Jeremy Utley - Redefining "Good Days" And "Bad Days"

Jeremy UtleyJanuary 21, 201920mWatch on YouTube

Speaker: Jeremy Utley Title: Redefining "Good Days" And "Bad Days" Date: 01-20-2019 Our Goal as Christians is this: To be an exact reflection of Jesus, the Son of God (Romans 8:29) We do this individually by growing in purity in our personal lives (1 John 3:2-3) We do this corporately by becoming fully functioning members of a local Church (Ephesians 4:11-16)

Summary

The speaker shares a personal testimony about what he calls the 'worst day' of 2019, which was ironically a day filled with seemingly good activities. The realization that he went through the day feeling 'just fine' and not consciously depending on the Lord was the true failure. He emphasizes that true Christian living requires a constant awareness of needing God, even when things appear easy, and this realization prompted a need to repent.

Outline

The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.

A testimony of how God is saving usSharing a testimony of the Lord's work in his life over the past week rather than just the initial salvation story.

An outwardly perfect dayRecounting a full schedule of good Bible reading, fellowship, meaningful work, teaching, workouts, and successful meetings.

The worst day of the yearRealizing in conversation with his spouse that despite the good things, he did not need the Lord at all that day.

Repenting of a day without dependenceRecognizing that failing to consciously cast oneself upon the Lord makes a seemingly great day an absolute failure.

Moses chose God's presence over the promised landReflecting on Exodus where Moses insists that God's presence must go with them, valuing communion with God over an easy land.

The danger of careless easeWarning against the peril of abundant food and careless ease that makes us oblivious to our need for God.

Jesus led into the wildernessNoting how the Holy Spirit immediately led Jesus into the wilderness after His baptism, showing that hard places are where God sustains us.Mark 1:9

Three simple examples of God answering prayerThe Lord immediately began answering his prayer to stay dependent through unexpected daily trials.

Facing fear, disappointment, and a car crashExperiencing fear over his wife's early walk, a major project falling through, and his first car crash, all of which drove him to God.

Storms strengthen our grip on truthTrials serve as the means by which the Lord strengthens our grip on His promises so we can bear fruit with perseverance.

Applying new definitions for best and worst daysA best day is one where circumstances drive you to trust the Lord; a worst day is one where you are oblivious to your need for Him.

Difficulty does not automatically produce fruitAcknowledging that hardship alone does not automatically turn our hearts to God, as seen in Amos, highlighting the need for active reliance.

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Jeremy Utley - Redefining "Good Days" And "Bad Days"

Jeremy Utley · January 21, 2019 · 20m

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