Good Morning Beloved Family,
You cannot imagine what an honor and privilege
it is, to share the Word of God with you
I am truly exceedingly abundantly blessed beyond
anything I could have ever imagined.
To God be the glory!
Heavenly Father,
Protect this sacred space
Let anger and evil thoughts be left outside
along with petty quarrels and all bitterness.
Let selfishness and pride succumb to the joy we find in You
Let all hard feelings dissipate
Help us as we enter into worship today
to eagerly come and meet You here, in hunger for Your Word
In Your precious name
Amen
The Bible teaches us mainly about two things....
1.The first is our relationship with God.
2. The second is our relationship with one another.
Every book in the Bible deals with these two relationships, in some way.
Almost everything that I talk about concerns our relationship with God.
Why?
Because I believe that is a good thing to talk about!
Today however, I want to begin a new series entitled: Relationship
It is concerning our relationship with ourselves and with others.
I am going to address relationships that deal with the husband, the wife, friends, and family, communication...but I want to begin this series by talking about understanding yourself!
The first key to understanding yourself is to understand...
Who you are.
Where you come from.
Where you are going.
What your purpose is.
This is important because before you can be successful in any relationship...
you must be able to understand yourself!
Before you can be successful in your relationship with God you must be able to understand yourself!
Turn to the person next to you and say..."I am about to find out who I am."
Scripture says....
"Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow. In the exercise of His will He brought us forth by the word of truth, so that we would be a kind of first fruits among His creatures.
This you know, my beloved brethren. But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger; for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God."
James 1:17-20
James begins to talk about who we are....
He begins by stating, "Every perfect gift is from above, from God the one who created light, and from the one who can never change."
James is setting up his next statement in this passage...
James is telling us, "God brought us to life by His word, and we became His most precious possession."
In these two verses, James tells you who you are, and where you came from!
God brought you into this world.
And you are His.
It doesn't matter what the circumstances of your earthly birth were.
It doesn't matter what anyone tells you about yourself!
You were not a mistake.
You were not an accident.
God put you right where you are for a purpose.
God brought you into this world.
That's where you came from!
No matter what someone has told you about yourself, your value..
It doesn't matter what you have come to believe about yourself...
Let me just say this,
The Bible says that you are a perfect gift from above.
That cannot change.
There are no variables or shadow of turning about that!
You are the most prized possession of God.
You are the apple of His eye.
Beloved, THAT is who you are!
Now you know!
Somebody say, "Now, I know who I am!"
AMEN!
Let's not stop there...
James goes on to say that it is not good enough to hear where you came from, hear who you are, but we must become who we were born to be!
"But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks at his natural face in a mirror; for once he has looked at himself and gone away, ]he has immediately forgotten what kind of person he was. But one who looks intently at the perfect law, the law of liberty, and abides by it, not having become a forgetful hearer but an effectual doer, this man will be blessed in what he does."
James 1:22-25
There is a lot to take in in those four verses!
James makes it easy for us to understand though...he compares it to looking in the mirror.
How many of you like to look in the mirror? Don't raise your hand.
Like it or not, a mirror doesn't lie...it tells the truth every time.
I'll admit, I liked the mirror a lot more when I was 25 than I do today.
I looked in the mirror a lot in those days...
I did my hair.
I shaved.
I brushed my teeth.
I tied my tie.
And then I stepped back a little just so I could admire the beautiful sight...just kidding.
The truth is, I never really liked the mirror.
People always said I was good looking, but that's not what I saw when I looked in the mirror!
I saw all the flaws, the things I preferred to change, I saw nothing but imperfection!
I saw a mess!
Then I would walk away and come back for another look maybe five, ten minutes later as if the mirror was lying to me or something. Because I always seem to find something else I needed to fix..
Hey!
Don't laugh at me, you know exactly what I am talking about!
I know some of you go back to the mirror seven, eight, nine and ten times before you leave the house.
It is like you forgot what you looked like ten minutes ago, am I right?
That is exactly James' point in verses 23 and 24...
"For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks at his natural face in a mirror; for once he has looked at himself and gone away, he has immediately forgotten what kind of person he was"
The reason that some of us struggle so much in our relationships, is because we forget who we are...
I can preach to you about being the prize of God's possession till I am blue in the face.
You can hear me and agree with me all night long.
But if you forget who you are when you leave here today, when Satan starts messing with you...
this message is not going to do you any good.
James says, some of us are like that person who constantly has to look in the mirror to make sure they are good enough.
You know what your problem is?
Some you have forgotten what you look like!
Some of you have forgotten who your Father is!
Some of you don't remember where you came from!
Beloved, it is time for somebody today, to go beyond the hearing, and start believing.
It is time for somebody to start becoming who you are.
It is time to cast off what others have told you that you are!
James tells us in the next verse,
"But one who looks intently at the perfect law, the law of liberty, and abides by it, not having become a forgetful hearer but an effectual doer, this man will be blessed in what he does."
What does that mean?
What James is saying is, don't look in the mirror, look in the word...the word is your mirror!
And that is also why so many people avoid the Bible!!
It is a mirror, it reflects things within them they don't want to see or acknowledge about themselves!
Or as we church folk say, "It convicts!"
Now, let's turn it up a notch...don't just hear me preaching, but believe the message and put it into action!
You are the apple of God's eye.
You are the crown of His creation.
You are not an accident.
God didn't make any mistakes when you were created.
You are a perfect gift from God.
Satan has no power over you.
The enemy can't mess with you...Unless you give him the authority to!
Can I get a witness?
Since you are a perfect gift from God, it is important to understand that you are unique!
There isn't anyone else exactly like you in this entire world!
Ladies, you know the value of an original, one of a kind designer piece, am I right?
That's what each and every one of hearing this today are!
A one of a kind, designer original!
Created by the GREATEST DESIGNER in the entire world!!!
David knew it when he wrote Psalm 139:14-17
"I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
Wonderful are Your works,
And my soul knows it very well.
My frame was not hidden from You,
When I was made in secret,
And skillfully wrought in the depths of the earth;
Your eyes have seen my unformed substance;
And in Your book were all written
The days that were ordained for me,
When as yet there was not one of them.
How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God!
How vast is the sum of them!"
How vast is the sum of them!"
You were fearfully and wonderfully made.
God knows every part of you...everything about you was recorded while you were in the womb.Not only are you unique in creation, you are unique in purpose.
God has a unique purpose for your life!
Nobody can take your place...You are unique.
Nobody can do what you can do, exactly like YOU!
Nobody can sing exactly like you...you are unique.
Because...you are unique!
"I will say to the north, ‘Give them up!’
And to the south, ‘Do not hold them back.’
Bring My sons from afar
And My daughters from the ends of the earth,
Everyone who is called by My name,
And whom I have created for My glory,
Whom I have formed, even whom I have made."
And to the south, ‘Do not hold them back.’
Bring My sons from afar
And My daughters from the ends of the earth,
Everyone who is called by My name,
And whom I have created for My glory,
Whom I have formed, even whom I have made."
God's glory is the beauty and power of His Spirit.
We were created then to show God's glory...his beauty and his power...to all of the Earth.
That is our purpose!
We are earthly vessels that contain His Glory!
Do any of you store your most precious and valuable possessions in a garbage can?
Come on, raise your hands!
I didn't think so...
In other words...I can't sing like many of you!
So I try to reveal God's glory through the spoken word.
There are many ways that each one of us can show God's glory to this world.
Love for one another.
Compassion.
Humility.
Servant hood.
Another way that we can all show God's glory is by our testimony! Our witness!
Your life's story is unique.
So your testimony is unique!
You don't have to witness as I do or like anyone else does.
But you do have to do it! You are called to be a witness!
There may be testimonies similar, but no one has been through exactly what you have been through, the same way you have!
And you're still here!
You survived them!
Somebody shout with me, "I'm still here! I need to tell somebody!"
Nobody else can reach the people that you are called to reach, in the same way!
Why? Because...you are unique.
There is someone out there that will hear to your testimony, but they won't even listen to mine!
"But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;"
1 Peter 2:9
Nobody else goes where you go. Nobody else works where you work.
Nobody else has the friends that you have.
Hear me here...and nobody else can witness like you can witness.
God had given you the unique ability to reach the people in your life!
If you don't reach those people, who will reach them...
You are the only one who can reach them...because you are unique!
How many of you would not be alive today, if it were not for someone reaching out, offering help to you?
I know I wouldn't be!
Beloved, you are that somebody for someone else!
Someone needs YOU!
Someone NEEDS to hear your testimony!
Someone NEEDS to know they can and survive what they're dealing with!
Well, God placed you where you are for a purpose.
I can't take your place, and you can't take my place...We are unique.
Nobody else goes where you go. Nobody else works where you work.
Nobody else has the friends that you have.
Hear me here...and nobody else can witness like you can witness.
God had given you the unique ability to reach the people in your life!
If you don't reach those people, who will reach them...
You are the only one who can reach them...because you are unique!
How many of you would not be alive today, if it were not for someone reaching out, offering help to you?
I know I wouldn't be!
Beloved, you are that somebody for someone else!
Someone needs YOU!
Someone NEEDS to hear your testimony!
Someone NEEDS to know they can and survive what they're dealing with!
Well, God placed you where you are for a purpose.
I can't take your place, and you can't take my place...We are unique.
When I look at my own children, in many ways, they are quite similar, yet each one so different!
Each of them are very unique!
Each has his own personality.Each has his own smile.
Each has his own frown.
Each has his own likes and dislikes.
Each has their own, unique purpose.
And the same is true for each of you hearing this message today!
God made us that way and He understands our differences!
How awesome is that??
As many people as are in this entire world, He knows us each one individually!
Don't be jealous of the talents or gifts that someone else has...God made them that way.
And if you will use what God has given you...He will bless you with more too!
"To one he gave five talents, to another, two, and to another, one, each according to his own ability; and he went on his journey."
Each has his own frown.
Each has his own likes and dislikes.
Each has their own, unique purpose.
And the same is true for each of you hearing this message today!
God made us that way and He understands our differences!
How awesome is that??
As many people as are in this entire world, He knows us each one individually!
Don't be jealous of the talents or gifts that someone else has...God made them that way.
And if you will use what God has given you...He will bless you with more too!
"To one he gave five talents, to another, two, and to another, one, each according to his own ability; and he went on his journey."
If you start doing what God has created you to do you will be blessed!
Can I get a witness?
So God made each of us unique, and God loves us that way.
His love is unconditional...
"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life."
John 3:16
God's love for you is unconditional...we are the object of His affection.
I didn't say that God loves it when you mess up and sin...but His love for you is unconditional.
I know you have heard that before.
The important thing here is to remember what I am telling you.. It's what Scripture says!
Can I get a witness?
So God made each of us unique, and God loves us that way.
His love is unconditional...
"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life."
John 3:16
God's love for you is unconditional...we are the object of His affection.
I didn't say that God loves it when you mess up and sin...but His love for you is unconditional.
I know you have heard that before.
The important thing here is to remember what I am telling you.. It's what Scripture says!
I am not standing here, telling you some concocted story just to make you feel better...
You have the passages!
Look them up for yourselves!
That is what it really means to understand yourself, for yourself!
Remember where you came from.
Don't forget who you are when you leave here today!
Post a memo in your car, on your refrigerator, on your MIRROR!
Our problem is that we forget who we are.
We forget where we came from.
We forget what our purpose is.
Do you know who you are now?
The reason people backslide is because they forget who they really are!
The prodigal son took his inheritance and left his family and home behind.
He erased the memory of his past.
He became somebody that he was not.
Instead of staying true to who he was, the Bible actually says that he joined himself to a citizen of another country.
He forgot who he was...and became another person, living a life he did not know.
After a time of living like that, and when his money was all gone, the Bible says...
"But when he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired men have more than enough bread, but I am dying here with hunger!"
Luke 15:17
When he came to himself...one day he woke up!
One morning....
He remembered who he used to be...
He remembered where he came from...
He remembered who his father was...
Oh, does anybody remember who your Father is?
Do you know who you are ?
It dawned on the prodigal that he needed to go back home...even if it had to be as a servant.
"So he got up and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion for him, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ But the father said to his slaves, ‘Quickly bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet; and bring the fattened calf, kill it, and let us eat and celebrate; for this son of mine was dead and has come to life again; he was lost and has been found.’ And they began to celebrate."
Luke 15:20-24
That is what it really means to understand yourself, for yourself!
Remember where you came from.
Don't forget who you are when you leave here today!
Post a memo in your car, on your refrigerator, on your MIRROR!
Our problem is that we forget who we are.
We forget where we came from.
We forget what our purpose is.
Do you know who you are now?
The reason people backslide is because they forget who they really are!
The prodigal son took his inheritance and left his family and home behind.
He erased the memory of his past.
He became somebody that he was not.
Instead of staying true to who he was, the Bible actually says that he joined himself to a citizen of another country.
He forgot who he was...and became another person, living a life he did not know.
After a time of living like that, and when his money was all gone, the Bible says...
"But when he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired men have more than enough bread, but I am dying here with hunger!"
Luke 15:17
When he came to himself...one day he woke up!
One morning....
He remembered who he used to be...
He remembered where he came from...
He remembered who his father was...
Oh, does anybody remember who your Father is?
Do you know who you are ?
It dawned on the prodigal that he needed to go back home...even if it had to be as a servant.
"So he got up and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion for him, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ But the father said to his slaves, ‘Quickly bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet; and bring the fattened calf, kill it, and let us eat and celebrate; for this son of mine was dead and has come to life again; he was lost and has been found.’ And they began to celebrate."
Luke 15:20-24
Some of you today, might not think you are worthy to be called a child of God..
But if you would only "go home", and give Him a chance.
He will bring out the best robe.He will bring out the fatted calf.
He will throw a grand celebration.
...because you are one of His...a child of the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords!
He loves you more than you could ever imagine!
He loves you more than anything.
I want to remind you before you leave here today whose you are....
You are a beautiful, unique, wonderfully made, You are a child of Almighty God!
You have been purchased with the blood of Jesus Christ, and you are not your own....
He is your Father!
It is time for somebody hearing this message to start BEING and BELIEVING who God called you to be!!
"For the ministry of this service is not only fully supplying the needs of the saints, but is also overflowing through many thanksgivings to God. Because of the proof given by this ministry, they will glorify God for your obedience to your confession of the gospel of Christ and for the liberality of your contribution to them and to all."
2 Corinthians 9:12-13
NOW do you know who you are???
He will throw a grand celebration.
...because you are one of His...a child of the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords!
He loves you more than you could ever imagine!
He loves you more than anything.
I want to remind you before you leave here today whose you are....
You are a beautiful, unique, wonderfully made, You are a child of Almighty God!
You have been purchased with the blood of Jesus Christ, and you are not your own....
He is your Father!
It is time for somebody hearing this message to start BEING and BELIEVING who God called you to be!!
"For the ministry of this service is not only fully supplying the needs of the saints, but is also overflowing through many thanksgivings to God. Because of the proof given by this ministry, they will glorify God for your obedience to your confession of the gospel of Christ and for the liberality of your contribution to them and to all."
2 Corinthians 9:12-13
NOW do you know who you are???
And now may the Lord bless you and keep you;
the Lord make His face shine upon you,
And be gracious to you;
The Lord lift up His countenance upon you,
And give you peace.
Now and forever, in Jesus' name
Amen
the Lord make His face shine upon you,
And be gracious to you;
The Lord lift up His countenance upon you,
And give you peace.
Now and forever, in Jesus' name
Amen
Brian Monzon Ministries