Thoughts for Life: What it Takes

Jean Oathout: We begin life self-centered. Over the years we begin to see that there's a challenge to love those around us who need our attention and love.

As we interact with others, we learn of a God Who loves us, and Who has proven His care for us.
(Google image, Finding the conflict)

The Bible is a book that has Life in it, as it's God's Word. He invites us to believe in His Son, Jesus, and what He accomplished at Calvary some 2,000 years ago. (John 3:16). It's important that our relationship with Him takes first place in our hearts, as He sacrificed His life on our behalf in payment for our sins.

  As folks make their decision to obey His provision of salvation through faith, repentance, walk of obedience and commitment to Him, they'll know from the peace in their souls, that they are destined for heaven.

Through regular fellowship in a Bible-believing church, we have the opportunity to learn how to live a sanctified life that honors God. His desire is to help us learn how to get along with others; to learn to forgive and be reconciled with those who have offended us, and to make amends with those we've offended.

As we grow in our maturity of faith in Christ Jesus, we're to become witnesses that point others to Him. We learn to be a friend to those in the church we've chosen, and may begin to see our godly influence on others help them in their spiritual growth.

The Scriptures tell us that life after death is a Reality. Over time, we learn how to prepare for eternity and what all it entails. We need to make godly decisions now in preparation for the transition into Christ's presence for eternity. We shall see Him at our physical death, or when His returns for His Bride, the Church.

Hell is a real place for unbelievers of Christ Jesus' atonement for sins, so Christ commands His followers to share with others what He said and did. We are to make every effort to pray for friends and family to see that they have the opportunity to experience the Love of the Father in and through Christ.

We gain forgiveness
through prayer

Father, we are challenged daily to interact with those around us, especially our family and friends.
Help us take it seriously that Your desire is to convey to them Your great love.
May we grow in our maturity of faith in Christ Jesus to where we point others to Him through our lives as Christians.
Hopefully, our influence on others will help them in their spiritual growth, and to be encouraged to learn of the principles of Christ's teachings for their lives.
We ask this in the name of Jesus, and for His glory. Amen.

Today's Bible verses-

John 17:17 (KJV) "Sanctify them through Thy truth:
Thy Word is truth."

John 8:31 (KJV) ". . . If ye continue in My Word, then
are ye my disciples indeed."

Ps. 119:133 (KJV) "Order my steps in Thy Word: and

let not any iniquity have dominion over me."

2 Tim. 3:16-17 (A.V.) "Every Scripture inspired of God

is also profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction,

for instruction which is in righteousness that the man of

God may be complete, furnished completely unto every

good work."

James 1:2-4 (ESV) "Count it all joy, my brothers (and

sisters) when you meet trials of various kinds, for you

know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.

And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may

be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."

Today's quote-

~ Ruth Paxson- "The spiritual man is in daily need of replenishing. He never ceases to feel his utter dependence upon God. God provides for his renewal. The man who is saved by the truth of God's Word is also sanctified by it.

The stature and strength of the spiritual man will be in exact proportion to his faithful continuance in the Word of the Lord. The study of God's word is the divinely-ordained method of spiritual growth.

A careful study of the Scriptural names of the Word of God revels His intended use of it in the Christian's renewal.

The Word of God is a mirror to reveal

The Word of God is water to clean and refresh

The Word of God is food to nourish and delight

The Word of God is a lamp to guide

The Word of God is a manual of holy living

The Word of God is a weapon

The Word of God is a Fire that both burns and warms

The Word of God is a hammer to Break

The Word of God is a seed that matures and multiplies

-From Life of the Highest Plane by Ruth Paxson (1889-1949), who was a Bible teacher, missionary, and author. [Taken from Herald of His Coming newspaper, Vol 77, No 6 (918), p. 1, 3. Used by permission.]

~ Rachel Wojo- "When we can’t find praise in our hearts because we don’t understand what God is doing, we can always praise God for Who He is. He is the God Who never changes and has loved us since the beginning of time. Praise Him!"

Today's guest post-

Unexpected Rain Showers

Noelle LeBlanc- "The sky turned ominously dark. Shades of blue and purple spread across he horizon, transforming a beautiful summer day into an unexpected storm.

Such is life in the Carolinas during the summer. Storms can either be welcomed when they squelch the heat or cursed when they ruin summer fun. I appreciated this storm and watched with curiosity as creatures big and small scurried for shelter . . . "

List of recent sermons of CFC ministers. CFC Potsdam church has a live service at 10 am Sunday's for shut-ins. If for some reason you can't make it to the church you usually attend, click on the above link, and still get fed!

Upcoming posts-

#69 Your Prayer Life as a Leader

10th- Tuesday's post by Dr. Wesley L. Duewel

#70 You are Responsible to Keep Strong & Blessed Through Prayer

12th- Tuesday's post by Dr. Wesley L. Duewel

What Difference Does It Make?

14th- Saturday's post by

#71 Your Prayer Controls Your Work
17th- Thursday's post by Dr. Wesley L. Duewel