I can tell you without hesitation there is something that God wants each of us to get in

1 Corinthians 15:20-22.  Here’s what it says;

“But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.

 For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead.  For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.”

You can’t enjoy the rich and satisfying life He has in mind for us. . .by just going along . . . to get along . . . so you can just get by.  That’s not what being “alive” means to your Lord and Savior.

Here are seven things God expects of those who are really alive.

1.  Mentally alert.

I feel led to share three scriptures with you on how to be mentally alert.  Then I’m going to share a scripture that will make you shout for joy.

Ephesians 6:18 in the Amplified Bible says:

“Pray at all times (on every occasion, in every season) in the Spirit, with all [manner of] prayer and entreaty. To that end keep alert and watch with strong purpose and perseverance, interceding in behalf of all the saints (God’s consecrated people).”

Prayer keeps you alert and focused on your purpose.

1 Peter 1:13 in the Amplified Bible says:

Some years ago (22 to be exact), there was a movie entitled “Jerry McGuire.”

Truthfully, I’ve never watched the entire movie. . .however, I did see part of the Oscar –winning performance by Cuba Gooding, Jr., as an athlete seeking a more lucrative financial contract.

Throughout the movie, Gooding would say to Tom Cruise his agent “Show me the money” which became an immediate pop culture sensation.

The phrase “Show me the money” was then repeated for some time by celebrities and normal people like you and me.

A few days ago, I was doing a search on money. . .when I came across that phrase “show me the money.”

I smiled and did an immediate search on “show me.”  The result of which. . .is this teaching on ‘seven show me’s’ God wants to show us.

1.         Show me the way.

There are actual people who live the words of the Hank Williams, Sr. song which goes like this.

“I’ve wandered so aimless, life filled with sin

I wouldn't let my dear Savior in

Then Jesus came like a stranger in the night

Praise the Lord, I saw the light

On August 30, 2017 while riding in the car with her Mom, Abby. . .Sophia Lee PreJean, our most precious Grand Sugar was recorded saying. . .

“I am wise

I am kind

I am gracious

I am strong

I am loving”

Then with an Academy Award winning smile. . .Sophia would say it again.

Needless to say my fine wife, Bev, and I watched that video over and over.

Not only was the video cute. . .but it was instilling in Sophia. . .a set of beliefs that will serve her well all the days of her life.

With a grandfatherly pride. . .I showed that video to many of my friends but didn’t think about teaching it until now.

Why now?  Bev and I are reading a nightly devotional from the “Book of Mysteries” written by Rabbi Jonathan Cahn, the author of The Harbinger and a number of other books.  We read Day Two every night for two weeks. . .I’m going to share with you part of what Rabbi Cahn wrote:

We need to pause and pray as we celebrate our freedom. . .from tyranny.  Yet, too many believers are living under tyranny. . .not from another country or a government but from the enemy of your destiny. . .the devil.

Let’s talk about how to become free from all that would have us bound.

Galatians 5:13 says:

“For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.”

In the New International Version the word free and freedom are given the same definition as liberty.

“You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love.”

We were called to be free.  The truth is that you and I will never really be free until we’re financially free.

What is your definition of freedom. . .or liberty?

According to dictionary.com freedom is defined as:

“exemption from external control, interference, regulation, etc.”

Ecclesiastes 5:18-20 in the Message Bible says:

“After looking at the way things are on this earth, here’s what I’ve decided is the best way to live: Take care of yourself, have a good time, and make the most of whatever job you have for as long as God gives you life. And that’s about it. That’s the human lot.

“Yes, we should make the most of what God gives, both the bounty and the capacity to enjoy it, accepting what’s given and delighting in the work.

“It’s God’s gift! God deals out joy in the present, the now. . .”

Reading and re-reading theses verse again. . .we knew God was giving us a powerful revelation we were to share with His children.

Here are seven questions to help us discover God’s plans for us.

1.  Where do you want to go?

The key to success is to determine why you are where you are. . .where God wants you to be. . .create a plan to get there. . .and start where you are with what you’ve got.