation" You can listen to the podcasts or download it by clicking here WYANDOTTE FAMILY PODCAST You can also watch the sermons on our NEW You Tube Channel  CLICK HERE 

This past Sunday we talked about not just resisting temptation but pursuing God and his calling for your life. The sermon was based off of these 2 verses...

1 Timothy 6:11—But you, Timothy, are a man of God; so run from all these evil things. Pursue righteousness and a godly life, along with faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness.

2 Timothy 2:22—Run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts. Instead, pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace. Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts. 

One key to overcoming temptation is to not just resist the devil, sin and temptation but to run towards God. BUT HOW DO WE DO THAT? I am going to post several blogs about pursuing God and His calling on our lives. 

First of all pursue your relationship with God through daily prayer. Jesus said himself in Matthew 

Matthew 26:41—Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak!"

Prayer is like oxygen. It is our communication with God; both talking and listening. Prayer is not getting God to do what we want but more of aligning ourselves to what God is already doing. Prayer is the pathway to God's peace according to Philippians 4. Prayer is powerful. 

Here is a powerful prayer that I mentioned on Sunday that you could pray every morning. It is based on many scriptures and is taking those scriptures and making them faith statements for your personal life. 

Thank you God You have given me authority and victory over every lie, temptation and attack of the devil. I thank you I am a new creation in Christ Jesus, the old is gone and the new has come. Thank you God I am more than a conqueror through Christ Jesus. Thank you no weapon formed against me will prosper. Thank you I have the mind of Christ. Thank you I can be everything you have called me to be and I can do everything you have called me to do. Thank you I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. I render every attack of the enemy powerless through the authority of Jesus Christ. I will move forward today. I will walk in victory today. I will fix my mind upon you today. I will pursue you God and you alone. I will walk in constant connection with You and be led by Your Holy Spirit. I will pursue everything you have for me today. IN JESUS NAME!!! Amen. 

Prayer doesn't solve all of our temptations. But when we are pursuing God daily through prayer we will find ourselves being more and more consumed with His love and purpose for our lives and less with the sins that so easily entangle us. 

ACTION STEP: Pick a time daily you can spend time in prayer. When are you most alert? (in the morning or at night) Where could you get alone and pray? How can you remind yourself?

How to Have Good Sex

This past Sunday we continued our SERIES "Love & Marriage." This entire series we are talking about God's vision and plan for marriage. So far we have talked about how marriage is a covenant and not a contract. We have also talked about how God has a plan for our sex life..." You can listen to the podcasts or download it by clicking here WYANDOTTE FAMILY PODCAST You can also watch the sermons on our You Tube Channel  CLICK HERE 

You can download an Amazon App for only $1.99 and have easy access to all of the podcasts right on your Android Smart phone or tablet. GET THE ANDROID APP 

God created us as sexual beings. It was part of his creation and plan. Sex is an important part of a healthy marriage. Sex is one key way for connection and intimacy between a husband and wife. 

If it is such an important part of marriage, why is the church often silent on this topic? If we are bombarded daily with ideas, images and thoughts about sex and sexuality, why is the church often silent? 

If we do not create authentic and safe environments for teaching and conversation on this topic, we will continue to see sex become twisted and warped from Gods original plan. 

I encourage you, if you missed this past Sunday take 35 min. to listen to the podcast on iTunes or watch the sermon on our YouTube channel. God has a plan for your sex life and it is good. The goal is to learn the plan and then follow the plan.

We believe in God's plan so much we have launched an X3 group that meets every Tuesday night. To learn more info. about the X3 group simply click here http://www.wyandottefamily.com/connection-groups 

I want my marriage to look like that!

This past Sunday we continued our SERIES "Love & Marriage." This entire series we are talking about God's vision and plan for marriage. So far we have talked about how marriage is a covenant and not a contract. We have also talked about how God has a plan for our sex life..." You can listen to the podcasts or download it by clicking here WYANDOTTE FAMILY PODCAST You can also watch the sermons on our You Tube Channel  CLICK HERE 

You can download an Amazon App for only $1.99 and have easy access to all of the podcasts right on your Android Smart phone or tablet. GET THE ANDROID APP 

2 Sundays ago I shared a short clip from the life of Ian & Larissa. I promised you I would share the link to the entire video in my blog so here it is FULL STORY OF IAN & LARISSSA 

Marriage was designed to portray the love of God to this world. Think about it for a moment. God's love is selfless and sacrificial. That is what a marriage is called to be. God's love is giving and generous. That is what a marriage is called to be. God's love is forgiving and patient. That is what a marriage is called to be. God did all of this for us regardless of how we responded. That is what a marriage is called to be. 

When you and I make marriage a covenant between God and not a contract with our partner, the world will see God's love through your marriage. That is the way he designed it.