Welcome to day 1 of our 30 day journey together.  I remember the first time I saw this video by the skit guys probably 7 or 8 years ago, God used it powerfully in my life.  Over the years, I’ve probably watched it hundreds of times, and God uses it to convict me in a different way every single time.  So, for the next 30 days (at least) any time we think of Tommy, we ought to put our name in his place.  He says so many things that you and I have said. So, we are going to break down the video into 30 days and evaluate the scripture behind the script. 


James 1:22-25
22
22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
23 For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:
24 For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.
25 But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.



When I wake up in the morning, and especially before I walk out the door,  I’m sure to visit a mirror.  That piece of glass hanging on my wall does me a great service by revealing the areas where I need to make some changes, adjustments, and most often: improvements!  And James chapter 1 says that God’s Word is our spiritual mirror.  It reveals to us the things in us that we would never have discovered on our own.

Now, I love to people watch.  One of the best places to do this is at the mall.  Here’s why:  Nearly every store’s entrance is entirely made of glass!  As people of all shapes and sizes walk by,  they cannot help but take notice in the beautiful display… no, not the clothes behind the glass,  but that good lookin’ devil reflected on the glass.  You’ll know that is the case by the facial expression to follow that says, “oh yeah…I look GOOD today.” Some others have been known to discover their fly was down or their hair was messed up.  Then, as if no one else even existed,  they will begin to hilariously make the necessary adjustments as they gaze into the glass.

Friend, so many of us are like the first example.  When we are feeling down,  we’ll grab the Bible mirror and pray a prayer something to the tune of “mirror mirror on the wall, who’s God’s favorite child of all?”  We read our favorite encouraging Psalm to boost our confidence, and like Fonz from Happy Days, we set the mirror down and say “heyyyy” because we’re happy with how we look.

So,  how do we tap into this mirror’s reflective ability?

1.  “But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty…” STUDY IT.
2.  “and continueth therein…” STAY IN IT.
3.  “he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work…” SURRENDER TO IT.


PRAY:

1.  God, when I open up your word, please speak to me.
2.  Father, help me to recall the things that you say during my day.
3.  Lord, give me opportunities to be obedient to your word today.


Also, remember Buddy Horne and his family in your prayers today. 

Here in South Georgia,  we believe God has called us to live lives of Impact.  But in order to be a reflection of Christ, there are some things God has to chisel away.  The process is never fun and it is certainly never easy.  Chiseling comes with pain and loss,  but also brings about great celebration when we get to look at the "chiseled body" of the local church exercising  its power and potential.

We are all individual members of one body;  Each carrying uniquely different and important roles.
As a body and as individuals,  we are God's workmanship.  Created in Christ Jesus unto good works.  So, as an entire body,  we are embarking on a journey of unity and revival. 

Our challenge for the next 30 days is this:  

1.  Pray that God would reveal the areas in your life that need to be chiseled.
2.  Watch the God's Chisel Video every single day.  
3. After that,  visit this page, or check your email inbox, where we will have daily devotional guides walking us through the video and God's Word.  They will also be posted on Facebook, so feel free to share them there.  Each day's study guide will be accompanied by a prayer for the day.  

This process should take you about 25 to 30 minutes if you speed through it.  I'm asking the entire church to join together for 30 days of "oneness" as we seek God's face during this time of growth, molding, shaping, and chiseling. 

Lord,  do whatever it takes. 

Pastor Jon