This is not an option?

There is one thing God never tells us to do in the face of whatever our culture throws our way…HATE. Hate is never an option for the Christ-follower.

We might not agree with someone; we may see them as destructive and hurtful; we may see them as people who motives are flat our evil…but our response is not to be hate.

A.W. Tozer said, “We cannot pray in love and live in hate and still think we are worshipping God.”

Let’s follow the example of our King…even on the cross He said, “Forgive them Father, for they don’t know what they’re doing.”

“But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous” (Matthew 5:44-45 NIV)

Will you take one more step?

With the division and hatred in our culture today it is critical that we communicate with love and mercy. In fact, to be MERCY FULL is to be more like Jesus.

So here’s the extra step we all need to take before we have that talk, send that text, post that opinion or make that phone call…we need to ask some questions:

Is this helpful? Is this loving? Is this Christ-like? Is this uniting? Is this merciful and gracious?

“But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. 9Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices 10and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. 11Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.

12Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

15Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 16Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. 17And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” (Colossians 3:8-17 NIV)

Why is this so special?

The Bible is no ordinary book. You can read the same passage, and yet under the direction of the Holy Spirit, it can speak to you in new and fresh ways each time.

What’s your favorite thing about the Bible?

Since this is Valentine’s Weekend…think of God’s Word like the ultimate LOVE LETTER!

I appreciate how God uses His Word to lovingly guide, correct and prepare us as people of His Kingdom. It definitely shows my shortcomings, but it also shows me the help He is wanting to offer.

Remember, the purpose of God’s Word is not just information, but TRANSFORMATION. As you read it each day, have an open heart so HE can speak life into you!

“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17 ESV)

Are you Hungry?

This past weekend while talking about “hungering and thirsting for righteousness”, I read Psalm 63. Today I want you to sit with it for a few moments.

As you read, please ask yourself these questions:

• Am I hungry and thirsty for God like that?
• What is killing my appetite for God?
• Am I nibbling on something else?
• What’s one thing I can do starting now to live more like these verses describe?

“O God, you are my God; I earnestly search for you. My soul thirsts for you; my whole body longs for you in this parched and weary land where there is no water. I have seen you in your sanctuary and gazed upon your power and glory. Your unfailing love is better than life itself; how I praise you! I will praise you as long as I live, lifting up my hands to you in prayer. You satisfy me more than the richest feast. I will praise you with songs of joy.” (Psalm 63:1-5 NLT)

Is there enough time?

We are only 2 months from our Easter services. For those of you who are a part of Community, we’ll be having 6 Easter services.

Thursday-6:30pm

Sunday-7:00, 8:30, 10:00, 11:30am & 1:00pm

I want to encourage you to add a few names to your TOP FIVE list of people you’re praying for, and start actively praying and watching for opportunities to invite them to one of our Easter services.

I feel like we’re going to blink…and Easter will be here. So, keep loving, praying, being that friend…and keep inviting!

“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9 NIV)