Me, Myself and I

Selfish:  Seeking or concentrating on one’s own advantage, pleasure, or well being without regard for others

Are you selfish?  We are all selfish from time to time, whether we want to admit it or not.  We are all guilty of thinking of ourselves before or without thinking of others.  Society teaches us to care only for ourselves, to seek ourselves and esteem ourselves.

Selfishness can cause us to be demanding of others.  Selfishness often ruins things.  Selfishness complicates our lives.  Selfishness leads us to do whatever it takes to look out for our #1.  Selfishness can cause us to lie, pout, manipulate, distort the truth – anything to get our own way.  Selfishness blocks us from a happier, more peaceful life.  Selfishness is a nasty business.

“14 But if you are bitterly jealous and there is selfish ambition in your heart, don’t cover up the truth with boasting and lying. 15 For jealousy and selfishness are not God’s kind of wisdom. Such things are earthly, unspiritual, and demonic. 16 For wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and evil of every kind.” (James 3:14-16 NLT)

Scripture refers to selfishness with a negative context.  The acts and behavior of selfishness are against God’s Will and Word.  Selfishness is a sin.  We understand that, yet we still struggle to tame it.

OVERCOMING SELFISHNESS

Admit your selfishness.  Be honest with yourself about it.  This isn’t easy.  Admitting the ugly parts of ourselves is painful.  We all want to avoid pain.  Self-preservation kicks in and we avoid the truth.  Which is worse – admitting our selfishness or continuing to live a selfish life?  Admitting the truth about our selfishness is freeing.  It allows you to let go and begin healing.  It has to start with admitting it to ourselves and to God.

Repent and change your attitude.  Repent to God of your selfishness and ask for forgiveness.  Humble yourself before God.  Ask Him to change your heart and your attitude.  Understand that it is no longer “I” but “we” – you and Christ. 

“He died for everyone so that those who receive his new life will no longer live for themselves. Instead, they will live for Christ, who died and was raised for them.” (2 Corinthians 5:15 NLT)

“Turn away my eyes from looking at worthless things, and revive me in Your way.” (Psalm 119:37 NKJV)

We can’t accomplish the act of selflessness by ourselves.  It goes against every fleshy instinct we were born with.  Thankfully, God can accomplish the impossible.  We need the power of the Holy Spirit working in us and through us.  Ask for God’s assistance as you battle selfishness.  Take selfish thoughts captive.  2 Corinthians 10:5 states “…bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ…”

Follow the model of Christ.  Jesus Christ came down to earth and became a servant to all.  Instead of exercising His power and authority to be served, He chose to come down to earth to serve His people.  He, who is above all, and before all, instead came to be our example and our Savior.  Jesus Christ, in every way, modeled true selflessness. 

“For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.”” (Mark 10:45 NLT)

Jesus knows that the only way for us to live together and experience the abundant, joyful, peaceful lives He wants for us is to live selflessly.

Give generously.  Give generously of your time, your energy, your attention, etc.  Invest in something other than yourself.  Do not worry about people taking advantage of your generosity...allow the Lord to deal with those folks.  The more you give, the easier it will become.  God will present opportunities for you to be selfless; take advantage of those opportunities and give generously.

“Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full—pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back.” (Luke 6:38 NLT)

“3 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. 4 Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.” (Philippians 2:3-4 NLT)

Examine yourself daily.  Every day, examine yourself to see if you were selfish.  Think about your thoughts, attitude, words and actions.  Be honest with yourself.  Stay away from blaming others.  Don’t make excuses for any selfish behavior you may have had.  Repent and ask God for forgiveness for the times you have slipped.  Ask for forgiveness from those whom you affected.  Pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and try again.  Don’t give up and don’t give in.

Love God and love others.  Love kills selfishness.  1 Corinthians chapter 13 states that “love does not seek its own”.  Serving others in love slays the selfishness inside you that constantly wants its own way.  Love gets the focus off you and onto someone else.  Follow Jesus’ commandment to “love one another as I have loved you.”  Do it not because you have to, but because you get to.

“Heavenly Father, thank You for every blessing, every good and perfect gift You have provided to me.  Help me, Lord, to put others before myself and to have a heart to see them as You do.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”

Sticks, Stones and Words Break Bones

“Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.”  Ever heard that before?  It is true?  Not really.  Words are incredibly powerful.  Words can very much be hurtful and can have a lasting impact in your life and the lives of others.

Conversation is a part of every day life.  Your words are your advertisements.  Every time you speak, you let other people look into your mind and heart.  What kind of ads are you displaying?

Control Your Tongue

The tongue is one of the most difficult things in our lives to control.  All of our words have an impact on our character, whether we realize this or not.  Our words have the power to encourage or strengthen.  They also have the power to wound, tear down and weaken.  Be sure to evaluate your words carefully before you speak them.  Ask God to assist you with controlling your words.

“Take control of what I say, O Lord, and guard my lips.” (Psalm 141:3 NLT)

Holding Your Tongue

There is a right time for speaking and a right time for silence.  Some words do not need to be spoken at all.  It isn't a good choice to give life to every thought and feeling we have.  We have to learn when to close our mouths.

“Watch your tongue and keep your mouth shut, and you will stay out of trouble.” (Proverbs 21:23 NLT)

Gossip

Many a friendship has been ruined over a misunderstanding that started with gossip.  Gossip stirs up trouble and causes anger, bitterness and pain.  It can destroy people.  Gossip serves to break the trust of those people around you.  Guard your tongues and keep from gossip.

“11 Don’t speak evil against each other, dear brothers and sisters. If you criticize and judge each other, then you are criticizing and judging God’s law. But your job is to obey the law, not to judge whether it applies to you. 12 God alone, who gave the law, is the Judge. He alone has the power to save or to destroy. So what right do you have to judge your neighbor?” (James 4:11-12 NLT)

“A gossip goes around telling secrets, but those who are trustworthy can keep a confidence.” (Proverbs 11:13 NLT)

“Do not spread slanderous gossip among your people.  Do not stand idly by when your neighbor’s life is threatened. I am the Lord.” (Leviticus 19:16 NLT)

Tongue on Fire

Our tongues have the ability to burn people.  We are cautioned in Scripture that if we ‘burn’ others, we can be in danger of the judgment fire.  Searing put downs can be damaging to others.  We should be careful of how we speak to others, applying love and kindness in our speech.

“5 In the same way, the tongue is a small thing that makes grand speeches.  But a tiny spark can set a great forest on fire. 6 And the tongue is a flame of fire. It is a whole world of wickedness, corrupting your entire body. It can set your whole life on fire, for it is set on fire by hell itself.” (James 3:5-6 NLT)

Control Your Thoughts

To tame our tongue, we must start by taming our thoughts.  It is even harder to control our minds than it is our tongues.  Our thoughts direct our words.  Our words direct our actions.  As Christians, we must learn to tame our thoughts and keep them obedient to Christ.

“We destroy every proud obstacle that keeps people from knowing God. We capture their rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey Christ.” (2 Corinthians 10:5 NLT)

We should think before we speak.  Guard against engaging your tongue without engaging your mind.

“Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.” (James 1:19 NLT)

Before you speak, ask yourself the following questions:

Is it True?

Is it Helpful?

It is Inspiring?

Is it Necessary?

It is Kind?

If what you are thinking about saying doesn't fit into this, then don’t say it.

Apply God’s Wisdom in Your Speech

If our mouths are to speak from our hearts, then our hearts must have the right thoughts from which to speak.  God’s Word provides this proper foundation for us.  Scripture is full of reference to the tongue and words.

“A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare.” (Proverbs 15:1 NLT)

“Gentle words are a tree of life; a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.” (Proverbs 15:4 NLT)

“Eloquent words are not fitting for a fool; even less are lies fitting for a ruler.” (Proverbs 17:7 NLT)

“Love prospers when a fault is forgiven, but dwelling on it separates close friends.” (Proverbs 17:9 NLT)

“Starting a quarrel is like opening a floodgate, so stop before a dispute breaks out.” (Proverbs 17:14 NLT)

“The crooked heart will not prosper; the lying tongue tumbles into trouble.” (Proverbs 17:20 NLT)

“Wise words are like deep waters; wisdom flows from the wise like a bubbling brook.” (Proverbs 18:4 NLT)

“Fools’ words get them into constant quarrels; they are asking for a beating.” (Proverbs 18:6 NLT)

“The words of the godly are like sterling silver; the heart of a fool is worthless.” (Proverbs 10:20 NLT)

“Some people make cutting remarks, but the words of the wise bring healing.” (Proverbs 12:18 NLT)

“All day long you plot destruction.  Your tongue cuts like a sharp razor; you’re an expert at telling lies.” (Psalm 52:2 NLT)

“7 People can tame all kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and fish, 8 but no one can tame the tongue. It is restless and evil, full of deadly poison.” (James 3:7-8 NLT)

“They sharpen their tongues like swords and aim their bitter words like arrows.” (Psalm 64:3 NLT)

“For their tongues shoot lies like poisoned arrows.  They speak friendly words to their neighbors while scheming in their heart to kill them.” (Jeremiah 9:8 NLT)

“And I tell you this, you must give an account on judgment day for every idle word you speak.” (Matthew 12:36 NLT)

“Everyone enjoys a fitting reply; it is wonderful to say the right thing at the right time!” (Proverbs 15:23 NLT)

“You brood of snakes! How could evil men like you speak what is good and right? For whatever is in your heart determines what you say.” (Matthew 12:34 NLT)

“I said to myself, “I will watch what I do and not sin in what I say.  I will hold my tongue when the ungodly are around me.” (Psalm 39:1 NLT)

“Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone.” (Colossians 4:6 NLT)

Perseverance: Tortoise or Hare?

Perseverance:  Endurance, steadfastness, persisting in, continuing in, standing firm, putting up with, bearing bravely

We all know the story of the tortoise and the hare.  The hare has great velocity.  The tortoise is slow.  While the hare rested, the tortoise never stopped.  Sometimes we give up too soon, or too easily.  It is a tragedy to give up, only to discover we were inches within our goal.  The tortoise’s perseverance is responsible for his victory over the speedy hare.

Are You a Tortoise or a Hare?

There are many Christians who start with lots of velocity, but burn out.  Then there are those that endure with a slow, steady pace, never resting in their walk with Christ. 

We should all strive to be like the tortoise.  All Christians should agree that those who are ultimately saved are those who persevere and continue to believe and follow God’s Word and Will.  Perseverance requires patience, hard work, trust in God, dependence on other Christians, effort and sacrifice.

“But you must continue to believe this truth and stand firmly in it. Don’t drift away from the assurance you received when you heard the Good News. The Good News has been preached all over the world, and I, Paul, have been appointed as God’s servant to proclaim it.” (Colossians 1:23 NLT)

“And everyone will hate you because you are my followers.  But the one who endures to the end will be saved.” (Mark 13:13 NLT)

“For if we are faithful to the end, trusting God just as firmly as when we first believed, we will share in all that belongs to Christ.” (Hebrews 3:14 NLT)

“So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:11 NLT)

Be Doers, Not Just Hearers

We must be “doers of the word and not hearers only”.  Christians who persevere will be blessed in the very act of perseverance.

“22 But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. 23 For if you listen to the word and don’t obey, it is like glancing at your face in a mirror. 24 You see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like.” (James 1:22-24 NLT)

A Fruitful Life Requires Diligence

There are things that can only be learned from hard work and living.  God loves us to make sure those opportunities come our way.  We are always working and striving to walk a better walk with Christ.  Our walk with Christ will always require perseverance.  It’s part of the process of becoming more like Him.

“And the seeds that fell on the good soil represent honest, good-hearted people who hear God’s word, cling to it, and patiently produce a huge harvest.” (Luke 8:15 NLT)

Persevere Under Trials

Those who persevere under trials will be blessed.  Temptations and trials work patience.  These trials will strengthen us.  Tribulation produces perseverance.  With the strength found in the study of God’s Word, we can face these trials in life.  They will make us stronger.

“God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.” (James 1:12 NLT)

“So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.” (1 Corinthians 15:58 NLT)

Run With Endurance

Fix your eyes on Jesus who endured such opposition from sinful men.  By looking to Him and following His example, we can avoid becoming weary and losing heart when struggles come our way.

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.” (Hebrews 12:1 NLT)

Mature Growth

Perseverance is necessary for mature growth.

“And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation.” (Romans 5:4 NLT)

“So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.” (James 1:4 NLT)

Eternal Life

Perseverance is necessary for eternal life.  Without perseverance, no one can fulfill God’s will in his life.

“He will give eternal life to those who keep on doing good, seeking after the glory and honor and immortality that God offers.” (Romans 2:7 NLT)

“Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that he has promised.” (Hebrews 10:36 NLT)

How Do You Persist?

Keep on, keeping on, in your walk with Christ despite any human failings, falls and stumbling blocks along the way.  It takes faith. 

“2 Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. 3 For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.” (James 1:2-3 NLT)

Nothing should influence us to move away from our faith in the Lord.  We should cling and hold fast to God every moment of every day.  We have to strive to follow Him in all we do.

Keep your slow and steady pace, like the tortoise, and reach that goal of eternal life that is waiting for you!

“Heavenly Father, help us all to stand firm in our faith, whether times are good, bad, easy or difficult.  Light a burning fire of determination within our spirits to desire to follow You and You alone.  Guide us to walk closely to You in every moment of every day.  Keep our hearts and minds fixated on You in all we do.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

What is God's Will for Me?

Does God have a plan for me?  Yes, yes, yes!  He is very interested in your life and He wants to lead you!   We are not here to do our work, but to do God’s work.

We must live in the present, trusting in the Lord.  We must live our daily lives for Him and He will direct us and guide us towards what He wants us to do in the future.  He will get us where He wants us to go. 

Surrender

“1 And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. 2 Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” (Romans 12:1-2 NLT)

To discover God’s Will for our lives, we must recognize that we do not belong to ourselves, but we belong to God.  Since we belong to Him, we must refrain from sinning.  We must put aside our own will and desires and replace them with God’s Will and desires.  We must refrain from copying the behavior and customs of this world.  We must refrain from our own selfish desires.  We must renew our minds and hearts – study God’s Word, worship and praise Him, pray, and fellowship with other believers.

“And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.” (Philippians 4:8 NLT)

He Has a Plan for You

“15 You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion, as I was woven together in the dark of the womb.  16 You saw me before I was born.  Every day of my life was recorded in your book.  Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed.” (Psalm 139:15-16 NLT)

“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11 NLT)

Every life has purpose and meaning.  God wants to reveal that purpose and meaning to you.  He speaks to us through His Word, the Bible.  He speaks to us through circumstances and situations.  He will place a peace in your heart.  This peace reassures us that we are following His Will for our lives.

Read and Follow His Word

The Bible is the only book that has God’s message to his people.  God speaks to us through the pages of Scripture.  If we read and study the Bible, we will discover that His Will for us is not hidden.  It is crystal clear.  He always makes His Will clear to those who seek it with an obedient heart.

“Finally, dear brothers and sisters, we urge you in the name of the Lord Jesus to live in a way that pleases God, as we have taught you. You live this way already, and we encourage you to do so even more. 2 For you remember what we taught you by the authority of the Lord Jesus.  3 God’s will is for you to be holy, so stay away from all sexual sin. 4 Then each of you will control his own body and live in holiness and honor— 5 not in lustful passion like the pagans who do not know God and his ways. 6 Never harm or cheat a Christian brother in this matter by violating his wife, for the Lord avenges all such sins, as we have solemnly warned you before. 7 God has called us to live holy lives, not impure lives. 8 Therefore, anyone who refuses to live by these rules is not disobeying human teaching but is rejecting God, who gives his Holy Spirit to you.” (1 Thessalonians 4:1-8 NLT)

God wants us to live under the control of the Holy Spirit.  The Holy Spirit produces such attributes as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control in our lives.  God wants us to live pure and holy lives.  He wants us to recognize that he is control of all the circumstances that surround our lives.  He wants us to be thankful.  We can rejoice that he has a purpose in mind for whatever we are going through.  God wants us to be repentant and come into a relationship with him. 

Trust God

“5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.  6 Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.  7 Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom.  Instead, fear the Lord and turn away from evil.  8 Then you will have healing for your body and strength for your bones.” (Proverbs 3:5-8 NLT)

To find God’s will, we must completely trust God’s judgment and timing.  Ask God’s Will to be done in your life.  Seek Him before making life decisions, not after.  Honor the Lord by turning your back on evil and sin.  Put God first in your life.

Pray

Pray and seek with all your heart.  Diligently seek Him, wanting to know the path He has for you.  Seek God’s wisdom and guidance in everything you do.

“12 In those days when you pray, I will listen. 13 If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.” (Jeremiah 29:12-13 NLT)

Listen

“Then he said, “Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand.” (Mark 4:9 NLT)

You may not be able to audibly hear God’s voice, but you will recognize it.  It comes like a gentle whisper.  This could be a simple reinforcement of what He has said in His Word.  Sometimes it comes as a “gut feeling” of what is right, which you know because of what He has said in His Word.  He won’t always speak to us in dramatic ways.  You will hear him during your daily Christian life when doing things such as reading the Bible, meditating on His Word, spending time in prayer, and fellowshipping and praising the Lord with other Christians.  Open your ears, open your mind, open your heart and open your Bible!

Transformation

We all have a sinful nature that tries to influence us.  We are to be transformed from living a life seeking the pleasures of this world and desire one that lives for the Lord.

“This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!” (2 Corinthians 5:17 NLT)

God’s Will

God’s will is to live for Him today.  He wants us to give our lives sacrificially to Him.  In turn, he will get us to where He wants us to be.  He will use us as it pleases Him.  We should confess and repent of any sin in our lives.  Finding God’s will comes when we live our life daily for Him.  It is revealed as we obey Him.

God’s will isn't always revealed immediately.  Our Father is never wrong.  His timing is always right.  If He sees that it is more profitable to reveal His will at a later time, He will do so.  The Lord wants us to wait for Him, move slowly together with Him, and take our steps only when we are certain of His Will.

The quickest way to move forward is on our knees with the Lord.  May He give us the strength to be quiet before Him and wait for and seek His Will.  May we stop our self, leave our self, and completely seek after Him.

Compassion

We live in such a compassion-less world.  The sad, stark reality is that lots of people simply do not care at all about what happens to other people.  Some people believe compassion is a weakness.  However, expressing compassion actually reveals a very strong strength of character!

Compassion’s most significant result is that it alleviates suffering.  It lifts people’s burdens and makes life more tolerable.  That’s what Jesus was all about!

Jesus has great compassion for mankind.  Our Savior was moved deeply by the needs of those around Him.  He felt and shared our suffering.  We are all too often selfish and self-centered, but should strive to be more like Jesus and be more compassionate toward others.

God is Full of Compassion

“But you, O Lord, are a God of compassion and mercy, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness.” (Psalm 86:15 NLT)

Jesus’ Compassion for the Lost

“When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” (Matthew 9:36 NLT)

Jesus’ Compassion for the Sick

“Jesus saw the huge crowd as he stepped from the boat, and he had compassion on them and healed their sick.” (Matthew 14:14 NLT)

Jesus’ Compassion for the Hungry

“Then Jesus called his disciples and told them, “I feel sorry for these people. They have been here with me for three days, and they have nothing left to eat. I don’t want to send them away hungry, or they will faint along the way.” (Matthew 15:32 NLT)

Jesus’ Compassion for the Suffering

“11 Soon afterward Jesus went with his disciples to the village of Nain, and a large crowd followed him. 12 A funeral procession was coming out as he approached the village gate. The young man who had died was a widow’s only son, and a large crowd from the village was with her. 13 When the Lord saw her, his heart overflowed with compassion. “Don’t cry!” he said. 14 Then he walked over to the coffin and touched it, and the bearers stopped. “Young man,” he said, “I tell you, get up.” (Luke 7:11-14 NLT)

Having Compassion for Those in Need

Luke 10:30-37 NLT:  Parable of the Good Samaritan

30 Jesus replied with a story: “A Jewish man was traveling from Jerusalem down to Jericho, and he was attacked by bandits. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him up, and left him half dead beside the road.

31 “By chance a priest came along. But when he saw the man lying there, he crossed to the other side of the road and passed him by. 32 A Temple assistant walked over and looked at him lying there, but he also passed by on the other side.

33 “Then a despised Samaritan came along, and when he saw the man, he felt compassion for him. 34 Going over to him, the Samaritan soothed his wounds with olive oil and wine and bandaged them. Then he put the man on his own donkey and took him to an inn, where he took care of him. 35 The next day he handed the innkeeper two silver coins, telling him, ‘Take care of this man. If his bill runs higher than this, I’ll pay you the next time I’m here.’

36 “Now which of these three would you say was a neighbor to the man who was attacked by bandits?” Jesus asked.

37 The man replied, “The one who showed him mercy.”  Then Jesus said, “Yes, now go and do the same.”

We Are Called to be Compassionate

1 Peter 3:8-12 NLT

8 Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters.  Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude. 9 Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will bless you for it. 10 For the Scriptures say, “If you want to enjoy life and see many happy days, keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies.  11 Turn away from evil and do good.  Search for peace, and work to maintain it.  12 The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right, and his ears are open to their prayers.  But the Lord turns his face against those who do evil.”

Compassion Can Accomplish Great Things!

Compassion is more than feeling sorry for someone; it is more than pity.  Compassion is a deep desire to reach out and make a difference in someone else’s life.  Christ had great compassion on us, so we should have that same kind of compassion for others.

Song Sunday - Chris August: A Little More Jesus

Who Holds You Accountable?

Accountability is the act of being responsible for one’s actions.  We are all held accountable in one way or another in various aspects of our lives. 

Personal Accountability

The Bible says that God holds us all accountable.  “So then each of us shall give account to himself to God.”  (Romans 14:12).  This type of accountability is our personal accountability with God.

Accountability Friend(s)

While this personal accountability to God is a given, we should also have an ‘accountability friend’, a fellow Christian who can help hold us accountable.  There must be trust with this person.  Accountability involves a willingness to open up and share sensitive or personal information.  If you have trust, you are more able to share your innermost self without concern of betrayal from that person.  This person should be allowed to confront you (gently and respectfully) when you are doing something that is not in accordance with God’s Will.  You should be allowed to do the same for them.  This person could be your spouse, a family member, or a good friend.  This could be one person or many people whom you trust.

“As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” (Proverbs 27:17 NIV)

What’s Accountability For?

Accountability enables us to understand where we need help in areas where we are struggling.  It enables us to share how and where we are growing in our walk with the Lord.  It enables us to encourage one another.  Accountability helps us stay on track, receive prayer, and receive comfort and support when we fail.  And we will fail.  Accountability helps us to pick ourselves back up when we fail, repent, brush ourselves off, and try again.  Accountability is not just for those who are weak.  It is for the strong who want to become stronger.

Accountability is not about confrontation.  However, at times, we may need to be confronted or have to confront one another.  Whenever we do have to confront one another, do so kindly, gently and respectfully.  Accountability is about challenging one another to grow in Christ. 

Temptation

We all need accountability.  We WILL be tempted.  The world is full of temptations.  Satan seeks to steal from us all that which God has given.  Satan’s desire is to steal, kill and destroy everything good in your life.  (1 Peter 5:8 NLT:  “Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.”)  If we run to Satan and his ways, God is far off from us.  However, if we submit to God, then the devil flees from us.  (James 4:7 NLT:  “So humble yourselves before God.  Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.)  Unless we have a system to protect ourselves, we will fall to that temptation.

Are You Accountable?

Are you accountable?  Do you have an ‘accountability friend’ that will hold you accountable?  Will you be there for them when they need to be held accountable?

My prayer is for us all to find ways to keep ourselves accountable, whether through personal accountability or also with accountability friends.  We should be intentional and deliberate in becoming accountable not only to God but to others.

Restoration

Are you broken?  Do you think your life is beyond repair?  Does everything look dark and hopeless?  Perhaps you feel like it’s too late; things are so messed up that you've lost all hope.

Do not despair.  Your life is NOT beyond repair!  No matter how dark things seem right now, with Christ your future is bright!  Our God is a God of restoration!  He is a God of new things…a new life, a new beginning, a fresh start, a new covenant, a new heart and a new way of living life. 

“I will give you back your health and heal your wounds,” says the Lord.” (Jeremiah 30:17 NLT)

You may be struggling right now.  You may be crying from the very depths of your heart.  You may be feeling hopeless and broken.  Your life is not beyond restoration.  Your situation is not your destination.  No matter how hard things are right now, God will never give up on you.  He sticks by us through all life’s situations – the good and the bad.  Despite your past, despite what you have been through, despite what you are going through now, God never gives up on any of His children.

“And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” (Romans 8:28 NLT)

God specializes in taking what is not and creating what is.  Bring your situation that seems broken and beyond repair to Him.  He can restore and make you new.  Nothing is impossible for God!  He can restore, He can forgive, and He can rebuild you from all the broken pieces you are struggling through right now.  God wants to make you better than before.

"This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!" (2 Cor. 5:17 NLT)

Let go and let God.  Allow him to lovingly restore you and you will never be the same again.  Bring your brokenness to God.  Ask Him to restore you.  Ask Him to make you new, to heal you, and set you free from the sins of your past.  Forgive those who have hurt you.  Believe in God’s wisdom, power, might and glory.  Don’t doubt his willingness to act on your behalf.  God never stops having a plan for your life.

"For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. I will be found by you,” says the Lord. “I will end your captivity and restore your fortunes. I will gather you out of the nations where I sent you and will bring you home again to your own land.” (Jeremiah 29:11-14 NLT)

God reassures us that He will make today even better than any yesterday we can imagine might have been.  Turn to Him today and say, “Rebuild me, Lord!”

“Our most gracious and loving Heavenly Father, I thank and praise You today for rebuilding me from all the broken pieces of myself.  I thank You for making me a new and incredibly better version of myself.  I thank You for Your love.  I thank You for Your forgiveness.  I thank You for all the blessings You have given us in our lives.  I thank You for the restoration You have done in our lives.  You have driven away the darkness and replaced it with Your bright, shining love!  I thank You for my steadfast faith in You.  I thank You for the blessings and paths You have set for our lives.  I know that You have much more planned for us than I can even begin to imagine, hope for or ask for.  Thank you, Lord, for everything!  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”

Slow to Anger

Anger is the most violent of human emotions.  When we are angry, we are in very close danger of sinning.  Not controlling our anger and letting anger get the best of us can cause huge problems in our lives and the lives of others.  In our wrath we can lose control of ourselves, say and do hurtful things, and terrible consequences can follow.

Anger is a part of life; just don’t let it carry you into sin.

Scripture Tells Us to be Slow to Anger

“Control your temper, for anger labels you a fool.” (Ecclesiastes 7:9 NLT)

“Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.” (James 1:19 NLT)

 “26 And “don’t sin by letting anger control you.”  Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 for anger gives a foothold to the devil.” (Ephesians 4:26-27 NLT)

Solomon wrote:  “Sensible people control their temper; they earn respect by overlooking wrongs.” (Proverbs 19:11 NLT)

“Better to be patient than powerful; better to have self-control than to conquer a city.” (Proverbs 16:32 NLT)

“31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. 32 Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.” (Ephesians 4:31-32 NLT)

Did Jesus Get Angry?

Yes!  There are two instances in the Bible that I know of in which Jesus got angry in his earthly life.

One was when Jesus cleared the temple of all the people buying and selling there.

Matthew 21:12-13:  “12 Jesus entered the Temple and began to drive out all the people buying and selling animals for sacrifice. He knocked over the tables of the money changers and the chairs of those selling doves. 13 He said to them, “The Scriptures declare, ‘My Temple will be called a house of prayer,’ but you have turned it into a den of thieves!”

The other is when Jesus encountered a man with a deformed hand and His critics planned to accuse him of working on the Sabbath if he were to heal him.  Jesus looked at them angrily and healed the man.

Mark 3:1-6 NLT:  “1 Jesus went into the synagogue again and noticed a man with a deformed hand. 2 Since it was the Sabbath, Jesus’ enemies watched him closely. If he healed the man’s hand, they planned to accuse him of working on the Sabbath.  3 Jesus said to the man with the deformed hand, “Come and stand in front of everyone.” 4 Then he turned to his critics and asked, “Does the law permit good deeds on the Sabbath, or is it a day for doing evil? Is this a day to save life or to destroy it?” But they wouldn't answer him.  5 He looked around at them angrily and was deeply saddened by their hard hearts. Then he said to the man, “Hold out your hand.” So the man held out his hand, and it was restored! 6 At once the Pharisees went away and met with the supporters of Herod to plot how to kill Jesus.”

Jesus’ anger here was unselfish anger.  His anger was a response to things that blocked God’s salvation and kindness from reaching lives.  Jesus was not acting out of a sense of being threatened.  He was angry at the illness, sin and oppression.

The Issue is Not Anger

The real issue is not anger, but how much we allow our anger to control us.  Our issue is self-control.  Being slow to anger is a mark of strength.

What to Do When We Are Angered

The best way to handle angry feelings is to tell God about them.  God knows us better than we know ourselves.  We will ALWAYS find Him to be understanding.  Being in God’s presence calms us.  It also helps us to see things in their proper perspective.  Many times we will discover that the very things we were disturbed or angry about really weren't that important after all.

Some problems are not worth being angry about.  Learn to distinguish serious issues from unimportant ones.  If it isn't serious or important, then forget it, let it go, and go on. 

If the problem is important enough to be justifiably angry, then use your anger constructively to work on the problem.  Blowing up, attacking someone, or holding grudges are wrong actions.  When we see that our anger is starting to get the better of us, we don’t have to react negatively.  We don’t have to despair or recoil.  Repent of it and reject the anger.  The proper way to be angry and not sin is to use your natural energy to work on the problem.  Most anger is resolved through forgiveness.

Think before you speak or act.  Analyze the situation, get all the facts, and consider the consequences of what you might say or do.  Maybe take a walk or get away from the situation for a bit.  Take time to calm down and think.  Be sure you are in control of yourself and you are calm before reacting.

Don’t suppress or bottle up your anger.  Anger that is kept inside hurts us and keeps us hurting.  It can turn to resentment and bitterness.  It can bring on depression as well as many kinds of physical illnesses.  You must address your anger.

Determine what happened that angered you.  The issue isn't who angered you, but what happened to anger you.  Distinguish the act from the person.  Hate the sin, but love the sinner.  Hurting the other person back will not help the matter.  Seek to destroy the bad conduct, but help the person who committed it.

Talk to the person who caused the problem for the purpose of working out a solution.  Speak with genuine concern.  Speak to help, not to hurt.  Be willing to listen to the other person.  Don’t be too quick to rush to judgment.  Jumping to conclusions makes us run the risk of speaking hastily.  Take the time to listen carefully, understand the other person(s)/situation(s) before jumping to conclusions and/or anger.

I've Lashed Out in Anger

If you have said or done something in anger, make amends and ask for forgiveness.  Repent to God and ask His forgiveness.

“Heavenly Father, may we all be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger.  Change our behavior to embrace tenderhearted feelings, kindness, a gentle mind and patience.  Open our eyes to see one another the way You do.  I pray that instead of being angry, we will act in love.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”

Patience

 Patience:  Waiting without complaint, even when we experience discomfort; endurance; self-control

One of the hardest things to learn in life is patience.  We don’t want to wait on anything.  We want it now…or 10 minutes ago…or yesterday.  And we certainly don’t want to keep our frustrations to ourselves.  We want everyone to know that we are irritated; we complain.  We live in a society that promotes instant gratification.  Impatience can lead to stress, anger and frustration.

PATIENCE IS A CHOICE

“But if we look forward to something we don’t yet have, we must wait patiently and confidently.” (Romans 8:25 NLT)

Patience is a choice.  How we react to any situation is our decision.  We can choose to be frustrated and complain or we can choose to be patient and hold our tongues (and hold back our nonverbal responses as well - such as sighs, eye rolling, etc.).

Learning how to wait teaches us self-control and self-discipline.  It also teaches us patience, tolerance, delayed gratification, and the fact that other people besides ourselves have needs and rights.  Patience is more than just waiting though, it is about the attitude we have while we wait.  A patient person can wait with joy even when the situation may be stressful or anxious.  A patient person avoids searching for or settling for a quick fix.

PATIENCE WITH GOD

Patience with God requires faith, and to exercise faith is to surrender final control of one’s life.  To lack faith is to give in to one’s desire for control.  Our patience with God will only be as strong as our ability to overcome this desire and surrender every aspect of our lives to Him.

DEVELOPING PATIENCE

Patience does not develop overnight.  Waiting is not always easy.  Nothing teaches like experience.  Every nuisance, long wait, affliction, traffic jam, etc. builds your threshold of tolerance and patience.

The Bible mentions that we must have patience.  To truly love, we must have patience because love and patience go hand in hand.  “Love is patient” is directly listed in 1 Corinthians 13:4.

God’s power and goodness are crucial to the development of patience.  We must be mindful of how God is constantly at work in our difficulties, to make us more like Jesus.  We must be intentional and deliberate in increasing our patience.  We should focus more clearly on Christ and strive to imitate him in all things, large and small.

When having patience seems too difficult, the Lord will give us strength to wait.  Patience is fueled by faith.  The key to getting through any situation is to lean upon God and pray.

Use times that require patience to focus on what truly matters.  This will help you gain perspective.  Small annoyances (traffic jams, waiting in line, nuisances) become minimal when compared to larger tribulations (those who are sick, those who have lost loved ones, those struggling with a huge situation in their lives).  A screaming child may be tiring to its parents, but to remember the blessing of having that child can quickly change those feelings of frustrations to pure love.

Jesus Christ was incredibly patient.  He loved the unloved.  He approached the unapproachable.  He faced hatred and death with grace and love.  He was tested more than any other man on this Earth ever has been and ever will be. 

When life pushes on us, we must try not to push back.  We should take a step back and pray.  Patience may be difficult, but it is something we must practice daily.  Lean on God when you feel your patience slipping.

Do All Things Without Complaint

Complain.  Gripe.  Grumble.  Pout.  Negative.  Negative.  Negative.

What do you do when things don’t go your way?  How do you react to situations?  Are you someone who puts on a positive attitude or are you a complainer?  It can be very easy to whine and complain when things go wrong.  We are all guilty of complaining.

Complaining is dangerous business.  It can damage your relationship with God, other people, and even with yourself.  It is so easy to complain.  Sometimes I believe we don’t realize just how much we do it.  I believe it is one of the most challenging habits for us, as humans, to overcome.  And boy, is it a hard habit to break!

Complaining is Not a Fruit of the Holy Spirit

God doesn't like it when we complain.  It displeases Him when we lack faith, doubt His power, question His ability or willingness to provide, and hesitate to rest in His love. 

“22 But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!” (Galatians 5:22-23 NLT)

Complaining is a Destructive Habit

Sure, we've all done it.  Something doesn't go our way and we gripe and whine about it.  This is showing an ungrateful, prideful and bitter attitude.  We don’t like discomfort or sacrifice.  We don’t want anything to be difficult.  This causes us to have a selfish perspective of difficult situations and say things that we should not.

Do we realize we are testing God’s patience when we complain?  As believers we are challenged to not grumble or complain.  We should look for the silver lining in every situation.  Some of the best spiritual growing we can do is accomplished during hard and painful times in life.  Our trails should cause us to press into God.  He will change you during those times.  We develop an attitude of humility and gratitude, which brings real freedom into our live – the freedom of not having my way but still being happy as if I did.

“Do everything without complaining and arguing, 15 so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people.” (Philippians 2:14-15 NLT)

Complaining Can Lead to Disobedience

Along with complaining usually comes pouting.  If we focus constantly on the negative, we can lose sight of all the good and wonderful things that God does in our lives.  This can lead us to an attitude where we can lose our faith and maybe even cause others to lose their faith as well.

“Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.” (Ephesians 4:29 NLT)

Complaining Can Lead to Fighting

Complaints come from unfulfilled desires.  This can lead to envy and strife.

“What is causing the quarrels and fights among you? Don’t they come from the evil desires at war within you? 2 You want what you don’t have, so you scheme and kill to get it. You are jealous of what others have, but you can’t get it, so you fight and wage war to take it away from them. Yet you don’t have what you want because you don’t ask God for it. 3 And even when you ask, you don’t get it because your motives are all wrong—you want only what will give you pleasure.” (James 4:1-3 NLT)

Complaining Gives Place to the Devil

Think of complaining as the enemy’s language.  When we complain, we open the door for the enemy to come in and cause trouble.  Satan thrives in an atmosphere of complaining.  When you have something you want to complain about ask God to help you relax and resist the temptation to get upset.

“31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. 32 Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.” (Ephesians 4:31-32 NLT)

Sinful Nature

If we must complain about something, let it be to God about our sinful nature.  Let us ask for forgiveness so that God will cleanse us and put within us a new heart – a heart that rejoices rather than complains.

Let us confess our complaining as sin.  Let us believe that where we are today is a place where God desires to work and to cause all things to result in our good.  Rather than complain, let us thank God and offer our requests to him in prayer.

“But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.” (1 John 1:9 NLT)

Keep a Positive Attitude and Resist Temptation

Things WILL go wrong.  This is inevitable.  We can choose to spend all our time complaining, taking our eyes off of God, OR we can find a way to make things better.  We can remember all the things that the Lord has blessed us with.

It should be our goal to have a constant attitude of gratitude.  Resist the temptation to complain and instead praise the Lord for all He is and all He has done for you.  By God’s grace and His strength, you can overcome the spirit of complaint and live each day with a positive and thankful heart!

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.” (Philippians 4:6 NLT)

“May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.” (Psalm 19:14 NLT)

Dawn of a New Day

“This is the day the Lord has made.  We will rejoice and be glad in it.” (Psalm 118:24 NLT)

I sat straight up in bed at 5:00 am this morning for the second day in a row.  I looked at the window where the sunshine was pouring in through the slats in the blinds.  Before even knowing what today will bring, I thanked the Lord for this wonderful day.  I thanked Him for all the blessings He will be pouring out on us today.

That sunshine streaming through the window made me think about the fact that every new day is a reminder of God’s love for us.  Every day He gives us is a blessing.

Jesus’ Resurrection

The sunrise every morning reminds me of the raising of God’s only son, Jesus, from the grave after being sacrificed on the cross to die for our sins.

“He was buried, and he was raised from the dead on the third day, just as the Scriptures said.” (1 Corinthians 15:4 NLT)

“For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16 NLT)

A Fresh Start – Forgiveness of Sin

Every new day is a fresh start.  This reminds me that the Lord will forgive us of our sins, wash us clean, and give us a fresh start.  Thank you Lord for your forgiveness!

“But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.” (1 John 1:9 NLT)

Darkness Will Always Lose Out to Light

The darkness of night is removed when the sun rises each day.  This reminds me that darkness (evil) will always flee from you when you humble yourself before God, follow His Will, and keep his light burning within you.

“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.” (John 1:5 NLT)

“So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” (James 4:7 NLT)

“For God, who said, “Let there be light in the darkness,” has made this light shine in our hearts so we could know the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ.” (2 Corinthians 4:6 NLT)

A New Day to Shine

Just as the sun shines down upon us, God’s light shines out through us that walk with Him.

“14 “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. 15 No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.” (Matthew 5:14-16 NLT)

“Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.” (John 8:12 NLT)

“9 But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests,[a] a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.” (1 Peter 2:9 NLT)

Faith

We have faith that the sun will rise each morning.  Although we cannot see the sun during the night, we know it is there and have faith that it will rise again the next morning.

“Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see.” (Hebrews 11:1 NLT)

Guidance and Direction

The position of the sun in the sky can be used for navigation.  Sometimes it can be hard to know where God would have us go.  If our hearts and lives are centered on God, His Word and His Will, we can be rest assured that He will direct our paths.

“4 Show me the right path, O Lord; point out the road for me to follow.  5 Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me.  All day long I put my hope in you.” (Psalm 25:4-5 NLT)

“5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.  6 Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.” (Proverbs 3:5-6 NLT)

Warmth

Just as the sun warms our world, God’s love is a fire that warms and kindles our hearts.

Live for Today

Today is today, not yesterday or tomorrow – a new day.  The way I live today is the day that counts most in my pursuit of God and in my usefulness to Him.  My mistakes and sins of the past are forgiven.  Today is the day I have and if I am excusing myself for not pursuing God or following His Will today, then I am squandering the most precious resource God has given me.

“Thank You, Lord, for this wonderful day you have given us.  Thank you for all the blessings you are pouring out upon us.  Thank You for what this new day will bring.  Thank You for forgiving my sins and washing me clean.  Thank You for the faith I have in You.  Thank You for your guiding my steps on the path You have set for me.  Thank You for your never-ending love.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Song Sunday - Chris August: I Believe

Why Go to Church?

We've all heard and made many excuses for not attending church.  For example:  Church is full of hypocrites, I can study the Bible alone, I've had a bad experience before, I don’t need church in order to follow God, etc.

For a long time, I had my own excuses.  Once I looked at all of my excuses truthfully and honestly, they all boiled down to pride, laziness and selfishness.  There was no other way to define it.  I couldn’t blame it on anyone else, anything else or any past situation.  I was being selfish.  Thank You Lord for bringing me back to You and drawing me to church where I can be closer to You!

So why go to church?

Church is for seeking and building our relationship and God with others.  It is all about an encounter with God and others that changes who we are. 

“Church is full of hypocrites.”  Oh my…a church with sinners in it!  We are all sinners.  Church is for sinners.  We all need the Word of God and forgiveness.  All humans are hypocrites, to be honest, because we all consistently fail to live up to any standard of defined behavior. 

The difference with Christians is that Jesus forgives the hypocrisy of believers.  He sends his Holy Spirit to guide and transform those who walk with Him. 

A common misconception about church is that it makes us better people.  It is not the action of attending church, but the encounter with God and following of His Will and Word that changes our lives.  If we don’t follow his Word and Will, then, no, church may not do much for us.  We must follow God’s plans.

“I had a bad experience with church.”  First, let me offer my apologies.  Getting a bad experience in a place that should be sacred and safe is not pleasant.  It is understandable that it would leave a bad taste in your mouth.  However, remember that not all churches are like the church in which you had a bad experience.  Letting a bad experience keep you from finding the right church for you would be like saying, “That food made me sick.  I’ll never eat any food again.”  Sounds silly in comparison, doesn’t it?  Attend different churches until you find the one that is right for you.  Pray and ask God to lead you to where you belong.  He will guide you.

“I can study the Bible alone.”  Private Bible study is excellent and should be an everyday part of your life.  However, it is not a substitute for hearing the preached Word.  The Pastor holds the divinely appointed office of preaching by God’s will.  Christ speaks through him.  The Pastor has been blessed with a gift of teaching God’s Word.  He has gone through extensive study to become a ‘specialist’ in God’s Word.  God speaks to us through sermons, Scripture and praise.  He guides us into truth.  He reminds us what is right and warns us what is wrong.  Church is God’s tool for bringing us into full maturity in knowledge and faith. 

Romans 10:13-17 NLT:  “13 For “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”[a]  14 But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them? 15 And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? That is why the Scriptures say, “How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news!”[b]  16 But not everyone welcomes the Good News, for Isaiah the prophet said, “Lord, who has believed our message?”[c] 17 So faith comes from hearing, that is, hearing the Good News about Christ.”

“I can pray alone.”  Yes, you are correct, you can pray alone.  We are encouraged to pray and to pray frequently.  Jesus encourages us to also pray together.  “I also tell you this: If two of you agree here on earth concerning anything you ask, my Father in heaven will do it for you.” (Mathew 18:19 NLT)  There is power when Christians pray together.

“I don’t need to be in church to follow God.”  The Bible says that believers must not keep apart from other believers.  “24 Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. 25 And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.” (Hebrews 10:24-25 NLT) 

By gathering together, we affirm our beliefs.  Jesus says that where we are gathered in His name, He is there.  “For where two or three gather together as my followers,[a] I am there among them.” (Matthew 18:20 NLT) 

Scripture calls Christians together, “the body of Christ”.  We are loved and encouraged by other Christians at church.  In church, we interact with other Christians, the body of Christ.  We receive or give an encouraging word, hug or smile.  We have someone to listen.  How often one Christian will have a spiritual insight that benefits another!

Need more reasons?  How about these…

• It is an act of obedience to God
• We benefit from being taught and led in worship by others, rather than depending on ourselves to read and study the Bible
• We need regular reminders of our standing in Christ
• We need regular help in acknowledging and confessing our sins
• We need regular teaching about God’s truth
• We need to hear and learn how other believers overcame obstacles through faith
• We need to hear reminders of God’s never-ending love for us
• We need to hear the Truth, rather than the constant messages of a culture that frequently ignores God
• We need a break from work, life issues, self interest, etc. in order to focus and concentrate on the Lord
• We need other believers we can count on to help us make it through tough times when they arise
• God richly deserves our worship, praise, thanks and prayer.  Everything we are and have is a gift from Him.
• We need accountability.  A person who answers only to himself can easily rationalize sinful attitudes or actions; regular contact with other Christians can keep us sharp.
• It honors God

One of the great blessings in a believer’s walk with Christ is fellowship with other believers.  God’s desire is for us to build each other up and share our experiences so that we may grow from them.  When we consider all that God has done and all that He is doing for us now, the very least we can do in return is to praise His goodness and thank Him for His mercy with other believers.

For anyone who isn’t in church right now that would like to be, I encourage you to go out and visit some of your local churches.  Pray and the Lord will lead you where you need to go.

Need one to get you started?  Daystar Church is an excellent place to start!  http://www.daystarchurch.tv/timesdirections

Forgiveness

Forgiveness does not come easily for most of us.  Sometimes it is downright hard to do.  Our natural instinct of self-protection kicks in when we have been injured in any way, shape or form.  We don’t naturally overflow with mercy, grace and forgiveness when we have been wronged.  We hold onto grudges and the past offenses of others.  Sometimes we even hold onto our hard feelings after the offender has long past redeemed themselves.  Holding onto past hurts, being unforgiving and harboring resentment is not only wrong in the sight of God, it can affect our health and well-being.

JESUS’ EXAMPLE

Jesus modeled the principle of forgiveness for all of us when he hung on the cross and prayed for the very people who had put him there.  “Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.’” (Luke 23:34 NLT)

Jesus wants us to follow his example by forgiving others, as he completely forgave us.  “Be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.  Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children.” (Ephesians 4:32-5:1 NLT).

FORGIVENESS FIRST COMES FROM GOD

Our forgiving of others should flow from God’s forgiving us.  The Bible instructs us to forgive as the Lord forgave us.

“But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins, too.” (Mark 11:25 NLT)  An attitude of un-forgiveness can hinder your prayer life. 

“If I had not confessed the sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened.” (Psalm 66:18 NLT)  Jesus is stressing here that if you are truly a forgiven person, you should be willing to forgive others. 

FORGIVENESS KNOWS NO LIMITS

“21 Then Peter came to him and asked, “Lord, how often should I forgive someone[a] who sins against me? Seven times?”  22 “No, not seven times,” Jesus replied, “but seventy times seven![b]” (Matthew 18:21-22 NLT)

Jesus told Peter that he should forgive up to 490 times.  So, if someone needs forgiveness after the 490^th time, should we not forgive them?  No!  Jesus was teaching that we should extend unlimited forgiveness to others.  The point of Jesus’ message here is that we, as sinners, have been forgiven much; therefore, we ought to forgive those who have hurt us, no matter how badly we've been hurt.  No wrong is too great or too small to forgive.  They owe us little compared to what we owe God.  We are all repeat offenders against God.  We all require continual forgiveness.

FORGIVENESS IS NOT SELECTIVE

“43 “You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’[a] and hate your enemy. 44 But I say, love your enemies![b] Pray for those who persecute you! 45 In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike. 46 If you love only those who love you, what reward is there for that? Even corrupt tax collectors do that much. 47 If you are kind only to your friends,[c] how are you different from anyone else? Even pagans do that. 48 But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect.” (Matthew 5:43-48 NLT)

We do not have the liberty to choose whom we will forgive and not forgive.  We cannot choose to forgive some people and not others.  We cannot choose to forgive some offenses and not others.  We must not only forgive our enemies, but we must love them as well.  Yes, this can be hard to do.  The ultimate example of forgiving one’s enemies comes from Jesus.  If the cruel torture of crucifixion would not silence Jesus’ prayer for his enemies, what pain, prejudice, or unfair treatment could justify the silencing of our prayers for our enemies?  God will enable you to love, pray, and do good to any who hurt you, including your enemies.

FORGIVENESS BREAKS DOWN WALLS AND SETS US FREE

Joseph was one of the most amazing examples in the Bible of a man who extended incredible forgiveness.  Joseph was sold into slavery by his own brothers.  Later, God made Joseph the second most powerful person in Egypt.  Joseph could have justifiably avenged himself against his brothers.  Instead, he offered them forgiveness, saying, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good.  He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people.” (Genesis 50:20)  By choosing to forgive his brothers, Joseph refused to become a prisoner of bitterness and resentment.

When you choose not to forgive those who hurt you, you enslave yourself to the destructible attitudes of bitterness and resentment.  These attitudes then begin to eat at your insides, day in and day out, possibly to the point that when you see that person or even hear his or her name, you become angry.  This is not what God intends for you.  Hebrews 12:15 says that a bitter root will always grow up and cause trouble.  Don’t let a bitter root grow up and cause trouble within you.  Pull it up, roots and all, and cast it away from you – forgive and let it go.

God commands us for forgive.  He did this not just so we would show his mercy and grace to others, but to free us from the prison of bitterness and resentment.  Don’t allow yourself to be held captive by an unforgiving heart.  When you forgive someone, you set a prisoner free – yourself.  You experience true freedom when you choose to forgive.  When we forgive, the Lord sets our hearts free from the anger, bitterness, resentment, and hurt that previously imprisoned us.

FORGIVE AND LET IT GO

“Forgive and forget”.  The expression has become somewhat of a cliche.  When we grant forgiveness, does that entail a promise to forget the offense?  Yes and no.  Obviously, there is no way to purge the memory of an offense.

In Isaiah 43:25 God says, “I – yes, I alone – will blot out your sins for my own sake and will never think of them again.”  This verse doesn't say that God forgets our sins.  He says that he ‘will never think of them again.’  What’s the difference?  To forget something is to have no memory of it at all.  Obviously, God, who is omniscient, has not lost His memory of our sins.  Rather, He refuses to call them to mind.  He promises to not bring them back up.

That is exactly what is involved in true forgiveness.  It is a promise to never remind the person of the offense.  You promise to not remember the sin by bringing it back to up that person, to others or to yourself.  If you find that it crops up in your thoughts, don’t dwell on the offense, cast it away…you will it away.  You forgive and let it go.

FORGIVENESS IS AN ACT OF THE WILL THAT FREES THE HEART

Forgiveness is first of all an act of the will.  Be obedient to the Lord regardless of how you feel.  It you refuse to harbor spite or dwell on the offense, evil emotions will be starved.  Moreover, the Lord Himself will set your heart right.  Right emotions will come if you surrender to Him.  Ultimately a conscious, deliberate, willful choice to forgive and let it go is the only thing that can free a heart from the bondage of such emotions.

FORGIVENESS BRINGS JOY

Do you sense bitterness or resentment in your heart toward another person (or people)?  There is tremendous joy in the Lord for those who forgive, who remember what unlimited mercy has been poured out on us through Jesus Christ and who show the same mercy to others.  This joy is as unlimited as God’s abundant forgiveness of us.  I pray that you will experience this forgiveness, practice this forgiveness and in doing so, receive this joy the Lord has for each and every one of us.

“Heavenly Father, today I ask you to bring to my mind anyone I have not forgiven.  Assist me in forgiving them completely.  Also bring to my mind any offense that I have not truly let go of and assist me in completely forgiving that offense and let it go completely.  Remove the offense from my thoughts and help me to never bring it up again – to the offender, to others or to myself.  Convict in my heart of any unconfessed sin.  Forgive me of where I have been disobedient to you.  I thank you Lord for assisting me to forgive, as you forgive me, and thank you for your forgiveness.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.”