Living for what’s best

Because we can fill our lives with so many things and so many things are clamoring for our attention, we need to learn how to focus our time and energy on what really matters.  I believe this is the single biggest step that we can take as Christ followers in order to give God His rightful place in our lives.  This concept is found in one of Paul’s prayers in the book of Philippians as Paul prays for the Christians in the city of Philipi.

Paul says in Philippians 1:9 that it starts with a growing love for God which seeks to put God in His rightful place in our lives.  This desire alone however will not help us to decide what is best as Paul states in verse 10.   This desire must be accompanied by a continual testing of things in my life.  That’s what the word “decide” means.  It was used in Paul’s day so that people could determine the true worth of valuable objects by putting them into the fire and seeing if they could stand up.  That’s what we must do on a daily basis.  Does this activity or choice stand up?  Does it bring honor to God?  This may be good choice but is there a better one?  Between two good choices which one is best?

If we are driven by our moods or emotions or sudden impulses rather than a rational testing of our choices and decisions, we are more likely to live a life that is less than giving God His rightful place.

So, is there a choice you are faced with right now that you will commit to taking the time to test it before you say “yes” or “no”?

God will help you as commit to making the right choices.

Our God’s love for us

You are all such an encouragement to me each week at The Mine and this past Tuesday was no exception.  Each of you brings an amazing spirit to that auditorium.  Thank you for being open to our God Who loves us with such a great love.  Let’s ponder the significance of that today.  Well I said I would give you the scripture references so here they are.

Jesus is coming:

John 14:1-3;  Acts 1:10-11;   I Thessalonians 4:16-18;   Revelation 22:20;  Matthew 6:9-10

What does His coming mean for the world?

Zechariah 14:9;  Revelation 11:15;  Philippians 2:10-11;  Isaiah 11:1-9;  Micah 4:1-4

What does His coming mean for me?

I John 3:2;  I Corinthians 13:12;  Philippians 1:21-23;  Revelation 5:10;  Revelation 21:1-4;                I Corinthians 15:58

Not everyone will be prepared and ready when He comes:

Mark 13:32-37

I hope these scripture references are helpful and enable you to do some study on all of this yourselves.

Also, a big reminder that this Tuesday, September 29^th, we will have another Mine Mingle after The Mine in the lobby for those who can stay after 8PM.  We are in need of some more cookies to share with everyone, so if you can help out by bringing 3-4 dozen, please email Toni Monson at TMonson5@cox.net.

See you this coming Tuesday and don’t forget – Keep Reading, Keep Studying , Keep Growing!

Jesus is coming!!

I am really excited about the passage we will be looking at this Tuesday at The Mine.  It is 1 John 2:28 – 3:3 and the focus of the passage is that Jesus is coming.  There are so many truths that encourage us from this passage.  Not only are we reminded of Jesus’ return but we are told once again in Scripture just how much God loves us and that this love was not based upon our performance – it was freely given to us.   We are also told that when we see Jesus face to face, we will be instantly transformed and given a glorified body fit for eternity.

One other challenge we are given is to remain in fellowship with God which is the theme of 1 John.  The benefit of staying on the same page with God according to John is confidence when Christ comes.  This hope of His coming should motivate us toward a growing commitment and devotion in our walk with Him.

Consider these passages in preparation for our study this Tuesday:

Luke 21 : 25 – 28 and Luke 12 : 25 – 48.    Also reading 1 Corinthians 15:50 – 58 would be helpful and encouraging.

So keep reading, keep studying, keep growing!

Thank You!

I would like to thank all of you who are making The Mine Bible Study what it is and what it is becoming.  To the hundreds who attend The Mine each Tuesday evening at Cornerstone and to the hundreds who listen to the podcasts and follow us,  thank you.  You refresh and encourage me.  To those who pray, give technical support, provide worship or are willing to just do “whatever”, I am grateful beyond words.

Yet we all know that this would mean nothing without God’s presence and power, so in the words of Paul from Ephesians 3:20-21, “Now to Him who by the power that is working within us is able to do far beyond all that we ask or think, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and forever.  Amen.”

See you at The Mine!

Scripture verses for 9/15/09 Mine Bible Study

It was suggested to me that it would be helpful to you to have the Scripture references ahead of time so you could mark them and even look them over BEFORE each study.  Here are the passages I plan to explore tomorrow night at The Mine.

I John 2:18-27;     Luke 12:54-57;    2 Timothy 3:1-5, 13-17;     John 14:16-17;              John 16:13;    John 17:14-19;    1 Timothy 3:14 – 4:1;    Galatians 5:7-12;    2 John 7-11;     2 Corinthians 11:3, 13-15;    Colossians 2:6-10

I’ll get these posted a little more in advance from here on out.  Looking forward to digging deeper together again tomorrow night!