Your Church Family

Today's Scripture

Colossians 3:16 NKJV - Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

One of the many benefits of attending a small church, is the opportunity to be a vital worker for Jesus because the smaller the church, the more you realize that you are truly “needed.” It’s important to be a part of your church, whether it is holding an office, taking part in the service, or just knowing and loving your church family. There’s nothing wrong with attending large churches, provided your choice is motivated by the right reasons. Sometimes people choose to attend large churches because they want to “blend in,” where they can come and go . . . unnoticed. The problem with just “blending in,” is that you never really feel like you have a “church family,” nor do you feel the satisfaction and contentment of being a member of God’s family. If there’s no motivation to contribute then it’s easy to just drift away all together. When you stop growing spiritually - you die spiritually, and ultimately lose out on eternal life. Large or small - everyone needs to attend church, be an active part of your church and embrace your church families. The Bible says in Hebrews 10:24-25, “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” The best way to be close to your church family - is to spend time together . . . not just at church, but socially as well! Text: Matthew 18:20, Colossians 3:16, 1 Corinthians 14:26, Psalm 50:5.

Good Morning! It's Be Proactive In Sharing God’s Love Monday. Read 1 Thessalonians 5:15.
Are you kind and considerate to people? Do you walk in love and prefer others above yourself? This passage tells us to be proactive! Notice the word “aim” and “seek.” You must be on the lookout to share God’s mercy and kindness and be good to all people. Moreover, we need to be kind to people even when they don’t deserve it. We need to walk in love and be courteous even when somebody is unkind to us.
The way you treat others has a great impact on how much of the blessings and favor of God you’re going to experience. Aim for kindness and seek to do good. As you do, God will reward your efforts and pour out His abundant blessing on you. As you extend God’s mercy to all those around you, you will discover the champion in you!

PRAYER FOR TODAY:
God, I want to be a proactive Christian! Please remind me to seek out ways to serve others and to share your love with all people. Forgive me for sometimes putting myself first and help me to look for ways to share Your love with the friends and strangers I encounter today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Good Morning! It's Out Of Your Comfort Zone Tuesday. Read Isaiah 30:21. Christianity is trusting Christ, not self! Most people are trying to reach God, find God, and please God through their own efforts. But perfect trust is relying totally on God, not on self. Some people say, “I really want to serve Jesus, but I just can’t figure out what God wants me to do!” And that’s the problem. We are not supposed to figure it out. All we need to do is stay surrendered to Jesus and allow Him to lead and guide us in all that we do. Most people will never know God’s plan for their lives because they simply will not surrender. They are so busy doing all the things they want to do that they don’t stop and say, “Lord, what do You want me to do?” When we allow God to push us way out of our comfort zones, it is then we are really leaning on Jesus! There is no better place to be on this journey of life than holding God’s hand! Amen

Texts: Psalm 139:8  -10, Isaiah 30:21, Psalm 86:11, Job 6:24.

Good Morning! It's Detoxing Your Mind Tuesday. Read Proverbs 4:23. When something is toxic, it’s poisonous; it can destroy you. When we go around dwelling on the wrong thoughts, thinking about what we can’t do or how we’ll never get ahead, those are toxic thoughts. Toxic thoughts left alone become like toxic waste that sinks into your heart. It will eventually contaminate your whole life. It affects your self-image, your attitude, your confidence, and ultimately, your success. That’s why the Scripture says to guard your heart because the condition of your heart and mind determines the condition of your whole life. You need to go through a mental cleansing. Make the decision today to detox any negative, self-defeating thoughts by meditating on God’s promises instead. Make the decision to detox bitterness, detox low self-esteem, detox negative words that may have been spoken over you, detox condemnation. Make the decision to dwell on what God says about you. God says, “You are forgiven.” God says, “Your best days are in front of you.” God says, “I’ll restore the years that the enemy has stolen.” As you detox your mind and fill your thoughts with His promises, you’ll see His hand of blessing on your life. You’ll rise up higher, and you’ll live the abundant life He has for you!

PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Father in heaven, I invite You to purify my heart and mind by Your Spirit today. Wash me with the Word as I meditate on Your wonderful promises. Help me keep my mind focused on You. In Jesus’ Name Thy Will Be Done, Amen.

Good Morning! It's Light Comes Bursting In Wednesday. Read Psalm 112:4. We know that God is always with us, but the psalmist says that in times of difficulty, God is very present. You’ll never see the fullness of who God is if you’re in the light all the time. It’s in the storms, in the difficulties that God is most present. When you don’t see a way out and it’s dark, you’re in prime position for God’s light to come bursting in. It’s going to happen suddenly, a burst of favor, of healing, of strength. You didn’t see it coming. One moment you were struggling with debt, and suddenly, one contract, one promotion, one good break, you have more than enough. What happened? The light came bursting in. The God who is a very present help in trouble said, “Your night season was only temporary. It’s time for your breakthrough. Now it’s time to propel you forward.” God is about to do that for you.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:
“Father, thank You that in times of trouble when I don’t see the way out and it’s dark, that You come bursting in with light and direction. I believe that You, the Creator of the universe, have highly favored me and are about to propel me forward. In Jesus’ Name, Thy Will Be Done, Amen.”

Good Morning! It's The Prince of Peace Friday. Read Isaiah 9:6. Jesus is our Prince of Peace. He gives us peace that passes understanding, which means we can have peace when it doesn’t make sense. We can have peace in the midst of the storm. We can have peace in the midnight hour. When we stay in a position of peace, that is a position of power. We aren’t moved by the changing wind and waves because the peace inside of us does not rise and fall with our circumstances. Call on the Prince of Peace. Give Him your burdens and cares. The Bible says that His yoke is easy, and His burden is light. When we are working and living the way God intends, full of peace and joy, we are carrying His “light” burden. Don’t carry the worries and stresses of this life! Call on the Prince of Peace, and He’ll be your refuge in troubled times.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Heavenly Father, thank You for peace that guides and protects me. I choose Your Word today which says that I can walk and live in Your peace. Thank You for being the Prince of Peace in my life today. In Jesus’ Name, Thy Will Be Done. Amen.