We looked at three names of Jesus yesterday and celebrated what they mean.
The first was Jesus is our Immanuel: God with us. God is with us at all time. He never leaves us. The question is do we acknowledge His presence. It is great to fill His presence when with a group of believers, do you feel His presence when you are alone?
Secondly, Jesus is our savior: God for us. I can imagine all the great gifts received for Christmas. But have you received the greatest gift? Jesus, God in person came to earth to offer you a gift. Have you received it? How do you know?
Thirdly, Jesus is our Christ the Lord: God in us. There is a difference between Jesus as our savior and Jesus as our Lord. When we allow Him to be Lord we surrender our entire life to Him. As we prepare for the new year, what is one thing or person you can surrender in the New Year? Is there something God would have you add to your life, or delete from your life?
May bless you as we begin 2010!
Monday, December 28, 2009
Monday, November 23, 2009
Joseph
Joseph was a man of influence. We don't know a lot about Joseph but we do know a little about his influence. We know he was influenced by his relationship with God, his sensitivity to God, his obedience to God, and his worship of God.
We are all influencing people everyday. We are influencing kids, friends, co-workers and anyone else we cross paths with. If you would like to be a positive influence for Jesus, then we must be influenced by God. Do you have a relationship with God?
We have to be sensitive to what God is telling us. Do you listen to God through Bible reading and quiet time daily?
How is your obedience to God? If Joseph would not have been obedient then God would not have worked out His perfect plan through him. God has a perfect plan for your life, but you have to be obedient to Him.
Does God get glory from you? Do you attend church and influence those around you, or do you like to stay home and keep the glory to yourself? God built us for worship in a crowd and at home.
We are all influencing people everyday. We are influencing kids, friends, co-workers and anyone else we cross paths with. If you would like to be a positive influence for Jesus, then we must be influenced by God. Do you have a relationship with God?
We have to be sensitive to what God is telling us. Do you listen to God through Bible reading and quiet time daily?
How is your obedience to God? If Joseph would not have been obedient then God would not have worked out His perfect plan through him. God has a perfect plan for your life, but you have to be obedient to Him.
Does God get glory from you? Do you attend church and influence those around you, or do you like to stay home and keep the glory to yourself? God built us for worship in a crowd and at home.
Friday, November 6, 2009
Mary
Join in as we discuss Mary.she had to trust God for the impossible and if we can learn to do the same, He will work a miracle in our lives. Join us on November 15th to get started on the upcoming holiday season.
Monday, August 10, 2009
All I really need is Friendship
Who is your best friend? At the end of the service we found out our best friend can be Jesus. Do you know Him? He will be with you no matter what. He already know all your faults and still wants to be your friend. Today would be a great day to start a relationship with Jesus.
Being a friend involves Availability, Dependability, Vulnerability, and Responsibility.
How do you develop deeper friendship?
Be
F orgiving
R ealistic
I curably grateful
E couraging
N atural
D isciple of Jesus
Which area do you need to work on the most? If you want to have a friend, you have to BE a friend
Being a friend involves Availability, Dependability, Vulnerability, and Responsibility.
How do you develop deeper friendship?
Be
F orgiving
R ealistic
I curably grateful
E couraging
N atural
D isciple of Jesus
Which area do you need to work on the most? If you want to have a friend, you have to BE a friend
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Security
Security is looked for in many places. Family, friends, finances among others. Today we looked at finding security in God. He is the only one we can depend on no matter what.
To find security in God we commit, which is to reveal our real self to Him. Have you gotten honest with God lately, humbly admitting your sins and short comings?
Secondly, we trust Him, that is to release it to the Lord. What ever burden you are carrying around you can release to Him. The sooner we do that the sooner we can find security in Him.
Thirdly, dwell in Him, that is to remain. So many people come to God and the church and find comfort and then stop coming back. then they wonder why they are insecure. The bible teaches to remain in Him and He is in our services. To stay secure we need to remain in the house of God.
Fourthly, we looked at Delight, that is rejoice in the Lord. Christ died so that we can have eternal life and that is reason enough to rejoice in the Lord. If you have received Him into your life, you know what I am talking about. If not, let us know because God wants you to know.
And lastly, Wait, that is rest in the Lord.The Bible teaches be still and know that God is God. We often hurry into decisions when we should be waiting on the Lord.
Do you find your security in Jesus?
To find security in God we commit, which is to reveal our real self to Him. Have you gotten honest with God lately, humbly admitting your sins and short comings?
Secondly, we trust Him, that is to release it to the Lord. What ever burden you are carrying around you can release to Him. The sooner we do that the sooner we can find security in Him.
Thirdly, dwell in Him, that is to remain. So many people come to God and the church and find comfort and then stop coming back. then they wonder why they are insecure. The bible teaches to remain in Him and He is in our services. To stay secure we need to remain in the house of God.
Fourthly, we looked at Delight, that is rejoice in the Lord. Christ died so that we can have eternal life and that is reason enough to rejoice in the Lord. If you have received Him into your life, you know what I am talking about. If not, let us know because God wants you to know.
And lastly, Wait, that is rest in the Lord.The Bible teaches be still and know that God is God. We often hurry into decisions when we should be waiting on the Lord.
Do you find your security in Jesus?
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Understanding
What did you think of the idea of thinking of someone you want to understand you, then learning Biblical truth and then being asked to apply it to that person? That really makes you look at yourself and not the other person, They want to be understood as much as you do.
How do we become better listeners?
What did we learn? Don't always judge by first impressions. John 7;24 says Stop judging by mere appearances . . . . First impressions are often wrong. Most people are not comfortable meeting new people or new circumstances. We can and need to get to know someone, not jump to quick conclusions.
We looked at Phil 2:4 and not looking our for our only our interest. We should be looking out for others.
3. Don't give an answer before the other person is through talking. Proverbs says he who answers before listening - that is he folly and shame (18:13)
Have you ever don't that? I know I have and it is because I am not understanding, I am thinking ahead.
4. We are to do this calmly? ouch! Proverbs tells us that a man's wisdom gives patience (19:11). maybe we aren't calm because we have not understood. Maybe we have but have we overlooked an offence so God can get glory?
5. Are you an active listener? Proverbs 20:5
6. do you recognise the healing power of a listening ear? James 5:16
7. Do something about what you understand. James 1:22 says Do not merely listen to the word, ans so deceive yourselves. DO what it says. This is how we become more like Jesus!
How do we become better listeners?
What did we learn? Don't always judge by first impressions. John 7;24 says Stop judging by mere appearances . . . . First impressions are often wrong. Most people are not comfortable meeting new people or new circumstances. We can and need to get to know someone, not jump to quick conclusions.
We looked at Phil 2:4 and not looking our for our only our interest. We should be looking out for others.
3. Don't give an answer before the other person is through talking. Proverbs says he who answers before listening - that is he folly and shame (18:13)
Have you ever don't that? I know I have and it is because I am not understanding, I am thinking ahead.
4. We are to do this calmly? ouch! Proverbs tells us that a man's wisdom gives patience (19:11). maybe we aren't calm because we have not understood. Maybe we have but have we overlooked an offence so God can get glory?
5. Are you an active listener? Proverbs 20:5
6. do you recognise the healing power of a listening ear? James 5:16
7. Do something about what you understand. James 1:22 says Do not merely listen to the word, ans so deceive yourselves. DO what it says. This is how we become more like Jesus!
Monday, May 25, 2009
Monday, May 11, 2009
The Greatest Mother's Day gift
We looked at the best Mother's day gift you can give. The three steps are Accept her, Appreciate her, and Affirm her. we learned that these same principles will work in any relationship to make it better, weather it is strained or in good shape.
We accept others just like they are. This helps build a relationship. We can do this because whatever offence they may have commit ed we are reminded we all have sinned and fallin short of the glory of God.
After accepting we then Appreciate others. This is the process of focusing on others good behaviors. Everybody has some things that are helpful and if we encourage others in those areas instead of putting them down, we will see better relationships,
And Finally we affirm others. This is telling others how much we love them. Words can build a relationship or tear one down. You have that power every day. Tell someone how much they mean to you today.
And finally we researched how God would never ask us to do something He was not willing to do Himself. he has already accepted you just as you are. He already appreciates you and has laid down His life for you.
We accept others just like they are. This helps build a relationship. We can do this because whatever offence they may have commit ed we are reminded we all have sinned and fallin short of the glory of God.
After accepting we then Appreciate others. This is the process of focusing on others good behaviors. Everybody has some things that are helpful and if we encourage others in those areas instead of putting them down, we will see better relationships,
And Finally we affirm others. This is telling others how much we love them. Words can build a relationship or tear one down. You have that power every day. Tell someone how much they mean to you today.
And finally we researched how God would never ask us to do something He was not willing to do Himself. he has already accepted you just as you are. He already appreciates you and has laid down His life for you.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Stayin Alive-Stayin up in Down Times
Today we were blesssed with God's mighty presence. He continually teaches me that He is in charge and no matter what, He is with me. We did not have many in church today for some reason, but those that were there did experience the power of God.
We looked at tough times. As we looked at the world we live in, it was obvious these are hard times and it is hard to stay upbeat. David taught us that no matter the circumstances in our life we can stay upbeat if we up -link, talk to God
We learned we do not have to clench our teeth and get through, we can enjoy live, even in the hard times, how, uplink. Uplink is get in touch with God, prayer.
I have to be still and let God talk. Today I have been struggling with hearing from God. I know he speaks to me and i know He has a purpose for my life, but sometimes I will not sit still and know He is God. I am working on that. I have a very important question for Him, will you pray with me that I will see His will.
When it seems the world is crashing, that is when we need to be still and know Jesus is GOD!
We looked at tough times. As we looked at the world we live in, it was obvious these are hard times and it is hard to stay upbeat. David taught us that no matter the circumstances in our life we can stay upbeat if we up -link, talk to God
We learned we do not have to clench our teeth and get through, we can enjoy live, even in the hard times, how, uplink. Uplink is get in touch with God, prayer.
I have to be still and let God talk. Today I have been struggling with hearing from God. I know he speaks to me and i know He has a purpose for my life, but sometimes I will not sit still and know He is God. I am working on that. I have a very important question for Him, will you pray with me that I will see His will.
When it seems the world is crashing, that is when we need to be still and know Jesus is GOD!
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Bridge Over Troubled Water
We started the day with our new spots for the speakers and the singing went wonderful. Connie does a great job preparing us for worship. Thanks to all the people behind the scenes that make church happen on Sunday's.
I started the sermon with Simon and Garfunkel's Bridge over troubled water. This song was known to be sought by those looking for peace and comfort. We learned there was a better place to find these.
It was powerful to watch God move us from secular to spiritual. As we searched for where God's word teaches us to seek Purity, Promises and Protection, we found our answers in Psalm 119.
God's word, the Bible is where we can find God's love letter to us.
We closed making a commitment to go on a journey together until Pentecost Sunday. We will be reading the powerful word of God during these days ahead. I gave out a reading program to read the four gospel and the book of Acts. We are looking for a new Pentecost to fall on us.
If you would like to join us email me and I will send you a copy of the reading program.
I started the sermon with Simon and Garfunkel's Bridge over troubled water. This song was known to be sought by those looking for peace and comfort. We learned there was a better place to find these.
It was powerful to watch God move us from secular to spiritual. As we searched for where God's word teaches us to seek Purity, Promises and Protection, we found our answers in Psalm 119.
God's word, the Bible is where we can find God's love letter to us.
We closed making a commitment to go on a journey together until Pentecost Sunday. We will be reading the powerful word of God during these days ahead. I gave out a reading program to read the four gospel and the book of Acts. We are looking for a new Pentecost to fall on us.
If you would like to join us email me and I will send you a copy of the reading program.
Monday, March 16, 2009
Yesterday
Purity for Yesterday, Today and Forever
Psalm 1 shows us how god will be treating the godly and ungodly. It it up to each of us to choose which side we will fall on.
V3 talks about the reality of the reward God has for the Godly. If we have decided to follow Jesus and given our lives to Him, we are among the Godly. God promises that if we will be obedient to His word, (I will be preaching about the Bible next week) we will have satisfaction, contribution, health and wealth. It all comes down to finding our all in God!
V 1 talks about the regression of the ungodly. It starts with walking with the ungodly. "Bad company corrupts good Character," Which v in the Bible is that? People move from walking to standing with the wrong crown, this is letting them influence us. and it moves to sitting with the wrong crowd. Backsliding starts here.
The next reality is the rebellion of the ungodly, then rejection of the ungodly. Which side to you fall on. Are you obedient to God's word (Godly) or ungodly (disobedient)? There is a remedy. It is in God's word.
The remedy is v2. Delight in God's law, the Bible.
Psalm 1 shows us how god will be treating the godly and ungodly. It it up to each of us to choose which side we will fall on.
V3 talks about the reality of the reward God has for the Godly. If we have decided to follow Jesus and given our lives to Him, we are among the Godly. God promises that if we will be obedient to His word, (I will be preaching about the Bible next week) we will have satisfaction, contribution, health and wealth. It all comes down to finding our all in God!
V 1 talks about the regression of the ungodly. It starts with walking with the ungodly. "Bad company corrupts good Character," Which v in the Bible is that? People move from walking to standing with the wrong crown, this is letting them influence us. and it moves to sitting with the wrong crowd. Backsliding starts here.
The next reality is the rebellion of the ungodly, then rejection of the ungodly. Which side to you fall on. Are you obedient to God's word (Godly) or ungodly (disobedient)? There is a remedy. It is in God's word.
The remedy is v2. Delight in God's law, the Bible.
Monday, March 9, 2009
R-E-S-P-E-C-T
Seven strategies to secure Self Respect.
R main Committed to God. Commit you life to Christ and stay committed.
E xamine yourself. Get along with God and let Him search us for anything not from Him.
S tay in the word. Jesus said know the scriptures are full of God's power. Mark 12:24
P ersevere in doing right. When no one is looking, do the right thing.
E gage prayer. There is power in prayer. much prayer much power little prayer little power
C ontinue to be positive. The attitude you fuel will be the strongest attitude.
T ake time to worship. Will you make worship a priority?
R main Committed to God. Commit you life to Christ and stay committed.
E xamine yourself. Get along with God and let Him search us for anything not from Him.
S tay in the word. Jesus said know the scriptures are full of God's power. Mark 12:24
P ersevere in doing right. When no one is looking, do the right thing.
E gage prayer. There is power in prayer. much prayer much power little prayer little power
C ontinue to be positive. The attitude you fuel will be the strongest attitude.
T ake time to worship. Will you make worship a priority?
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Raindrops Keep Falling on my Head
We got off to a great start in our Hit Parade:Best Songs of All time.
Today we looked at problems. Is something or somebody raining on your parade? As we followed David in Psalm 13, we noticed at first he was on his face, complaining to God about God and circumstances in his life. We took some time to think about areas of our life we have been complaining about. With the economy down many people are mad at God, and or their circumstances.
In v 3 David turned to prayer. He asked God to show him the light. As he was knelling before God, we saw that when we are complaining we can change like David and start to seek God and His answers.
In v 5 David started to be planted on firm ground and sing praises to God.
David moved from complaining to praising with out any circumstances changing. The only person to change was David himself.
We closed out by actually bowing on our knees and talking with God. We admitted we had been compiling and now wanted to seek His direction.
We left like David praising God.
Join us next week as we look at R-E-S-P-E-C-T
Today we looked at problems. Is something or somebody raining on your parade? As we followed David in Psalm 13, we noticed at first he was on his face, complaining to God about God and circumstances in his life. We took some time to think about areas of our life we have been complaining about. With the economy down many people are mad at God, and or their circumstances.
In v 3 David turned to prayer. He asked God to show him the light. As he was knelling before God, we saw that when we are complaining we can change like David and start to seek God and His answers.
In v 5 David started to be planted on firm ground and sing praises to God.
David moved from complaining to praising with out any circumstances changing. The only person to change was David himself.
We closed out by actually bowing on our knees and talking with God. We admitted we had been compiling and now wanted to seek His direction.
We left like David praising God.
Join us next week as we look at R-E-S-P-E-C-T
Monday, February 2, 2009
Life Change- A Life of Victory
God is so good, I had no idea that our people needed this message so much. I have heard many comments about bad things in peoples lives, and many were encouraged that we can still live a life of victory no matter the circumstances inour lives
1 John 5:1-5 (NIV) Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves the father loves his child as well. This is how we know that we love the children of God: by loving God and carrying out his commands. This is love for God: to obey his commands. And his commands are not burdensome, for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.
We started by reconizing everyone doesn't live a life of victory, we do not have to reamin a victim or circumstance and that Jesus can enable us to overcome the world. The choice is yours, will you let Jesus helill you let the circumstsnces victimize you?
The life of victory starts when we are born again. It starts when we move into a personal relationship with Jesus. It is expressed in our love for others becasue we have received the love of God.
we looked at we can make a decison to live a life of victory if we will stay focused on eternity. Many problems cme and go, but as long as we have an up to date releatioshinp with Jesus, we can live in victory. What will you choose?
defeat or victory? Victory can only be foung in Jesus.
1 John 5:1-5 (NIV) Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves the father loves his child as well. This is how we know that we love the children of God: by loving God and carrying out his commands. This is love for God: to obey his commands. And his commands are not burdensome, for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.
We started by reconizing everyone doesn't live a life of victory, we do not have to reamin a victim or circumstance and that Jesus can enable us to overcome the world. The choice is yours, will you let Jesus helill you let the circumstsnces victimize you?
The life of victory starts when we are born again. It starts when we move into a personal relationship with Jesus. It is expressed in our love for others becasue we have received the love of God.
we looked at we can make a decison to live a life of victory if we will stay focused on eternity. Many problems cme and go, but as long as we have an up to date releatioshinp with Jesus, we can live in victory. What will you choose?
defeat or victory? Victory can only be foung in Jesus.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Life Change - How to Sustain a Changed Life
Many of you have been allowing God to change you since we started this series. I can tell by the number of people getting involved with ministry and CARE groups.
How do we keep it up? New things become old and the freshness goes away, how do we maintain.
First we can maintain if we stay focused on the fact that Jesus is coming back. If we get tired of something here on earth, we can continue on when we focus on Jesus and His return. I want to keep my eyes on Jesus and I pray you will also.
Nest we looked at doing the right thing. Many times we face doing what God wants and what our friends want to do. to sustain life change we learn to do the right thing no matter who is watching, God is always watching. Grace is not some grease we can slide into God's blessings, it take obedience after we become a child of God.
Our third point was to realise who we are. We are God's children with all the rights that go with that. Even though I love the song Friend of God and am glad I am a friend of God, to maintain under pressure, I remind myself that I am God's child.
To sustain we have to keep ourselves pure. Not that we can be perfect, but we can at least try. To know you are going to heaven, all we do is trust Christ's blood to get us on the road, nothing else can do that. God does expect us to learn to be obedient as we learn more about Him. He called us to be Holy, which means we will ask WWJD and then do that.
The last point was to love one another. You can sustain your new life change if you will obey Christ in loving each other. We do that by spelling love T I M E. We spend time with others int he church, a CARE group. We spend time with those that don't attend church so they know we love them. Most importantly, we spend time with God. Time reading His word, Time in prayer, Time in meditation will all help us to sustain our life Change.
You want to sustain a life Change, give it to God and then stay close to HIM!
How do we keep it up? New things become old and the freshness goes away, how do we maintain.
First we can maintain if we stay focused on the fact that Jesus is coming back. If we get tired of something here on earth, we can continue on when we focus on Jesus and His return. I want to keep my eyes on Jesus and I pray you will also.
Nest we looked at doing the right thing. Many times we face doing what God wants and what our friends want to do. to sustain life change we learn to do the right thing no matter who is watching, God is always watching. Grace is not some grease we can slide into God's blessings, it take obedience after we become a child of God.
Our third point was to realise who we are. We are God's children with all the rights that go with that. Even though I love the song Friend of God and am glad I am a friend of God, to maintain under pressure, I remind myself that I am God's child.
To sustain we have to keep ourselves pure. Not that we can be perfect, but we can at least try. To know you are going to heaven, all we do is trust Christ's blood to get us on the road, nothing else can do that. God does expect us to learn to be obedient as we learn more about Him. He called us to be Holy, which means we will ask WWJD and then do that.
The last point was to love one another. You can sustain your new life change if you will obey Christ in loving each other. We do that by spelling love T I M E. We spend time with others int he church, a CARE group. We spend time with those that don't attend church so they know we love them. Most importantly, we spend time with God. Time reading His word, Time in prayer, Time in meditation will all help us to sustain our life Change.
You want to sustain a life Change, give it to God and then stay close to HIM!
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Life Change Why do we want to Learn?
This was our last family day in the present format. Starting in February the children and teens will meet together out of church. We are using this time to train teens toward maturity in the church.
Today's message was about learning. We start learning when we are born and need to continue until death. It is proven that the more active we keep our minds the better they will function as we grow older.
We looked at how to meet with God and where. Two places we talked about was in church weekly and in small groups.
God has an appointment with you in His appointment book. He is waiting on you each Sunday at church. He is with us all the time, but this is a special appointment. He wants us all to meet together and worship Him together. Would you make a commitment to be in church each week until Easter?
Secondly, we talked about joining a CARE group until Easter. Jesus met in a small group and if it is good enough for Him it is good enough for me. We have three new groups starting in February and each one is looking for a few people to meet with them. If you life near S Stafford, Spotsylvania, or Bumpass, Contact us and we will help you find a group. The teens look to meet every other Friday in S Stafford.
This week study Hebrews 10:19-39
Memorize Hebrews 10 :25
(ICB) "You should not stay away from church meetings, as some are doing. But you should meet together and encourage each other. do this even more as you see the day coming."
Today's message was about learning. We start learning when we are born and need to continue until death. It is proven that the more active we keep our minds the better they will function as we grow older.
We looked at how to meet with God and where. Two places we talked about was in church weekly and in small groups.
God has an appointment with you in His appointment book. He is waiting on you each Sunday at church. He is with us all the time, but this is a special appointment. He wants us all to meet together and worship Him together. Would you make a commitment to be in church each week until Easter?
Secondly, we talked about joining a CARE group until Easter. Jesus met in a small group and if it is good enough for Him it is good enough for me. We have three new groups starting in February and each one is looking for a few people to meet with them. If you life near S Stafford, Spotsylvania, or Bumpass, Contact us and we will help you find a group. The teens look to meet every other Friday in S Stafford.
This week study Hebrews 10:19-39
Memorize Hebrews 10 :25
(ICB) "You should not stay away from church meetings, as some are doing. But you should meet together and encourage each other. do this even more as you see the day coming."
Monday, January 12, 2009
Life Change - Choice
What a wonderful day at church. We enjoyed the Lord's presence in a sanctifying way. HE is all powerful to cleanse us from sin.
The question of the day, Do you love God or the world?
In loving the world, John the writer, was talking about the mindset of the world. God gave us the world and told us to take care of it and we know god loves humans, that leaves the mind set. The Bible teaches that Satan is the prince of the world and to follow the worlds ways instead of Jesus' way, is to not love God.
When you read John 2.12-17 you can find out how we know we love God. We will be obedient to His commands. We will believe His word and and the truths we learn. We will find fulfilment in God's will. We will base our life on eternity and not on what just will happen while we are here on earth.
As we researched, we understood that all this is not about rules and regulations, even though God's laws are always best for us. Our love for God is what is in our heart. We obey out of love, not fear.
What are some temptations that keep us from loving God? Cravings of the flesh which is the original sin we are born with. It needs to be cleaned. Lust of the Eyes is about us wanting things that are not ours. and Boasting is an unhealthy pride. God loves humility but not many people can claim this virtue.
We looked at we can't love both the world and God because they are headed in different directions. It all acme down to this,
DO YOU LOVE GOD OR THE WORLD?
The problem many people struggle with is trying to love God and the ways of the world. Today, many decided to make the choice to follow God with all their heart, mind, strength and soul. they asked God to forgive them for wanting both and gave Him everything they could think of. Then they gave God themselves.
Wouldn't you like to do that?
The question of the day, Do you love God or the world?
In loving the world, John the writer, was talking about the mindset of the world. God gave us the world and told us to take care of it and we know god loves humans, that leaves the mind set. The Bible teaches that Satan is the prince of the world and to follow the worlds ways instead of Jesus' way, is to not love God.
When you read John 2.12-17 you can find out how we know we love God. We will be obedient to His commands. We will believe His word and and the truths we learn. We will find fulfilment in God's will. We will base our life on eternity and not on what just will happen while we are here on earth.
As we researched, we understood that all this is not about rules and regulations, even though God's laws are always best for us. Our love for God is what is in our heart. We obey out of love, not fear.
What are some temptations that keep us from loving God? Cravings of the flesh which is the original sin we are born with. It needs to be cleaned. Lust of the Eyes is about us wanting things that are not ours. and Boasting is an unhealthy pride. God loves humility but not many people can claim this virtue.
We looked at we can't love both the world and God because they are headed in different directions. It all acme down to this,
DO YOU LOVE GOD OR THE WORLD?
The problem many people struggle with is trying to love God and the ways of the world. Today, many decided to make the choice to follow God with all their heart, mind, strength and soul. they asked God to forgive them for wanting both and gave Him everything they could think of. Then they gave God themselves.
Wouldn't you like to do that?
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Obedience
As we continue our walk with Jesus from the book of 1 John, this week we talked about obedience. In this book the people of God had failed to obey God, live as Jesus did and to love their brothers. What can we do to make sure we don't make the same mistake.
We start by saturating our lives with obedience. We learned it is not about legalism but about following Jesus out of love. When you are in love with Jesus, being obedient comes natural. sometimes easier then others, but it is always our objective.
Next we looked at how all relationship have standards, rules and guidelines. God gives us those guidelines out of love. He created us and knows what is best.
Do you love God? You can tell how much you love Him by your desire to follow His commands. What needs to change in your life/
We start by saturating our lives with obedience. We learned it is not about legalism but about following Jesus out of love. When you are in love with Jesus, being obedient comes natural. sometimes easier then others, but it is always our objective.
Next we looked at how all relationship have standards, rules and guidelines. God gives us those guidelines out of love. He created us and knows what is best.
Do you love God? You can tell how much you love Him by your desire to follow His commands. What needs to change in your life/
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
