Today at LIFE SURGE headquarters, we all exchanged thoughtful notes to uplift each other. 😍 Recognizing the profound impact of words, let's consistently strive to uplift and empower one another, mirroring the compassion of Jesus in our interactions!
"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." -Jeremiah 29:11
#Wellnessweek#LIFESURGE#Jeremiah29:11
By focusing our hope on Jesus, we can shift our perspective from self-centeredness to God-centeredness, experiencing a life transformed and overflowing with joy, even in the face of challenges.
Read more 👉 https://lttr.ai/AMPVb#rlccphil
Putting God First
In a world filled with urgency and clamour, it's easy to get swept up in the demands of ministry and service to others. The pressing needs of those around us often seem to overshadow the quieter, more intimate moments of communion with God. Yet, true wisdom beckons us to pause and remember: before we can effectively minister to others, we must first minister to God.
Putting God first means making intimacy with Him our highest priority, above all else. It's about recognizing that our relationship with Him is the foundation upon which all other aspects of our lives, including our ministry efforts, are built. When we prioritise spending time in His presence, seeking His face, and listening to His voice, we position ourselves to receive the wisdom, strength, and direction we need to fulfil our calling effectively.
Ministering to God first before ministering to people is not about neglecting the needs of others; rather, it's about recognising that our ability to serve others flows out of the overflow of our relationship with Him. When we are filled to overflowing with His love, grace, and compassion, we naturally become vessels through which His love can flow to those around us.
Jesus Himself modelled this principle during His earthly ministry. He frequently withdrew to lonely places to pray and commune with His Father before engaging in ministry to the crowds. In doing so, He demonstrated the importance of seeking God's presence and guidance before stepping out to minister to others.
When we prioritise intimacy with God above all else, we align ourselves with His heart and His purposes. We become more attuned to His leading and more effective in carrying out His will. Our ministry efforts become not just tasks to check off a list, but genuine expressions of love and obedience flowing from a heart surrendered to Him.
#BewareBarrenBranches#LeadFromFullness#SpiritualSelfCare#DontNeglectYourSoul#WaitOnTheLord#WorkRestBalance#AbideAndThrive#CultivateDontCoast#FeedYourSoul#IntimacyBeforeMinistry#ProducingPresence#FruitFromCloseness#DontGoEmpty#FillBeforeSpill#WorkFromRest#MinistryShouldntMeanMartyrdom
Putting God First
In a world filled with urgency and clamour, it's easy to get swept up in the demands of ministry and service to others. The pressing needs of those around us often seem to overshadow the quieter, more intimate moments of communion with God. Yet, true wisdom beckons us to pause and remember: before we can effectively minister to others, we must first minister to God.
Putting God first means making intimacy with Him our highest priority, above all else. It's about recognizing that our relationship with Him is the foundation upon which all other aspects of our lives, including our ministry efforts, are built. When we prioritise spending time in His presence, seeking His face, and listening to His voice, we position ourselves to receive the wisdom, strength, and direction we need to fulfil our calling effectively.
Ministering to God first before ministering to people is not about neglecting the needs of others; rather, it's about recognising that our ability to serve others flows out of the overflow of our relationship with Him. When we are filled to overflowing with His love, grace, and compassion, we naturally become vessels through which His love can flow to those around us.
Jesus Himself modelled this principle during His earthly ministry. He frequently withdrew to lonely places to pray and commune with His Father before engaging in ministry to the crowds. In doing so, He demonstrated the importance of seeking God's presence and guidance before stepping out to minister to others.
When we prioritise intimacy with God above all else, we align ourselves with His heart and His purposes. We become more attuned to His leading and more effective in carrying out His will. Our ministry efforts become not just tasks to check off a list, but genuine expressions of love and obedience flowing from a heart surrendered to Him.
#BewareBarrenBranches#LeadFromFullness#SpiritualSelfCare#DontNeglectYourSoul#WaitOnTheLord#WorkRestBalance#AbideAndThrive#CultivateDontCoast#FeedYourSoul#IntimacyBeforeMinistry#ProducingPresence#FruitFromCloseness#DontGoEmpty#FillBeforeSpill#WorkFromRest#MinistryShouldntMeanMartyrdom
"A Virgin?" Mary's story teaches us a valuable lesson about God's favor and timing. It reminds us that God's favor does not always bring instant success or fame. It also reminds us that, even in the midst of hard times, we can trust that He is working out a plan for our lives!
#VirginBirth#GodsFavor#HisPlan#OnWordandUpWordhttps://lnkd.in/gHjs8m6e
Learn how to embrace four habits of grace that will enrich your prayer life. Uncover four pillars of prayer – adoration, confession, thanksgiving, supplication – as we guide you through a spiritually enriching journey. https://lnkd.in/eV-BAGT2
❓ What ways have you been able to be intentional that could help someone else make time for prayer?
Prayer is not a one-time event or a quick fix for life's challenges. It is a lifelong journey, a continuous exploration of our relationship with our Heavenly Father. Just as a house needs regular maintenance and care to remain a safe and welcoming home, so does our heart's true home of prayer.
To cultivate a deeper connection with prayer, consider it's important for us to be incorporating it into your daily routine. Do you have a sacred space where you can retreat to in solitude? A journal that you can write your prayers in? A worship playlist that you can listen to help you focus on prayer? Our heart yearns for space and time with God.
#goodGod#Jesuscares#christianquotes#qotd#quotes#disciple#spiritualformation#prayer
UNVEILING THE PATH TO SPIRITUAL ABUNDANCE
Unlock the door to spiritual abundance by yielding to the Holy Spirit. In this journey, freedom and fruitful living await. Leave behind the pre-conversion reliance on self for security and embrace post-conversion trust in God for both earthly and eternal security. Through daily surrender to Jesus, continue the journey of grace and faith that began your Christian walk. Reject the temptations of the flesh and walk empowered by the Spirit to bear His fruit. Let wisdom, conviction, and comfort guide your steps, leading you into God's will. The Holy Spirit is the key to abundant spiritual living; embrace His guidance and watch love, joy, and peace flourish in your soul. Cultivate the fruits of forbearance, kindness, and self-control through faith and the Word. Allow the Spirit to uproot sin and cover your life with Christ-like character. Surrender, pray, and embrace humility as you witness the victory and harvest of righteousness that the Spirit brings.
LIKE, and SHARE the message of Spiritual Abundance!
No matter what you may be going through, worship music has the ability to make a positive impact on your life. Here is what you need to hear today!
Here is the YouTube video of the Christ Church Los Angeles Worship Service Sunday August 27, 2023. Today's sermon The Sixth Deadly Sin: Slothfulness (Laziness) starts about 28:13.
For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: “The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat.” (2 Thessalonians 3:10 NIV)
Slothfulness is not a common word today. We use other words to describe the attitude of slothfulness, such as idleness, listlessness, apathy, indifference, goofing off, wasting time, sluggishness, procrastination, and laziness.
We get the word watching the life of a sloth. The sloth is a lethargic animal with coarse hair. It builds no nest or home, sleeps eighteen hours a day, and wakes very slowly. The sloth is so inactive that a green alga grows in its hair. Some people act like sloths.
When we compare the other sins with slothfulness, which means we’re lazy, or unmotivated we think, what’s the big deal? After all, there’s anger, lust, pride, greed, envy, gluttony and all those seem worse than being slothful.
Everyone needs a balanced life with a defined time to work, a time to relax, a time to play and a time just to enjoy life as it should be enjoyed. However, doing nothing consistently helps no one. It is not good for the soul, it is not good for the mind, it is not good for the heart. If you adopt this mentality and outlook, life really is not worth living.
Sluggishness produces a legacy of despair, but productivity brings a very pleasing reward, both now and in the future. Your obedience to God will bring joy to you and to the Lord Jesus.
When you stand before the Lord someday, what will He say? I pray that in your case and mine, He will smile and say, “Well done, good and faithful servant."
Please give the video a "Thumbs Up". Like and Follow the Christ Church Los Angeles Facebook Page. Visit the Christ Church Los Angeles website christchurchlosangeles.org.
Changing Our Perspectives
Have you ever found yourself tasked with doing something that was boring, uneventful, uncomfortable, or difficult? When we find ourselves in those situations, our first reaction might be to complain or quit trying.
Sometimes, mundane jobs and every-day responsibilities don’t feel like worthwhile investments of our time and energy. But the truth is: everything we do matters to God and is used by Him.
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”
Colossians 3:23-24 NIV
Whatever you do. Whether you’re in your dream career or working for someone difficult, whether you’re taking care of your house, or organizing a business—everything we do is an opportunity to worship Jesus. It’s just a matter of perspective.
If we view life through a lens that is only concerned with ourselves, we will quickly grow tired of our circumstances and disappointed by our striving. But if we view life through a lens of worship, nothing in this life will give us more joy than serving Jesus.
If everything becomes about Him, then everything is worth doing well. If we’re Christians, then our lives belong to Jesus. As Paul put it, Jesus is now our “master.”
Our whole world becomes about Him, His purposes, and His glory. When we do everything with Him in mind, He never fails to bless us with His presence, love, and grace. And one day, He will also give us an eternal reward for our faithful service.
So as you think about the work God has put in front of you, consider what it would mean to do everything for the Lord. And then ask yourself: “in what ways will I honor God and inspire others today?” #TuesdayThoughts#CoffeeTime#GodIsGood#GoodMorning#Motivation
Area Director/Publisher for “Stroll Topsfield”
1moAmen! I put that verse in my graduate issue near the senior photos! 🙌We look forward to Saturday in BOSTON!