Definition

When I lived in California years ago, there was a bodybuilding competition called Mr. Northern California. One of the members of our church had a son who had trained and trained to compete in that competition, and he really looked awesome. We were given tickets, so I loaded up Ty and Natalie, and we travelled to San Francisco, where the competition was being held. Part of the ticket benefit was getting to eat at a massive buffet, and to my surprise, there were several professional bodybuilders who weren't in the competition attending, and they were at the same buffet where we were in line. They were "freakish looking," and I was really hoping Arnold Swartzenegger was there. He wasn't, but several other famous bodybuilders were, and I noticed something right away about each of them. The muscles seemed to be twitching all the time, and even the smallest of muscles in their arms were built up and defined. They did not settle for just big muscles, but finely tuned muscles, which had to take years to develop.

How specific are we in our growth as disciples, and how defined is our faith? Do we really know all we can about God and prayer, and battling the enemy? Probably not! How do we define our "spiritual muscles?" 1. One way is to get deeper into the Word of God and learn more about our heavenly Father. It is all there "in the book." We just need to see the deeper meanings in scripture, and it is not very difficult, but we have to be asking God for those insights that only the Holy Spirit can give to us. 2. Another way to build definition in our spiritual muscles is through communication with God. We have a very open line of communication with the God of the Universe through what Jesus did for us. Scripture says we can "come boldly before the throne of grace." Hebrews 4:16 Therefore let’s approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace for help at the time of our need. God wants us to pray to Him and listen to Him speak to us. John 10:14 I am the good shepherd, and I know My own, and My own know Me, 15 just as the Father knows Me and I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep. 3. Live in the flow of God's leading. God is perfect in the way He enables us to follow truth at its deepest level, and He shows us not only how to live, but why we live it. Psalm 119:18 Open my eyes to see the wonderful truths in your instructions.

Define your faith, and your faith walk will come alive as never before, and that is what God calls " the abundant life." Matthew 7:“Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. Flex all your spiritual muscles, and your witness will grow in leaps and bounds. To have a definition in our life, we need to take it a bit deeper when thinking about the life we are living, and Paul said it this way to the church in Thessalonica. 1 Thessalonians 5:20 Do not despise prophecies, 21 but test everything; hold fast what is good. 22 Abstain from every form of evil. A person who is just trying to keep from doing "bad" is not how we should be. We should be pursuing God, because that is what He wants.

Here is a word of Definition: Revelations 3:15 “‘I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot!16 So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth.17 For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked. 18 I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire, so that you may be rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself and the shame of your nakedness may not be seen, and salve to anoint your eyes, so that you may see.

Don't just do something. Do the right thing!! Keep moving forward and you will find more definition in your life.

Today's Message,

David Warren