Thursday, March 14, 2013 -- Walking Together (1)
Thursday March 14, 2013
It has always been God’s plan that we share our lives together. God acted first on this principle by sending Jesus to earth to come close to us. Even the meaning of one of Jesus' names ‘Immanuel’, a name specifically chosen for him, describes Him as ‘God With Us’.
God's love for us was expressed in giving Jesus to die for our sins on the cross that we might have eternal life with Him. Jesus promised to send the Holy Spirit, the Counselor to His followers. For more than 2000 years God has been filling those who come to Jesus with the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit indwells each believer and speaks encouragement and healing to us. He empowers us to walk in God’s love. As God has so loved us, He invites us to love others.
God's love for us was expressed in giving Jesus to die for our sins on the cross that we might have eternal life with Him. Jesus promised to send the Holy Spirit, the Counselor to His followers. For more than 2000 years God has been filling those who come to Jesus with the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit indwells each believer and speaks encouragement and healing to us. He empowers us to walk in God’s love. As God has so loved us, He invites us to love others.
So we tell others about Christ, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all the wisdom God has given us. We want to present them to God, perfect in their relationship to Christ. That’s why I work and struggle so hard, depending on Christ’s mighty power that works within me. (Colossians 1:28-29 NLT)
Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others. (Philippians 2:3-4 NLT))
A mentor is someone who can be a loving witness to our new life and who can also provide perspective on our spiritual journey. He or she is someone who can appreciate what we are doing and how we are growing. We look for a mentor/sponsor who can keep a confidence and listen with empathy. We seek someone who will not criticize us but will make positive suggestions or give insight into how the effects of our wrongs have impacted us. The Bible gives clear character descriptions of individuals who provide this kind of guidance and help for us.
“If someone aspires to be an elder/mentor/sponsor, he desires an honorable position.” So an elder/mentor/sponsor must be a man whose life is above reproach. He must be faithful to his wife. He must exercise self-control, live wisely, and have a good reputation. He must enjoy having guests in his home, and he must be able to teach. He must not be a heavy drinker or be violent. He must be gentle, not quarrelsome, and not love money. He must manage his own family well, having children who respect and obey him. Also, people outside the church must speak well of him so that he will not be disgraced and fall into the devil’s trap ... Before they are appointed, let them be closely examined. If they pass the test, then let them serve. They must be respected and must not slander others. They must exercise self-control and be faithful in everything they do.(Adapted from 1 Timothy 3:1-5, 7, 10-11 NLT)Audio for Thursday, March 14, 2013 -- Walking Together (1)
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