Yesterday, our pastor, Peter, gave a wonderful message from the book of Ephesians. He encouraged us to remember our position in Christ and to appropriate our resources from the Lord. If we relate to God based on our practices of everyday life, we will fail each day because we are flesh as well as having a fierce enemy who throws darts of doubt, fear, discouragement, etc. But if we remember that God sees us as holy and without blame, all through His Son's atoning blood, we can live victoriously all to God's glory. We are chosen by God, sanctified (set apart for Him), blameless before Him, adopted by Him, accepted by Him, redeemed by Him, given treasures from Him, promised an inheritance from Him, and indwelt by His Spirit, the very same one who has the power to raise the dead. Why shouldn't we live victoriously?! And even moreso, He deserves our praise to no end!
I don't think I've yet written about where the Lord is allowing me to serve in our fellowship. Since July I've been with the Jr. High ministry...what a blessing. The kids are great and we are looking forward to begin meeting on Thursday nights. My prayer is that we will all get to know eachother and that the youth will make a lifetime committment to following Jesus at this most impressionable age. Above is a picture of some of the Jr. Highers.
Lately the Lord has been challenging me in my walk with Him. I decided to read through 1 Timothy, which is mostly about church order. So many verses made me think about my own motives and goals...do I love with a pure heart, a good conscience, and a sincere faith? Does the Lord count me faithful to minister? Am I dependable to pray for all in authority? Do I lead a quiet and peaceable life characterized by godliness and reverence? Am I careful to refrain from slandering people, even subtly? Could I be considered an example to other believers in word (actually includes the thought and reasoning behind the speech), conduct, love, spirit (the rational soul or mental disposition), in faith, and in purity? Do I show partiality to anybody? Do I practice godliness combined with (here's the key) contentment? Do I fight the good fight of faith? Ohhhh, the Lord has so much work to do in my life. But I know He'll finish it...He promised me! :) Philippians 1:6 says, "being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ;"
Monday, August 27, 2007
Our Position in Christ
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2 comments:
WHAT AN ENCOURAGING POST. TOTALY LEAD BY THE HOLY SPIRIT. YOU HAVE A GIFT FOR SHARING THINGS IN A VERY UNDERSTANDABLE YET FORTHRIGHT WAY THAT GENTLY REBUKES THE CHRISTIAN WHO IS READY TO BE CORRECTED.
I ALSO KNOW THAT WHAT THE LORD GIVES US TO SHARE IS WHAT HE IS SPEAKING TO US PERSONALY.
ALL OF WHAT YOU SAID ARE MY DESIRES.
I AM SO EXCITED THAT THE LORD HAS OPENED UP DOORS FOR YOU TO SERVE THE YOUTH. YOU HAVE ALWAYS TALKED ABOUT HOW YOU HAVE A HEART FOR THAT AGE GROUP. MAY THE LORD CONTINUE TO BLESS YOU AND GIVE YOU THE WORDS AND STREANGTH TO BE AN EXAMPLE TO THESE KIDS.
THANK YOU FOR SHARING ABOUT OUR POSITION IN CHRIST. EVERYDAY WE ARE SLAMED WITH THE ENEMIES TRICKS. IF HE IS NOT SHOOTING US FROM THE FRONT, HE WILL STAB US IN THE BACK, AND KICK US DOWN AND TRY TO DEFEAT US. BUT GREATER IS HE WHO IS IN US. AND NO WEAPON FORMED AGAINST US SHALL PROSPER.
I WAS LISTENING TO ELIZEBETH ELLIOT, A GREAT EXAMPLE TO ME AS TO HOW TO WALK THROUGH SUFFERING AS A CHRISTIAN. SHE QUOTED SOMEONE SAYING: MAINTAIN A HOLY SIMPLICITY OF MIND AND DO NOT SMUTHEER YOURSELF WITH A HOST OF CARES, WISHES, OR LONGINGS UNDER ANY PRETEXT ( TALK ABOUT BEING CONTENT). IN OTHER WORDS, TRY TO LIVE A SIMPLISTIC LIFE STYLE, EVEN IF THE CIRCUMSTANCES MAY BE UNBARABLE.
THANK YOU FOR THE LAST SCRIPTURE. ONE OF THE MOST ENCOURAGING PROMISES FROM THE BIBLE. HE WILL COMPLET US. WE ARE ALL A WORK IN PROGRESS, OR AS SOME SAY: UNDER CONSTRUCTION.
P.S. I FORGOT
LOVE,
NETTIE
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