Joy - Overflowing with Praise

Do you know how to whistle? If you do, are there some days you just can't stop whistling some tune? Sometimes it's one you make up. Other times it's a specific song. In the moments when we offer our song to God, we give Him praise. No other name is as great. No one is worthy of praise, except our Creator. No one has done so much for us, and all He wants in return is for us to love Him, the One who gave us Life. When we remember God, how can we not overflow with praise.

May my lips overflow with praise, for you teach me your decrees (Psalms 119:171).

...the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God (2 Corinthians 4:15).

If we would focus on what He has done and continues to do for us, exuberance would be apart of our everyday. Yesterday, did you overflow with thanksgiving toward God? What about today? If not, what are you focused on?

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Love - Fruit of the Spirit

One of the most talked about words in the English language is love. Yet when Jesus talked about love, he usually talked about an action associated with love.

• "Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you" (Matthew 5:44).
• "Love your neighbor as yourself ...go, sell your possessions and give to the poor" (Matthew 19:19-21).
• "... the love of most will grow cold, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved" (Matthew 24:12-13).
• "... he now showed them the full extent of his love" (John 13:1).

These are a few examples of actions that speak louder than words. If we have love, one of the fruits of the spirit, then "all men will know that you are my disciples."

Is your life bearing the fruit of love? Are people able to see your discipleship because of your actions?

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The Faith of Noah

Noah and his family were saved by God's grace from the flood (Genesis 7), but only after his obedience. The Lord said to enter the ark and wait for seven days until the flood would come. Think about Noah and his family climbing into the ark and waiting for an entire week. What did they do those seven days? Did their faith ever waver? God knew the plan, Noah just had to obey. Could you have stood still and waited for the Lord and His plan?

YES	NO
I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13	Those who wait for the Lord will gain new strength... Isaiah 40:31
For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7	... God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able... 1 Corinthians 10:13
Now to Him who is able to do exceeding abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen. Ephesians 3:20-21	The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:9