Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Happy Thanksgiving
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
secure through doing what God says
There are some things in life that are safe. There are some things in this life that are dangerous. We have a choice. We can seek what is secure and gives us hope. Or we can seek what will be gone during the next wind or storm that life sends our way.
Proverbs 24:14 (The Message) --- Likewise knowledge, and wisdom for your soul — Get that and your future's secured, your hope is on solid rock.
The more we gain the truth and wisdom God gives, the more we know the hope that God alone gives. On top of that wisdom comes a life that changes by, radically changed by God. Like I said yesterday ... changed lives, change lives ... to see that we have to put into place what God says. We have to apply what we learn from the Bible, from sermons and from the wisdom God gives.
Jesus taught the disciples and those who followed Him that there is more to faith than just knowing what is right. In fact as I had this thought today I came across this verse:
Luke 9:48 (The Message) --- You become great by accepting, not asserting. Your spirit, not your size, makes the difference.
By accepting people we show them what God is like. We through accepting people display what Jesus has done for us and how he had accepted us. Think about it. That verse has some nuggets that we rarely make a big deal about. It is the Spirit living through us that impresses people. It not how confident we are or how talented we are.
Does that make sense? As we move toward Thanksgiving, I am asking the Lord to remind us that we can display His best. Here the the foundation that I am building on for tomorrow's devotion:
James 1:22 (NLT) --- But don't just listen to God's word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourself.
Thanksgiving is not about a once a year holiday. It is a lifestyle.
Monday, November 23, 2009
Jesus changes lives
Thursday, November 19, 2009
religion v. relationship
Joan Norman will be having more surgery next Tuesday as DR's don't think they got all the cancer. Again, pray for Joan's complete healing. Frances Johnson's mom will be having surgery on Friday. Lorrie Anderson is at home recovering from eye surgery. She is Cody Anderson's mom. He went on our mission trip with us this past summer.
[+] E-DEVOTIONS: written by Michael Harrison, lead Pastor, The Community Fellowship; reason to encourage you to follow Jesus; archived at Michael's blog, http://e-devotion.blogspot.com ; subscribe, unsubscribe or contact mharrison@thecommunityfellowship.org.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
shocked by following the Spirit
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
words on the Holy Spirit
Monday, November 16, 2009
we are leaders
Whether we like it or not, we are leaders. Knowing that fact there are some choices that we must make. Some of them are easy while others are hard. Yet every decision we make have has consequences.
One of the ways leading happens is by the people who watch us. Our kids see the choices we make and the things we do. Somewhere in time, they will repeat it. Our neighbors see us leading are led in various ways. Our co-workers, employees, friends and others are often led by what we say and do.
So ask the question, is my leading impacting the people I lead in a good or bad way? Be honest with your answer. Here is what I read this morning:
Proverbs 16:10-16 (The Message) --- A good leader motivates, doesn't mislead, doesn't exploit. God cares about honesty in the workplace; your business is his business. Good leaders abhor wrongdoing of all kinds; sound leadership has a moral foundation. Good leaders cultivate honest speech; they love advisors who tell them the truth. An intemperate leader wreaks havoc in lives; you're smart to stay clear of someone like that. Good-tempered leaders invigorate lives; they're like spring rain and sunshine. Get wisdom—it's worth more than money; choose insight over income every time.
Tell me about a good leader. What do they do? What do they not do? By applying or NOT applying these principles those we lead know who we serve. Folks, it hurts me to know that I have led some people, some close to me and some not so close, down the wrong path. It could be because of wrong motives or by not seeking advice.
Good leaders ... motivate and encourage people to be their best. Good leaders ... are known for their honesty and integrity and morals. Good leaders ... seek out other good leaders for wisdom. Good leaders ... give life and refresh people so others will be good leaders. Good leaders ... invest in what will last, and that is not always money.
Since we know we are leaders, lets inspect how we are doing and lead people to see God in what we say and in what we do.
