PAR·A·DOX: A SEEMINGLY ABSURD OR SELF-CONTRADICTORY STATEMENT OR PROPOSITION THAT WHEN INVESTIGATED OR EXPLAINED MAY PROVE TO BE WELL FOUNDED OR TRUE.
Stop imitating the ideals and opinions of the culture around you, but be inwardly transformed by the Holy Spirit through a total reformation of how you think. This will empower you to discern God’s will as you live a beautiful life, satisfying and perfect in his eyes. Romans 12:2 TPT
THE PARADOX OF JESUS’ BEATITUDES:
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Matthew 5:5 NIV
THE WORLD’S CREED IS MORE LIKE: Blessed are the unconquerable, for they will inherit the earth.
➡ MEEKNESS IS SIMPLY POWER UNDER CONTROL
But the meek will inherit the land and enjoy peace and prosperity. Psalms 37:11 NIV
HUMAN NATURE SAYS: I AM IN CHARGE, BUT THE PARADOX OF THE DISCIPLE SAYS: GOD IS IN CHARGE
Give God the right to direct your life, and as you trust him along the way you’ll find he pulled it off perfectly! Psalms 37:5 TPT
HUMAN NATURE IS TO BE ANXIOUS UNTIL THERE IS A SOLUTION, BUT THE PARADOX OF THE DISCIPLE IS TO HAVE PEACE KNOWING THE SOLUTION WILL COME
Quiet your heart in his presence and pray; keep hope alive as you long for God to come through for you. And don’t think for a moment that the wicked in their prosperity are better off than you Psalms 37:7 TPT
HUMAN NATURE IS TO SEEK JUSTICE, BUT THE PARADOX OF THE DISCIPLE IS TO SEEK GRACE.
Stay away from anger and revenge. Keep envy far from you, for it only leads you into lies. Psalms 37:8
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30
THE PARADOX OF JESUS’ BEATITUDES: Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Matthew 5:6 NIV
THE WORLD’S CREED IS MORE LIKE: Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for success, for they will be filled.
He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God’s work from beginning to end. Ecclesiastes 3:11
➡ THE QUESTION EVERY DISCIPLE MUST ANSWER IS: WHERE DOES MY SATISFACTION COME FROM?
Everything they do is for show. On their arms they wear extra wide prayer boxes with Scripture verses inside, and they wear robes with extra long tassels. And they love to sit at the head table at banquets and in the seats of honor in the synagogues. Matthew 23:5-6
If you love me, obey my commandments. John 14:15
O God of my life, I’m lovesick for you in this weary wilderness. I thirst with the deepest longings to love you more, with cravings in my heart that can’t be described. Such yearning grips my soul for you, my God! I’m energized every time I enter your heavenly sanctuary to seek more of your power and drink in more of your glory. For your tender mercies mean more to me than life itself. How I love and praise you, God! Daily I will worship you passionately and with all my heart. My arms will wave to you like banners of praise. I overflow with praise when I come before you, for the anointing of your presence satisfies me like nothing else. You are such a rich banquet of pleasure to my soul. Psalms 63:1-5 TPT
TAKE HOME
➡ I WILL SURRENDER NOT OUT OF DUTY OR OBLIGATION, BUT OUT OF DELIGHT AND OPPORTUNITY! SO WHERE DO I NEED TO SURRENDER?
