Sunday Words of Encouragement July 8, 2018

It was really nice to be back to our church home and family. Our Sunday School lesson was on Faith and healing – as always, a good message in itself.

Praise and Worship music helped prepare us for Pastor’s sermon. He has started a new series based on 1 Peter, titled The Strong. Last week he was discussing Honor and he decided to continue on that element today. He noted that “The strong live different (than the world)”. We honor others. It is an ongoing attitude. Honor is born out of love, not respect. In the world we look for affirmation. Many do our chores or jobs well because we want approval.

But there are some times when we should just serve. We should be giving honor instead of receiving. And if/when people ask “Why are you doing this?” we should be ready to respond that ‘we are showing love by service’. We are The Strong.

One of the ten commandments is to Honor father and mother. Honor and love are synonymous. We need to pursue honoring God. Three points today provide the same message.

Point One: Living for the honor of the world sets us up to be an enemy of God. James 4:4.
Our motives mean something. (I think that was part of last week’s message.) The proud seek honor from the world but God honors the humble. James 4:6.

Solomon said at a later time in his life: “Everything under the sun is meaningless”. Ecclesiastes 1:14. We have to be careful in our daily living not to rob God of honor. Whoever purses righteousness and unfailing love will find life, prosperity and honor. Proverbs 21:21-27. The Godly love to give. v26. The humble are honored. Proverbs 29:23.

Point Two: Honoring God with my life makes me a friend of God.
Be careful not to honor yourself as you may be brought low. Instead seek the lower seat and accept the honor of being brought forward. Luke 14:8-10; John 14:23.

Point Three: God honors those who live for Him. 1 Samuel 2:30.
Christ disciples bring honor to God and others; not to themselves. John 15:8.

Indifference is a dangerous ingredient. We should always be prepared to give an answer to why we serve. 1 Peter 3:15. We can share that Jesus is all that truly matters in this world.

What is in the way of our honoring God? Sin? Good helps remove. Attitude? The Spirit can change. We need to live our lives to give honor to God and others. Let the Spirit point out what is in the way. Pride? Attitude of self importance? Be humble. Ask God to purify our hearts.

It took me a bit of time to find the song I wanted today. 

A Verse for Today:
Proverbs 21:21 (NIV)
21 Whoever pursues righteousness and love
finds life, prosperity and honor.

Lord, I pray that you help me be a humble servant to show others Your love.