Sunday Words of Encouragement August 1, 2021

We had thought about attending church this morning to share in the five-year celebration of our current Pastor and his family. Unfortunately, Hubby was exposed to Covid on Tuesday and has felt like he has been fighting a low grade fever so we thought it best to stay home.

Five years ago our Pastor expressed his goals as building relationships with God, one another and the community. That matched what our congregation was looking for.

Pastor continued his sermon series: Undisputed.
Pastor asked the congregation to pick what they consider an extraordinary “Beautiful Thing”. My response was “God’s Creation”. Many others mentioned nature, sunrise, sunset, rainbows, trees, ocean waves. Also, babies, families, and more. An old car may be a beautiful thing to an almost 16-year-old.

Pastor expressed that “the church” is a beautiful thing. Especially the church when it is functioning as it is meant to be. Like a beautiful, comforting handmade quilt. But when things aren’t functioning as they should (like an old car that isn’t running), isn’t as beautiful.

The early New Testament church was a beautiful thing – sold out for the cause of Christ. They were ready to sacrifice for their testimony. They had enthusiasm to share – food, comfort, caring, and the Word of God. Colossians 1:1-6.

Paul describes the beautiful church in Colossians 3:1-4, 12-18. A beautiful church is one that is laser focused on Jesus, not the things of this world.

Do we really understand that our ultimate life isn’t here in this world but is found in eternity – a life with God. It doesn’t matter who you are or your station in life. What matters is your relationship with God, your faith and commitment to that faith. Why are we here if the population between heaven and hell doesn’t change?

Outside [of the church], the population isn’t marked by people that are representatives of Jesus and have a love for people that says, “I have something to give you. It’s Good News!” Followers of Christ have a message to bring the world.

Bring your best to Christ. The Church is more than a social club. Share with others to change the population between heaven and hell. We get to decide who we will be. Will we be “the beautiful church”.

I looked through my long song list and added more while looking for a video for today.
This one is what I chose as fitting: Lose My Soul!

Verses for Today:
Colossians 3:14-17
14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 16 Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. 17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Lord, I pray, again, that You help me keep the right focus!

Sunday Words of Encouragement September 29, 2019

Our Sunday School teacher shared some “God-incidences” (not coincidences) that are discussed in Jonathan Chan’s new book the Oracle. We agreed that God uses ordinary people, even non-believers, to accomplish and fulfill His plans.

We shared communion in church service. Then Pastor proceeded to complete his series: Culture Shift. Last week he reminded us that our Hope must be on a firm foundation. This week he noted how we are often challenged to make a decision right now: there is a limited supply; this may be the last one or the last chance. Advertising leans to pressure for instant gratification.

Long-range plans used to be ten, even thirty years. Now long-range is considered to be two to five years! Christians have a view of time in terms of eternity. There is an ongoing tension in choices between now or long time.

Sin is a willful disregard of eternity. Jesus tells his disciples that he must go away, to His Father, so he can prepare a place for them and return for them. John 14:3.

Eternity is imminent.

In light of that, how do we live? We may need to be ready to suffer too. 1 Peter 4:3. Christians in Iran are growing. They have no building but in their hearts. They are living lives at risk. If you have suffered for Christ, you are finished to sin.

The Point: Setting you mind on eternity shapes every decision and every priority in your life.

Eternity should move us to prayer; dedicate yourself to love which covers a multitude of sins; use your gifts to serve on another. 1 Peter 4:7-10.

We have been collecting offerings this month for Fire Bible to serve people in Serbia. Skipping a meal out and giving a $10.00 gift of a Fire Bible is an investment in eternity.

I went to my pages of songs and this is one that I found that fits well.

I got chills listening to it even though this isn’t my usual choice of music.

1 Peter 4:7-10 (NIV)
7 The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray. 8 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 9 Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.


Lord, please help me to keep my eye on eternity and not things of this temporary world.