Sunday Words of Encouragement April 3, 2016

Our pastor has announced his retirement so his sermons this month are to prepare us for transition. The first in the series was titled: Who Do You Think You Are?

Jesus tells us that 'He is the vine and we are the branches'. Anyone who abides in Him will bear much fruit; apart from Him we can do nothing. John 15:5. It doesn’t say "try to be the branches” but “you are”. The closer you are to the source, the more fruit you will produce. Our position is as a new creation in Christ Jesus. 2 Corinthians 5:17. We must develop a thinking pattern, or mindset, that recognizes this and practices it. You were once a sinner, but saved by grace. Now you are adopted to be a child of the great, high king. Romans 8:17. We are in Christ; we are beloved of God. Ephesians 1:5-6. The devil wants you to focus on troubles you might have; on your condition, not your position. Your condition changes but your position does not unless you step out of position in which case you will suffer loss.

There is an old Christian saying that a believer, “knows that he knows that he knows” who he is. A believer must remain conscious of who he/she is. And if you know who you are, then what will you do? Proverbs 29:18 (NASB) says: “Where there is no vision, the people are unrestrained, But happy is he who keeps the law.”  A people’s vision is only limited by lack of spiritual self-awareness.

Churches have always grown if the people are pioneers, moving forward. If the people settle and become too comfortable or complacent, then there are no more victories. Pastor asked us to ask ourselves these questions:
1. Will we become what God wants us to be, our will we settle?
2. How many of my resources, talents, gifts, do I spend on things that do not enhance God's kingdom?
3. What if everyone was as involved, or uninvolved, as me?
4. Where am I and what is my vision for my church?

There was a side-line in the sermon also but I have set that aside for another time. Although I will ponder Pastor’s questions this week, the passage that struck me most was the passage from Proverbs. I can’t help but feel that is an appropriate description for our own country today.

I found this wonderful song today.
(Sadly my computer is acting up and I even with the sound set at 100% I can barely hear the sound. I hope you can enjoy it.)

A Verse for Today:
Proverbs 29:18 NIV
Where there is no revelation, people cast off restraint; but blessed is the one who heeds wisdom's instruction.

Lord – help me to always seek your vision and guidance. I trust You are in control of all things on this earth. I trust You to work things out for the best; for Your Will, for Your Glory.