More Life Lessons from the Lord

I usually end each message on Sunday with some practical life lessons.  So, instead of giving a message with a lesson or two, I want to give you a few more lessons... added to last week's lessons.  God's Word has thousands of principles and lessons.  Each of the 66 books teach us so many things that provide sound guidance for our lives. Here are some lessons that we can build our life and faith upon.

#1 God Should Always Be First in Our Hearts

Exodus 20:3 says, “You shall have no other gods before Me.”

This is the first of what is popularly known as the Ten Commandments. However, its familiarity should not dissuade us from taking it seriously. This is the critical first step to dedicating your life to God as a believer in Christ: removing everything else from the center of your life and living for Him alone.

#2 Treat God as Your Most Treasured Relationships

Matthew 6:21 says, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

Jesus is speaking about what we treasure in our hearts, as well as our physical treasure. When we ascribe value or worth to something, we will seek to protect and hoard it for ourselves. The danger lies in placing something other than God as the object of our greatest value and love. By treasuring Jesus above all else, our hearts will be properly aligned and attuned to His purposes.

#3 God Cares for Us and Wants to Calm Our Fears

1 Peter 5:7 says, “Casting all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you.”

The next time you are afraid, try giving your fear over to God. It will not be easy, and it must be done throughout your life, but we can claim this promise that God will always care for us, and He is able to take our fears and replace them with His peace.

#4 Bless Others with Your Time, Talents, and Treasure

Hebrews 13:16 says, “Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.”

We are called to live generously, giving to others without thought of what we will get in return. This applies to how we spend our time, what we do with the spiritual gifts and natural-born talents we possess from God, and our financial and material possessions. When we do good to others by sharing with them, God recognizes our selflessness and sees it as a sacrifice of service to Him.

#5 Live Your Life as an Active Witness for the Gospel

Matthew 5:16 says, “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father Who is in heaven.”

This means that we should boldly live out our faith, and always be ready to answer for it when others see God working in our lives. This is one of the best ways we can preach the Gospel every day; a faithful life can point others to God, and allow them to experience the same joy of salvation that we have.

#6 Remember That We Should Live for God, and Not for Human Approval

Colossians 3:23 says, “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.”

When the only motivation for our actions is the approval of others, every achievement will be hollow and temporary. However, if we dedicate our best efforts to God in whatever we do – in our work, in our service, in our giving, and in our witness – we will live with the proper end in sight, and God will bless us for it.

#7 Cling to God, and He Will Remember You

Psalm 91:14 says, “Because he holds fast to Me in love, I will deliver him; I will protect him, because he knows My Name.”

We must respond to God’s call on our hearts by clinging to Him in times of trouble and giving the best of our love to Him. When we do this, He responds with an everlasting love and a peace that passes all understanding. This is the promised comfort for everyone who calls on His Name with a believing heart.

#8 Do Not Blame God for the Troubles in Your Life

Job 1:22 says, “In all this Job did not sin or charge God with wrong.”

Job may have questioned why God allowed tragedy to strike his life, but he did not curse God openly or accuse Him of causing evil directly. This should ring true for all of us as well. God never tempts us, but promises to deliver us out of temptation. God does not bring about evil but is the solution to the problem of evil and the remedy for every pain we suffer.

#9 Caring for Others Is the Best Way to Live out Your Faith

James 1:27 says, “Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.”

The letter from James focuses heavily on a robust faith that is lived out by works that point back to God. This is a delicate balance of doctrine, but we must always remember that we are responsible to live out our faith by doing good works. Serving others in need, giving generously, and keeping ourselves from the sinful ways of this world is how we show our love for the Father in our lives.

#10 Do Not Seek Positions of Power, but Instead, Serve Others

Matthew 23:11-12 says, “The greatest among you shall be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”

Rather than seek a position of leadership or power, we should instead seek to serve others. This follows the model that Jesus Christ lived out in His life and it is how we submit ourselves to His example and commandment consistently preached through the Gospels.

#11 Acknowledge Your Shortcomings and See God as Sovereign

Romans 12:3 says, “For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned.”

“Sober judgment” here refers to doing away with pride or conceit in our relationships with other believers. Everyone’s faith will lead them down different paths, but as long as they are all focused on God and we are each faithful and obedient to His will, we should not assume that our faith is stronger than someone else’s. God sovereignly directs each of us, and His purposes are what matters.

#12 Do Not Question Where God Directs You

Exodus 4:13 says, “But he said, ‘Oh, my Lord, please send someone else.’”

Moses fearfully asked God to choose someone else, but God’s will does not always wait until we feel ready. God will pursue us with His plans, and we should be faithful to obey when His call comes to our hearts.

#13 Take Time for What Matters When It Matters

Ecclesiastes 3:1 says, “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.”

This verse begins a familiar passage in Ecclesiastes, which teaches that there is a time for all important parts of our lives: work and play, mourning and joy, activity and calm, building and resting. Know that these rhythms are important, and know that God is behind every phase of our lives.

#14 Keep God at the Center of Your Life

Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths.”

Our own goodness and wisdom cannot bring us to salvation; only the sacrifice of Jesus Christ can restore our brokenrelationship with God. By remembering this each day, we can joyfully walk down God’s path for us and be content with His will.

#15 Desire the Holy Spirit, and Don’t Give in to Earthly Cravings

Galatians 5:16 says, “But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.”

Sin and giving in to temptation should not be a part of the life of a believer. We should allow the Holy Spirit to have total control over our lives, thereby denying the passions of our sinful nature. This is how we can remain close to God throughout our lives.

#16 Protect Yourself by Clinging to God’s Word

Ephesians 6:13 says, “Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.”

God offers His protection as we go through the fiery trials of this life. The book of Ephesians describes how the “armor of God” manifests itself in our lives. By arming ourselves with Scripture and calling on God to deliver us from trouble, we can emerge victorious.

#17 Avoid Selfishness by Placing Others Ahead of Yourself

Philippians 2:3 says, “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.”

Acting from selfish motives places our own good first, which necessarily removes God from the center of our hearts. One tangible way we can avoid this is by treating others as better than ourselves, acknowledging their worth before God and treating them as His beloved children worthy of our service and sacrifice.

#18 Seek God’s Will First, Rather than Worrying about the Little Things

Matthew 6:33 says, “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”

When we look for God’s will first in our lives before concerning ourselves with possessions or worldly security, we prove that our faith is fully dependent on God. He will not forget us but will bless us above and beyond what we could have hoped for without Him.

#19 Rejoice, Pray, and Be Thankful

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 says, “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

This passage of short commandments is of great importance. We should live our lives with a spirit of worship, constantly attuned to the will of God in prayer, and always turning back to Him with gratitude for the ways He has blessed us. This helps us keep our eyes on Him as we live out our lives.

#20 Give God His Due Through Your Life

Mark 12:17 says, “Jesus said to them, ‘Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.’ And they marveled at Him.”

The Pharisees here confront Jesus about paying taxes, but Jesus turns the question into a matter of devotion. He points out through His answer that we have the image and inscription of God marked on our hearts – we were originally created “in the image of God.” Since we are created in His image, we should acknowledge Him as our Creator and remember that we cannot live a fulfilling life apart from Him.

#21 Give Generously to God and to Others

2 Corinthians 9:7 says, “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”

Scripture commands us to give, and we cannot ignore that commandment. However, we are told to give out of generosity and trust, not holding back our gifts out of fear or selfishness. By giving generously, we acknowledge that all of our treasure belongs to God anyway and that we are merely stewards of His blessings responsible to do good works that will glorify Him.

#22 Remember That God Will Deliver You from Your Fears

Isaiah 41:10 says, “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”

So many times throughout the Bible, God promises to deliver us from trial and tells us not to be afraid. He is mighty and able to save us from every valley we go through, as long as we will seek His face for our salvation. When we do, He will give us the strength to endure, wisdom to know the right path, and deliverance into His peace.

#23 Remember What God Desires Is Your Heart, Not Just Your Works

Micah 6:8 says, “He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?”

The children of Israel were not faithful to fulfill the obligations of the Law; but even worse, their hearts had completely turned away from God. God does not care if we offer sacrifices or serve Him with an unrepentant heart; this is hollow worship that only serves ourselves. We should instead devote ourselves to God’s mindset and passions for others. Justice, kindness, and humility are all signs that our lives are fully committed to God and that we have renounced anything that separates us from His love.

#24 Do Not Merely Hold onto Your Beliefs – Live Them Out

1 John 3:18 says, “Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.”

Knowing the truth of God is vital, and teaching that truth to others is also important; but if they are not matched by a life that actively lives out God’s commands, it is pointless work that does not truly serve God. His love and redemption should flow out from our hearts and bless those around us. This is consistently taught throughout the New Testament: our faith should be joined by our works so that others will see God at work and be led to Him through our verbal and active testimony.

#25 When God Calls You, Be Faithful to Answer

Isaiah 6:8 says, “And I heard the voice of the LORD saying, ‘Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?’ Then I said, ‘Here I am! Send me.’”

Isaiah’s vision cleansed him from his sins and allowed him to respond quickly to the call of God for a messenger. This is a profound lesson for us: we should come in humble repentance to the Father, and ask Him to purify us from our sinful natures. When He does this saving work in our souls, we should also be quick to respond when we feel the call of God in our lives. Yielding to His will is a joyful realization that we can live our lives in blessing and peace, confidently proclaiming the truth of God to those around us.

#26 God loves you more in a moment than anyone could in a lifetime.

Jesus of Nazareth taught that the two most important Commandments are these:  “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength and all your mind.” The second is “Love your neighbor as yourself.”

According to Christ, of all the great lessons we could learn from Christianity, from God, from the Bible, loving the Lord is the greatest lesson of all. Loving God is to come first in all aspects of our lives, it is to be the air we breath, the sun we greet in the morning, the moon we say goodnight to before we lay down to sleep. God is love, and being love, God wants to be loved as well. That is one of the great reasons why humanity was created-with the purpose of being loved, of being the object of God’s affections, His beloved to cherish and adore. But we rebelled and rejected God, and as a consequence, we now live in a fallen world ravaged by hate and sin.

God wants to love you and God wants to be loved. This great truth should be at the center of our lives if we are ever to become true Christians and follow Jesus as he intended.

#27: God can use suffering for our good

"God is close to the brokenhearted" (Psalm 34:18) and seeks to comfort us when we are hurting (2 Corinthians 1:3-5).

God taught me the powerful lesson of His presence during my suffering and used my deepest pain to further my ministry of reaching out to those who need hope and encouragement.  "In his kindness God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation.”  I Peter 5:10

#28 God's grace is enough

“…My grace us sufficient for you, for my power in made perfect in weakness.” 

2 Corinthians 2:9 

The obvious question might be: Enough for what? I have learned that God’s grace is enough…

• When I am physically depleted.

• When I am mentally drained.

• When I am emotionally discouraged.

• When I am spiritually dry.

• When I am relationally damaged.

Yes, His grace covers all my weaknesses.

I'm sure you can add to this list.  What is God teaching you?

Lord, teach us Your Word and Your Way!  Then help us to pray in the promises of God and have the faith and spiritual power to practice the principles you teach us. In Jesus name! Amen!

Growing together,

Pastor Ken

Weekly Schedule @ Faith Fellowship:

Wed. at 7 PM is Prayer Meeting

Fri. at 7 PM is Prayer for our Nation as we enter our 250th year!

Sat. at 7 AM is Men’s Bible & Breakfast

Sun. 9 AM is Sunday School / 10 AM is Worship (Message: When God Wakes You Up - Ezekiel 1-3)

Faith Fellowship -Our Forever Family, 2597 State Hwy 35, Luck, WI

Ken Mettler, Pastor (715) 475-7666

 Last week:

24 IMPORTANT LIFE LESSONS FOR EVERY CHRISTIAN: 

Mark 8:36 asks, "For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?"

This Bible verse highlights the ultimate value of a person's soul over all earthly possessions and gains. Gaining the entire world's wealth, power, or luxury is of no eternal value if it leads to the loss of one's soul, which is considered a greater and irreplaceable loss.  It is on my heart today that we would all first have our souls saved, and second that we would grow our souls to be more like Jesus.

I recently heard a brilliant podcast where a pastor, Gordan MacDonald talked through some things he sees at 80 years old. I will be 77 next month and have this list of lessons I am working on to grow my soul and hope they are a blessing and work for you: 

1. RUN AFTER JESUS

Following Jesus isn’t accidental, it’s a daily choice. Choose to live everyday like Jesus is everything. Intentionally invite the Holy Spirit in. Make appointments with God and keep them. Treat the Bible like it really is a light to guide the way. Chase God.

2. REALIZE THT YOU CAN ALWAYS CHOOSE YOUR RESPONSE

Life is a gift. Don’t be miserable, entitled and offended today. You’ve been shown amazing grace; be gracious.

3. BE YOU INTENTIONALLY

Don’t compare yourself to others, either positively or negatively. It’s a rubbish way to live and generally steals your joy. Celebrate the success of others, even be inspired. But be you ‘in Christ.’ What do you bring to the world? What makes you come alive? What has God made you to do? Make space to do that every day.

4. PUT YOUR PHONE DOWN UNLESS YOU ARE CALLING SOMEONE 

Phones can do wonderful things, but they can also rob your rest, your peace, your time, and prevent you from being fully present with people (or with God).

5. CUTIVATE GREAT FRIENDSIPS

Friendships (and marriages) need work and investment. They are worth it. Good friends beat popularity every time. Make the call, put things in the diary, do whatever it takes to cultivate great friendships.

6. PEOPLE ARE HURTING, LONELY AND SCARED! 

Be kind.

7. YOU CANNOT PLEASE EVERYONE!

Stay teachable. Listen, learn, and grow. But recognise that you’re probably going to upset someone; decide who you don’t want to upset.

8. DISCERN A LIFE VISION WITH GOD'S HELP AND RUN AFTER IT WITH EVERYTHING

God has wisdom and vision for every part of your life, your work, your ministry. Talk to him, then go for it together. Sacrifice comfort for calling.

9. DISAPPOINTMENT, PAIN AND HEARTACHE COME TO EVERYONE!

But no day is 100% bad and God is in the business of redemption. Every good story has ups and downs.

10. KEEP LEARNING!

Read books, attend conferences and courses, seek out wisdom and critique from good people – people who think like you and people who don’t. God speaks through donkeys if you listen.

11. TREAT PEOPLE LIKE THEY ARE AMAZING, BECAUSE THEY ARE! 

Go out of your way to encourage someone today. It will change their day, maybe their life, and it costs nothing.

12. REST

God rested so we definitely need to. Be serious about Sabbath, book holidays if you’re able. Trust God enough to pause. It doesn’t all depend on you, and you’ll bring so much more when you’re rested.

13. TAKE RISKS

Faith grows when you take risks. Listen to what God’s saying and do that. Don’t let fear rob you of life in all it’s fullness.

14. DON'T FORGET TO WORSHIP GOD! 

It’s what you were made for. You never graduate. Worship changes you, your perspective, your level of faith, and the outcome.

15. FUN MATTERS! 

Have some.

16. ACKNOWLEDGE THAT GOD HOLDS EVERYTHING TOGETHER!

   Trust Him

17. BELIEVE THAT GOD CAN USE SUFFERING FOR OUR GOOD!

    Then learn to grow through suffering

18. ACCEPT THE FACT THAT GOD’S GRACE IS ALWAYS SUFFICIENT FOR EVERY NEED

    Lean heavy on His grace

19. SEE THE REAL PERSON!  PEOPLE WILL SHOW YOU WHO THEY ARE IF YOU LISTEN!

    Listen to them! Believe them! Love them for who they are!

20. UNDERSTAND THE PEOPLE COME INTO YOUR LIFE FOR A SEASON AND FOR A REASON

    Find out all you can while you can

21. GROWING RELATIONSHIPS MEANS HAVING HEALTHY BOUNDARIES

    Set reasonable boundaries

22. REMEMBER THAT WE ALL HAVE WEAKNESSES & INSECURITIES

    Acknowledge your own

23. YOU CAN HAVE COMMUNITY OR COMPARISON

    Choose community

24. LISTENING AND LIFELONG LEARNING ARE GREAT GIFTS

    Learn to develop those gifts

Lord, you teach us daily through Your Word! Help us to hear Your voice as we do and give us the needed wisdom for everyday life. Fill us with all good graces and spiritual gifts to fulfill Your will and Your work through us in this world.  Equip us mostly with more love for You and for our fellow brothers and sisters!  Increase our faith for Your glory and our good! In Jesus name. Amen!

Growing in His grace,

Pastor Ken

PS

Point 25: WHAT LESSONS HAS GOD TAUGHT YOU?

Weekly Schedule @ Faith Fellowship:

Wed. at 7 PM is Prayer Meeting

Fri. at 7 PM is Prayer for our Nation as we enter our 250th year!

Sat. at 7 AM is Men’s Bible & Breakfast

Sun. 9 AM is Sunday School / 10 AM is Worship 

  (11/5/25 @ 5:30 United Pioneer Nursing Home service / 6:30 PM Movie night)

Faith Fellowship -Our Forever Family, 2597 State Hwy 35, Luck, WI

Ken Mettler, Pastor (715) 475-7666

PS

The Christian walk is a walk of faith. We receive Jesus by faith in what the Bible tells us He did for us. We live for Jesus by faith knowing He will never leave us nor forsake us. We are filled with the Holy Spirit by faith believing He answers our request to be in His Presence.

God promised us that He when He started this relationship with us that it would be forever. He promised that He would not alienate us once we sinned.

Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth My word, and believeth on Him that sent Me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.John 5:24

This and the next verse sums up the most important life lesson that I would like to impart to you:

Being confident of this very thing, that He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.Philippians 1:6