Outward-focused
Read: Philippians 2:1-11 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. (v. 3) There are a variety of reasons people “choose” a church, and I’ve heard a lot of them. Whatever it is, the reason people come often becomes the reason they leave. When our basis for […]
Generous
Read: Proverbs 11:23-31 Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered. (v. 25) Reality check: Every breath we breathe comes from God. Our lives belong to God (“you were bought with a price”; 1 Corinthians 6:20). The church we love is Christ’s body and bride. In short, “The earth […]
Praying
Read: 1 Thessalonians 5:12-22 Pray without ceasing. (v. 17) “Well, I guess I can at least pray for you.” I’ve heard these words many times when one is trying to help another, only to find that there is little that can physically be done for that person. The sentiment is nice but reflects the idea […]
Connected
Read: Hebrews 10:19-25 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works. (v. 24) In an episode of NBC’s hit series The Office, Dwight was challenged to do something for a co-worker needing a favor in the best interests of their team. He responded: “We’re no more a team […]
Willing to Try
Read: Numbers 13:1-3, 17-33 Let us go up at once and occupy it, for we are well able to overcome it. (v. 30) The story of the spies is so applicable to today. The new land God was leading his people to was beautiful, abundant, and rich. It was also filled with trials, trouble, and […]
Mentoring
Read: 2 Timothy 2:1-13 And what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also. (v. 2) A book I read about President Harry S. Truman described the moment President Franklin D. Roosevelt died and Truman ascended to the presidency. Roosevelt, […]
Devoted
Read: Acts 2:42-47 And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. (v. 42) When I teach our church’s class on financial management, I always feel a tinge of regret when I get to the lesson on investment. You learn that if you start investing […]
Welcoming
Read: Matthew 5:43-48 And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? (v. 47) Disneyland is known as “The Happiest Place on Earth.” They offer more than rides. They offer an experience. Everything that happens there is part of the plan to give you that experience of happiness. In a […]
Available
Read: Romans 12:9-21 Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. (v. 10) President John F. Kennedy visited the NASA space center shortly after declaring his goal of putting a man on the moon. He was asking different employees about their jobs when he came upon a man carrying a broom […]