WOW it was so good to be "back in the saddle" again on Sunday. Thanks to Dan Ponchot and LJ Dozier for filling in while I was gone. I loved both messages. If you missed them or would like to hear any messages please CLICK HERE. Thanks to everyone who welcomed us home and asked us about our vacation. I Just love my church family.
It seems that God had some stuff to say to many of us on Sunday. I received several e-mails and have participated in many conversations about how powerful the message on attitude was Sunday. In this view beyond the pew, I would like to take the space to present a quick recap of the message.
Philippians 2:5 tells us to "have the same attitude as that of Christ Jesus". It is not only true in this context of humility and self-sacrifice but in anything that we do in life. We are "Christians" and that calls us to be "Christ-like". As a result, when it comes to anything in our life, we should mirror the attitude of Christ, even MONEY and POSSESSIONS! The main attitudes that seem to go along with any text that Christ speaks on money/possessions are 1)the attitude of a servant. We need to remember that we are slaves of righteousness and slaves of God (Romans 6:18&22) so we belong 100% to him. He is a master that loves us and has sacrificed for us, but we are still in that slave/master relationship. We have been "bought with a price" and we are no longer our own. 2) the attitude of a steward. Our master has given us a unique opportunity to "manage" a portion of what belongs to him. Because He owns us, He also owns all that comes with us. We are expected to "manage" everything (money, clothes, homes, body, family, stuff and even His Truth) well. In fact we are told in I Corinthians 4:1&2 and Romans 14:12 that we must prove faithful and that each of us will one day give an account as His managers or stewards. 3) the attitude of sacrifice. God gave the ultimate sacrifice in His Son for you and I. As managers of our master's stuff, we are called to the same priorities. God is a God of sacrifice and we are called to do likewise.
Sunday I prayed that each of us would adjust our attitudes to conform to Christ. I continue to pray that we are all taking inventory of each attitude and adjusting toward Him. This is essential for coming together next week and talking about DEBT! By the way, that sermon is done and God really is going to shake some foundations this week. Don't miss it!
A few other thoughts about last Sunday. First of all, it was refreshing to see a solid attendance even though several of our families were gone on trips, reunions and some even sick. God is really blessing us. Giving was above our need once again. We were blessed to hear about the world-wide evangelism that is going forth from Caracas, Venezuela from our own missionary Jim Dye. Some familiar faces returned after being away for some time. We were blessed to meet several new families for the first time. Lots of smiles, lots of hugs and lots of JESUS.
On a personal note, our D-group picnic in the shelter was incredible. Several new families attended and man, what a beautiful day. August 10th in Cincinnati and it was sunny, with a cool breeze and temps in the 70's! WOW!
Again, don't miss what God is planning to do this Sunday! Until later...
In Christ!
Gator out! :o)