Wednesday, August 7, 2013

Ephesians 4:29-5:2

²⁹ 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. ³⁰ And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.³¹ Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. ³² Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. ¹ Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children ² and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

Reflection

As you read today’s scripture, do you think there are any reasons why it might actually be healthy for churches to disagree? Explain. 

Tuesday, August 6, 2013

Proverbs 12:16

¹⁶ Fools show their annoyance at once,
    but the prudent overlook an insult.

Reflection

In our lives it is common place for us to face insults. But the insults that hurt the most are the ones that come from our brothers and sisters in Christ. Have you ever been insulted by someone? According to our scripture there is virtue in overlooking an insult. In what situations might it be prudent to overlook an insult? Do you struggle with this thought?

Monday, Aug 5, 2013

Matthew 5:21-24
²¹ “You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ ²² But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, ‘Raca,’ is

answerable to the court. And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell. ²³ “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, ²⁴ leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.

Reflection

The principle in this passage is that having right relationships with people is more important than outward spiritual practices. Describe some ways this passage might apply to our lives.

Weekly Theme August 4 through August 10

Promotes Healthy Relationships

Click Here to Listen to Pastor Chris' Sermon

 “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift. “

-Matthew 5:23-24

             

              Have ever watched a special where stars raise money for a charity. I heard an interview once with a director who puts these types of events together and they asked him how he got these big celebrities to come together and not get their egos involved. He simply replied that there was no problem with this because there was a bigger cause at hand.

This is why we need to promote healthy relationships as the church. We need to get past our petty arguments (because that is what our arguments are they’re petty) and work to resolve them as we unite for a greater purpose, making disciples of our Lord Jesus Christ. We have a greater calling. And there is a much higher purpose for the church then to argue and disagree about what color we paint the gathering place. That higher calling is to worry about the world’s eternal salvation. There are people in this very community that do not know the love of our Lord Jesus Christ and that is the greatest reason I could ever think of to lay down our petty differences and unite to save the people of our community in the name of Jesus Christ. We will never agree on everything and in fact if we did we would have a much different problem. But we should be able to agree that people need Jesus and this is a much higher calling than any difference we might have.

Saturday, August 3, 2013

Romans 8:28

²⁸ And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who^[i] have been called according to his purpose.

Reflection

Our scripture today is one that many people know and turn to for help and guidance. But we often over look one word here: purpose. It is God’s purpose in our lives and God’s purpose in our church that God works through not our personal preference. How do you think evaluating something according to its purpose (and not personal preference) could contribute to gratefulness both personally and as the church? 

Friday, August 2, 2013

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
¹⁶ Rejoice always, ¹⁷ pray continually, ¹⁸ give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

Reflection

As you look at our scripture today, what do you think  is the difference between giving thanks in the midst of every circumstance and giving thanks for all circumstances? What does God call us to do?

Thursday, August 1, 2013

Jeremiah 42:2-4,7

² Jeremiah the prophet and said to him, “Please hear our petition and pray to the Lord your God for this entire remnant. For as you now see, though we were once many, now only a few are left. ³ Pray that the Lord your God will tell us where we should go and what we should do.” ⁴ “I have heard you,” replied Jeremiah the prophet. “I will certainly pray to the Lord your God as you have requested; I will tell you everything the Lord says and will keep nothing back from you.” ⁷ Ten days later the word of the Lord came to Jeremiah.

Reflection

Our scripture today reminds us that the answer to our prayers does not always come in our timing but God’s. In fact sometimes God says no to our prayer request because in the end things will work out for the best that way. Have you ever experienced a season in your life where God said no to a prayer request but later you saw that it worked out for the best?