Posts Tagged ‘ Lifestyle ’
Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
Ephesians 5:1-2, ESV
We tend to get too focused on what others do to us or do not do for us.
Instead, we should be more concerned with how we can serve others.
Sacrificially.
Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God abides in us and his love is perfected in us.
1 John 4:11-12, ESV
One of the signs you are a saved Christian is a love for the Church. Just as Jesus was rejected by His own people, we may deal with rude, obnoxious people, or even those who are mean and reject us.
But we still love them.
“For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed. But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God.”
John 3:20-21, ESV
Many avoid accountability with others, because, honestly, they love doing their sinful acts, even while hating that it is true.
To grow in Christ requires allowing His light to shine on all parts of our lives, revealing the embarrassing, sinful things we do, say, and think.
And we need each other in this, as well.
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.
James 1:5, ESV
How many times do we struggle because we do not ask for what we need? How many times have we asked by our actions that God will not help?
He wants to help! He wants to give us His good things!
Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit
Matthew 28:19, ESV
“What is my calling?”
Every person has three objectives within the same one major calling in life, and one objective is to lead others to Christ and help them grow in holiness. It is not just your pastor’s job. It is everyone.
Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope,
Romans 5:3-4, ESV
The reward helps us endure.
The process mabites us more like Christ.
Christ is our hope!
Do 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.
Ephesians 4:29, NIV
Our culture is steeped in dirty jokes, personal roasts, and vile notes.
God calls us to more. A joke is fine, but we should build each other up, help each other out, and invite Christ in.
So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day.
2 Corinthians 4:16 ESV
Life is hard.
As Christians we are called to reconcile with a world that makes life hard. But we have a Savior who understands and strengthens us.
Trust Him.
A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
John 13:34-35 ESV
Israel knew we had to love God and love others, but Jesus came and basically said, “Keep going, guys! I want you to love each other as brothers and sisters!”
We may be a dysfunctional family, but good families stick together, care for each other, and defend each other.
if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.
2 Chronicles 7:14, ESV
God wants to respond to His people. He is about relationships. If we seek Him, we will find Him. This is the first step in changing our world.
a simple man of God 