Power of the Cross

May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. – Romans 15:5-6

One point written about in the post “Pulling Together with Christ” is that unity comes from having a common purpose and all Christians should agree about the purpose of the Cross. Around this agreement, there is great power to organize and be victorious against anything that goes against this great purpose.

The church is a community of people working together with Christ as their leader. We are stronger together and God’s Plan for Us not only changes our individual life for the better but also the world is changed for the better.

Let us be inspired by the song How Great is our God by Chris Tomlin and know that everything is possible because of the power of the Cross. 

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One Body to Make the Ministry Work

So in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. - Romans 12:5

In the post “Communication for the Lord’s Work”, brought out is the idea of each member of the church being connected and the importance of having those behind the scenes making a ministry work.

There is no better time to put this idea to work with the latest technology that allows us to study God’s Word and share thoughts. We can worship from any place or anytime with songs like this one: How Great is Our God by Chris Tomlin.

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We put no stumbling block in anyone’s path, so that our ministry will not be discredited. – 2 Corinthians 6:3

The post “Accepting Others and Working Together” brought out the thought that we are bound together by the peace and joy of the Holy Spirit. The idea is to have an attitude of kindness by focusing on the big issues that bring us together rather than the small things that divide us.

What we make happen for others will be given back to us so when we give a smile, a smile will be given back. When we act kind, we receive kindness from others. Be inspired by today’s song Humble and Kind by Tim McGraw and have a day filled with peace and joy.

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Getting Along with Each Other

Why do you judge your brother? Or why do you show contempt for your brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. - Romans 14:10

Getting along with each other is one of the toughest things. Every person thinks a little differently and has their own way of going forward but as in the post “One Common Thread that Binds”, we gain victory by being one in Christ

Christ is the one common thread that binds us. Be inspired by today’s song Losing by Tenth Avenue North and remember that it is the power of Christ that unifies us in what we believe, what we do, and how we live.

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Celebrate Differences

Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God. - Romans 15:7

God has made us all for a purpose and we need to celebrate differences. According to Guinness World Records, the tallest man living is 8 ft. 3 inches. The shortest man living is 2 feet tall. A startling comparison is that if humans varied as much in height as dogs do, the smallest person would be 2 feet tall and the tallest person would stand 31 feet tall!

The picture we get from the post “Always Remains the Same” is that we all are different. Some are skilled in teaching, some are skilled in administration, and others may be skilled in encouragement. We all also have some weaknesses but let us be thankful that God always remains faithful, true, righteous, and just. 

Rather than expecting perfection from others, we can accept each other as a child of God and work in unity using our specific gifts God has given us. Then we are not competing against each other but against our enemies like doubt, bondage, and hate.

As the scripture above says, we should approach each day with the attitude of accepting one another. Take inspiration from today’s song: Come As You Are by Crowder.

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Crucified with Christ

I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. - Galatians 2:20

One thing is for sure and creates true joy for the future; by accepting Christ as Savior, things only get better. The negative past is washed away, the joy of the present is highlighted, and the future is brighter each and every day.

These thoughts were also brought out in the post “The Promise Of The Spirit” and give us a lift for each day. The memories we make today will give us a lift, the weather can give us a lift, and the ultimate lift is knowing that the future is bright because of the reward God has for all that believe in His Son.

Enjoy today’s song Multiplied by Need to Breath and receive the multiplied effect of the Spirit inside which is like radiant diamonds bursting inside with the promise of a great future filled with the never ending flow of grace.

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The Unifier and Provider

In the post, “Dissipation of a Nation”, the people turned to idol worship instead of giving credit to God for all they had been given. Written about were some lessons we can take from this passage which can be applied today within nations or used by individuals. Many throughout the world seem to think governments can best provide for needs even though governments have a way of setting up roadblocks to productivity by setting up regulations that are impossible to meet or enforce.

In the nation in which I live, every state is different but united. Within the United States, some states choose to do things one way and others choose to do things another way. Texas has just a few natural lakes. Years ago, some smart people noticed that there were many rivers in Texas but the water just ran into the Gulf of Mexico. During the hot summers, the state would get low on water so they thought of the idea of building damns along the rivers to make lakes that stores the water.

The point is that it’s important to plan using the lessons taught by history. Some states never learned from history; never built lakes to store rain water, and as a result, have to either do without or barrow water from other states at a high price.

The Bible has many lessons taught by history that the United States adopted to form The U. S. Constitution as a guide to run the nation. Unfortunately, many have decided that it should no longer be “One Nation Under God” so they’ve instructed to ditch the advantage that history brings; going instead to the lead of a few unqualified bureaucrats as the best way to the future.  

God’s Plan for Us is the best way. It’s been proven over and over again. This day can be amazing because our growing faith can never be taken away or depleted. The gospel message has a beautiful and refreshing simplicity about it that sets us free and never let us down. Be inspired by the song The Way by Jeremy Camp.

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Hearts Led By Mercy

Let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another. - Romans 14:19

Christianity is the most adaptable movement there is, allowing individuals to accommodate other’s attitudes and convictions without compromising principle. Christianity is built for the individual and is flexible yet distinctly substantiated by belief in Christ.

Unfortunately, we are so caught up in a time when being politically correct is all that matters and not offending people is the main objective rather than following the path laid out for us. 

Yet this day, let us remember that Jesus died for all. Let us not judge but edify. My hope is that this video will inspire this thought for us today: Jesus, Friend of Sinners – Casting Crowns.

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Return and Discern

The followers of Christ joined together constantly in prayer and as explained in the post Vision for Decisions, they benefitted from scripture, prayer, and God’s providence to change the course of history.

We can tap into the same beneficial resources of God this New Year to enable us to make good decisions as we lead our families, communities, and work places; helping us to plan the right things to do for an amazing New Year. Receive inspiration from today’s video: Lead Me - Sanctus Real.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. - Proverbs 3:5-6

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Post for Next day Great Attributes of Christianity

In the post The Strategy to Trap Jesus, The answer Jesus gave to the question raised by the Pharisee spies demonstrated that Christianity is broad-minded. It is clear from the response of Jesus that Christianity respects the state and can work alongside it.

Christianity celebrates our differences. God has made us all for a purpose and we need to understand that our differences are really our strength. Not only are we all different in how we think, but also in our physical attributes.

God has made us all for a purpose and we need to celebrate our differences. Here is an interesting fact about our physical differences: according to Guinness World Records, the tallest man living is 8 ft. 3 inches. The shortest man living is 2 feet tall. A startling comparison is that if humans varied as much in height as dogs do, the smallest person would be 2 feet tall and the tallest person would stand 31 feet tall!  

Human relationships are made complicated by our differences but this diversity actually makes us stronger. One great aspect of marriage is that a husband has certain attributes that help in a marriage and a wife has certain attributes. Each are united as one and offer something positive to the relationship.

Christianity is not only broad-minded in how people interact between their religion and the state, it is also perfect for human relationships. Most of all, Christianity is absolutely perfect in our relationship to God because it provides a way to return to Him. As this video points out, Christianity is a friend of sinners: Jesus, Friend of Sinners – Casting Crowns.

Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God. - Romans 15:7

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Caring for Others

Abram demonstrated that he cared for others. We also show that we care for others by giving back what we have learned in life. What we make happen for others, God will make happen for us.

You may have a child or friend with an issue at school or work and you can be there for them; offering ideas or suggestions. Your purpose in life may not be a great preacher, singer, or teacher but just being free to be you as explained in this video: Free to be Me – Francesca Battistelli.

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. –  Philippians 2:3

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The Results of Unity

In Psalm 133-134, unity is described like oil that is poured over the head because its influence spreads. God wants unity but Satan works to make sure it doesn’t exist. In verse 3 of Psalm 133, unity is described as dew. Where rainfall is not plentiful, dew can provide the moisture needed. It makes up the difference little by little but persistently and cumulatively produces the moisture that rain would otherwise provide. It also softens the ground similar to softening a heart to receive the good seed of the Word.

 Photo Credit – vionnaswatching.wordpress.com

Unity has the same effect on Christianity. Its influence spreads over the body with attitudes of kindness, love, goodness, and faithfulness. The members of the body receive what is needed for growth and yield. I remember just getting out of college and moving to Waco Texas. I began attending a Singles Sunday school class and Bible study; meeting many friends during that time who I continue to stay in touch with. Also, there were several marriages that occurred from that group since it was a great place to meet Christians from the opposite sex.  

Christians that stand together become strong enough to cause the enemy to have second thoughts. If you try to break one stick, it’s easy but three or four sticks together are hard to break. The same principle works in suspension bridges as one strand of wire is easy to break but many stranded together form a cable that is strong enough to support a bridge.

In this reading, the psalmist desires that people work together to glorify the Lord. As a community of faith bloggers, it’s neat to see us all working together to provide food for the soul. When someone comes to me with questions about life and about God, one of you may be a better fit than me to help that person understand. I can always give them the link to your blog to help them understand. It’s good to know I don’t have to do it alone and there is a team working together to bring others to Christ.

For growing in unity, there is an on-line devotional being used to keep me on track. I invite you to join the journey or check in from time to time. You can like or follow at any of the links below and be notified of new posts:

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This Day with God Devotional

Strong Leaders

After reading 1 Chronicles 13-14, what is found is that David conferred with each of his officers, sought unity with his people and most of all inquired of God who goes before us to prepare the way; building up our life with positive principles found in His Word. Prayer, reflection, and action will develop strong leaders for better families, communities, and nations.

I really enjoy sharing videos that hopefully bless and uplift. I’d like to share this video that asks God for help in leading families. Just click here: Sanctus Real – Lead Me or on the video below to watch. God Bless! 

For the word of the Lord is right and true; He is faithful in all He does. – Psalm 33:4

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