Summer, 2017 WWJWMTD by Steve the son of John

The 3’s of Character Growth

Building Character of the Month Series

As I stated in yesterday’s article, the number “3” is important to God. God works in threes to accomplish His will. Often I find in Scripture that we are asked of God to do three things or God states His request to us 3-times in order for us to understand and accomplish the importance of His commands.

We find a good example of this when Jesus asks Peter to “feed my sheep” three times after Peter denied the Lord 3-times. God gave me 3-things we can do to “keep us on track” in serving God. 3-simple but Scripturally important character traits that we must exhibit each and everyday seeking to honor and serve God: to have courage, be happy, and pray in the Spirit. These three attributes will cause us to be strong and do exploits in God—so let’s get started!

Courage Equals Faith

How many times does God tell Israel or His Church to “fear not” or “be bold” or “have faith?” Many times God tells us to have courage. Often I must tell myself during the course of the day, “To have courage.” I have to remind myself that, “I can do all thing through Christ who strengthens me.” If I have courage then I can have faith—I can see the impossible—I know God will be with me. Courage comes before faith and courage makes my faith work for me.

Time To Be Happy

‘You are only as happy as you make up your mind to be.’ There are many reasons not to be happy—those reasons stare at me each day. I am no good to God, my family, or community, if I do not have joy. In fact, it is joy that gives me strength. The more happiness I have, it seems the more I can do. Happiness equals getting things done. I like being around people who are naturally happy, and I like to laugh. Laughing at my dire circumstances or my enemies is the will of God. It’s time to be happy no matter what. Worry, being scared, or not seeing the outcome means nothing to God, but being happy means everything to Him who makes me happy!

Praying in the Spirit

This is how we must pray each day—take notice of what I am about to tell you! One, when you listen to the Bible being read (on CD or smartphone) and a Scripture “jumps out to you” ask God for that Scripture—claim that Scripture! Two, when you are either singing or listening to religious songs and a phrase or verse once again “jumps out to you”—pray to God to give you this promise. God talks to us through songs and if you pray for what God is telling you through song your day will become guided by His will. And three, pray in tongues (if you are a Charismatic) as much as you can and with regards to whatever you are thinking about. We do not know what the Spirit is saying, but we do know that whatever the Spirit is saying through prayer, it is God’s will, and we will have what the Spirit is praying for us to God.

If you do these three things, have courage, be happy, and pray in the Spirit, then God in you will grow dramatically and you will see God working around you in all you are doing. These 3 things are ”Christ in us, the hope of glory!”

WWJWMTD

What would Jesus want me to do?

Dr. Steven J. Wentland www.wwjwmtd.com

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