Giving is a necessity if I am going to worship God. It is "a fragrant
aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God. It is impossible
to be like Him without being a giver. "For God so loved the world that
He gave." We don't give because we doubt His promise to supply all our
need. Not giving is the antithesis of faith. Without faith it is
impossible to please Him.
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Have a pastor who keeps on reminding you of "the same old truths"? He
probably graduated from Paul's seminary: "To write the same things
again is no trouble to me, and it is a safeguard for you." Be thankful
you have a pastor who is interested in your spiritual safety. Keep your
guard up.
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The minute I believe that I have nothing more to learn of Christ, I have
become an arrogant, foolish man. Stagnancy is the enemy of intimacy.
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Disharmony in the church is not a time to pick sides, but a time to do
everything necessary to unite the body by reminding them they're on the
same side. His.
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The peace of God in our hearts is unattainable without thanks-filled prayer and expectant supplication.
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God promises us the gift of suffering. Fringe benefits: Encouragement,
tender persuasion, fellowship, affection, compassion, joy, humility.
God's gifts always come in the most wondrous "wrapping paper."
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Ideas the world hates: sacrifice for others, discarding my rights,
humility, disregard for my reputation, poverty, submission, obedience,
servanthood. Those are precisely the activities that characterized the
life that Christ lived and the life that He desires for us to live.
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Paul spent two years under house arrest. Outcome: Some of Rome's elite
soldiers and some of Nero's household found Jesus as their Savior. See
your circumstances as the opportunity God intends for them to be.
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Paul's question for us: "Why do you keep holding on to that huge pile
of rubbish that keeps you from knowing the surpassing value of Christ
Jesus your Lord?"
What's the huge pile of rubbish? Confidence in your flesh instead of total reliance on the Spirit for truly righteous living.
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Yes, He still deeply loves you.
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