Lenten Thoughts

Wiki Lent Info
Lent 101 by the Upper Room
Lent by About Religion

Ash Wednesday, Madi Gras, Lent, Holy Week, and the Passion of Christ are in the news and on some people's mind these days. Over the  years I have had some open and lively conversations and discussions with friends, family members, colleagues and church members, anti-church people and anti-religion people about Lent. I have even been asked if I participate and others have shared with me how they plan to participate. I am not much of a Lent person and yet I am all about Lent as we allow Christ to live in us and through us in the power of the Holy Spirit.

So I must say, I think lent is a little ridiculous. Actually, I think it is absolutely preposterous. Yes, I am aware that this is "out there" for some and may cause your heart to stir and may even lead you to become a little bothered, upset, or even a little angry. Good. Now that the blood is pumping and the mind is stirred please read on.

This blog is about hope so I must explain myself a bit. It seems Lent was started with good intent and yet "the drift factor" has occurred. Lent seems to have been a time for people to draw near to God and dwell on God and His love, sacrifice and power as Easter Sunday approached. The conversations and discussions I have been involved in are about giving up Coke, electronic devices, chocolate or even a fav TV program or other trite aspects of life during the 40 or 40+ days of Lent. As the"The drift" factor has taken place it seems Lent has become about me - The focus in the local Church again has been shifted and "I and me" become the center, and therefore, I do not care for Lent. Wait, I do like Lent if we as followers of the Way would seek to live it daily. I do understand and get and have practiced the whole 40 day concept found throughout God's Word and I do believe that there are times in a follower of the Way life that fasting, a renewal, and a rediscovery of True North is needed. I just am not sure if Lent these days is about that. The Lenten practice of giving up Coke, electronic devices, a TV show or even a favorite candy bar, cussing, blah, blah, blah blah blah concerns me but Lent in the sense that we draw near to God, dwell on and seek to walk in God's love, sacrifice, grace, holiness, and power on a daily basis as we follow Jesus Christ, now that is.. Christianity. I mean I visit with people who are sporadic in their worship attendance, Group Life, Scripture Reading, give very little, have never offered to take a new church member to lunch because they are so focused on their friends, their time, their seat in worship, their schedule, their finances that they do not even know the church family that has helped them in many ways has new people, WOW, that is mind boggling and yet so true. Dear God, help me and us.  Dear God, forgive me and now empower me. Father in Heaven, Use me like crazy for Your Kingdom.

Lent is a seasonal practice for Christians yet it needs to be a daily expression for all followers of Jesus Christ. I do know a handful of followers who practice Lent in its full intent during the season, but I also know that they practice Lent in it's intent all of the time in all of their life. They have come to grasp Galatians 2:20.So they are Lented followers (in it's full intent) all of the time. I mean they fast, pray, give, serve, read Scripture, love people, struggle with God, love God, converse with God, are Kingdom oriented and seek to live in Christ 23.5/6.3 (No one is perfect). Think, you will get it. LOL.

So I say, "forget Lent, the season." Enjoy your Coke, enjoy your candy bar, enjoy the TV show, use the electronic device in Christ. "In Christ", if not in Christ then move away from these things. I mean, I like my Dr Pepper, but if I drink the Dr. as much as I would like to there would be so much more of me (weight) than there should be. Catch the meaning. It's not just about health by the way, it's about "In Christ" which is "For Christ" which is "About Christ" which is "Of Christ". The early Church had a mantra long before Lent came along, "Jesus Christ is Lord." They got Lent without Lent, because they walked in the power of God and gave themselves fully to God.

So let's get the lint out of our pockets, purses, pillow cases, dryer vents and socks and get the Lent out of our lives so the Christ of Lent, the Christ of hope can increase in our lives and we can then experience His power in and through us which will bring others to Him. After all, Lent is about focusing on God and when we really do that we will desire to be disciple making followers of the Lord of Lent.

A Place - Yes!

The lyrics below were went to me by a fellow follower of the Way who is well read, intellgent, thoughtful, gracious and growing in Holiness. He is a saint of God. He is making disciples and is seeking to love God and love others as he loves himself. Thanks for sending this my way.  THANKS.

If this is not the place where tears are understood,
Then where shall I go to cry?
And if this is not the place where my spirit can take wings,
Then where shall I go to fly?

I don’t need another place for trying to impress you
With just how good and virtuous I am, no, no, no.
I don’t need another place for always being on top of things
Everybody knows that it’s a sham.
I don’t need another place for always wearing smiles
Even though that’s not the way I feel.
I don’t need another place to mouth the same old platitudes
Everybody knows that it’s not real.

So if this is not a place where my questions can be asked.
Then where shall I go to seek?
And if this is not a place where my heart cry can be heard,
Where, tell me where, shall I go to speak?

So if this is not a place where tears are understood,
Where shall I go, where shall I go to fly?

If This Is Not a Place,  song by Ken Medema

An Interview with Ken and Homiletics Online

The Ministry of Introduction - Discipleship

I recently gathered with some fellow pastors and we discussed the topic of discipleship. As a leader I was challenged and encouraged.  I left the gathering with many good thoughts and one that I really resonate with is the idea of the Ministry of Introduction - that we as followers of Jesus Christ and the church have been given the opportunity to introduce others to God and one another. This Ministry of Introduction was mentioned briefly and was discovered while one of the pastors was in Seminary and had the privilege to learn from Dr. Wayne Oates. We did not get to fully flesh out the concept introduced to him by Wayne Oates and yet I really like this idea of the Ministry of Introduction...

The Ministry of Introduction - Introducing people to God
Welcoming people into an experience of the good news of salvation in Jesus Christ should be the heartbeat of every church. As followers of Jesus Christ and as a local Church we are to introduce people to the hope we have in Jesus Christ. We are to share the Good News of God's redemption with others and introduce them into a relationship with the one and only God who loves them, gave His life for them and desires to live in and through them.

The Ministry of Introduction - Introducing people to one another
The Ministry of Introduction also includes introducing people to one another. Christianity is about a relationship with God and a relationship with others. The church is God's people. As followers who are seeking to make disciples one key way for this to happen is for us to be "one another introducers". Churches should encourage people to build relationships designed to spur one another on in their walk with God and with one another. Making Disciples involves introducing people to one another and helping people connect with one another so that they can experience many of the one another found in Scripture and be built up in their faith walk so that they will be more apt live out the ministry of introducing others to God and His Good News in Jesus Christ.

Romans 12:1-12

The Ministry of Introduction - Introducing people to the Mission of God
God is moving all around us and as followers of the Way we have the wonderful opportunity to be involved in His redemptive work as we serve in a local church, as we serve with a local church and as we offer ourselves to God and allow Him to do His work in us and through us on a daily basis in our everyday lives - in our families, homes, friendships, acquaintances, places of employment, etc. As we introduce others to opportunities to serve in a church ministry, or be involved in a community activity, a mission trip, or mission weekend, any opportunity that allows them to move beyond themselves and into God plan or redemption we are potentially helping them grow in their walk with God and others. Followers of Jesus Christ are to serve others and share Christ with others and introducing others into the mission of God allows people and opportunity to be involved in serving and sharing.

The Ministry of Introduction - I am thankful
In no way is the Ministry of Introduction completely fleshed out in the brief thoughts above and yet I am thankful for this concept being mentioned briefly in our discussion about making disciples or discipleship. I am even more thankful that some followers of Jesus Christ practiced the Ministry of Introduction with me and introduced me to a relationship with God, a relationship with others and opportunities to be involved in God's mission of bringing people to Himself. Their Ministry of Introduction led me to become a follower of Jesus Christ and has given me the wonderful experience to be involved in the Ministry of Introduction. May we as followers of Jesus Christ make disciples as we live the Ministry of Introduction.

Salt and Light

“Let me tell you why you are here. You’re here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth. If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste godliness? You’ve lost your usefulness and will end up in the garbage. “Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:13-16 MSG)

This Is Good, Practical and Helpful

How To Click With People You Meet

Decisions

Our lives are shaped by our years,
Our years are shaped by our months,
Our months are shaped by our weeks,
Our weeks are shaped by our days,
Our days are shaped by our hours,
Our hours are shaped by our moments,
Our moments are shaped by our decisions.

II Corinthians 5:17

Ben-Hur

Read Ben-Hur in early 2014. Could not put it down. 

From ODB 1-12-15.

In the years following the American Civil War (1861–1865), Union Major General Lew Wallace served as a governor of the New Mexico territories; New Mexico not yet having been admitted as a state. His work there put him in contact with many of the characters that make up the Wild West’s near-mythic history, including Billy the Kid and Sheriff Pat Garrett. It was here that Wallace wrote what has been called by some “the most influential Christian book” of the 19th century, Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ.

Wallace witnessed the worst impact of sin on humanity as he saw the violence of the Civil War and the Wild West. In life and in his best-selling book, Wallace understood that only the story of Jesus Christ has the power of redemption and reconciliation.

For the follower of Christ, the climax of our lives was the moment God “delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins” (Col. 1:13-14). Now we have the privilege of being storytellers of God’s wonderful redemption.

Lord, please take control of my words today.

Fill me with Your words of love and grace.

Use them to turn some heart toward You.

I can do nothing without You.

The difference Christ makes in your life is a story worth telling.

Things

God nowhere tells us to give up things for the sake of giving them up. He tells us to give them up for the sake of the only thing worth having - viz., life with Himself.

My Utmost... OC 1.8.15

Isaiah and the Uncommon

Peter and the Uncommon

Uncommon

If we have never had the experience of taking our commonplace religious shoes off our commonplace religious feet, and getting rid of all the undue familiarity with which we approach God, it is questionable whether we have ever stood in His presence. My Utmost... O.W. 1.3

The Bible In One Word - Redemption

Redeemed, how I love to proclaim it!

Redeemed by the blood of the Lamb;

Redeemed through His infinite mercy—

His child, and forever I am. —Crosby

Hello, My Name Is Church

Hello my name is church,

I'm sure you've heard a lot about me or maybe you haven’t. I have no shortage of critics. Perhaps you have heard that I am...

Boring
Shallow
Cheap
A waste of time

Maybe you've heard that I am full of:

Hypocrites
Clowns
Greedy people
The self-righteous

Maybe you have visited me before and discovered:

Outdated music
Passionless singing
Dry preaching
and maybe even, rude people

Maybe you needed me and my help and I was:

Too busy
Too "righteous"
Too broke
Too blind

You may have you joined me and found I was:

Distant
Demanding
Dull
Preoccupied

 Maybe you tried to serve in me but were caught off guard by:

Business meetings
Committees
Demanding people
Bureaucracy

Maybe you left and were surprised that nobody:

Called
Cared
Noticed
Invited you back

Perhaps your experience has driven you to:

Speak negatively of me
Swear to never come back to me
Proclaim that no one needs me
Believe you're better off without me

If this is true, I have something to say to you:

I'm sorry
I was wrong
I blew it
I made a huge mistake

But PLEASE remember, I never said my name was:

Perfect
Flawless
Complete
Arrived

My name is church. I welcome the:

Hypocrite
Dry
Self-righteous
Shallow

I welcome the

Sincere
Passionate
Forgiving
Selfless

I cannot shut my doors to the people who make you:

Angry
Uncomfortable
Impatient
Self-conscious

So allow me to remind you that because of Jesus Christ we worship and serve together as followers who are:

Broken
Healed
Travelers
Redeemed

In order for us to all worship in the same room Jesus Christ was:

Shamed
Beaten
Killed
RESURRECTED!

Which is far worse than being:

Bored
Uncomfortable
Embarrassed
Ignored

So why not come back to church and let all of these messed up and yet REDEEMED people:

Get to know you
Sharpen you
Strengthen you
Live life with you

I can't promise you that the people will be great. This is church. It's not:

Heaven
Paradise
Perfect
The Celestial city

Again, my name is church.

God created me
God wants you here
We want you here
The world needs your witness here
You belong here

I miss you.

I love you.

I'm sorry.

Can't wait to see you.

I am excited about what God is doing in me and through me. Let’s experience it together as the CHURCH.

Be Aware, Be Very Aware. Great Article

Five Things That Cause Us To Drift Spiritually

Thanks to Dr. Mark Foley for posting this via FB.
University of Mobile

It's Time

Yes!!

Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God. And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will hardly die for a righteous man; though perhaps for the good man someone would dare even to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:1-8 NASB)

Little Article - What Will You Give God This Christmas?

What Will You Give God This Christmas?

From The Desk Calendar

If your problems are not big enough to pray about they most certainly are not big enough to worry and fret over. 

Luke 2:8-12

In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." (Luke 2:8-12 NASB)

The Power Of The Gospel

If in preaching the Gospel you substitute your clear knowledge of the way of salvation for confidence in the power of the Gospel, you hinder people getting to Reality. You have to see that while you proclaim your knowledge of the way of salvation, you yourself are rooted and grounded in faith in God. Never rely on the clearness of your exposition, but as you give your exposition see that you are relying on the Holy Spirit. Rely on the certainty of God's redemptive power, and He will create His own life in souls.

My Umost... OC

Devotion To Jesus Christ - My Utmost...

Thankful - Choose - Continual Thanks To God

I Choose To Be Thankful

A spirit of power, love and sound discipline...

www.odb.org

Our Daily Bread is a good devotional book to use as a aprt of your daily time with God. You can receive this online, on your smartphone, your Kindle and youcan order a hard copy at www.rbc.org.

Thanksgiving Day

Positive Path Forward

A Positive Path at Great Day

Thanksgiving Thoughts - Max Lucado

Thanksgiving Thoughts From Max Lucado

Psalm 100

It's Your Revolution - Tim Timmons

Starts With Me

Some Verses From I Peter - O Yeah!

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, 5who by God's power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.  I Peter 1:3-5

9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. 10 Once you were not a people, but now you are God's people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. 11 Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul. 12 Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation. I Peter 2:9-12

8 Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. 9 Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing. 10 For

“Whoever desires to love life
and see good days,
let him keep his tongue from evil
and his lips from speaking deceit;

10 let him turn away from evil and do good;
let him seek peace and pursue it.

12 For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous,
and his ears are open to their prayer.
But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”

I Peter 3:8-11

 

Always Giving Thanks

Always Giving Thanks For All Things - Good Article and Thoughful Questions

3

Grade yourself on the same scale that you grade others.

Carefully avoid in yourself those things which disturb you in others. - T aKempis

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. I Thessalonians 5:11 NIV

Thanks

Psalm 136:1

This Is Good Stuff

1 In the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen (who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch) and Saul. 2 While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, "Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them." 3 So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.

Acts 13:1-3

Partnership

Partnership is the ability to be able to work together toward a common vision. The ability to direct individual accomplishment toward organized objectives. It is the fuel that allows common people to attain uncommon results.... Simply put, it is less "me" and more "we."

Just as there are many parts to our bodies, so it is with Christ's body... for we each have a different work to do ... each needs all the others. Romans 12:4-5 TLB

Prayer and Revival

The Logan County Revival

7 Practices Of Effective Ministries

1. Clarify the Win. Define what is important. What is the organization’s purpose. Leaders and people working/serving in the organization need to know what a “win” is. We like to win so make it very clear to the people involved what a win looks like.
2.Think Steps, Not Programs. Before you start anything, make sure it takes you where you want and need to go in order to “win”. Think process. Processes within programs.
3. Narrow the Focus. Do fewer things in order to make a greater impact. Less is more. Focus, focus, focus.
4. Teach Less for More. Say only what you need to say to the people who need to hear it. Not everyone has to be in the know. Not everyone has to give permission to take action or make a move forward.
5. Listen to Outsiders. Focus on who you are trying to reach, not who you’re trying to keep. Information from those not yet in organization is needed and can be used to help make improvements.
6. Replace Yourself. Learn to hand of what you do. Develop people. Develop leaders. Train others. Give permission within perimeters of “win”.
7. Work On It. Take time to evaluate your work, and to celebrate your wins. Analyze and improve. Personal improvement and organizational improvement is a must. Allow Teams to evaluate and improve.

The above are taken from 7 Practices Of Effectvie Ministries by Andy Stanley, Reggie Joiner, and Lane Jones.

Christianity - A People Of Life

This Is The Symbol For Christianity

Matthew 6:12

Reconciliation

 

 Reconciliation (originally named Reunion) is a sculpture by Josefina de Vasconcellos. Originally created in 1977 and entitled Reunion, it depicted a man and woman embracing each other across barbed wire.

Let Go...

Matthew 5:23-24

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.

Isaiah 43:1-13 NASB

Isaiah 43:1-13

5 Really Bad...

5 Really Bad Reasons To Leave Your Church

THE SYMBOL FOR CHRISTIANITY

 

 

Psalm 91:2

Refuge

16 But I will sing of your strength,
in the morning I will sing of your love;
for you are my fortress,
my refuge in times of trouble.
17 You are my strength, I sing praise to you;
you, God, are my fortress,
my God on whom I can rely.

Psalm 59:16-17

No Need To Despair

It is impossible for that man to despair who rememberss that his Helper is omnipotent.
Jeremy Taylor

A Mountain - From A Friend

The following is from a devotional reading devotion Joshua DuBois:

MAKE ME A MOUNTAIN

“Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, which cannot be moved, but abides forever.”  Ps 125:1 (ESV)

Lord, make me a mountain.
Let my base run wide and deep, sturdy and immovable.
Let my peak break through the clouds: let me see for mile all around.
Though I crumble from time to time, let me never break.
And let my posture always, always, be pointed upward, toward worshiping, toward You.
Lord, make me a mountain, like Zion. “Which cannot be moved, but abides forever.” Amen

Refuge, Yep!

The Lord Is My Refuge...

1 I love you, O LORD, my strength.2 The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. 3 I call to the LORD, who is worthy of praise, and I am saved from my enemies.  Psalm 18:1-3

1 God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,3 though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.  Psalm 46:1-3

1 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.2 I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust."  Psalm 91:1-2

A Sense Of Calling

“We must dispense with the myth that commitment to Christ means becoming a clergyman, or that work done inside a church building or in a church organization is more holy, somehow, than work done in the marketplace. Christ came to give us a sense of calling in everyday work. This is where the world is changed, and where the kingdom is built.” Bruce Larson

Thanks to my friend Tyrone Lawton for sending this to me and some other men.

Each New Day - Corrie ten Boom

Give One!

We All Are To Make Disciples

This is a little sarcastic and yet the point can be well received if we will really be open to God. Every follower of Christ is to make disciples. Every follower of Jesus Christ can grow in Christ and in some form, facet or fashion help others grow in Christ. Every follower of Jesus is to be actively involved in God's Kingdom purpose of making disciples. We are to worship, be in small groups, serve in a local church, share our faith with others, give for Kingdom expansion and live with intent so that we are glorifying God - in this we will make disciples.

A Prayer For Today

O God,
Give me strength to live another day; Let me not turn coward before its difficulties or prove recreant to its duties; Let me not lose faith in other people;
Keep me sweet and sound of heart, in spite of ingratitude, treachery, or meanness; Preserve me from minding little stings or giving them;
Help me to keep my heart clean, and to live so honestly and fearlessly that no outward failure can dishearten me or take away the joy of conscious integrity;
Open wide the eyes of my soul that I may see good in all things; Grant me this day some new vision of thy truth; Inspire me with the spirit of joy and gladness;
and make me the cup of strength to suffering souls; in the name of the strong Deliverer, our only Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Taken from www.forwardmovement.org

7 Practices Of Effective Ministry

1. Clarify the Win. Define what is important. What is the organization’s purpose. Leaders and people working/serving in the organization need to know what a “win” is.
2.Think Steps, Not Programs. Before you start anything, make sure it takes you where you want and need to go in order to “win”. Think process. Processes within programs.
3. Narrow the Focus. Do fewer things in order to make a greater impact. Less is more. Focus, focus, focus.
4. Teach Less for More. Say only what you need to say to the people who need to hear it. Not everyone has to be in the know. Not everyone has to give permission.
5. Listen to Outsiders. Focus on who you are trying to reach, not who you’re trying to keep. Information from those not yet in organization is needed and can be used to help make improvements.
6. Replace Yourself. Learn to hand of what you do. Develop people. Develop leaders. Train others. Give permission within perimeters of “win”.
7. Work On It. Take time to evaluate your work, and to celebrate your wins. Analyze and improve. Personal improvement and organizational improvement is a must. Allow Teams to evaluate and improve.

The above are taken from 7 Practices of Effective Ministry by Andy Stanley, Reggie Joiner, and Lane Jones.

A Prayer

Today Lord I humble myself before You. I recognize the Lordship of Jesus Christ in my life. Fill me with Your Spirit. Move me, God, into what You are already doing in your Kingdom. I am choosing to live in your freedom. May my thoughts, words and actions help others experience Your freedom. Spirit of God, fall fresh on me. As I go through my daily routine, task and responsibilites guide me, strengthen me, abide in me and may my freedom to choose lead me to seek You, follow You and hear You. May the freedom You have givne me in Jesus Christ bring You glory as I allow your Spirit to fill me and You work in me and through me. God, I surrender all.

One Another

The Gospels
1. “…Be at peace with each other” (Mark 9:50)
2. “…Wash one another’s feet” (John 13:14)
3. “…Love one another…” (John 13:34-35; John 15:12, 17)

Paul’s Letters
Romans, I Corinthians, II Corinthians
4. “Love one another”(Romans 13:8)
5. “Be devoted to one another in brotherly love…” (Romans 12:10)
6. “Honor one another above yourselves” (Romans 12:10)
7. “Live in harmony with one another…” (Romans 12:16)
8. “…Stop passing judgment on one another” (Romans 14:13)
9. “Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you…” (Romans 15:7)
10. “…instruct one another” (Romans 15:4)
11. “Greet one another with a holy kiss…” (Romans 16:16; I Corinthians 16:20, II Corinthians
13:12; I Thessalonians 5:26)
12. “…When you come together to eat, wait for each other” (I Corinthians 11:33)
13. “…Have equal concern for each other” (I Corinthians 12:25)
14. “…Serve one another in love” (II Corinthians 13:12)

Galatians, Ephesians
15. “Carry each other’s burdens…” (Galatians 6:2)
16. “If you keep on biting and devouring each other…you will be destroyed by each other” (Galatians 5:15)
17. “Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other” (Galatians 5:26)
18. “…Be patient, bearing with one another in love” (Ephesians 4:2)
19. “Be kind and compassionate to one another…” (Ephesians 4:32)
20. “…forgiving each other…” (Ephesians 4:32)
21. “Speak to one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs” (Ephesians 5:19)
22. “Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ” (Ephesians 5:21)

Philippians, Colossians
23. “…in humility consider others better than yourselves” (Philippians 2:3)
24. “Do not lie to each other…” (Colossians 3:9)
25. “Bear with each other…” (Colossians 3:13)
26. “…Forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another” (Colossians 3:13)
27. “Teach…[one another]” (Colossians 3:16)
28. “…admonish one another” (Colossians 3:16)

I Thessalonians, Hebrews29. “…make your love increase and overflow for each other” (I Thessalonians 3:12)
30. “Encourage one another” (I Thessalonians 4:18, 5:11; Hebrews 10:25)
31. “…Build each other up…” (I Thessalonians 5:11)
32. “Encourage one another daily…” (Hebrews 3:13)
33. “Spur one another on toward love and good deeds” (Hebrews 10:24)

Other Letters
James, I Peter, I John, II John
34. “…Do not slander one another” (James 4:11)
35. “Don’t grumble against each other” (James 5:9)
36. “Confess your sins to each other…” (James 5:16)
37. “…Pray for each other” (James 5:16)
38. “…Love one another deeply, from the heart” (I Peter 1:22, 4:8)39. “…Live in harmony with one another…” (I Peter 3:8)
40. “Greet one another with a kiss of love” (I Peter 5:14)
41. “Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling” (I Peter 4:9)
42. “Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others…” (I Peter 4:10)
43. “…Clothe yourselves with humility toward one another…” (I Peter 5:15)
44. “Love one another” (I John 3:11, 23, 4:7,11,12; II John 5)

Build Up One Another

Grade yourself on the same scale that you grade others.

Carefully avoid in yourself those things which disturb you in others. - T aKempis

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. I Thessalonians 5:11 NIV

Everyday Easter - Mark 16:4

Personal And Spiritual Growth - A Poem

This past year, God's been moving my spirit
Giving me purpose .... allowing people to hear it
I'm sharing life change .... hoping others draw near it.
I always wanna share .... sometimes I still fear it.
God is the master, and I am His clay.
Every single moment, God wants to mold me His way.
I'm using God's Word to hear what He'll say
With God's power I'm a new man each day.
Shape, Share and One Word were all put in place
To see God's hands, to feel His grace.

To alter hearts, to change life's pace.
To shape our spirits, to seek Christ's face
To share true life in a world of doubt
To show all peeps what Christ is about.

Robert Hobbs

Benefits of Belonging To A Church - Extended List

Meet new people
Children meet other children
New friendships formed
Solid friendships formed
People praying for you during difficult times
People rejoicing with you in good times
Personal development and improvement
Learn to move out of you comfort zone
Learn to stay in God’s comfort zone
Learn scripture
Apply the Bible to your life
Hear from God
Draw close to God
Health improvement
Social networks
Career networks
Solid people involved in children’s lives
You get to help others
Helping others is a good thing
You get to sing like you are in the shower
Learn of new songs and music
Retreat opportunities
Camp opportunities
Encouraged to go for it
Encouraged to slow down
Improve your relational skills
Become a rock star
Learn public speaking skills
Develop skills you never knew you had
Sharpen skills you know you have
Childcare network
Built in support system
Hugs, handshakes and high fives
Understand just how important you are
Meet you future spouse
Move past your stereotypes
Learn to ride a bike
Learn to live life to the fullest
Learn to in God’s love, forgiveness, truth and righteousness
Receive love
Give love
Receive help
Give help
Receive prayers
Give prayers
Receive encouragement
Give encouragement
Receive wise counsel
Give wise counsel
Live with more purpose
Your children hear about God’s love for them
Your children make the decision to follow Jesus Christ
Teens have a good support system
Travel the states
International travel
Expand your horizon
Learn a new language
Sing songs in a different language
Use your talents in the Kingdom of God
Discover abilities you did not know you had
Meet your new lifelong friend
Invest in others
Discover life
Experience healing
Be accepted as you are
Be encourage to grow
People praying for you
people praying for your family
Live w more meaning
Learn to pray
Understand what prayer is
Become an actor
Become a Hollywood Star
Make a movie that can potentially change the world
Wake up to life
Know that God is God