Fellowship In Christ                              
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                         As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord ´

              “Igniting soul’s through the proclamation of Jesus Christ”.

 

How do we win over to the Gospel of Christ those who are hostile toward us?  While we need skilled defenders and expositors of Biblical truth, the way most of us will win others is by the way we live and by the way we treat them.  No matter how much criticism and harsh treatment we may receive, our deeds must remain Christ-like.  To do less is to rob others of a chance to see the living Christ in action.  We are to keep
ourselves from sin, make decisions, think before we act, weigh our choices and then make that choice that is right according to the Word of God.  Every temptation that comes our way brings with it a choice, one way will lead to destruction, the other way to abundant life. 


Focus Scripture: "Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people."  (Proverbs 14:34)

This is to do with living a life sanctified and set apart for the Master's use!  It's about living above the base lusts of the flesh and conducting our lives in a fashion that is pleasing and acceptable in the eyes of God.  After all, that's what He's commanded us to do.  Lev. 20:7 says, "Sanctify yourselves therefore, and be ye holy: for I am the Lord your God."  But, what does "sanctify yourselves" really mean?  One commentator says, 'We must cleanse ourselves from all the pollutions of sin, consecrate ourselves to the service and honor of God, and conform ourselves in every thing to His holy will and image, this is to sanctify ourselves."  According to 1 Pet. 1:15-16, we are called to "be holy" in all manner of conversation.  All of our fellowship and interaction with others Must have its basis in holiness.  Anything less will rob the testimony that God is building on the earth today.

Let us Pray: "Holy and righteous Father, please forgive us for not being more aware of our influence on others, especially those who do not know Christ.  Father, our heart's desire is to live a life sanctified unto You.  Help us to consider our choices in all we do, then act on the right choice as a way of bringing glory to Your Name.  Lord, teach us Your ways through Your Word.  Be a shield all around thee, O' Lord, as
we journey along life's path.  Holy God, please lead us to those with whom You want us to share our life and to pass on Your heritage of faith.  Please open our eyes to see them.  Give us strength to live our life honestly and courageously before them.  Give us strength to choose righteousness and to disdain sin using the Word of God as our pattern.  Lord, we love You, thank You for Your presence and direction in our life.  Where would we be without You, Lord?  Please fill each of us with Your Spirit and strengthen us so that we can stand up under the criticism and scrutiny that sometimes comes our way.  Help each life to impact others so that they may see the truth of what we believe and the hope by which we live.  In Jesus' Name.  Amen."

So, righteousness exalts, sin is a reproach.  If a nation stands for righteousness, God will exalt it.  However, if the nation's choice is sin, it will be a reproach in the nostrils of a holy God and bear the consequences.  The same principle holds true in our personal lives, righteousness exalts us (makes us pleasing in His sight), yet sin in our lives is a reproach to Him for He cannot look upon sin.  Consider the Focus for today and let the Holy Spirit direct you.

"And to make thee high above all nations which He hath made, in praise, and in name, and in honor; and that thou mayest be an holy people unto the Lord thy God, as He hath spoken."  (Deuteronomy 26:19) 



Love in the Lord
Paul/Hayman
To visit FIC click here:
http://ca.groups.yahoo.com/group/FellowshipInChrist
"Igniting passion in the people of God through the proclamation of truth."
To visit Get Real With God click here:
http://ministry-webs.com/getrealwithgod/home.html 


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