Happy Sunday!
Bishop Alexis A. Thomas is preaching a series called, "4 Life Management Principles". Last Sunday he told us Principle #1 is EFFORT (WORK). He used Proverbs 24:30-25:2 as his reference scripture. He asked, "Are you a sluggard?"
Of course many people must have thought, "This sermon is certainly not for me. I'm not lazy!" But think about every area of your life. Is there any area that needs improvement? If we are honest with ourselves, we would have to say there may be an area or two that need improvement. Proverbs 24:30-34 says, "One day I walked by the field of an old lazybones, and then passed the vineyard of a lout; They were overgrown with weeds, thick with thistles, all the fences broken down. I took a long look and pondered what I saw; the fields preached me a sermon and I listened: “A nap here, a nap there, a day off here, a day off there, sit back, take it easy—do you know what comes next? Just this: You can look forward to a dirt-poor life, with poverty as your permanent houseguest!” (Message Translation)
Effort is essential! Bishop said, "If you do what you can do, God will do what you can't do!" It made me think of a song we use to sing in the old church! The song said, "If you make one step, he'll make two!" I don't know how scriptural that song is but, there is truth in it. You do your part and God will handle the impossible part. So if it's spiritual, emotional, physical, or financial, do what you can! Work at it and watch God honor you effort.
This week Bishop told us Principle #2 is CREDIBILITY( A GOOD NAME). He used Proverbs 22:1-2 as his reference scripture. He asked, "What is your Real Name?"
What is your real name? Not the name on your birth certificate. Not the nickname you grew up with. Not the terms of endearment used by your sweetheart. What would your co-workers call you? What name would the other drivers in traffic call you? What would your enemies call you? Proverbs 22:1-2 says, "A sterling reputation is better than striking it rich; a gracious spirit is better than money in the bank. The rich and the poor shake hands as equals—God made them both!"
The enemy has been working against you since the day you were born. He has wanted to throw mud on your spotless reputation. He wants to make you feel unworthy of God's love. Guess what? We are all unworthy! The only way we have a chance is to accept the spotless reputation of Jesus as our own...Titus 3:5-8 says, "It wasn’t so long ago that we ourselves were stupid and stubborn, dupes of sin, ordered every which way by our glands, going around with a chip on our shoulder, hated and hating back. But when God, our kind and loving Savior God, stepped in, he saved us from all that. It was all his doing; we had nothing to do with it. He gave us a good bath, and we came out of it new people, washed inside and out by the Holy Spirit. Our Savior Jesus poured out new life so generously. God’s gift has restored our relationship with him and given us back our lives. And there’s more life to come—an eternity of life! You can count on this." (Message Translation)
Now we have a chance to do our part. This is a new day! You have a new opportunity to get it right. If you are always late for work, start tomorrow by getting a early start. Put you clothes out tonight, fix your lunch ahead of time, and leave a little early just in case traffic is bad. That closet or room that needs organizing...maybe it's too late to do it today, but tomorrow develop a plan to get it organized. Those finances that are out of control...take it one step at a time...review your credit report, start with the smallest debt...you will be amazed at how much you can accomplish. That exercise regimen...start simply...park at the back of the lot and walk further, use the stairwell if possible, or exercise during the commercials. Perhaps it's your prayer life...start small...praying in the car may be good for you(Keep your eyes open though!). It may calm the road rage and may encourage you to pray and read your bible more. Emotionally, take time to identify triggers in your life. Then prayerfully decide how you can better handle or deal with your stressors. Bishop Thomas said, "Get Honest, Get Healed!"
I've personally got a lot of work to do! Have a great week!
Love and prayers, Cynthia
Bishop Alexis A. Thomas is preaching a series called, "4 Life Management Principles". Last Sunday he told us Principle #1 is EFFORT (WORK). He used Proverbs 24:30-25:2 as his reference scripture. He asked, "Are you a sluggard?"
Of course many people must have thought, "This sermon is certainly not for me. I'm not lazy!" But think about every area of your life. Is there any area that needs improvement? If we are honest with ourselves, we would have to say there may be an area or two that need improvement. Proverbs 24:30-34 says, "One day I walked by the field of an old lazybones, and then passed the vineyard of a lout; They were overgrown with weeds, thick with thistles, all the fences broken down. I took a long look and pondered what I saw; the fields preached me a sermon and I listened: “A nap here, a nap there, a day off here, a day off there, sit back, take it easy—do you know what comes next? Just this: You can look forward to a dirt-poor life, with poverty as your permanent houseguest!” (Message Translation)
Effort is essential! Bishop said, "If you do what you can do, God will do what you can't do!" It made me think of a song we use to sing in the old church! The song said, "If you make one step, he'll make two!" I don't know how scriptural that song is but, there is truth in it. You do your part and God will handle the impossible part. So if it's spiritual, emotional, physical, or financial, do what you can! Work at it and watch God honor you effort.
This week Bishop told us Principle #2 is CREDIBILITY( A GOOD NAME). He used Proverbs 22:1-2 as his reference scripture. He asked, "What is your Real Name?"
What is your real name? Not the name on your birth certificate. Not the nickname you grew up with. Not the terms of endearment used by your sweetheart. What would your co-workers call you? What name would the other drivers in traffic call you? What would your enemies call you? Proverbs 22:1-2 says, "A sterling reputation is better than striking it rich; a gracious spirit is better than money in the bank. The rich and the poor shake hands as equals—God made them both!"
The enemy has been working against you since the day you were born. He has wanted to throw mud on your spotless reputation. He wants to make you feel unworthy of God's love. Guess what? We are all unworthy! The only way we have a chance is to accept the spotless reputation of Jesus as our own...Titus 3:5-8 says, "It wasn’t so long ago that we ourselves were stupid and stubborn, dupes of sin, ordered every which way by our glands, going around with a chip on our shoulder, hated and hating back. But when God, our kind and loving Savior God, stepped in, he saved us from all that. It was all his doing; we had nothing to do with it. He gave us a good bath, and we came out of it new people, washed inside and out by the Holy Spirit. Our Savior Jesus poured out new life so generously. God’s gift has restored our relationship with him and given us back our lives. And there’s more life to come—an eternity of life! You can count on this." (Message Translation)
Now we have a chance to do our part. This is a new day! You have a new opportunity to get it right. If you are always late for work, start tomorrow by getting a early start. Put you clothes out tonight, fix your lunch ahead of time, and leave a little early just in case traffic is bad. That closet or room that needs organizing...maybe it's too late to do it today, but tomorrow develop a plan to get it organized. Those finances that are out of control...take it one step at a time...review your credit report, start with the smallest debt...you will be amazed at how much you can accomplish. That exercise regimen...start simply...park at the back of the lot and walk further, use the stairwell if possible, or exercise during the commercials. Perhaps it's your prayer life...start small...praying in the car may be good for you(Keep your eyes open though!). It may calm the road rage and may encourage you to pray and read your bible more. Emotionally, take time to identify triggers in your life. Then prayerfully decide how you can better handle or deal with your stressors. Bishop Thomas said, "Get Honest, Get Healed!"
I've personally got a lot of work to do! Have a great week!
Love and prayers, Cynthia
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