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Rethinking Sin – PowerPoint

Sin is vicious and it takes a toll on a person and the ramifications can be great. In this lesson, I borrowed a few points from John Maxwell’s book “The 21 Most Powerful Minutes in a Leader’s Day.” In this book, John Maxwell, makes the points that sin does more than what we know.

The three points John Maxwell makes became valuable points in my lesson:

(1) Sin always takes you farther than you want to go.

(2) Sin always keeps you longer than you wanted to stay.

(3) Sin always costs you more thanks were willing to pay.

Below is the PowerPoint from Sunday’s lesson.

I hope this PowerPoint helps you.

Just some thoughts,

Christians, Keep on Moving!

As we all know, the Christian life is one of action. James writes Christians should be “doers of the word and not hearers only.” (James 1.22) James goes further in his writings be saying that faith without works is dead (James 2.14,26)

Actions matter to a because, not only is it required, but when Christians act on their belief, it keeps us going. The example of the early church is powerful because, even in the face of persecution, they never stopped meeting (Acts 5.42) and they never stopped serving and growing (Acts 6.1-7). Just as they kept moving, so should we.

During the pandemic, the Giant Dipper rollercoaster in Mission Beach, California, kept on moving, but there were no human passengers. When the pandemic happened and places were shutting down, the staff at Belmont Park determined the rollercoaster needed to run 12 times a day to keep in it good repair.

They wanted to maintain the rollercoaster so it would be ready for its centennial birthday in May 2024. To do this, they would need to keep running the rollercoaster. Instead of human passengers, the Belmont Park staff filled the rollercoaster with large stuffed animals from the nearby games. Videos of the stuffed animal filled rollercoaster circulated across the internet bringing publicity to the park, and the rollercoaster kept moving.

Christians need to keep moving as we press on toward the prize. (Philippians 3.14) Even in the hard times, like a pandemic, we need to keep moving so we do not let our spiritual lives deteriorate. (Galatians 6.9).

Are you still moving forward?

Just a thought,

Ten Promises for a Better Year

2022 will be a great year.

I am going to say it and give everyone a break from the past few years and where your mind may have gone. To show you how this year is going to be a great year, let’s start off with some promises made to us, which provide a reminder of the greatness of the lives we are living.

Each promise brings us hope of a greater tomorrow and a better year. You and I can begin today and create a better day today for a better life tomorrow. We are do not by adjusting our vision and purpose, along with our mindset. Instead of seeing the negative of teh world, let us focus on the positive promises we have.

Give yourself a moment and consider the promises on this list. On one hand they are simple, and on the other hand they are huge. Their benefits are beyond our imagination.

“Ten Promises for a Better Year!”

1. The Promise of a Gift— “But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift.” (Ephesians 4.7; ESV)

2. The Promise of the Son — “Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel.” (Luke 2.29-32; ESV)

3. The Promise of the Spirit — “Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.” (Romans 8.26; ESV)

4. The Promise of God — “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Hebrews 13.5; ESV)

5. The Promise of a Rainbow — “When the bow is in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is on the earth.” (Genesis 9.16; ESV)

6. The Promise of a Crown — “Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.” (2 Timothy 4.8; ESV)

7. The Promise of Better Promises — “But as it is, Christ has obtained a ministry that is as much more excellent than the old as the covenant he mediates is better, since it is enacted on better promises.” (Hebrews 8.6; ESV)

8. The Promise of Cleansing — “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.” (1 John 1.7; ESV)

9. The Promise of Forgiveness — “For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you…” (Matthew 6.14; ESV)

10. The Promise of Heaven — “And this is the promise that he made to us–eternal life.” (1 John 2.25; ESV)

What are some promises that you will add to the list?

Are you ready for a better year?

How can we help?

Just some thoughts,

Four Ways to Discard Spiritual Negativity

Allow me to share with you four ways to discard your life of spiritual negativity. While these four ways might now work for everyone, they will work for someone. One of these ways might be the start to the process you need to live a joyful life for the Father.

Just Stop

This is hard, yet for many, it is easy. When you realize your thoughts and words, you become a better person. Consider Paul’s words in Philippians 4.8, “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”

We know our thoughts come out in our speech (Matthew 15.11, 18). Let us be sure our thoughts are right, so our speech will be right. For many, just stop being negative.

Stop Living in the Past

While we know the words of Paul in Philippians 3.12-15, many will choose to focus on a past life instead of pressing forward. Remember, God has plans for us, just as He did Jeremiah, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” (Jeremiah 29.11) The past is behind us for a reason; let us move forward in the righteousness of God. (1 John 4.4)

Talk with God

Have you talked with God (prayed) about being a more positive, joyful person? Paul writes a list of attributes of a Christian in Romans 12. Consider Romans 12.12 where Paul says, “rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer…” It would be worth noting that joy and prayer are attributes of a Christian.

Surround Yourself with Positive People

This is probably the one most people need. We need surrounded by those of like-mind and like-faith. We need people in our life to encourage us. (See Hebrews 3.13)

Just some thoughts,

Who or What is Your Rock?

An ancient story is told of a little boy, a shipwreck and a rock:

During a furious storm at sea, a ship capsized and broke into pieces. The only survivor was a little boy who was swept by the waves onto a rock. He sat there all night long until, the next morning, he was spotted and rescued.

“Did you tremble while you were on the rock during the night?” someone later asked him.

“Yes,” said the boy. “I trembled all night—but the rock didn’t.”

At least 18 times in the book of Psalms, God is called a “Rock.” Each time, the psalmist is referring to God as his boulder, large rock, a place of refuge, or a fortress. The Hebrew words, “tsoor” and “sehlah,” bring the meanings of a stronghold of protection, but also an immovable strength.

Just as the boy in the story, are you holding onto your Rock? Is God your refuge? Your fortress? Your protection?

The Psalmist says, “The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.” (Psalms 18:2)

Do you feel the same?

The world is a hard place to live. Sin is prevalent and we can allow the current events of the world to cause us to lose focus on our Heavenly home. One of the keys to staying faithful in a troubled world is to hold fast to our Rock.

What are you holding onto?

Just a thought,

The Power of Leading by Example – The Power of One Series #10

Leadership. It is a word often used when a situation needs someone to stand up and take control. Or it is used when a problem has developed, and someone is needed to make a difference.

Leading by example is one of the largest areas of contribution one can make to others, their church, their community, their workplace, and their family. Someone needs to take the lead.

Will Rogers is noted as saying, “We can’t all be heroes, because someone has to sit on the curb and clap as they go by.” While it may seem that way many times, that fact is we are all leaders in one extent or another. You may lead your family, lead a group activity, or lead a team at work, but you are a leader. You might lead the way in innovation, or in teaching new generations the cultures of the past, but you are a leader.

The most significant influence you have as a leader is the example you set for others. Remember, people are watching you. People will pay less attention to what you say, and more attention to what you do. Your example in actions will be the biggest influence you will have on them.

While words are important, it is the action that backs up those words and shows the true cahracter of an individual.

Consider for a moment your experience at school or work; who were the most influential teachers and bosses in your past?

Some of your teachers and bosses were a big influence by showing you what not to be like as a leader. However, the ones that made the most significant impact on you were likely the teachers and managers who brought out the best in you and taught you through their example.

What are some character traits of a great leader?

Is a great leader compassionate?
Is a great leader ethical?
Is a great leader honest?
Is a great leader dedicated?
Is a great leader fair to others?

What character traits would make up a great leader? Have you learned about these traits from great leaders in your past?

Another area of great leaders is the skills the possess. They do not have to be a jack-of-all-trades, but do they have skills necessary to assist others?

What skills can great leaders teach through their example?

Does a great leader have tactical skills? (Skills in communication and manners)
Does a great leader have the skill of empowerment to assist others?
Does a great leader have a mastery of a craft?

Based on your experience, what are some skills a leader should possess? You will find that some areas of leadership need different skills that others.

Remember, leaders lead through their example; this is where the distinction is made between the good and the great. The actions of a leader make a difference to his influence and his leadership abilities.

How do great leaders lead through their example?
Does a great leader model appropriate behavior?
Does a great leader teach complex concepts in understandable ways?
Do great leaders walk the walk as they talk the talk?
Does a great leader practice self-sacrifice for the betterment of the group?
Does a great leader champion their cause?

Through your reflection on what makes great leaders, you must remember that your example has power to shape whatever situation.

You can influence others in ways you may never imagine. Through your example you will help build someone’s character, or teach them a skill, and even encourage their self-worth just by doing what you do best, being a proper example.

Something to always keep in mind is that you are never unobserved. Others are always responding to your presence.

Remember to do your best from a place of integrity and think about your influence wherever you are. Do what you can to be mindful of the fact that someone, somewhere, is being influenced by your behavior. If even in the smallest of ways, your existence is making a meaningful impact on the world.

Whether you are the leader of a company, a leader in your church, or the leader of your home, you are a leader with influence wherever you go.

Be a good example to those looking to you and walk with confidence knowing that you are affecting others as they watch you.

Just some thoughts,

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