A Compelling Testimony: Maintaining a Disciplined Walk, Christlike Character, and Godly Relationships as God's Servant

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A Compe l l i ng Tes t imony

(4) We can grow creatively by finding new ways to express our celebration to the Lord.

(5) We give to others the true fragrance of Christ – grace, joy, and freedom.

(6) We see things more as they truly are rather than as they appear, since celebration affirms the truth as God has expressed it to us.

B. The Personal Dimensions: we are to deliberately cultivate a spirit of rejoicing and blessing in every facet of our lives before God.

1. We are commanded to rejoice in the Lord always, Phil. 4.4 – Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice.

2. The key to personal joy is the ability to trust God with the various challenges, needs, and details of life, Isa. 26.3-4 – You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. [4] Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock. 3. This trust in God’s care and provision is actualized only in prayer and obedience, Phil. 4.6-7 – Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplica tion with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. [7] And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Col. 3.1-4 If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. [2] Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. [3] For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. [4] When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

4. The mental health of a disciple of Christ is directly influenced by their ability to set their minds on things above , i.e., praise and worship God in celebration.