Getting Through What You're Going Through Part 3
The guide that we choose makes a great difference in any trip we make. We need to choose God as our partner and guide
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. We must surrender our wills to the guides; we must trust him with our lives.
Every day we must renew our faith in our instructor. We must surrender again our wills to the shepherds.
There is no pit so deep that God is not deeper still. When we allow God to control our lives, miraculous occurences are possible because of the power of the Holy Spirit.
God calls every one of us to walk in our own shoes and he gives us the right pair of shoes for our journey of faith. He also gives us the map, the steps and the guidance so we become the person he wants us to be.
God will sustain us with his promise of never leaving us, never forsaking us and of his everlasting love.
Be strong and courageous, because you can succeed.
We choose what we listen to, we choose the thoughts we think and we choose the way we see situations.
God's ability to lift our spirits out of the valley is a miracle. We need to allow God to lift us out of our problems.
God is ready and eager to guide us and restore our souls. Even in our most depressed times, God can pull our souls out of the valley and put us atop the mountain.
Getting Through What You're Going Through Part 4
We need to replace guilt with grattitude. Guilt can form an endless cycle of self-recomstration. It gets to the point that no matter what we do, we feel some form of guilt about it.
Each of us has a God instilled desire to be perfect. But the scripture teaches that perfection is not attainable here on earth.
We are judging ourselves when we feel guilty. We have no right to judge ourselves or others improperly. We need to leave judgement to God.
It takes faith to release a feeling of guilt or fear.
Forgiveness is an act of grace from God. People must have the faith it takes to accept this forgiveness.
In order to get through what you're going through you must eliminate the guilt you feel and then express an attitude of grattitude. We should be continually grateful to God, for his grace and mercy.
Wenever we are in stressful situations, we are willing to pledge ourselves to God and to praise him for his goodness. When the stress passes, however, we ignore God and go on our own way.
We need to live our lives in an attitude of grattitude. We need to rejoice in what we can do and stop focusing on what we can't.
Success is not measured by what we've done. It's measured by what we can become.
Are you getting through what you're going through?
Michelle Cozins
Monday, August 30, 2010
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Third 'P' = Power
The prophet Micah exclaims; "But truly I am full of *power by the Spirit of the LORD, And of justice and might, To declare to Jacob his transgression And to Israel his sin." Micah 3:8
*Heb 'Koach' used of a) human, angelic, God's power and animal strength. b) strength that produces i.e. wealth, fruit of the soil. From an unused root word to be 'firm' in regards to virile strength.
Our great need in life & ministry is POWER! The world is desperate to come with a clean, renewable, inexhaustible power supply; much funding and effort has been directed to fusion technology (the Sun's power source) as a way to meet the growing power demand. Micah has tapped into God's Spirit as it rests upon him to energize his prophetic ministry. I notice that Micah is 'full' - I regularly have to recharge my iphone, as regular usage tends to drain its battery. I must also get regular sleep and rest as ministry demands drain my personal resources. The prophet is 'fully charged' in his being to fulfill his ministry demands. We have the indwelling Spirit of God to 'quicken' us in all that we must be & do for God. Are you drawing from this inexhaustible spiritual 'fusion' supply? Note to Self: Must pray, allow Spirit to quicken me - & find my 'plug-in' point with God.
1 Cor 4:20 "For the Kingdom of God is not in word, but in power." Paul was chastising those religious prigs who resisted his ministry with disputes over aspects of the law and petty issues presenting themselves as 'experts' & seeking to assert a 'superiority' over Paul's ministry. The Apostle clears away the junk in the yard to expose the real issue: Ministry validity is not based on education, rhetoric ability, theological accuracy, all though these are all good attributes - God validates his ministers with endowment & demonstration of divine power. Do I evidence a transformed life? Do I have a dimension of Power in/through my ministry? Can you point to one life transformed for eternity? The religious say 'show us your credentials' Paul says 'Show me your power!'
Back to Micah, 'Koach' - power to produce results - I like that! results for who? Power for powers sake is often squandered on self and used to further inflate our already swollen egos. If you seek power for your own ends you clearly demonstrate how dis-empowered you actually are. Power from God is 'granted' to help you personally overcome your weakness & human deficit so you can walk as a son/daughter of God - and 'bestowed' to you as a minister/leader to bring divine help to others. If your 'need' for power/control/influence is a selfish one - i.e. filling a 'identity' need - it will elude you. They only truly own power who least need it for themselves - ironically they are the ones who can be truly trusted with it! If your sincere prayer is "Oh God empower me to meet the overwhelming needs of others around me" - then you are ready for the spirits power.
If we want to be leaders of influence we need to be full of God's power, primarily for others sake.
Go and be powerful this week! Ps Rhett
Next week Fourth 'P' = Presence
*Heb 'Koach' used of a) human, angelic, God's power and animal strength. b) strength that produces i.e. wealth, fruit of the soil. From an unused root word to be 'firm' in regards to virile strength.
Our great need in life & ministry is POWER! The world is desperate to come with a clean, renewable, inexhaustible power supply; much funding and effort has been directed to fusion technology (the Sun's power source) as a way to meet the growing power demand. Micah has tapped into God's Spirit as it rests upon him to energize his prophetic ministry. I notice that Micah is 'full' - I regularly have to recharge my iphone, as regular usage tends to drain its battery. I must also get regular sleep and rest as ministry demands drain my personal resources. The prophet is 'fully charged' in his being to fulfill his ministry demands. We have the indwelling Spirit of God to 'quicken' us in all that we must be & do for God. Are you drawing from this inexhaustible spiritual 'fusion' supply? Note to Self: Must pray, allow Spirit to quicken me - & find my 'plug-in' point with God.
1 Cor 4:20 "For the Kingdom of God is not in word, but in power." Paul was chastising those religious prigs who resisted his ministry with disputes over aspects of the law and petty issues presenting themselves as 'experts' & seeking to assert a 'superiority' over Paul's ministry. The Apostle clears away the junk in the yard to expose the real issue: Ministry validity is not based on education, rhetoric ability, theological accuracy, all though these are all good attributes - God validates his ministers with endowment & demonstration of divine power. Do I evidence a transformed life? Do I have a dimension of Power in/through my ministry? Can you point to one life transformed for eternity? The religious say 'show us your credentials' Paul says 'Show me your power!'
Back to Micah, 'Koach' - power to produce results - I like that! results for who? Power for powers sake is often squandered on self and used to further inflate our already swollen egos. If you seek power for your own ends you clearly demonstrate how dis-empowered you actually are. Power from God is 'granted' to help you personally overcome your weakness & human deficit so you can walk as a son/daughter of God - and 'bestowed' to you as a minister/leader to bring divine help to others. If your 'need' for power/control/influence is a selfish one - i.e. filling a 'identity' need - it will elude you. They only truly own power who least need it for themselves - ironically they are the ones who can be truly trusted with it! If your sincere prayer is "Oh God empower me to meet the overwhelming needs of others around me" - then you are ready for the spirits power.
If we want to be leaders of influence we need to be full of God's power, primarily for others sake.
Go and be powerful this week! Ps Rhett
Next week Fourth 'P' = Presence
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Getting Through What You're Going Through
Getting Through What You're Going Through Part 1
In order to get through the valley we need to evaluate where we were before we can decide where we are going.
Grace is a gift from God and not something we earn through good works.
One of the ways to keep going when trouble seems to be overwhelming is to remember how God has helped us through other difficult times.
God can turn impossibilities into possibilities.
Remembering how God has helped you in the past is a key to knowing that he will help you too in the present and in the future.
God sees where you are going, not where you've been. God sees what you're going to do, not what you've done.
If you get lost in self-pity, you can't get through the valley. You're stalled by bitterness and you can't begin to heal. You must decide to move ahead.
Getting Through What You're Going Through Part 2
When we're down we need to look up.
We need to be persistent.
Most trees have root structures that are just as wide and just as deep as their leaf lines are wide and high. The redwood is the one exception. It's low lying roots spread across the ground in many different directions, instead of reaching deep into the earth. As the redwood grows higher and higher, it's root structure only grows wider, not deeper. Theoretically, a redwood cannot stand alone! But redwoods always grow together and their root structures intertwine with each other. Redwoods hold each other up. Togther they are strong.
Christ expects us to help other people. But we cannot help others and they cannot help us if we do not share our problems. We must be willing to take some risks.
God comforts us during the difficult times if we confess our problems and say "comfort me, Lord."
God doesn't force us to do things that are against our desires or needs.
How are you getting through what you're going though?
Michelle Cozins
In order to get through the valley we need to evaluate where we were before we can decide where we are going.
Grace is a gift from God and not something we earn through good works.
One of the ways to keep going when trouble seems to be overwhelming is to remember how God has helped us through other difficult times.
God can turn impossibilities into possibilities.
Remembering how God has helped you in the past is a key to knowing that he will help you too in the present and in the future.
God sees where you are going, not where you've been. God sees what you're going to do, not what you've done.
If you get lost in self-pity, you can't get through the valley. You're stalled by bitterness and you can't begin to heal. You must decide to move ahead.
Getting Through What You're Going Through Part 2
When we're down we need to look up.
We need to be persistent.
Most trees have root structures that are just as wide and just as deep as their leaf lines are wide and high. The redwood is the one exception. It's low lying roots spread across the ground in many different directions, instead of reaching deep into the earth. As the redwood grows higher and higher, it's root structure only grows wider, not deeper. Theoretically, a redwood cannot stand alone! But redwoods always grow together and their root structures intertwine with each other. Redwoods hold each other up. Togther they are strong.
Christ expects us to help other people. But we cannot help others and they cannot help us if we do not share our problems. We must be willing to take some risks.
God comforts us during the difficult times if we confess our problems and say "comfort me, Lord."
God doesn't force us to do things that are against our desires or needs.
How are you getting through what you're going though?
Michelle Cozins
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Being Transformed
Our transformation into the image of christ is an ongoing process. God desires for all of us to grow into the fullness of Christ so that others will see Christ in us; just as God sees Christ in us when we are saved and made righteous in His sight.
Transformation involves dying to sin and becoming alive in and through Christ. As the Holy Spirit begins the process of transformation or sanctification, he removes the chains that bind us and gives us the power to walk in freedom from sin. Christ died to free us from this bondage and gives us an abundant life of peace and joy in the Lord.
Becoming the person we would all like to become in christ is not about doing, but about being. when we grow into a real close and personl relationship with Jesus Christ, the grace of God becomes manifest in our lives and we want to obey instead of 'have to.' We grow into this relationship through getting to know Jesus better, and better through His word, worship and fellowship with other believers.
As we abide in the word, God's grace purifies our hearts and fills them so full of love that there is no more room for strongholds of sin in our hearts. The more we abide we will have more and more answered prayers because we will be praying with the mindset of Christ. We will experience Jesus' joy. We will become not just aquaintances, but close personal friends with Christ. As we become more and more aware of His love and His character. We will begin imitating Him more and more and our lives will reflect the truth that Jesus has moved from our heads to our hearts.
Are you ready to be transformed?
Michelle Cozins
Transformation involves dying to sin and becoming alive in and through Christ. As the Holy Spirit begins the process of transformation or sanctification, he removes the chains that bind us and gives us the power to walk in freedom from sin. Christ died to free us from this bondage and gives us an abundant life of peace and joy in the Lord.
Becoming the person we would all like to become in christ is not about doing, but about being. when we grow into a real close and personl relationship with Jesus Christ, the grace of God becomes manifest in our lives and we want to obey instead of 'have to.' We grow into this relationship through getting to know Jesus better, and better through His word, worship and fellowship with other believers.
As we abide in the word, God's grace purifies our hearts and fills them so full of love that there is no more room for strongholds of sin in our hearts. The more we abide we will have more and more answered prayers because we will be praying with the mindset of Christ. We will experience Jesus' joy. We will become not just aquaintances, but close personal friends with Christ. As we become more and more aware of His love and His character. We will begin imitating Him more and more and our lives will reflect the truth that Jesus has moved from our heads to our hearts.
Are you ready to be transformed?
Michelle Cozins
Second 'P' = Purpose
It was the great Apostle Paul who said "Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but [this] one thing [I do], forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." Phil 3:13-14
It seems like Paul is actually doing three things here! (1) Forgetting what's behind, (2) reaching forth to the future and (3) pressing towards the mark - Yet he says 'This one thing I do' (?) Did Paul have a problem with Maths? Great letters Paul! just a bit out with the counting..
I think this is a mix of what & how he maintained his focus in life. His central purpose in life - his 'One thing' was to pursue the high calling of God in Christ, which he considered a 'prize' worth devoting his whole life to. Lets examine that for a moment - the 'What' of purpose.
Do you have this 'One thing' ? Paul did. If we are to be effective leaders we will need to have this 'One thing'. Sounds too restrictive? blinkered? rigid? restraining? No - you don't understand how busy I am! how many things I need to do, achieve, be - exactly! That's why many of us are not effective spiritual leaders (Ouch! That's harsh Ps Rhett)
Listen! the high calling of God in Christ deserves everything you are if you are to realise it.
Imagine you are running with all your might to win the 100 mtr dash, Imagine you are a policeman giving chase to a dangerous criminal, every cell of your body is engaged in a passionate pursuit of your goal; this is the picture the Greek gives us. The mark ('Skopos') is a distant point, (Think of a rifle 'scope') a point of reference in the physical distance or a mental goal we are attaining too. For Paul it was to attain and be all that God had for him & the full realisation of his salvation in every way. As spiritual leaders we must be focused on this ourselves before we can effectively bring anyone else into it.
Now lets look at the 'How' of purpose - Paul was very deliberate in how he achieved this 'One thing' - he did not allow his past to drag him back. He 'forgot' his unfruitful past. One man has said "its difficult to embrace the future, when your wrists are chained to the past." A life of regret will paralyze you from positive action in the present - we need to burn that movie reel we continually play in our heads and write a new script, starring you - the apprehender of a glorious future! Call it 'Adventures in God - on the road to Glory!" written by God, directed by the Holy Spirit, and featuring you. The second thing Paul did was to 'reach forth' for the future this was a deliberate mindset to make every moment in his present contribute positively to his future. I remember the story of Gene Cernan, Apollo astronaut who tells of his journey to the moon in his book "Moonwalker' - as a young teenager he was enthralled with the idea of getting to the moon, at 12 he tells his grandmother "I will walk on the moon one day" of course the family thought the poor child was lunatic! he says that from that day forward he applied himself at High school, ccollege, the military, on to Nasa and eventually the Apollo training program, and eventually was part of the Apollo 16 moon mission - almost 20 years later. He made a deliberate decision to apprehend a preferred future, and every decision and action was made to contribute to this.
The third thing Paul did was to 'press toward' this 'one thing' as we have said with all his mental, physical, emotional & spiritual strength. This is the power of a singular purpose in leadership, if we want to be influential. Its not enough to just have a good purpose, or even a noble purpose - but do you have this purpose - the 'One thing' Paul was specifically speaking about here? The 'high calling of God in Christ Jesus'
I trust that as leaders in God's house this is our purpose - to know this and to make this known to others.
Keep up the good work!
Ps Rhett
Next week: Third 'P' of purpose = Power
It seems like Paul is actually doing three things here! (1) Forgetting what's behind, (2) reaching forth to the future and (3) pressing towards the mark - Yet he says 'This one thing I do' (?) Did Paul have a problem with Maths? Great letters Paul! just a bit out with the counting..
I think this is a mix of what & how he maintained his focus in life. His central purpose in life - his 'One thing' was to pursue the high calling of God in Christ, which he considered a 'prize' worth devoting his whole life to. Lets examine that for a moment - the 'What' of purpose.
Do you have this 'One thing' ? Paul did. If we are to be effective leaders we will need to have this 'One thing'. Sounds too restrictive? blinkered? rigid? restraining? No - you don't understand how busy I am! how many things I need to do, achieve, be - exactly! That's why many of us are not effective spiritual leaders (Ouch! That's harsh Ps Rhett)
Listen! the high calling of God in Christ deserves everything you are if you are to realise it.
Imagine you are running with all your might to win the 100 mtr dash, Imagine you are a policeman giving chase to a dangerous criminal, every cell of your body is engaged in a passionate pursuit of your goal; this is the picture the Greek gives us. The mark ('Skopos') is a distant point, (Think of a rifle 'scope') a point of reference in the physical distance or a mental goal we are attaining too. For Paul it was to attain and be all that God had for him & the full realisation of his salvation in every way. As spiritual leaders we must be focused on this ourselves before we can effectively bring anyone else into it.
Now lets look at the 'How' of purpose - Paul was very deliberate in how he achieved this 'One thing' - he did not allow his past to drag him back. He 'forgot' his unfruitful past. One man has said "its difficult to embrace the future, when your wrists are chained to the past." A life of regret will paralyze you from positive action in the present - we need to burn that movie reel we continually play in our heads and write a new script, starring you - the apprehender of a glorious future! Call it 'Adventures in God - on the road to Glory!" written by God, directed by the Holy Spirit, and featuring you. The second thing Paul did was to 'reach forth' for the future this was a deliberate mindset to make every moment in his present contribute positively to his future. I remember the story of Gene Cernan, Apollo astronaut who tells of his journey to the moon in his book "Moonwalker' - as a young teenager he was enthralled with the idea of getting to the moon, at 12 he tells his grandmother "I will walk on the moon one day" of course the family thought the poor child was lunatic! he says that from that day forward he applied himself at High school, ccollege, the military, on to Nasa and eventually the Apollo training program, and eventually was part of the Apollo 16 moon mission - almost 20 years later. He made a deliberate decision to apprehend a preferred future, and every decision and action was made to contribute to this.
The third thing Paul did was to 'press toward' this 'one thing' as we have said with all his mental, physical, emotional & spiritual strength. This is the power of a singular purpose in leadership, if we want to be influential. Its not enough to just have a good purpose, or even a noble purpose - but do you have this purpose - the 'One thing' Paul was specifically speaking about here? The 'high calling of God in Christ Jesus'
I trust that as leaders in God's house this is our purpose - to know this and to make this known to others.
Keep up the good work!
Ps Rhett
Next week: Third 'P' of purpose = Power
Monday, August 16, 2010
Memo to small groups leaders
ATT: All leaders - 'Extraordinary' series will begin on Sept 19th (combined service day)
We will be working out of the 'Extraordinary' participants workbook available now for $10 from the Church info desk. All leaders are advised to get a copy of the book and encourage all their group members to buy a copy as well. The price of the book has been subsidised from the Church. This series will take us into December - so all the material you will need to conduct your small group session will be in the workbook - the preaching will run parallel to this - subjects presented from John Bevere's original 'Extraordinary' book by those scheduled to preach.
Dave & Sue have asked that no books be taken or distributed without payment first. We have plenty of stock available so get your book asap and begin to prepare your mind & spirit for an Extraordinary journey!
Regards,
Ps Rhett
We will be working out of the 'Extraordinary' participants workbook available now for $10 from the Church info desk. All leaders are advised to get a copy of the book and encourage all their group members to buy a copy as well. The price of the book has been subsidised from the Church. This series will take us into December - so all the material you will need to conduct your small group session will be in the workbook - the preaching will run parallel to this - subjects presented from John Bevere's original 'Extraordinary' book by those scheduled to preach.
Dave & Sue have asked that no books be taken or distributed without payment first. We have plenty of stock available so get your book asap and begin to prepare your mind & spirit for an Extraordinary journey!
Regards,
Ps Rhett
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Being Spiritual Athletes
1 Corinthians 9:24-27
Paul compared the christian life to that of an athlete running to win a trophy or prize. Like an athlete, the true christian must learn self-discipline and endurance. Christians must learn how to bring their bodies and flesh under god's control by the power of the Holy Spirit
Just as christans must give up certain things in order to win a race, so christians must be prepared to give up certain things in order to be all that God created them to be.
A careful distinction should be made between the prize and the gift. The free gift of justification cannot be the result of good works. However the prize or crown is the reward for endurance and suffering for the cause of Christ.
In the race that we run it's not about how we start off that matters or even the journey, but it's how we end the race that counts. Our vision should be on a spiritual goal. There is no end to our training until we receive the crown. we shouldn't believe with a lazy presumption that God will take care off everything. No effort means no victory.
The spiritual athlete knows that their continual choices of good over bad will make them grow and flourish and that it requires suffering.
2 Timothy - An athlete who runs in a race cannot win the prize unless he obeys the rules.
A christian cannot allow themselves to do some of the things the world does because of their commitment to spiritual discipline.
Michelle Cozins
Paul compared the christian life to that of an athlete running to win a trophy or prize. Like an athlete, the true christian must learn self-discipline and endurance. Christians must learn how to bring their bodies and flesh under god's control by the power of the Holy Spirit
Just as christans must give up certain things in order to win a race, so christians must be prepared to give up certain things in order to be all that God created them to be.
A careful distinction should be made between the prize and the gift. The free gift of justification cannot be the result of good works. However the prize or crown is the reward for endurance and suffering for the cause of Christ.
In the race that we run it's not about how we start off that matters or even the journey, but it's how we end the race that counts. Our vision should be on a spiritual goal. There is no end to our training until we receive the crown. we shouldn't believe with a lazy presumption that God will take care off everything. No effort means no victory.
The spiritual athlete knows that their continual choices of good over bad will make them grow and flourish and that it requires suffering.
2 Timothy - An athlete who runs in a race cannot win the prize unless he obeys the rules.
A christian cannot allow themselves to do some of the things the world does because of their commitment to spiritual discipline.
Michelle Cozins
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
FIrst 'P' = Passion
It is recorded of Jehu: "2 Kings 9:20 "Again the watchman reported, he has reached them but hasn't turned back, Also the driving is like that of Jehu the son of Nimshi - for he drives furiously!" Jehu was a man with a prophetic gifting on his life and also divinley appointed by the prophet to be king over Isreal for a time - specifically to depose Ahab and deal with his coniving wife. The happless watchman involved in this story is observing Jehu approach from a distance, and obviously Jehu had a reputation for being a man of passion! Yep thats Jehu alright! look at the way he is driving that chariot up on one wheel! - it seems that passion was evident in this leaders life.
Our first principle of influence is PASSION. As a leader you will have to get a 'fire in the belly' for your God, your ministry, your life and for people. It records in the Gospel that as Jesus was going bezerk in the temple - whipping, slapping, pushing, kicking tables over 'escorting people off the premises' with shouts, yelling and much gusto - the disciples were looking on (I can just see them with mouths open - in the corner of the room) they remembered that it was written "the zeal of God thath consumed me" John 2:17 Where are the leaders consumed with a passion for the 'House of God'? Where are leaders whose lives are defined by passion? - Like Jehu, when people observe you from a distance - they know when your chariot swings by, things are going to get a bit messed up! We must however make allowances for leaders of differing temperaments, maturity and confidence; You may be the 'strong, silent type' - but are you ministering our of a passionate heart for God? I hope so.
Passionate leaders
> Initiate care for God's people - have their eyes/ears/hearts open to the needs around them; move quickly and act practically.
> Will be seen at prayer / worship /services - try and keep them away! they will be heard as well!
> Live out of a passion to support / build / defend / God's house.
> Live generously, dangerously, intentionally, inspirationally, for God.
> Are influencing others around them / drawing them along in their wake!
Is it any wonder when the disciples came to Thessalonica that they were described as the "Ones who have turned the world upside down have come here also!" Acts 17:6 They had been with the one who had so influenced them with His passion - that they became world changers. Stir it up leaders! live from the' fire in the belly'. See how many people you can 'ignite' for God.
Next week: PURPOSE
Our first principle of influence is PASSION. As a leader you will have to get a 'fire in the belly' for your God, your ministry, your life and for people. It records in the Gospel that as Jesus was going bezerk in the temple - whipping, slapping, pushing, kicking tables over 'escorting people off the premises' with shouts, yelling and much gusto - the disciples were looking on (I can just see them with mouths open - in the corner of the room) they remembered that it was written "the zeal of God thath consumed me" John 2:17 Where are the leaders consumed with a passion for the 'House of God'? Where are leaders whose lives are defined by passion? - Like Jehu, when people observe you from a distance - they know when your chariot swings by, things are going to get a bit messed up! We must however make allowances for leaders of differing temperaments, maturity and confidence; You may be the 'strong, silent type' - but are you ministering our of a passionate heart for God? I hope so.
Passionate leaders
> Initiate care for God's people - have their eyes/ears/hearts open to the needs around them; move quickly and act practically.
> Will be seen at prayer / worship /services - try and keep them away! they will be heard as well!
> Live out of a passion to support / build / defend / God's house.
> Live generously, dangerously, intentionally, inspirationally, for God.
> Are influencing others around them / drawing them along in their wake!
Is it any wonder when the disciples came to Thessalonica that they were described as the "Ones who have turned the world upside down have come here also!" Acts 17:6 They had been with the one who had so influenced them with His passion - that they became world changers. Stir it up leaders! live from the' fire in the belly'. See how many people you can 'ignite' for God.
Next week: PURPOSE
Monday, August 2, 2010
Grace House Weekly Devotions Which tent are you living in?
Everyone lives in one of two tents - content or discontent. In which do you live?
The contented person looks beyond circumstances and sees a better day;
The discontented person looks at circumstances and sees no other way.
The contented person understands the purpose for which he or she was born;
The discontented person looks at others' success with a face filled with scorn.
The contented person has surrended to a purpose that demands his or her best;
The discontented person has selflishly hoarded much and grasping for more, will not rest.
The contented person has placed his or her values on things that will forever last;
The discontented person has placed his or her values on things that will soon past.
The contented person is anchored to clear goals and is hardly ever swayed;
The discontented person has no goals that anchor him or her and is many times dismayed.
The contented person counts his or her blessings and names them one by one.
The discontented person counts other's blesings and thinks he or she has no fun.
Everyone lives in one of two tents - content or discontent. In which one do you live?
Phillipians 4:11
Not that I speak in regard for need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content.
Why is contentment a great and privileged part of christian living? It is because contentment brings heaven into our lives. Contentment, when practised in faith, becomes a wellspring of heaven to us. In heaven we shall lack nothing and experience no wants, needs, or desires. In heaven all will be fullfilled and to have contentment here on earth already is to seize heaven now. Being content requires discipline, prayer and often a climb back to the altar of self-sacrifice.Contentment and whinning can never dwell in the same space. They are two sides of one coin.
Being content with life is being content with Jesus. The closer our relationship with Him is, the more content we are. True contentment is found in the strength of Christ.
We can be in the perfect place to have what we need but we miss it by reaching for something else. We are always striving for something more or different. What we have is never enough.
One of the ten commandments is "thou shall not covet." Coveting is a desire to have what is not yours. But it goes much deeper than that to include the desire for anything that prevents us from being content with what we have or where we are in our lives. Are you saying to God, " Your blessings are not enough for me" or " You are not enough for me"
Everyone lives in one of two tents - content or discontent. In which do you live?
The contented person looks beyond circumstances and sees a better day;
The discontented person looks at circumstances and sees no other way.
The contented person understands the purpose for which he or she was born;
The discontented person looks at others' success with a face filled with scorn.
The contented person has surrended to a purpose that demands his or her best;
The discontented person has selflishly hoarded much and grasping for more, will not rest.
The contented person has placed his or her values on things that will forever last;
The discontented person has placed his or her values on things that will soon past.
The contented person is anchored to clear goals and is hardly ever swayed;
The discontented person has no goals that anchor him or her and is many times dismayed.
The contented person counts his or her blessings and names them one by one.
The discontented person counts other's blesings and thinks he or she has no fun.
Everyone lives in one of two tents - content or discontent. In which one do you live?
Phillipians 4:11
Not that I speak in regard for need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content.
Why is contentment a great and privileged part of christian living? It is because contentment brings heaven into our lives. Contentment, when practised in faith, becomes a wellspring of heaven to us. In heaven we shall lack nothing and experience no wants, needs, or desires. In heaven all will be fullfilled and to have contentment here on earth already is to seize heaven now. Being content requires discipline, prayer and often a climb back to the altar of self-sacrifice.Contentment and whinning can never dwell in the same space. They are two sides of one coin.
Being content with life is being content with Jesus. The closer our relationship with Him is, the more content we are. True contentment is found in the strength of Christ.
We can be in the perfect place to have what we need but we miss it by reaching for something else. We are always striving for something more or different. What we have is never enough.
One of the ten commandments is "thou shall not covet." Coveting is a desire to have what is not yours. But it goes much deeper than that to include the desire for anything that prevents us from being content with what we have or where we are in our lives. Are you saying to God, " Your blessings are not enough for me" or " You are not enough for me"
Everyone lives in one of two tents - content or discontent. In which do you live?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)