A GOOD LIFE’S STORY
Do Good #2
Pastor Dennis Clanton
Woodland Church
Sunday, January 9, 2022
(2 Corinthians 3:3) You show that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts.
THE TRUTH OF CHRISTIANITY IS WITNESSED TO IN OUR LIFE STORIES.
(Daniel 6:19-24, NLT) Very early the next morning, the king got up and hurried out to the lions’ den. When he got there, he called out in anguish, “Daniel, servant of the living God! Was your God, whom you serve so faithfully, able to rescue you from the?” Daniel answered, “Long live the king! My God sent his angel to shut the lions’ mouths so that they would not hurt me, for I have been found innocent in his sight. And I have not wronged you, Your Majesty.” The king was overjoyed and ordered that Daniel be lifted from the den. Not a scratch was found on him, for he had trusted in his God. Then the king gave orders to arrest the men who had maliciously accused Daniel. He had them thrown into the lions’ den, along with their wives and children. The lions leaped on them and tore them apart before they even hit the floor of the den.
(Ecclesiastes 5:18-20, NLT) It is good for people to eat, drink, and enjoy their work under the sun during the short life God has given them, and to accept their lot in life. And it is a good thing to receive wealth from God and the good health to enjoy it. To enjoy your work and accept your lot in life-this is indeed a gift from God. God keeps such people so busy enjoying life that they take no time to brood over the past.
1. CREATE A GODLY LIFE PLAN.
(Ecclesiastes 7:4, NLT) A wise person thinks a lot about death, while a fool thinks only about having a good time.
(Titus 3:14, GN) Our people must learn to spend their time doing good, in order to provide for real needs; they should not live useless lives.
(Ecclesiastes 8:5-6, NLT) Those who are wise will find a time and a way to do what is right, for there is a time and a way for everything, even when a person is in trouble.
2. MY TREASURE FLOWS TO WHERE MY HEART IS.
(1 Timothy 6:18-19, NLT) Tell them to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and generous to those in need, always being ready to share with others. By doing this they will be storing up their treasure as a good foundation for the future so that they may experience true life.
(Romans 12:20-21, PT) If your enemy is hungry, buy him lunch! Win him over with kindness. For your surprising generosity will awaken his conscience, and God will reward you with favor. Never let evil defeat you, but defeat evil with good.
3. SHARE THE STORY OF GOD’S GOODNESS TO ME WITH JOY.
(Psalm 145:7, NLT) Everyone will share the story of your wonderful goodness; they will sing with joy about your righteousness.
(Psalm 40:2-3, NLT) He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire. He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along. He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see what he has done and be amazed. They will put their trust in the LORD.
GROWTHWORK
A life story includes my early experiences, faith in Christ, beliefs, relationships, triumphs, tragedies, decisions, disappointments, crises, and times of great joy.
1. What is the story of your life?
2. Have you ever thought about it?
3. What would it contain?
4. Pray over each step.
5. Write it down.
6. Share your story with a trusted friend or your small group.