1 Corinthians 15:58 With all this going for us, my dear, dear friends, stand your ground. And don't hold back. Throw yourselves into the work of the Master, confident that nothing you do for him is a waste of time or effort.
"And don't hold back." I keep reading that line over and over again, asking God and myself if there are any areas in my life where I am holding back. Are there any areas in your life that you can see you are holding back? It's the start of a new year and it's the perfect time to identify some areas where we are holding back or not standing our ground. God has called us to walk confidently and boldly into the plans and purposes that he has for each of our lives, holding nothing back, being who we are unashamedly and speaking truth unapologetic because nothing, absolutely nothing we do for God is waste of time or effort.
Monday, January 13, 2014
Sunday, January 12, 2014
Can We All Just Get Along?
Romans 14:1 Welcome with open arms fellow believers who don't see things the way you do. And don't jump all over them every time they do or say something you don't agree with- even when it seems that they are strong on opinions but weak in the faith department. Remember, they have their own history to deal with. Treat them gently.
The title of this chapter in Romans is, "Cultivating Good Relationships." The entire chapter is so good but this first verse really hit home for me. We can be so opinionated and pushy about scripture, life issues, decisions of right and wrong, etc. that we forget that we don't know everything and neither do the people around us. God also calls his people to different things at different points in life that may or may not fit the lifestyle of others. He is a personal God, and the things that we will be called to do or not do will be different than the things that he calls or does not call those around us to do. It also says in verse 11, "Eventually, we're all going to end up kneeling side by side in the place of judgment, facing God. Your critical and condescending ways aren't going to improve your position there one bit." Ultimately, when we come to the end of this life on earth, we will stand before God and not each other. We are all in relationship with people that have differing opinions from our own and that is OK. There is a place for accountability and healthy, loving correction but it's time we embrace the differences of others instead of criticizing and condemning our brothers and sisters in Christ.
The title of this chapter in Romans is, "Cultivating Good Relationships." The entire chapter is so good but this first verse really hit home for me. We can be so opinionated and pushy about scripture, life issues, decisions of right and wrong, etc. that we forget that we don't know everything and neither do the people around us. God also calls his people to different things at different points in life that may or may not fit the lifestyle of others. He is a personal God, and the things that we will be called to do or not do will be different than the things that he calls or does not call those around us to do. It also says in verse 11, "Eventually, we're all going to end up kneeling side by side in the place of judgment, facing God. Your critical and condescending ways aren't going to improve your position there one bit." Ultimately, when we come to the end of this life on earth, we will stand before God and not each other. We are all in relationship with people that have differing opinions from our own and that is OK. There is a place for accountability and healthy, loving correction but it's time we embrace the differences of others instead of criticizing and condemning our brothers and sisters in Christ.
Sunday, January 5, 2014
We Come To Gather, Together
Church, some call it a building, for others it is an optional part of their Christian walk. As I watched the New Life family that I've become apart of, come together to worship this morning, I couldn't help but be so uplifted by the pursuit of Christ that was happening among his people. Church isn't just a building or a hospital for broken people to get "fixed", it is a gathering together of imperfect people that is meant to challenge, encourage, inspire, and uplift. We were made for community. It is so important that we purposefully position ourselves in a body of believers where we can grow and find accountability and become a part of a family that will welcome us with open arms.
A large number of people avoid church and even cringe at the mention of it because they have been rejected, offended, hurt or frustrated by the church. Let me tell you, you are not going to find any church where you will not be hurt or offended at some point in time. As I mentioned earlier, the church is made up of imperfect people who make mistakes. It's time we realize that just because we're gathering together with a group of Christ followers does not mean that everyone is perfect and has it all figured out. Let's give grace and extend forgiveness to each other just as Christ did for us. Let's learn from our own mistakes as well as from others'. Let's take the time to be thankful for each other and the unique way that God is working in each of our lives. We are the church, it's time we get out of the rut of just coming to gather and come together in unity, moving forward into all God has called us to.
A large number of people avoid church and even cringe at the mention of it because they have been rejected, offended, hurt or frustrated by the church. Let me tell you, you are not going to find any church where you will not be hurt or offended at some point in time. As I mentioned earlier, the church is made up of imperfect people who make mistakes. It's time we realize that just because we're gathering together with a group of Christ followers does not mean that everyone is perfect and has it all figured out. Let's give grace and extend forgiveness to each other just as Christ did for us. Let's learn from our own mistakes as well as from others'. Let's take the time to be thankful for each other and the unique way that God is working in each of our lives. We are the church, it's time we get out of the rut of just coming to gather and come together in unity, moving forward into all God has called us to.
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