1 John 2:15-25
[15] Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
[16] For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.
[17] And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.
[18] Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time.
[19] They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us.
[20] But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things.
[21] I have not written unto you because ye know not the truth, but because ye know it, and that no lie is of the truth.
[22] Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son.
[23] Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father: (but) he that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also.
[24] Let that therefore abide in you, which ye have heard from the beginning. If that which ye have heard from the beginning shall remain in you, ye also shall continue in the Son, and in the Father.
[25] And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life.
We are getting into a state of worldliness: this comes with no passion, a feeling of being undedicated and without desire, or being lukewarm and half-hearted in our actions towards God.
Psalm 100:1-2
[1] Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands.
[2] Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing.
We express our love for God in service in the big and small things that glorify God!
Psalm 145:11-12
[11] They shall speak of the glory of thy kingdom, and talk of thy power;
[12] To make known to the sons of men his mighty acts, and the glorious majesty of his kingdom.
Testimonies stir up and recall better views of God’s glory, especially when we cannot see it where we are. A view of mountains at home versus a view of oceans, according to where you are, the value differs.
Psalm 147:1-7
[1] Praise ye the LORD: for it is good to sing praises unto our God; for it is pleasant; and praise is comely.
[2] The LORD doth build up Jerusalem: he gathereth together the outcasts of Israel.
[3] He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.
[4] He telleth the number of the stars; he calleth them all by their names.
[5] Great is our Lord, and of great power: his understanding is infinite.
[6] The LORD lifteth up the meek: he casteth the wicked down to the ground.
[7] Sing unto the LORD with thanksgiving; sing praise upon the harp unto our God:
Praises soothe the part of you that is exposed and stricken to the world and lovers and humbles you to where we need to be! You can praise with all members in different ways: spoken words, lifted hands, moment or stance, writing, knelt or lowered prayer, running, jumping, dancing, shouting, or singing. The list goes on and on. Praises are ways that you express that something is good to you and good for you and God is all of the above.
Luke 6:37-38
[37] Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:
[38] Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.
Benevolence is one of the ways that we are seeing to start dry up as the characteristics dominate in the church of worldly conduct. As God gives, selfless and in love for a closer fellowship, we should give also in kind; so that God be lifted up and people drawn to Him.
Luke 9:23-24
[23] And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.
[24] For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it.
Self-denial is the one part that is totally forsaken at times and truly reflects our state of discouragement, defeat, trust and faith. Because with Christ you can only win!
Philippians 4:6-7
[6] Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
[7] And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Prayer is the one thing that through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ that we have the ability to overcome all things! It literally will remove the worldly garment off of us!