In Ephesians 5:25, as husbands, we are told to "love our wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her...". How does Christ love the church? Well, He gave His life for the church, He put the needs and comfort of the church before His own needs and comfort, He fed the church, and He provided for all the church's needs. He prayed for the church. There is no limit to His love for the church. He is patient and long suffering, and has forgiven every wrong. Are you loving your wife the way Christ loves the church? If not, how would your wife react, if you started loving her the way Christ loves the church?
What is your Vision ? In Habakkuk 2:2 we are told to "write the vision, and make it plain" ( clear , and easy to read, even for those who are in a hurry). The Lord goes on in His instruction. Proverbs 29:18 tells us, "Where there is no vision, the people perish..." What is your vision? Our Lord has instructed us to have clearly defined vision for the days ahead. Without a vision, people tend to wander, get lost, and perish. The vision for the Grace Christian Fellowship Network of Churches is clear; "To be the most loving church possible". Is that your vision ? If not, should it be your vision?
What is the vision of Jesus?
Think about it !!! In Christ's Love, Pastor Red.
Are You Worried ?
My God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in Glory. (Phil. 4.19) How many times have we heard that? We have even used this scripture to encourage others. But, have we believed it? Usually what happens is, we allow Satan to fill our minds with doubt and unbelief. We then become cold and indifferent toward God. Somehow we try to justify blaming the Lord for our lack, when all the time Satan is stealing the promise God has given us. Kind of ironic, isn't it? Yet, God in all His love, wisdom, mercy, and goodness, forgives us and puts us back on track. The Bible says in Lamentations 3:22, "it is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassion fail not. " So, even though we don't deserve them, we have the promises of God. Jesus told us in Luke 12 not to worry about what we shall eat, drink, or wear for our Father in Heaven knows what we have need of. He takes pleasure in giving to us. Therefore, God does not keep us from having those things that we need. Our Lord knows what is best for us and when is the best time to give to us. His timing is always perfect. If we need something today, He'll supply it. If He doesn't supply it, well, we just didn't need it today. Have peace in knowing those needs will be met, according to His riches in Glory!
Think about that !!! In Christ's Love, Pastor Debi.
Do you ever wonder what God is thinking ??? The thoughts of God are continually revealed in His word. We are told among other things in Hebrews 4:12, that the Word of God is alive and active. That Word works in us and on us. In Malachi 3:6, God says, "I change not ", and again thru the writer of Hebrews, in 13:8, "Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever". If we want to know the thoughts of God, we must simply read and study His word with prayerful consideration. In the first Psalm, the Holy Spirit of God speaks directly to us, and to the Heart of this subject. "Blessed is the man" (or woman) ..."who meditates day and night (on the Word of God), for He (or she) shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; And whatever he ( or she) does shall prosper." The word picture painted by the tree, the fruit, the leaf, and then the promise to prosper in all things, describes the very nature of God, but it also describes our nature if we meditate continually on His Word. Do you meditate on the Word of God with prayerful consideration Day and Night. If you don't, should you ???
Think about it !!! In Christ's Love, Pastor Red.
Are You a Friend God ??? Abraham ( Abram ) was called a friend of God. He believed God, and then Abraham's actions supported that confession of Belief. A true friend does not demonstrate their friendship simply with their words, but also by their actions. In the second chapter of the book of James, James talks about Abraham being a friend of God. It is very interesting that the Greek word for friend used here, was often referred to as someone who helped the bridegroom prepare to receive his bride. Do your actions show you to be a true friend of God? If you knocked on His door, would He know you ??
Think about it !!! In Christ's Love, Pastor Red.
Are You Ready ??? God will not lead us into a place for which we are not prepared. If He leads us somewhere, He has seen to it that we are prepared for that place and for that battle. The world encourages us to want everything, "Right Now!". Perhaps you can't see things right now that you think you are ready for... Is it because God doesn't think you are ready yet? Does He still have preparation work to do in you? In Exodus 13:17 (NKJV), it says "God did not lead them by way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near; for God said, "Lest perhaps the people change their minds when they see war, and return to Egypt". Instead God lead the people by way of the wilderness (vs. 18). Egypt represents Bondage and the Philistines represent Giant battles in this passage of God's Word . Even thought it took longer, the people went thru the wilderness to become prepared, so they would not return to bondage, as a result of fear when they saw the size of the task (the battle) that was before them.Are you ready for what is in your future? Are you racing toward your God ordained destiny, but trying to shortcut God's preparations? Are you wondering why it seems like you are spending time in the wilderness ?
Think about it !!! In Christ's Love, Pastor Red.
How should we react??? How should we react when we are challenged by issues in this life ? Should we cry out and
hope for help, or should we find a Faithfilled, Spiritfilled, brother or sister in Christ, and in agreement take care of business. In Matt 18:19 Jesus says, "Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father who is in Heaven". Let's stop hoping for God's promises to come true. Let's take our rightful place, come into agreement, and start acting in the authority He has given to us. We need not want for hope, for we have perfect Hope.
Think about it !!! In Christ's Love, Pastor Red.
Check back often for New Things to Think About !!!
