Sunday Words of Encouragement October 23, 2022 - Imitate God

I had some car troubles - my Prius needs a new auxiliary battery. I thought it was the key fob battery which also needed to be replaced, but it was more. My daughter left her car but it was running rough and hot. So I could have taken hubby's jeep this morning but it triggered grief so I stayed home and did church online. I am so grateful it is available online!

Pastor's message was based on Ephesians 4 and 5 - Imitate God.
We are created beings who are to reflect and be imitators of God’s nature. But the sinful nature causes us to fall short. It is not always good to imitate our earthly parents, siblings, or heroes. But when we love our parent, siblings, or heroes, we may imitate them. If we love God, we should want to imitate Him.

God hasn’t “asked” us to do things. We need to recognize that He directs or commands us to do things!
Do we look different than others in this world? We must not imitate the world, but imitate God. Ephesians 4:17-23.

“And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.” 2 Corinthians 3:18.

The world knows that what we behold, or focus on, is what we become. So be careful what you dwell on.

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” Philippians 4:8.

Put off falsehoods, anger, stealing, unwholesome speech. Ephesians 4:25-28.
We need to be in the Word and prayer everyday so God can continually clean our hearts.
Be an honest contributor rather than only a consumer. V 28
Build up others with encouragement. V 29
Do not grieve the Spirit. V 30
Get rid of bitterness and every form of malice. V 31
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” V 32.

Spiritual gifts and position are not God’s stamp on character! Don’t imitate the man of God. Imitate Christ so others can see Christ in you.

The way we live ought to be worship to the Lord. Christ sacrificed Himself for us. Ephesians 5:2.
We should offer our bodies as a living sacrifice as proper worship to God. Romans 12:1-2.

I went to my 38 pages of lists of songs… Then I found this one online and just went “wow!”
So Will I and Do it Again.

Verses for Today:
Ephesians 5:1-2 NIV
1 Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children 2 and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

Holy Spirit, I pray that you help me to imitate Christ in my life.

Sunday Words of Encouragement March 6, 2022

We prayed for needs in Sunday School and continued the study in Revelation. Service started with eager worship, and we had special prayer for Bay County fires and the people and situation in Ukraine.

Our interim pastor delivered a sermon on “Do You Love People?” He confessed that sometimes he questions himself: “ Do I really love people?” That made him challenge all of us.

All Christians are familiar with John 3:16 that tells us that ‘God so loved the world, He gave His only son…’. Just think of such wondrous love!! It is indescribable. “What manner of love…” 1 John 3:1 (KJV).
Christ died for us while we were still sinners. Romans 5: 6-8. We all have lived in malice, but God’s love and grace gives us hope. Titus 3:3-7.
Again, it is by His great love and mercy that we are saved. Ephesians 2:4-5.
That love is not just to Jews, not just to Christians, not just to those who follow Christ. That love is to all mankind.
When Christ died for all sinners, He knew how evil and sinful men could be.

The world is more connected by technology today, but it is really no different than generations of the past. (There is nothing new under the sun. Ecclesiastics 1:9.)
We are to share the love we have experienced from God with the world.
Ephesians 5:1-2. We are to ‘follow in God’s example and walk in love’.

Follower = imitator of God. Imitating His acts, words, and spirit.
Walk in love = To live in; conduct oneself.

Luke 10:25 – 37 tells us Who is our neighbor? Love God, love your neighbor. That means all mankind.
Loving your neighbor brings it down to where you live. Love everyone. Every individual is essential, our neighbor.
The Levi might try to justify himself that he couldn’t touch (be defiled by touching) an injured man. But Jesus takes away any justification.

Do we really love people or do we try to justify ourselves for excluding certain people or groups from our love?
Matthew 5:44-47 tells us to love our enemies too.
We are told to love one another. John 13:34-35
The world needs to see us loving even our enemies.
God forgives much and will forgive us if we seek Him. 2 Chronicles 7:14.
It's got to start right here!

Pastor shared the song video Start Right Here this morning which is very good!

But I came upon this video to share: Anything But Easy.

Verses for Today
Ephesians 5:1-2 NIV
1 Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children 2 and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

Lord, help me do better to not just love others but to show your Amazing Love to others. It isn't enough to love if I don't speak out to share You.