Scripture:
JDV Bible

Focus

Phillippians 4:8
8 For the rest , brethren , whatsoever things [are] true, whatsoever things [are] noble, whatsoever things [are] just, whatsoever things [are] pure, whatsoever things [are] amiable, whatsoever things [are] of good report; if [there be] any virtue and if any praise, think on these things.

Humility

Romans 12:3
3 For I say, through the grace which has been given to me, to every one that is among you, not to have high thoughts above what he should think; but to think so as to be wise, as God has dealt to each a measure of faith.

Lust

Matthew 5:28
28 But *I* say unto you, that every one who looks upon a woman to lust after her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.

Intentions

Matthew 21:28-30
28 But what think ye? A man had two children , and coming to the first he said, Child, go today, work in [my] vineyard. 29 And he answering said, I will not; but afterwards repenting himself he went. 30 And coming to the second he said likewise; and he answering said, *I* [go], sir, and went not.

Choices

Joshua 24:15
15 And if it seem evil unto you to serve Jehovah, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods whom your fathers that were on the other side of the river served, or the gods of the Amorite, in whose land ye dwell; but as for me and my house, we will serve Jehovah.


Reflection:

Welcome to Part One of Godliness Class 101. An Introduction and Core Subject Class on the concepts and ideas of Godliness. As an Introductory Class it will not be covering all aspects of Godliness described in the Bible. What I hope to do is to try and address three main areas. These being broken into:

• Intentions: What we think, Desire and plan.
• Actions: What we act out, do and bring about.
• Appearances: What others perceive, understand and believe.

Intentions:

The first area to consider is covered by Intentions,Thoughts and Plans. I do remembering posting a quote that says;

"Thinking it so does not make it so"

"Intentions are not Results"

And for the most part I still believe these to be true. But in the case of the New Testament, we are told that what we think and devise in our heads can be damning for us in the long run. The Lord mentions this when he spoke of the intentions of the heart. When a man looks at a woman lustfully. He is considered to have sinned in the sight of God.

What other areas can our thoughts or intentions be considered wrong? Perhaps we just need to consider our basic motivations. What drives us to do things for or to others. What makes us want to get even, even if just in our mind.

The scriptural verses that are listed above cover a range of areas are; Focus, Humility, Lust, Intentions and Choices. Each of these will impact on our ability to witness to others. If we should become weak in one area, the others will start to falter and wane. So it's important to return to the scripture constantly. To find our strength and encouragement.

As we as to stay focused on the the Word of God:

Focus:
To ensure do not fall victim to our fleshly egos.

Lust
So as we can control our fleshly desires and lusts.
And for a pointer, lust can be as much about greed as it is about sex.

Intentions
So as we can make sure our intentions are founded in Christian Love.

Choices
And that in all things we will strive to choose those things that will bring us into a closer walk with our Lord, Jesus Christ.


How is your walk going? Have you made it a personal choice to read the Bible regularly? Are your intentions in line with Gods plan? Take time to consider how you can walk closer with Christ and become a stronger witness.

Prayer

Heavenly Father,

I come to you in prayer.
You who knows what my heart feels,
Before it has even taken shape.

I pray that your Holy Spirit,
Will continue to guide and teach me.
So that I may be a witness for you.

I pray that in all things,
You will may be done in my life.
As my heart and soul rejoices.

I pray these things in my Lords name,
Jesus Christ of Nazareth.

Amen