We began the evening with some beautiful sweet rolls and harvest bread made by Debbie! Then we sang about how our lives are really all about Him and the debt of love that we owe to our God.
First we discussed our prayer requests from last care group and heard some good reports. Tony read Romans 13:14 - But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires. Here are some themes discussed:
-It's encouraging to know that God is involved and working out His sanctification in our lives. It's humbling, but it's evidence of the fact that God IS at work in people's lives - in marriages, relationships, etc.
-A sign of God working through us is the non-judgmental way we can help each other through times of trial and temptation.
-We have no right to ever judge another no matter the sin, because it's guaranteed that we're struggling in another area.
-God's mission is to search out every pocket of sin in my life. He loves us so much. His mercy triumphs over sin.
-Sin is so much more detrimental than we realize. We must put on Christ because we don't have the equipment or the strength to combat sin and its effects.
-How do we put on Christ? By prayerful, purposeful effort to trust His word and then staying there. By worship: what a privilege to have time to worship Him during our days. By spending time in the Word.
-We get bombarded by the world. We are dependent on Him and are desperately in need of Jesus.
-We can take a moment in our stressful days to turn to Him for grace and strength and make godly decisions.
-We actively sow to the Spirit and not to our natural inclinations.
-God knows we have days where we feel empty and non-inspired. He is the source for all of our needs.
-Putting on Christ = loving other people. It leaves no room for judging and flippant reactions to other people's sins.
-We must remember how God loves us and how patient He is with us.
-Romans 13:8 "Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law."
-How does the love of God work out in our lives? In various ways, He motivates us to reach out to serve and love others in His name.
-Sometimes in His love He allows us to fail where we've judged others.
-People are hurting and need God - we need to pray for God to give us wisdom and love and time for others.
-Being satisfied in Him frees us from inhibitions that prevent us from loving others.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Thank you so much for all you and Tony do to serve us. Matt and I are so thankful for all of you. We are always so encouraged when we get together. You have all impacted our lives. Thank you Versace caregroup.
ReplyDelete