Sunday Snippets

So where did this day go?? Can't believe it is already over.

We had a good discussion in Bible Class this morning about Jesus' attitude toward the poor. It is during these kind of discussions that my heart is convicted that I am not even close to living the way the Lord has called me to live. Luke 14:12-14 says "Then Jesus said to his host, "When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or relatives, or your rich neighbors; if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid. But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous." So when have I ever had a party like this one?

Then, don't you wish you part of a church like described in Acts 2:32-34? "All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had. With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and much grace was upon them all. There were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales and put it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to anyone as he had need."

There is something to be said for small community. I think most of us don't experience this in community because we don't know each other well enough to know what each other's needs are. But more than that we don't view our property as "not our own". We do good at donating our left overs, but I know I am guilty of not giving away my "things" to help the poor. Today's class gave me a lot to think about.

Then in John's sermon he quoted Neil Anderson from his book Victory Over Darkness.
"It is not what we do that determines who we are, it is who we are that determines what we do...We don't follow Him to be loved, we are loved so we follow Him. To live the victorious Christian life you have to believe what is already true about you."

It is pretty humbling to think that anywhere we are, we are potentially on Holy Ground.

Everyone have a great week. I close with the chorus of a new song we sang today. May it be the prayer of us all as we live out our call this week.

Let us be You, when a wounded soul cries out for hope.
Let us be You, when the lonely need to know they're not alone.
Just as your stars pierce through the night, let us forever shine Your light.
Let us be You, Let us be You on this earth.