Sunday, August 17, 2014

Focus '14-Modeling Jesus-Entry #29

Hi Friends!

As many of you know we're in a lesson series where we're looking to Scripture to provide authentic answers for troubling times - and troubling times are not only in the Middle East but in Middle America (reference the news from Missouri) - and even in Middle Madeira (see the local news) where many who read this blog live.

One answer that Scripture provides to relational crisis is a single word with multiple applications - the word we discussed today is humility - I believe the Biblical definition of humility is to think more of God than we think of anyone or anything.

Jesus modeled humility in thinking of God above everyone and everything - and the Apostle Paul encourages us to embrace the Spirit of Christ in every aspect of living (see Philippians 2) - in so doing Scripture promises that troubling times will be transformed to peaceful times that surpass human understanding.

This evening I simply want to encourage Christians to humble themselves as Christ did - to put the will of God above everyone and everything and depend upon His Word to be the resource that will best bring calm to the storms of life - may the supernatural peace of Jesus be manifest through the church to the hearts (the Middle) of humanity throughout the world.

This is my prayer this evening - that people everywhere would turn to Jesus and find rest for relational conflict that can be modeled for future generations through the unity of His Spirit - and the relational bond of His Peace.

In Christ,
Jeff

Sunday, August 10, 2014

Focus '14-Modeling Jesus-Entry #28

Hi Friends!

Some days are filled with opportunities that are really beyond words. Today was such a day for me. I really can't fully express the emotion, conviction, passion, or essence of the worship I experienced and enjoyed today in a church building, a stadium, and a car ride with friends of faith.

To that end, the Scripture below is the one that flooded my mind and heart as I sat down to share this blog with you this evening. I just want to encourage you to continue to praise the Lord for His great love and faithfulness and goodness and rejoice that in Christ we belong to Him.

God's Peace,
Jeff

Psalm 100

A psalm. For giving grateful praise.

1 Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth.
2 Worship the Lord with gladness;
come before him with joyful songs.

3 Know that the Lord is God.
It is he who made us, and we are his;
we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.

4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving
and his courts with praise;
give thanks to him and praise his name.

5 For the Lord is good and his love endures forever;
his faithfulness continues through all generations.