The discussion kicks off with the importance of not just starting strong but also finishing well, using biblical stories as inspiration. There's a humorous take on the struggle of keeping New Year's resolutions, urging perseverance in faith and relationships. The podcast delves into the significance of commitment in marriage and belief, even in trying times. It also touches on financial stewardship, emphasizing tithing as key to spiritual growth. Finally, listeners are prompted to reflect on their lives and cleanse their hearts from negative influences.
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question_answer ANECDOTE
Mule Mishap Metaphor for Marriage
Greg Laurie humorously shares a story about his wife's mule mishap during their honeymoon at the Grand Canyon.
This illustrates how relationships, like faith, require constant attention and maintenance to avoid collapse.
insights INSIGHT
Sin Makes You Stupid
Sin makes us act irrationally and illogically, often sabotaging our spiritual progress.
This irrationality is evident from the fall of Adam and Eve, who left paradise for a deceptive fruit.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Stay Focused on Jesus
Stay focused by keeping your eyes on Jesus to run your spiritual race with endurance.
Resist the devil's temptation to give up and remember God is your strength in discouragement.
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After experiencing God’s blessings, the people of Israel still returned to their old ways. Sound familiar? If you’ve found yourself drifting spiritually and falling into the same patterns—a fresh start is close by.
Notes:
Focus verse - Nehemiah 10
#1 Starting strong is good, finishing strong is better.
Samson started well but did not finish that way.
Marriage is like our relationship with God.
The moment you begin to neglect and take your marriage for granted, trouble follows. The same is true of our Christian life.
The bible says, “Work out your own salvation.”
#2 Stay focused.
When we take our eyes off the Lord, we will get discouraged.
Nehemiah 4:14
Israel did not remember the Lord.
This was not just about the physical state of the walls. This was about the spiritual state of their lives.
#3 Israel promised to carefully follow all the commands of scripture.
Read Nehemiah 10:28–29
Jesus is the unique and only miracle working Son of God who died and rose again.
#4 Israel chose to obey the word of God.
The surrender to God’s word happened from top down. Nehemiah 10:28
It’s one thing to believe the word of God, it’s another thing to surrender to it.
#5 Israel separated themselves from ungodly influences. Nehemiah 10:28–30
To live a godly life, you need to separate yourself from some things and join yourself to others.
The three most important decisions you will make in life are: What am I going to do with Jesus Christ? What am I going to do with my life? Who am I going to marry?
Israel was pulled down by ungodly people.
2 Corinthians 6:14
Separation does not mean isolation.
#6 Israel was invested in God’s kingdom. Nehemiah 10:32
If we follow God’s principles about giving, we can expect Him to meet our needs. 2 Corinthians 9:8
Nehemiah 13:8
Little compromises lead to bigger problems.
Jesus finished what he started.
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Learn more about Greg Laurie and Harvest Ministries at harvest.org.
This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners.
Greg Laurie Podcast