ABIDING IN ALIGNMENT

INTRODUCTION

Petting a cat backwards.

Making disciples, not converts.

THE IMPORTANCE OF ALIGNMENT

Psalm 133 AMP

1 A Song of Ascents. Of David. BEHOLD, HOW good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! 2 It is like the precious ointment poured on the head, that ran down on the beard, even the beard of Aaron [the first high priest], that came down upon the collar and skirts of his garments [consecrating the whole body]. 3 It is like the dew of [lofty] Mount Hermon and the dew that comes on the hills of Zion; for there the Lord has commanded the blessing, even life forevermore [upon the high and the lowly].

(ya·ḥaḏ) 3480 יַחַד : Str 3162; 1. together, wholly, in unity, with each other, i.e., pertaining to being whole and in a state of oneness (Ps 133:1), note: often a strengthened position;

2. each other, i.e., a marker of reciprocation between two persons or groups (1Sa 17:10);

3. both, alike, i.e., a unity and totality of exactly two of class, kind, or entity (2Sa 14:16);

4. at the same time, now, all at once, i.e., a period of time exactly or virtually the same as another period of time (Isa 42:14);

5. united, i.e., pertaining to joining in an association (1Ch 12:18);

6. completely, i.e., pertaining to a degree of completeness and fullness (Ps 74:8). יַחַד (ya·ḥaḏ): n.[masc.] [served by 3480]; Str 3162; a gathering, i.e., a united group

Matthew 10:37–39 NLT

37 “If you love your father or mother more than you love me, you are not worthy of being mine; or if you love your son or daughter more than me, you are not worthy of being mine. 38 If you refuse to take up your cross and follow me, you are not worthy of being mine. 39 If you cling to your life, you will lose it; but if you give up your life for me, you will find it.

It’s embracing our cross daily, learning to say no what we would naturally do, to allow God do what He would naturally do.

It’s learning to respond to God, and not to react to circumstances.

It’s learning to celebrate the success of others, rather than be jealous or bitter. It’s foolish to put your favor where God has placed His.

It’s learning how to handle disappointment, realizing that there is always a cross before there’s a resurrection.

My responsibility is the cross, His responsibility is the resurrection.

We grow in proportion to our environment. God plants a man or woman in a local church for a season with a reason. When we seek to control our circumstances, we create our own sterile environment.

Isaiah 61:3 NLT

3 To all who mourn in Israel, he will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair. In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks that the Lord has planted for his own glory.

John 15:7–8 NLT

7 But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted! 8 When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples. This brings great glory to my Father.

“We come to God by seeking and taking His hand. We mature by seeking His face. We produce fruit by seeking His heart. ~PD

It’s the process of face to face, heart to heart, walking with God that produces fruit in our lives.

Relationships are God’s method of discipleship and evangelism.

John 13:35 NLT

35 Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.”