Message summary: It can be a gloomy world with so much distressing news and for those going through hard times. What a blessing we can be to one another when our facial expressions are accentuated with a smile. Truth is, we’d much rather be surrounded by those who frequently smile, than those who rarely see anything to smile about!

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FAITH

Faith in God gives us great confidence.

It provides a guarantee on which to hang our hopes.

Because of our faith, our hopes are solid and have substance, and reality.

Faith provides the foundation on which we hold fast to in times of trouble and uncertainty.

Faith orients us toward the future, giving us the courage to move forward.

Faith launches us into the unknown moves us forward.

Faith gives us the ability to live out the radical love that comes from having hope in God and not in the fleeting pleasures of sin.

Image – Bible.com/YouVersion

From: What Is God’s Plan For Me? Bible.com/YouVersion

Chosen to Become Like Jesus

How would you respond if someone asked you, “What’s the purpose of your life?” God’s purpose for you goes far beyond your profession or any accomplishment. Scripture teaches us the primary reason God chose you: we are “to be conformed the image of his Son” (Rom. 8:29a). Furthermore, God wishes to reveal His Son in us (Gal. 1:15-16), through our God-given personalities and interests.

If you’re confused about God’s plan for you—and if you’re wondering what you should be “doing” in your life—remember that God intends to make you more like Jesus. The goal of your Christian life is to become like Christ.

In Ephesians 4: 17-32, we learn that we can put on a “new self, created to be like God in righteousness and holiness.” The new you will possess attitudes and display actions consistent with how we see Jesus behave in the gospels. You might find yourself more compassionate like Jesus, more trustworthy like Jesus, and more humble like Jesus. You might find yourself taking the lowest place as a servant wherever you are, just like Jesus did as best described in Philippians 2. If you take note of what Jesus values in the Gospels, you might also find yourself drawn to children, the brokenhearted, and the outcasts of society.

The Holy Spirit within you shapes your character to become more like Jesus in every situation of your life. The fruit of the Spirit described in Galatians—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control—all remind us of Jesus’ character. When you find yourself in a situation that tests your ability to display these character traits, consider that God placed you in that spot to grow you to become more like Jesus.

Think of how Jesus serves others, how He suffers for others, and how He seeks and saves the lost. As you grow to become more like Jesus, you will do extraordinary, counter-cultural things. You will be the person you’ve always wanted to be—the one in whom people can see Jesus.