Embracing God

 

Embracing God

His Life Ministries July 2023 Series

 Main Verse:

 Mark 14:34–36 — GOD'S WORD Translation (GW)

 34 He said to them, "My anguish is so great that I feel as if I'm dying. Wait here, and stay awake." 35 After walking a little farther, he fell to the ground and prayed that if it were possible he might not have to suffer what was ahead of him. 36 He said, "Abba! Father! You can do anything. Take this cup of suffering away from me. But let your will be done rather than mine."

 Series Overview

Have there been times when you have been praying fervently, yet it seems as though God is not listening to your petitions? You are aware of what you desire. Even if your question is undeniable, no one seems to notice it. The question that needs to be answered is whether or not the way we pray conforms with God's will. Or are we required to act by our own will?

 According to this passage of scripture, Jesus was in great sorrow and distress as He made his way to the Garden of Gethsemane. This moment is the FINAL moment of Jesus' life. He prayed to God, saying, "Yet I want your will to be done, not mine." God heard his petition and answered it. Jesus decided to submit to the will of the Father despite the difficulty of the situation.

The series aims to transform our minds so that we recognize that God is in control of everything, and I pray that we will never let our feelings influence how we submit to God's will.

 

Weekly Titles:

July 02, 2023 Kick Off: Embracing God

One of the most significant and emotionally taxing moments of Jesus' earthly journey occurred in the Garden of Gethsemane  Jesus, aware that his execution by crucifixion was drawing near, withdrew to this garden to pray and seek comfort from his heavenly Father. Jesus collapsed to the ground, overcome by the imminent agony and sacrifice he was going through. He was utterly overwhelmed by what he was about to go through. He prayed earnestly, acknowledging the frailty of his human nature and begging God if it were even remotely possible for the cup of pain to be removed from him. Despite this, even amid His suffering, Jesus committed His entire being to the will of His Father, understanding that God's plan and purpose must ultimately be successful. He commanded, "Not my will, but yours be done," a profound statement demonstrating His unflinching obedience and love for all people.

 JULY 9, 2023 Week One: Embracing God’s Will Over Ours

Verse:

“Let your heart therefore be wholly true to the Lord our God, walking in his statutes and keeping his commandments, as on this day.” 1 Kings 8:61 ESV

 Jesus choosing the will of Father God over His own is a profound example of obedience, humility, and submission. Despite facing immense suffering and anguish, Jesus willingly embraced the Father's plan, demonstrating His unwavering faith and love for humanity. This act of selflessness showcases Jesus' perfect alignment with the divine purpose, teaching us the importance of surrendering our desires to follow God's will, even in the face of personal sacrifice. It is an enduring reminder of Jesus' extraordinary character and love for us.

 JULY 16, 2023 Week Two: Embracing God Wholeheartedly

Verse: John 15:10 (NLT)

“When you obey my commandments, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father’s commandments and remain in his love.”

Jesus choosing God's will is a profound testament to His obedience, trust, and devotion to His Father. Throughout His ministry, Jesus consistently emphasized that His purpose was to do the will of the Father who sent Him.

JULY 23, 2023 Week Three: Embracing God in an Absolute Surrender

Verse: Matthew 6:33 NLT

“Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.”

By choosing God's will over His own, Jesus exemplified unparalleled selflessness and surrendered His desires for the greater good. His unwavering commitment to fulfilling God's plan ultimately led Him to endure the crucifixion, offering forgiveness and salvation to all who believe in Him. Jesus' act of choosing God's will is a profound example for believers, encouraging us to seek and embrace God's purposes in our lives. It inspires us to align our desires and actions with His divine will, even when faced with challenges or personal sacrifices.