There was no holding back today as my husband brought a great word from Phil 4:1-3.
Eddie told us right from the start not to look beside us during this message. Most of us could say we need to look in the mirror.
This passage reminds us that a small problem has potential to cause a huge stink.
Paul encourages the readers to stand firm. Too many retreat and too many stand on opinions and personal preferences but we are to stand firm in the Lord.
In verse 2 Paul calls out names, not of those outside the church causing problems, but of fellow believers, co-laborers. Eddie mentions that had the problem been doctrine or theology or moral, Paul would probably have detailed the problem. But he didn't, which probably means it was trivial. Eddie said they should've been back to back but they couldn't see eye to eye so they went toe to toe.
How often do we pull others into our conflict, talk behind backs, and exaggerate things. Paul and Eddie both tell us, agree in the Lord and just get along!
Even Christians at times get sideways with one another and it's important to understand how it affects the entire body. More is always accomplished together as a team, as a body.
We have much to rejoice over at Fairview as Michael shared in the welcome. What a generous body of believers! We have given much and we have done much in 2016. Just remember, going is as important as giving. Let's be a body that does both well. Let's finish strong!
On a cold, damp Sunday night, Rise was a great place to be. The coffee was hot and the Spirit hotter. It's always a glory bump service and for reasons I know not of, and don't even care to know, it's always a service that brings me to tears. Don't want to figure it out for fear if I do it may stop. I'm just gonna go with it.
Worship was special as always and had all of us in a receptive spirit for the word Nathan Brannon would bring. From Phil 3:12-22, Nathan preached on vision and the need for it in moving forward. He spoke on forgetting what is behind, not only the bad things that we need to let go of, but also the good things so that we don't get complacent and rest in past successes. There's validity in remembering but you can't get stuck there. He spoke of the need for mentorship for all believers, its that step beyond the small group discipleship.
The reminder that Greer is not our home but we are citizens of heaven keeps us from being so earthly minded.
Nathan quoted a saying that says, things seen are temporary but things unseen are eternal. He challenged us to stop spending time, energy and money on the seen which is passing away but the unseen things are the things that shape, or should shape, our vision. What an incredible message by one of our young men with a heart for Jesus.
And thank you Nathan for offering the opportunity to put our word for the year on a piece of wood as a reminder throughout the year. I had chosen my word earlier. I love doing that every year. But thanks to Nathan I have a visual to keep in front of me all of 2017.
Anyone else choose a word for the year? I don't always but most years I do and I love it! You may be hearing more about that from me very soon!
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