GOSPEL :: FAMILY :: MISSION
Think about the difference between giving to get and giving because you’ve already received so much. Giving to get is focused on selfish desires. But giving because you’ve received so much is focused on giving gratefully in light of what you’ve received.
Ephesians 2:8 – 10…
For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
Spend some time reflecting on this week’s prayer passage: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9
Last week we looked at the first 9 words of Ephesians 2:8 – 10. Nine words summarized into three words from verse 8, the word “for” and the word “grace” and the word “faith”. Nine words summarized into three words where we learned that the gift of salvation is given to us by God’s free grace and is received through the pipeline of faith.
Godliness isn’t a means of gain because godliness with contentment is great gain. How do know when we are becoming more godly? I think we will know we are becoming more godly when we become more like Jesus. And becoming more like Jesus means that we become more cheerful, more willing, more generous and more sacrificial with our time , talent and treasure.
What was the best gift you’ve ever received? I’m not looking for a Christian answer. We’ll get to that. I actually want you to think back to the most recent most tangible physical gift you’ve received.
Spend some time reflecting on this week’s prayer passage “Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his face always.” 1 Chronicles 16:11
What’s the difference between dead people and living people? There’s a big difference between dead people and living people. Dead people can’t do anything. Living people can do many things. Dead people can’t respond and living people can respond.
Think about this with me… when you came into this world you were naked and unable to gain anything on your own… you couldn’t get food… you couldn’t get clothing… you couldn’t get a diaper wipe when you messed up your diaper.
How do you practice a healthy personal presence in the midst of chaos? When the crap hits the fan how do you stay emotionally, spiritually and physically present in a healthy way? I want to propose that a healthy leader who is personally present in the midst of chaos practices a prayerful prophetic presence.
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