A Spiritual Growth Survey
Would you mind taking a few moments and answer a few questions below?
The Beauty of Starting Over
Maybe it is an inherited trait or maybe it is as a result of my environment, but I enjoy starting over. I enjoy opening a new book, a new journal and even watching a new television show. Each new thing is a new beginning. I love new beginnings.
This Sunday is the first Sunday of the new year.
Physically, we closed the calendar on 2018 and opened a new year with a new beginning. Most enjoy the moment of staring over and set different goals each year. Others will just continue on the same path they have for a while, traveling down the same road. While there is nothing wrong with either one, the question comes down to, “Are you getting better?”
Each day, we have the opportunity to get better. Some take advantage of this opportunity every day and other let the opportunity slide by without notice. I encourage you to be a person to take advantage of the moment.
What about the advantage you have in Christ? I typically call it an opportunity, but for a moment think of it as an advantage. Here are a few of the advantages you have as a Christian:
- The forgiveness of sins (Matthew 6.12-14; Luke 5.21-24; Acts 2.38; Acts 8.22)
- The ability to live forever (John 3.15; John 6.47; Romans 2.7; Titus 1.2)
- Prayer (Matthew 6.9-13; Acts 8.22; Ephesians 6.18; 1 Thessalonians 5.17)
- Someone who cares (Matthew 11.28-30; 1 Peter 5.7)
- Fellowship (Acts 2.42; 1 Corinthians 1.9; 2 Corinthians 13.14; 1 John 1.3-7)
Have you taken advantage of the benefits of Christ? More than that, are you taking advantage of the benefits in Christ?
Just a thought,
A Few More Days
In just a few more days our calendars will move from 2018 to 2019; Lord willing. Another year has come, and its days have moved quickly. For many, the days of 2018 seem like they just started; for others, they are ready for a new year to begin.
A new year brings a time to begin living better. As it has been said before, “you cannot go back and start a new beginning, but you can start today and create a new ending.” Through the blessings of God, each one of us can begin a new year with a clean slate.
How will you begin 2019?
1. Will you read your Bible all the way through? It is the word of God that is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. (Psalms 119.105)
2. Will you practice a pure religion? James says a pure religion is to visit the fatherless and the widows in their affliction. (James 1:27)
3. Will you attend services to build one another up? The Hebrews writer encourages us to stir one another up to love and good works by being together. (Hebrews 10.24-25)
I love the fact that God sees fit to give us days upon this earth. They are times spent with family, friends, working and doing whatever else our hands find to do. Looking back on our lives, I am sure that each of us will agree that we have been blessed.
How will you bless others with the blessings that God has given you this upcoming year?
Just some thoughts,
2019 – The New Beginning
2019 – The Year of the Beginning
As 2018 is quickly drawing to a close. Through the year, we have seen baptisms, restorations, increased moments of fellowship and opportunities to share. You have to say it has been a good year.
Even though the year is drawing to a close, our responsibilities are still active and open. This time of the year provides several great opportunities to share the gospel with someone you know. The Christmas holiday puts many people’s focus on Jesus and provides a great opportunity to share with them the message of what Christmas truly is – it’s about a Savior. When Jesus came into the world in human form (probably around April) the world was going to begin to change for the better and the mystery of God was being revealed.
Remember: Many people look to this time of year, to see Jesus. Each of us can begin to plant the seed, water the seed of the gospel and allow God to give the increase.
This time of year also represents a time where many people begin to make changes for the coming year; most call the resolutions, some call them goals, still others call them promises. No matter what they are called, people want to do better. This is an opportunity which needs to be grasped. The best way to make one’s life better is to change the focus from where it has been and begin to look to where one wants to be.
Remember: As people look to make themselves better, let each of us be sure to share with them the One who makes all things better.
During this time of year, families will make trips from all over the country to be together and celebrate a few days. Family becomes a top priority during the holidays because these are the time where memories are created, and the past memories are shared. When families get together, it is another opportunity to spend time growing closer to each other, but also a time to grow closer to God.
As you can see our work is still vital, and the opportunities are here. Pray that your words will be the right ones at the right time to encourage others to see the One who truly makes life worth the living.
Have a Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year!
Just some thoughts,
People to Remember in December
It is that time of year again where the holidays are upon us. We have already pass through Thanksgiving Day and we are pressing on towards Christmas and then to break in a new year. It is during these times a church family is important due to the emotional strain the holidays may bring. During the holiday season, memories come to the forefront of our minds and those thoughts can make one feel sad, lonely or depressed.
People to remember during the holidays:
- Those who have lost loved ones – Having a family member pass away breaks one’s heart and the holidays can revive some of those memories. This time of year brings back memories of good times from our childhood to the current day and many of those memories feature people who have passed on from this Earthly life. Remember the widowers, widows, parents who lost children, siblings, grandparents and more.
- Those without close families – Whether by distance or other factors, there are individuals who will not be near any family during the holidays. Being away from family as others attend family celebrations can make the holidays difficult and lonely. Remember those who are not near their families and remember those who have family members away (example – military).
There are several more groups we could mention, but each of us probably has a connection to someone in one of these groups. There are several Bible verses we could mention but remember this one, “…all people will know you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13.35)
Just some thoughts,
Would You Like to Buy the World a Coke?
In 1971, Coca-Cola released a commercial with new jingle, “I’d like to teach the world to sing, in perfect harmony…I’d like to buy the world a Coke, and keep it company, that’s the real thing.” The new jingle became an instant hit and propelled Coke to a new generation, and it has been called “one of the best-loved and most influential ads in TV history. (Campaign magazine, 2007)
Coke, or Coca-Cola, has been a household name because of its mission. After WWII, Americans returned from all parts of the world. That global exposure led Robert Woodruff, president of Coca-Cola from 1923 to 1955, to succinctly state is his new vision: “During my lifetime I want every person in the world to taste Coca-Cola.” (Shepherding the Sheep in Smaller Churches, Paul Powell, 1995, p.43)
Someone has said, “Almost any mission trip reminds us that Coke has done a better job than the Church.” The influence of Coke has been driven by its mission to share the taste of a Coke with every person in the world.
Have you ever offered someone a Coke?
In 2017, LifeWay Research asked 1,010 American adults that attend church at least once a month, “What is the primary reason you do not bring guests with you to worship services more often?” By far, the most common response (31%) was, “I do not know.” (Lifewayresearch.com)
Are you more likely to offer someone a Coke or the opportunity to learn more about Christ?
Let us remember that everlasting life lasts long than a Coke.
Just some thoughts,