Happy New Year.
The Vine prays that everyone knows that they are blessed. You may have noticed the Vine as been absent for a few weeks. Time off is a very important thing that everyone needs. Along with some much needed rest, reflection was at hand. 2008 was a great year.
Even with the financial foes, election, gas at a all time high, we survived.
Life goes on, God is still God, Jesus is still the King and
The Holy Spirit still Hovers with us. God told us we will overcome.
My granny always said "If I am upright it was a good outcome".
Well, that is true.
I had a stack of material that I have been gathering for some time.
I have been remiss to take the time
Ha Ha ( time) to sort through .
Although when I did stop I realized I was exahusted,
I started catching up on things I had been putting off.
In the middle of this stack was this gem of an article.
I hope you enjoy it.
Be Careful, They Are Watching
Even When You Don't See Them
by Sherry Jacks
Are you running he race of life? Has anyone seen you?
Ask yourself a few questions on a regular basis and you will be more apt to live a life that is attractive to those who really don't know you.
*Am I insulating myself in a Christian bubble that eliminates me from encountering people who need Jesus.
*Am I sharing what Jesus means to me and has done for me with those in my life? My family? My co-worker? My friends? New acquaintances?
*Am I staying grounded in God's Word and praying without ceasing?
*Am I the same person behind closed doors that I am around everyone else?
*Am I quick to forgive other, to not judge them, and to try to see them thorough God's eyes and not mine own?
*Do I have someone I am accountable to, and do I listen when they call me on something? Do I get diffensive and jump to justify?
*What does my family and friends say about who I really am?
*What would God say about who I really am?
Who am I when no one else is looking..when it's just me alone?
If we call ourselves Christians, and if we are to be a people whose faith is attractive to others, then the right answer to the above questions will come for our constant focus of God.
One of the loudest criticisms we hear form non-believer
is that Christians profess to believe somthing yet act entirely different.
I don't want to be categorized in such a way, do you?
I think there are even more questions we need to ask ourselves:
*Do I profess to love but don't act loving?
*Do I profess to be humble but act proud?
*Do I profess to be forgiving but exercise harsh judgement?
*Do I say I follow Jesus but ememplify none of His character qualities?
*Am I avoiding the people; He sent me to serve..or am I seeking them out?
Let us all look honestly inside and outside of ourselves everyday to be sure we are walking in such a way that anyone watching us sees
Jesus in all that we say and do.
"Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it, by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes for wisdom." James 3:13 NIV
Dear Lord, Help us to live a life that is visible
and attractive to those who do not know YOU.
Let our lives constantly point people to YOU.
Forgive us Lord, of foolish pride.
We seek only your approval in our actions and thoughts.
All that is and will ever be, be to your GLORY GOD
AMEN IN CHRIST NAME
It was a real light bulb moment for me. I started taking a long look through
God's eyes at myself .
I will make every attempt to change and let God refine me.
All of these statements may not apply to me,
but all would be easy to fall into.
I did not feel condemnation from the questions,
I felt compelled to look at my life.
The enemy wants me to feel comdemnation.
I refuse to fall into that trap.
It is my responsibility to change when
The Holy Spirit points it out to me
not to dig a deeper hole.
Only with the sheild of God's Word
and God's Grace will my life change.
Only with the wisdom and comfort of the Holy Spirit
will I stay thoughtful of my actions.
So; For 2009
My Purpose: To Serve God's Will
My Goal: To become more intimate with God.
My Desire: To read the Bible from cover to cover.
My Prayer: To be a better Christian.
OKEY DOKEY THEN LET THE VINE KNOW OF YOUR COMINGS AND GOINGS
IF YOU HAVE AWAY TO GO.. LET THE VINE KNOW
As Always Let It Be Said
GET INVOLVED..INFORMATION PARTNERS.. CONNECT-THE-VINE
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