Some worship thoughts for followers of Jesus Christ!

Tag: comfort

Deny Yourself!

It is very difficult for us to change a bad habit or poor attitude. We know ourselves so well that we become comfortable with ourselves. Comfortable with complacency. Comfortable in doing “just enough.” We avoid going the “extra mile” and any personal sacrifice because its disrupts our agenda of comfort. It makes us feel like we are losing control.

We are people with “hope” and we should embrace change. We are not perfect, but we are in the process of being perfected in Christ. The adversary to our faith is a culture that promotes individualism and criticism. Though our parts have different functions, the goal of the Body of Christ is unity – to become like Jesus. We need to rid ourselves of our personal agendas for His will to be done in our lives. “To serve and not be served!”

Each day is a new creation of God’s mercy to give us time to love one another. The seed of all sin is selfishness. If planted, it will raise a crop of suffering and death. Idleness, personal comfort, and doing just enough is not living – it’s surviving. Looking to fill the needs of others, being truly kind, enjoying the opportunities to sacrifice personal comfort to help others, these are Christ-like actions and they reflect passionate, dedicated followers of Jesus.

Matthew 16:23-25
“But Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind Me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to Me. For you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men.” Then Jesus told His disciples, “If anyone would come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.… ” (Berean Study Bible)

Healing Grace

healing graceFrom the moment God thought of us, in the point of our conception, while we were forming in our Mother’s womb; our sex, our eye color, and all other physical attributes were designed by God. We are beautifully and wonderfully made. God was in control from the beginning and He will be in control in the everlasting.

This world loves to give credit, recognition, and praise to individuals for personal, outstanding achievements. Yet, it fails to recognize the grace by which all of us breathe. We live, move and have our being in God’s grace. Daily, God renews His mercy towards us and He gives us life, strength, and the environment to live and have purpose. We are commanded to give God glory in all that we do (1 Cor 10:31). Every time we receive and accept praise without giving Him the glory, we diminish His power working in our lives.

In most cultures, Physicians are admired, honored, and respected. It is a highly-skilled profession that requires tremendous amounts of education and study. Sadly, the world will recognize the healing produced from a doctor’s gift and forget praising the Giver. In comparison, we enjoy the comforts and benefits of a clean, well-maintained hospital, which is essential to the healing process of patients, yet fail to give honor to custodians for their work. In all good and perfect things God is at work, either in the minds and hands of Doctors, our in the sterility of the operating room. Through all things God is in control. In our pain and suffering, our faith in Him will always bring healing. Either through death and the ultimate healing of taking us home to be with Him, or through temporary healing so that we may continue to give Him glory with our lives. His grace is sufficient.

A Psalm of Worship: The Way Everlasting

O Father! What thoughts can I hide from You?
Your Word is in my heart and my mind
My soul longs after You.
I cherish Your commandments
You are the way everlasting
Whether I am alone or surrounded by a great crowd of witnesses
You are there
Your mercy makes each day new
Your grace refreshes my heart
The joy of everything You are to me is my strength
Nothing can stop Your wondrous plans for me
Your plans to prosper me and give me a future
Even when I am old and grey
You will remember me because of Your Son, Jesus Christ
Your unfailing love is more than enough to sustain all that I am and will ever be
Abide in me O Holy Spirit
Comfort me in times of need
Guide me in the way everlasting

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