Philip 2:14-16
14Do everything without complaining or arguing, 15so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe 16as you hold out the word of life—in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing.
I have to admit that sometimes I would "vent" a lot about things, but the Lord says not to complain or argue so that I may be blameless and pure. Although it is all in the Love for the Lord, it is tough at times, but the Lord shows us to confide in Him and He will be with us.
I need to stop my complaining, even if it in the heart. I know that all of these ministries is tough, but I need to draw my strength from the Lord God for He is my rock.
Father, I pray for your strength. I need you to be with me through tough times. I pray that I may not have a heart that complains or argues, but a heart that is after your own heart. One that loves and does things cheerfully. I thank you for this word and pray that it change my spirit in my ministry. I thank you again and pray this in Jesus name.
Amen.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
God's Words Preached In Love
Phillip 1:15-18
15It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. 16The latter do so in love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. 17The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. 18But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.
Paul speaks about the heart of the message and how there are different motives behind people that share God's message. Though it is important to share God's words with others, the issue is the heart of it.
We should always share God's words in Love. Just like Jesus, we must show love to those that don't know Christ. It is in love that we share the gospel to others.
Father God, I thank you for your grace and mercy on me for I am a sinner. I do wrong and am not worthy to be in your Holy Spirit, but only through your Love for me can I do so. I am blessed to serving you and I pray that I may serve you with a loving heart. I pray that my motive be love and for others to know your through a loving heart. I thank you for this passage to remind me of that and I need to continue to work in this. I thank you and praise you in Jesus name.
Amen.
15It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. 16The latter do so in love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. 17The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. 18But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.
Paul speaks about the heart of the message and how there are different motives behind people that share God's message. Though it is important to share God's words with others, the issue is the heart of it.
We should always share God's words in Love. Just like Jesus, we must show love to those that don't know Christ. It is in love that we share the gospel to others.
Father God, I thank you for your grace and mercy on me for I am a sinner. I do wrong and am not worthy to be in your Holy Spirit, but only through your Love for me can I do so. I am blessed to serving you and I pray that I may serve you with a loving heart. I pray that my motive be love and for others to know your through a loving heart. I thank you for this passage to remind me of that and I need to continue to work in this. I thank you and praise you in Jesus name.
Amen.
Monday, June 09, 2008
Beyond Understanding
Ecc 11:3-5
3 If clouds are full of water,
they pour rain upon the earth.
Whether a tree falls to the south or to the north,
in the place where it falls, there will it lie.
4 Whoever watches the wind will not plant;
whoever looks at the clouds will not reap.
5 As you do not know the path of the wind,
or how the body is formed in a mother's womb,
so you cannot understand the work of God,
the Maker of all things.
This passage shows me that there is so much that I don't know about the world, and that I was not made to try and figure it out. God wants us to trust in Him in our life. He shows us so many things that are out of our understanding to let us know that it is beyond our comprehension.
Just let God be God, and enjoy His creation and the life that He has blessed us with. There are many people that go through life trying to figure it out, but God shows us here that we will never be able to understand the workings of a great Universe that He created.
Father, I know that you are the greatest among all things. You are the God of this Universe. We are so small compared to your greatness, and I know that it is not for us to understand You, but to trust you and live a life that is worthy of You. I thank you Lord for the blessings you have given and the challenges that make me who I am. I give you all the praises and thanks, and pray this in Jesus name.
Amen.
3 If clouds are full of water,
they pour rain upon the earth.
Whether a tree falls to the south or to the north,
in the place where it falls, there will it lie.
4 Whoever watches the wind will not plant;
whoever looks at the clouds will not reap.
5 As you do not know the path of the wind,
or how the body is formed in a mother's womb,
so you cannot understand the work of God,
the Maker of all things.
This passage shows me that there is so much that I don't know about the world, and that I was not made to try and figure it out. God wants us to trust in Him in our life. He shows us so many things that are out of our understanding to let us know that it is beyond our comprehension.
Just let God be God, and enjoy His creation and the life that He has blessed us with. There are many people that go through life trying to figure it out, but God shows us here that we will never be able to understand the workings of a great Universe that He created.
Father, I know that you are the greatest among all things. You are the God of this Universe. We are so small compared to your greatness, and I know that it is not for us to understand You, but to trust you and live a life that is worthy of You. I thank you Lord for the blessings you have given and the challenges that make me who I am. I give you all the praises and thanks, and pray this in Jesus name.
Amen.
Sunday, June 08, 2008
How To Build Others Up
Eph 4:29-32
29Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 30And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
As a leader, I must be living a life that does not cause anyone else to stumble, but to build others up in Christ. I know that this passage shows me how to do these things. It is so that we may live together as a united Body of Christ.
I must not cause others to stumble through the ways that I go about handling things and how I act to those I am leading and others. I must show compassion and take the lead in what God wants so that others may follow. It is influence that is pleasing to God.
Father, I thank you for your love for me and others while in sin. I thank you for building me up as a leader so that I may lead others in You. I pray that I may be able to show others the path, not causing others to stumble, but to live a life that is fulfilling in Christ. I pray that you change me and refine me in this way. I know that it is going to be though, but I know that you will be with me through this. I thank you and pray this in Jesus name.
Amen.
29Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 30And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
As a leader, I must be living a life that does not cause anyone else to stumble, but to build others up in Christ. I know that this passage shows me how to do these things. It is so that we may live together as a united Body of Christ.
I must not cause others to stumble through the ways that I go about handling things and how I act to those I am leading and others. I must show compassion and take the lead in what God wants so that others may follow. It is influence that is pleasing to God.
Father, I thank you for your love for me and others while in sin. I thank you for building me up as a leader so that I may lead others in You. I pray that I may be able to show others the path, not causing others to stumble, but to live a life that is fulfilling in Christ. I pray that you change me and refine me in this way. I know that it is going to be though, but I know that you will be with me through this. I thank you and pray this in Jesus name.
Amen.
Saturday, June 07, 2008
Vows and Promises
Ecc 5:4-7
4 When you make a vow to God, do not delay in fulfilling it. He has no pleasure in fools; fulfill your vow. 5 It is better not to vow than to make a vow and not fulfill it. 6 Do not let your mouth lead you into sin. And do not protest to the temple messenger, "My vow was a mistake." Why should God be angry at what you say and destroy the work of your hands? 7 Much dreaming and many words are meaningless. Therefore stand in awe of God.
This is exactly the discussion I was having with Dustin the other night. It is better if you not make a promise than say you're going to do something and not do it. It says it here in the book of Ecclesiastes. This is so that we are able to work together as one unity in the Body of Christ.
I need to also watch myself when I make vows to others. I must also work on not making so many vows that I may stretch myself to thin among ministry. I must put my heart into the things that I do and do it for the Lord.
Father, I thank you for your wisdom. I know that you are the Lord and that you have so many things for us to do that will glorify your name, but Lord, I pray that I may not make promises I can not keep. Guide me in this way so that I may not cause any to stumble. Let your Holy Spirit guide me and show me how to do these things. I thank you and praise you in Jesus name.
Amen.
4 When you make a vow to God, do not delay in fulfilling it. He has no pleasure in fools; fulfill your vow. 5 It is better not to vow than to make a vow and not fulfill it. 6 Do not let your mouth lead you into sin. And do not protest to the temple messenger, "My vow was a mistake." Why should God be angry at what you say and destroy the work of your hands? 7 Much dreaming and many words are meaningless. Therefore stand in awe of God.
This is exactly the discussion I was having with Dustin the other night. It is better if you not make a promise than say you're going to do something and not do it. It says it here in the book of Ecclesiastes. This is so that we are able to work together as one unity in the Body of Christ.
I need to also watch myself when I make vows to others. I must also work on not making so many vows that I may stretch myself to thin among ministry. I must put my heart into the things that I do and do it for the Lord.
Father, I thank you for your wisdom. I know that you are the Lord and that you have so many things for us to do that will glorify your name, but Lord, I pray that I may not make promises I can not keep. Guide me in this way so that I may not cause any to stumble. Let your Holy Spirit guide me and show me how to do these things. I thank you and praise you in Jesus name.
Amen.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)