HOPE #4

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HOPE FOR NEXT YEAR!
EPHESIANS 5:15-17  
Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. Ephesians 5:15-17 NIV

Thought #1­:  Be very careful to live wisely in 2022!

Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise…Because the days are evil.  Ephesians 5:15 NIV

Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.  1 Peter 5:8 NIV84

“Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak.”  Matthew 26:41 NIV84

Watch your life and doctrine closely.  1 Timothy 4:16 NIV

Why do we as Christians need to be so careful about how we live our lives?

#1­­—We have a real enemy who is out to destroy us!

Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.  1 Peter 5:8 NIV84

#2­—We live in a world that is full of evil!

Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground…  Ephesians 6:13 NIV

#3—We have hearts that are all goofed-up!

The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?  Jeremiah 17:9 NIV

#4—We have to make choices as we walk through life!

There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.  Proverbs 14:12 NIV84

Thought #2­:  Be very careful to make the most of every opportunity in 2022!

Be very careful, then, how you live – not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Ephesians 5:16 NIV

…all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.  Psalms 139:16 NIV

The length of our days is seventy years—or eighty, if we have the strength;  Psalms 90:10 NIV84

Show me, O LORD, my life’s end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting is my life.  Psalms 39:4 NIV84

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven: a time to be born and a time to die…  Ecclesiastes 3:1-2 NIV84

But the Lord said to her, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.”  Luke 10:41-42 NLT

“Some people dream of doing worthy things…Others stay awake and actually accomplish them!”  Unknown

Thought #3­:  Be very careful to understand what God’s will is for your life in 2022!

Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.  Ephesians 5:17 NIV

#1­—It’s God’s will that you repent of your sin and get saved!

This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and come to a knowledge of the truth.  1 Timothy 2:3-4

The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.  2 Peter 3:9 NIV

#2—It’s God’s will that you fill your life with His Spirit!

There is a difference between…
“The indwelling of the Holy Spirit” and “Being filled by the Holy Spirit” 

Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.  Colossians 3:2 NIV

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly…  Colossians 3:16 NIV84

Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.  Psalm 37:4 NIV84

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.  Philippians 4:8 NIV84

#3­—It’s God’s will that you live a holy life!

It is God’s will that you should be sanctified.  1 Thessalonians 4:3-8

Be holy, therefore, as your heavenly Father is holy!  Matthew 5:48

Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and  peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.  2 Timothy 2:22 NIV

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us…  Hebrews 12:1 NIV

#4­—It’s God’s will that you suffer for your faith!

1 Peter 4:12-19

#5—It’s God’s will that you rejoice, pray and be thankful! 

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.  1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NKJV

Your ability to know and understand God’s will for your life is in direct proportion to how much time you spend in study of God’s Word.

I want to challenge you this upcoming year to live very carefully!