Look Out
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Philippians 2: 3-4
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.
In Rick Warren’s bestseller Purpose Driven Life, the very first words of the first chapter state the following, “It’s not about you. The purpose of your life is far greater than your own personal fulfillment, your peace of mind, or even your happiness. It’s far greater than your family, your career, or even your wildest dreams and ambitions.” Do you realize this simple fact? You were created for more than just to be happy or fulfill your own desires. God commands us to “look out” and to “reach out”!
Over 80% of churches in America are dying. Why? Pastor Ray Johnston of Bayside Community intelligibly explains, “Churches have become a holy huddle. For the most part it’s a place where Christians are taking care of Christians. We have lost our passion to reach out to the unbeliever and those that are in need of a Savior.” It seems as though we’ve forgotten that our churches and homes are supposed to be a hospital for the sick. A place of refuge and strength for the weak. A place where lost people can find their way home.
When is the last time you reached out to your neighbor? Do you even know your neighbor? Have you had someone over for dinner that doesn’t go to your church? Who doesn’t agree with your faith or even believe in God? Do the people that you’re in contact with on a daily basis know what you stand for? Or only what you’re against. The Bible says that it is God’s goodness that draws people to repentance. When others see you, do they encounter “God’s goodness”? If we’re going to see our lost loved ones come to know Christ in these last days, it is high time that we get our focus off of ourselves, and look out to the needs and interests of others. Find a need and fill it. Find a hurt and heal it!
Until next week,
Look Out!
Joe
I always liked that verse “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” It always confuses the “worldly” people, because they are always trying to do good to draw attention to themselves, so they can get the glory, but when we follow the instructions given in the verse, and someone says something to us like “Your soo nice, or how do you handle that so well?” and we say “Praise God!” because He gives us the strength to do everything.. the look at us like were crazy… but we see the big picture.. and that starts the whole process of them wondering and sometimes even pulling us to the side and asking us… “so, tell me about the hope that is in you.” not that we should wait for them to come to us… Rock on!!
Hey Kuz!!
Being a church without walls is so vital in these times!!! Taking a stance to Do Something and give back to the community puts a smile on His face and a song in His heart!!!
You guyz do that in a big way, and we are greatful to know and love you!!!!!
We’ll keep praying for you!!! Hurry back to The Rock!!!!
Your front row fan!!!!
Dyan Happy day after your birthday Jesse!! again. : )
Joe,
What a challenge and encouragement. Thank you for this word. I know this will continue to be something I will strive to do.
Someone I know shared a while back how she and her husband have been recently blessed with their first home and have plenty of floor space…it is their true hearts desire to be a shelter to the hurting and bring people in for various reasons…bring them in for a meal, a place to bring people in after something like IKE hits…
When she said this, I know it stirred someting in me and challenged me, and this devo was a great reminder.
Thanks again. Bless you.
Amen!! Thanks for such devine and powerful words. God is awesome, its all him – I KNOW IT – wheew IN JESUS NAME! This is what our bible study last night was mainly about – I did not see you there?? LOL But I know he speaks through you, my pastor and along with my children. But to find a hurt and heal it. Some of us don’t realize there are so many hurt, even for those who have been going to church for some time, but are not obedient. We need to reach out. I pray that I can be a blessing to my family and others who hurting and need. Thank you again for such encouraging words!!
In Jesus Name,
Sister Vernie Amituanai
very well put, I really enjoyed this weeks devotional. It is just a reminder of what the Lord wants us to do. As a matter of fact i am going to invite my neighbor for tea. She is alone and had cancer at one time (don’t know the state now) but i know she thanks God for each day. Pray i will be a good witness and that she will come to know the lord in a more personal way.
God bless you From Fort Erie, Ontario
I love it! This is one of those ones I will copy and keep nearby as a reminder.
Thank you
Thanks for the great reminder Joe! As Christians we need to live our lives above everyone else. Have a heart filled of passion so people can see how great our God really is. As Christians we need to let others see how great God really is by example. Be a doer of your faith. Press hard for what you believe in! Have worship in your everyday life.. Love God to the best that you can.
There are so many great causes out there but being in God’s Kingdom is the best cause of all. We as Christians get to wake up each day and live the best that we can for Him. We get to serve Him in everything we do and in return He will bless us with so much love, and faith to do great in all that we do.
2 Timothy 4:6-8
As for me, my life has already been poured out as an offering to God. The time of my death is near.I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful.And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing.
Isaiah 40:28-31
Have you never heard?
Have you never understood?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
the Creator of all the earth.
He never grows weak or weary.
No one can measure the depths of his understanding.
He gives power to the weak
and strength to the powerless.
Even youths will become weak and tired,
and young men will fall in exhaustion.
But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength.
They will soar high on wings like eagles.
They will run and not grow weary.
They will walk and not faint.
Press into God in everything you do. Don’t be afraid to step outside your box to do something great for God!!
God Bless,,
Elizabeth
Praise Jesus! Wow, Joe! There’s that Godly wisdom again!. You can tell the Lord’s Holy Word is in you–it just flows out of you like a mighty river! Brother, thank you once again for such an impacting message. It always encourages me when I read something you wrote. I pray that this message will stay hidden in my heart and brought to my remembrance anytime I look inward instead of outward. I pray this not just for me, but for all those that read this. Bless you, my brother!
Your sister in Christ,
Dawn
P.S. I loved the last thing you said–”Find a need and fill it. Find a hurt and heal it!”– I think this might be my new fav. quote! :0) Love ya!!!
So last week I confessed my weakness for being judgmental and now this week I have to confess that I don’t “look out” as much as I should.It’s not that I’m not a helpful person, but I am shy and its tough for me to find ways to help in my community. I pray that God would show me different ways that I could help people and give me the courage to act on what He reveals.
I hope everyone is having a great week. I just heard a really great word in my church tonight.
Let’s all be on our mission to really press into God and serve Him well!! Be consumed in your mission and really press into what God is calling you to do. Crave for the love He has for you everyday. Follow what God has for you with all of your heart. Give God your everything!!! Let’s be Christians who aren’t afraid to spread the word of God! Stand strong in your faith and give God the glory always!!
God Bless,,
Elizabeth
AMEN, Praise God!
Thank you Brother Joe timely indeed! Help us to stay focused on your wil Lord for us personally & collectively in regards to the great commission. Amen
I hope everyone is having a fun week..
Let’s press into God with everything we have. I heard a great message in my church. The pastor preached about having a spirit of excellence. When we have a spirit of excellence we already know what to do with out being told what to do. Let’s be Christians who are always ready to serve God no matter what is happening in our lives. We are responsible to tell others about our God. The best part about being a Christian is being involved in the local church. When we are involved in our churches we are making a movement for God. When we are involved in our local churches that is when we can really press into God and feel the love He has for us.
The other day I bought a CD and a DVD of the message that was being taught for my coworker and when I gave them to her she was really happy and surprised that I was sharing the word with her. Don’t be afraid to do something nice for someone.
Don’t be afraid to really live your life for God. Don’t be afraid to let God take you to new places. We as Christians don’t have to see it to believe it. We have faith that our lives will be great no matter what!!
God Bless,,
Elizabeth
I hope it’s ok to keep posting encouraging words.. God is really impacting people around me.
I just sent out an encouraging email to a lot of people that I know and I thought I would share it with people on The Katinas web page.
The word “Responsibility” is a big word with a big meaning. We as Christians really need to have it in our hearts to really share God’s grace with everyone else. The major way we can share his word is by example. Be that person who has all the faith to do big things in your world. There is a song that says “We don’t have to see it to believe it.” We don’t have to see God to believe Him we know He is there by the love He has for us. The next time you leave your house remember that you don’t have to see it to believe it you should all ready know that God is the same power that rescued you and lives in you.
Synonyms for responsibility:
burden
charge
commitment
imperative
must
need
obligation
albatross
amenability
authority
care
constraint
We are God’s hands and feet so when something in your world needs to be done don’t wait for someone to tell you to do it..just go for it and see what happens. The more we increase our lives and faith for God the more we will have excellence for our God!
Have a great week!
Elizabeth
Hillsong United came to my church tonight and that was a life changing night.
Remember God cares about you so much! We need to be a nation who isn’t afraid to fight the good fight. Have a heart for the Kingdom!! Lets seek God with everything we have. Let’s have fire in our hearts for God. When we are on fire for God nothing can stop us from spreading the word of faith to people! God knows what you need in your life,, He has your back! You are the temple of the living God. The Kingdom of God has come upon you.. that means way before you were born He called you to His Kingdom and called you to be His people! Soak that up and do amazing things for God in your world. Shake up the life around you.. step out and serve God well in your local area! Be the son or daughter that God has called you to be!!
God loves you!!
Blessings!
Elizabeth
Well said, thank you and AMEN to the message!
Be Blessed
Cornhusker-Katinas fan
Hebrews 10:23
Hey Kuzins, I just wanted to let you all know that we will resume with a new devotional next week. Until then, stay tuned and be blessed.