Rev. Norman Shaw – “Faith”
The second message in the series on the “5 Characteristics of a Christian” by Rev. Norman Shaw. This week is titled “Faith!”
Create in me… by Julie Harris
“Today I am excited to collaborate with some lovely people who write for the blog church set free! We are all writing about what worship means to us. I hope you will visit the site and that it will encourage you in your journey to knowing and growing closer to Him…”
Source: Create in me…
Glory to God Alone
As a New Years Resolution, no as a LIFELONG RESOLUTION… ALL GLORY TO GOD ALONE.
In seeking a verse for this year and maybe now my life verse, I’ll wait for HIS direction on the last part, several thoughts have formed a recurring theme in my mind. Since I’m not given to simplicity, wish that I were…, below is what is on my heart, mind, and soul for 2015 and beyond.
” Whoever speaks must speak God’s words. Whoever serves must serve with the strength God supplies so that in every way God receives glory through Jesus Christ. Glory and power belong to Jesus Christ forever and ever! Amen.” ~ I Peter 4:11
The overarching theme has been this:
Is there any work I will not do for the glory of God?
Is there any place I will not go to the glory of God?
Is there anyone I will not approach for the glory of God?
Is there any ministry I will not engage in for the glory of God?
Is there any thing in my life that does not bring glory to God?
Is there any thing in my life more important than the glory of God?
Am I truly willing to do ALL HE has and is calling me to do for HIS GLORY and KINGDOM?
At the end of these questions comes the realization that answering in the affirmative is only the first step. I will have to be dedicated to this purpose above all else! I will have to engage in the constant practice of being in HIS presence constantly. I will have to rely on the power and strength of the Holy Spirit more than at any other time in my life from this very moment on. That this dependency will necessarily grow because the reality of spiritual warfare is in full swing with this decision.
How will I be able to give “Glory to God Alone?” There is only one way, this must be the only purpose in my walk and then only by the power God provides through the Holy Spirit.
” Whoever speaks must speak God’s words. Whoever serves must serve with the strength God supplies so that in every way God receives glory through Jesus Christ. Glory and power belong to Jesus Christ forever and ever! Amen.” ~ I Peter 4:11
I ask for your prayerful support over the coming days, months, and years. To GOD ALONE be the GLORY!!!
In Service to Jesus and you,
~Robert
The Importance of Church Outreach in the Local Community
The majority of US citizens call themselves Christians and yet the importance of church outreach within the local community cannot be overstated. The disciples were not labeled Christian until they had been scattered due to Stephen’s death and the Good News was being shared in Antioch. (Acts 11:19-26) Whether they were called disciples or Christians it was the same to them because of their relationship with Jesus. Even though Jesus had ascended, He was still an active part of their lives. This has been lost somehow in our culture today and we need to refocus on the local community because outreach will enable us to give, guide, and grow.
By giving ourselves in service to our communities through different charitable needs, we will live out Jesus’ command to love our neighbors as ourselves. We will be able to learn about material needs and then be able to assist in meeting those needs. Many organizations working to meet local needs do not have the resources to have a permanent meeting place and making our church facilities available will aid in meeting the need for a safe and secure location for their meetings. We are able to give to our communities by reaching out in service, helping with needed material items, and through the use of our facilities.
Through active outreach we are able to help guide our communities. By living out our relationship with Christ, we will point the lost to Jesus. Sacrifice our time to stop and help regardless of our busy schedules will show that people are more important than things. Mentoring programs for children and youth are in great need and as Christians we should be involved to allow Jesus to work through us as a positive influence in their lives. Through living out our relationship with Christ, we will be able to guide our communities back to Jesus through sacrifice and mentoring.
Growth of God’s kingdom will become a result of our newly formed relationships. The knowledge we gain will help us to better understand the needs and challenges of our communities at large. Christ’s church, His body of believers, will grow stronger and shine brighter to become the beacon on a hill. Stronger relationships in the community and increased knowledge of needs and the positive impact on Christ’s church will all grow as a result.
Allowing Jesus to live actively in our lives in an ongoing relationship is crucial. Because church outreach will give, guide, and grow in the local community; the level of importance will be realized.
*This work was originally submitted for an assignment in English Composition. It is posted here for your consideration and response.*
Blessings and Peace Always,
~Robert
First Thoughts….
I never cease being amazed at today’s technology. The ease and speed involved in setting up and then launching a website or blog is just incredible. I have a blog through another provider and yet to “like” or “comment” on WordPress sites, you need to be registered. A great plan if you’re providing a service and looking to grow your base of customers. So, what does this have to do with my blog? Really, not a great deal, except that I find the process interesting and not unfamiliar. Our society today, expects things fast and easy. These two points sum up the way we’ve come to understand all things should be. Fast and easy, immediate gratification with as little effort as possible. For WordPress consumers, this is a perfect setup. No huge effort and best of all, no financial expense. For WordPress, increased customers will ultimately lead to greater exposure and web activity. Then, they have now and will continue to gain customer’s who upgrade to their premium service and grow from there. I’m not knocking WordPress here, just sharing my observation of the process. It works, I’m here and so are you.
My goal is to share with you my Journey with Jesus. Actually, what I expect to share will be the points that HE will lay on my heart. In this life we need to share in the thoughts and experiences of other people who are looking to follow Jesus daily. Our life is changed everyday in ways we don’t often realize and when we do notice, we’re hard pressed to explain the how, when or why. My goal will be to place a new entry on a weekly basis. I hope that what is shared here will be beneficial and that Jesus will be glorified by what is shared. This being said, I find that my relationship with Jesus has been anything but fast, easy or without effort. I believe everyone will agree; relationships don’t happen overnight, they aren’t easy (certainly not initially) and effort is essential. While we may want the “fast food” kind of relationship with Jesus, it proves impossible and it’s just NOT good for us.
I welcome your thoughts and observations. The most important part of this blog will always be Jesus Christ and what HE alone leads me to write here. My desire is to glorify HIM and share what HE directs. Between now and the next posting, I pray HIS Peace and Presence will fill your days and that you will know the Blessings that come with a fully engaged relationship with Jesus as Lord and Savior, Friend and Companion.
Blessings and Peace Always,
~Robert
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