From Games To Glory: Becoming What God Calls Us To Be by “Brother Bill”

From Games to Glory: Becoming What We Consume, Becoming Who God Calls Us To Be

THEME:

If we want to grow into servants of God who see His greater purpose, we must let His Word mold us through discipline, burn away impurity, and train us to discern. If we consume worldly chaos, we become chaotic. But, if we hide God’s Word in our heart, we become vessels of eternal truth.

Soooo: If God loves us who can be against us?

1. God Shapes Us Through Trials, Discipline, and Sacrifice

Purposeful Suffering & Chastening

“My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord,

Nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him;

For whom the Lord loves He chastens,

And scourges every son whom He receives.”

—Hebrews 12:5-6, NKJV

“Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep Your word.”

—Psalm 119:67, NKJV

Iron Sharpens Iron

“As iron sharpens iron,

So a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.”

—Proverbs 27:17, NKJV

Growth Through Fire

“But He knows the way that I take;

When He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold.”

—Job 23:10, NKJV

2. Faith, Love, and Trust Are the Fuel for Refinement

Love Sacrifices and Obeys

“Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.”

—John 15:13, NKJV

“If you love Me, keep My commandments.”

—John 14:15, NKJV

Faith Unlocks Understanding

“By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God…”

—Hebrews 11:3, NKJV

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart,

And lean not on your own understanding…”

—Proverbs 3:5, NKJV

3. What We Consume Shapes Who We Become

Cultural Warning:

•   The Russians play chess – long-term strategy.

•   The Chinese play Go – total board control.

•   We play Grand Theft Auto – theft, murder, rebellion.

Don’t be surprised when the turtles beat the hare as we become like what we entertain through our music, media, education, and habits. Then we need not fear if we trust in the lord even as our world doesn’t.

“Do not be deceived: ‘Evil company corrupts good habits.’”

—1 Corinthians 15:33, NKJV

“Can a man take fire to his bosom,

And his clothes not be burned?”

—Proverbs 6:27, NKJV

4. We Become What We Eat—Physically, Mentally, Spiritually

“Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.”

—Matthew 4:4, NKJV

“Your word I have hidden in my heart,

That I might not sin against You.”

—Psalm 119:11, NKJV