GOSPEL :: FAMILY :: MISSION
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.
A person who loves God with money is content with the basic necessities of life because of the cross of Christ. Are you a person who loves God with your money? Are you content with the basic necessities of life? Have you found the secret of being content in the provision of the cross of Christ?
One of the most painful stories I’ve personally experienced is the story of a young middle school girl who came back to a campus youth club that I lead after Christmas break and pulled our leaders aside and told us that her stepdad had raped her over the Christmas break and after doing so told her Merry Christmas.
I don’t have a catchy story to introduce this message today. I have only one question. “Is the power of God enough for you?” I know our knee-jerk reaction is to give the Sunday school answer of the expected answer of yes. But really… it’s not a question of “Is God powerful enough?” It’s a question of… “Have you found that sweet spot where the power of God is enough for you?”
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