Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.
Colossians 4:2, ESV
It is easier to be distracted with entertainment and pleasures, but we are called to sacrifice our wants and desires, crucifying them in Christ, and lifting each other up in prayer, seeking God in prayer, and growing in thankfulness … through regular, sacrificial prayer.
Therefore, encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.
1 Thessalonians 5:11, ESV
Let us die to selfishness, nailing it to the cross, and instead focus on strengthening our fellow believers through encouraging words and helpful works, always pointing each other to Christ.
O Lord, you are my God; I will exalt you; I will praise your name, for you have done wonderful things, plans formed of old, faithful and sure.
Isaiah 25:1, ESV
Like our God sacrificed His Son for us, we sacrifice time and pleasures for the ultimate pleasure of worshiping our Creator who planned our salvation from eternity past.
In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.
Psalm 4:8, ESV
Nothing we do can guarantee peace and safety in this life, but when sacrifice our peace and security with Christ and accept the peace and eternal security He offers, we can find rest for our minds and souls.
Our elders just held a Volunteer Appreciation Dinner on Friday, at which we served our deacons, Bible study leaders, and other volunteers (and their families) dinner, offered a short message of gratitude for ministering and some entertainment, gave away door prizes, and showed a movie.
The message this morning is finding encouragement in our faithful Savior (Matthew 12:15-21).
In other words, this weekend for our congregation has been a big thank you to our congregation.
Let’s live out gratitude daily, not just today or this weekend.
Daniel
This Sunday at Church I want to encourage you to do the following: Thank someone who encourages you. Sometimes we can take people and things for granted. If we realize while reading this someone who encourage you at church I think it is worthwhile to thank them for encouraging you. I look back and realized […]
I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
Galatians 2:20, ESV
We are no longer our own. We have been purchased, redeemed, and our old self – with all of it’s desires and selfishness – was killed off on the cross with Christ.
One thing have I asked of the Lord, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to inquire in his temple.
Psalm 27:4, ESV
This world has many answers for happiness and truths, but the greatest truth and joy is found in God.
Pray that God reveals Himself to you in amazing ways, that you may spend time seeking His wisdom and beauty faithfully.
Do we truly love the Lord our God with all our hearts, souls, minds, and strengths? Maybe I can help with the mind part, at least! This is Daniel M. Klem, apparent poet, reluctant yet passionate Disciple (Peter?), and foolish man attempting to understand theology!