Are you up for a challenge?

We’ve done this before, but I think it’s time to bring it back. The challenge is…NO COMPLAINING!

Can you do it? Can you go a week without complaining?

It’s tough. I blew it this week and then decided I want to go a whole week without it. Will you join me?

The key is not trying hard to ignore all of the things in life we typically would complain about, but to focus clearly on the blessings of God in the midst of it all.

I complained about the price of gas, but then realized I was able to afford it…and I was able to put it that gas in my Jeep…and I was able to put my Jeep in my garage when I got home…oh ya, I have a home……

“Do everything without complaining and arguing, so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people. ” (Philippians 2:14-15 NLT)

Did you hear that?

What a great weekend at Community! It was awesome having Josh Philipps come to speak to our church family. We were blessed…and he was blessed by you all!

He reminded us of this critical truth: Our life in Christ is not summed up in just “trying harder.” Yes, we work out our salvation, but we don’t earn it. We are given the help and power and love of God to help us each day of our lives. Tap into that power!

Thank you Josh!

“Dear friends, you always followed my instructions when I was with you. And now that I am away, it is even more important. Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.” (Philippians 2:12-13 NLT)

How’s your attitude?

In flying, there is a gauge labeled “Attitude Indicator.” Its job is to let you know whether you’re heading up or down. It tells you the position of your nose in relation to the horizon. In life, our attitude is an indicator of the position, not of our nose, but of our heart.

Paul, using our prime example in Jesus, wants us to set our heart on the proper trajectory. Jesus leads the way by His own example.

These verses might be the most beautiful and power picture of what Jesus did for us. Take the time to read them through a few times. Then recommit your attitude to follow Him each and every day.

“You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross.

Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians 2:5-11 NLT)

Are you SECOND?

I’m a big fan of the He>I movement. Jesus is indeed greater!!

Can you also say that about others? Are they important? More important? Worthy of your love and service???

As Paul opens chapter 2, he sets the bar pretty high when it comes to the way we think of others. By putting them first, and us second…God can begin doing something special in them and in you!

“Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose.

Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.” (Philippians 2:1-4 NLT)

Will you do this ABOVE ALL?

Have you ever wondered if you’re making the most out of the life you have? It’s easy to let the day-to-day needs and schedule dominate our thoughts, but what about the bigger picture? Am I making a difference? Am I doing what God wants me to do? Am I living a life WORTHY of what Jesus did for me?

These are huge questions that deserve our time and attention. These are questions that will hopefully force us to look at the truly important stuff in our lives.

With this in mind, I want you to read and soak in these words from Paul. Then let these words help put your family, work, friendships, service, free-time, recreation and everything else calling on your time into the right perspective. Notice the opening two words…

“Above all, you must live as citizens of heaven, conducting yourselves in a manner worthy of the Good News about Christ. Then, whether I come and see you again or only hear about you, I will know that you are standing together with one spirit and one purpose, fighting together for the faith, which is the Good News.” (Philippians 1:27 NLT)