On Being Self-Serving

 On Being Self-Serving

Am I self-serving? Do I want to be the center of attention? the meaning of selfish is acting for or thinking of one's own interest and putting oneself above others.

Matthew 26:14 "What are you willing to give me if I deliver Him to you? And they counted out to him thirty pieces of silver." John 21:15 "Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?

Do I only Love God for what He can provide? Psalm 97:10 "You who Love the Lord, hate evil! He preserves the souls of HIs saints; He delivers them out of the hand of the wicked."

Do I go to Church for what the Bride of Christ can give me? Matthew 23:25 "Woe to you Scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you cleanse the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of extortion and self-indulgence."

Do I serve in order to be the center of attention? Matthew 23:11-12 "But he who is greatest among you shall be your servant. and whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.

Does my attitude reflect m relationship with Jesus? Philippians 2:5 "Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant and coming in the likeness of men."

Am I teachable? John 6:65 "Therefore I have said to you that no one can come to Me unless it has been granted to him by the Father."

Judas rejected the teaching of Jesus.

Do I apply the lessons God speaks to me in my daily life? Deut. 6:5 & 9 "You shall Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength." "You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates."

You can read more posts like this at sherryasouthard.blogspot.com.

 

Church Family Q & A

 Church Family Q & A

1. Is my church family a priority in my life?  Hebrews 10:25 "not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the day approaching."

2. Do I invest my talents to God through my church family? Romans 12:4-6a."There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works in all."

3. Do I invest my tithes and offerings to God through my church family? Malachi 3:10 "Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house, and try me in this, Says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out such a blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it."

4. Do I invest my inner most needs to God through my church family: 2 Cor. 6:4a "But in all things we commend ourselves as ministers of God."

5. Do I invest my worship of God with my church family? Eh. 5:19-20 "Speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs making melody in your heart to the Lord, giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ."

6.Do my words reflect the love I profess for my church family? John 13

7. Am I a good representative of my church family? 2 Cor. 5:20 "Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as through us; we implore you on Christ's behalf, be reconciled to God."

Believing God's Plan of Salvation.

 Believing God's Plan of Salvation

1. Jesus is the Son of God.

2. Jesus died for me.

3. God raised Jesus from the dead.

4. I will pray and ask God to forgive me today.

5. I confess Jesus as my Lord and Savior.

6. I am to follow Jesus in baptism.

We must be devoted to the Word of God.  John 16:1ff

Grow in the church. Acts 2:42 "And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers."  I Cor. 5:4 "In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when you are gathered together, along with my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ, deliver such a one to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that his spirit may be saved in the day of Jesus." Stay away from immorality.

Christ is our cornerstone. Ephesians 2:19-22.

Church is home for all who belong to God. Ephesians 3:14,15. "For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named."

The Church is the bride of Christ. Ephesians 5:25-27.

Each Christian is a part of the body. I Cor. 12:27 "Now you re the body of Christ, and members individually.

Spiritually Plugged In

 Spiritually Plugged In

"But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away." I Cor. 13:10

Reasons why people become spiritually mobile; Why they leave the church:

1. They see the messenger rather than the message. We are imperfect vessels. II Cor. 4

    Romans 3:23 "For all have sinned and fallen short of the Glory of God". 

In Isaiah 6:5 Isaiah claims to be a man of unclean lips, and dwells in the midst of unclean people. 

2. There are some hearts that are not able to be taught.

We should pray to God to change who we are, to open up our heart to see what He does.

Psalm 139:23,24 "Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties; And see if there is any wicked way in me, And lead me in the way everlasting."

3. Some have a superiority complex - a cry for help Romans 11:3-5 - They always feel persecuted. They commend their self righteous.

Hebrews 13:17

4. They have personal prejudices. Jonah 3:6-8

Choosing Your Friends

 Choosing Your Friends

I Corinthians 15:33 "Do not be deceived, evil company corrupts good habits."

Bad relationships include disrespect, jealousy, lies, unforgiveness, and control freaks.

Bad company is a person who is worthless, depraved, injurious, wicked and gives bad advice.

Character is who you are at the core.  a friend, a confidante, those who are closest to us. 

2 Corinthians 6:14 "Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness?"

    1. Don't missionary date - one person dates another from a different faith in hopes of changing that person's faith or religion.

    2. Only date men and women who have proven their relationship with God through Jesus Christ.

Galatians 6:1 "Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any sin, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness considering yourself lest you also be tempted."

Ephesians 5:15-17 "See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Therefore, do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is." 

Matthew 6:33 "But seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added to you."

The wise person puts priority on their time: Serving God, On God's will. (What would Jesus do?)

James 5:16 "Confess your sins one to another and pray for one another that you may be healed."

I John 4:2 " By this you know the spirit of God. Every Spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God.

    1. Take ownership of your church family.

    2. Get involved.

    3. Grow in your relationship with God. 

    4. Have your accountability partner challenge you

    5. Avoid temptation.

    6. Pray to God to overcome satan.

    

God Bless You always, Sherry