A Higher Standard

 1Tim 3:3
Not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money.
A higher standard is always given to those in high positions. They are put into a position of responsibility, and must lead by example. It is especially important that those in leadership live above reproach. This does not mean that they are above human failure or fault, it is an admonition that they live their lives carefully. Their charge is great and failing to live up to the standard of God’s word can have dire consequences. In many respects, we are all overseers of someone. There are people who are watching our lives and following our example. Therefore, the charge is given in all who desire to live godly in Christ. The behavior of Christian goes beyond the outward standards of lifestyle. It goes to the behavior of the heart. The things we desire in life. Seeking power, pleasure, control, or money out of greed will diminish our effectiveness as a Christian and lead us down a pathway of destruction. The scripture is full of examples of those who were found wanting for being greedy. In the end, their sin found them out, and the sad words of the Christ at the end of life will be, “Depart from me you worker iniquity, I don’t know you.” Let us be seekers of God, and live a life that will lead others to Christ.

Make the Right Choice

Gen 13:11  Then Lot chose him all the plain of Jordan; and Lot journeyed east: and they separated themselves the one from the other.

Making the right choice is not always easy to make. We sometimes faces choices that appear to be easy to make. We choose the way that seems to less difficult to travel or a path that is already path for us. By nature, we take the way of least resistance. Why ask for more work than we need to do. The easy way is not always the best way. As Lot found out, he thought he was making the profitable choice by choosing the well water plains of Jordan, but Lot failed to seek God. We will never know what God would have told Lot if He had been sought, but the matter is that Lot made a choice without God. Taking a direction without the leadership of God often leads to unwanted circumstances. Making life choices that are strictly done with selfish indent are always a recipe for disaster. God wants us to make choices that will not hinder us from drawing closer to Him. Any choices that draws us away from God is probably the wrong choice. Choices that can determine our destiny must be made prayerfully and with a motive to please God. May we always seek God for those choices that are life changing. 

Leadership

1 Kings 12:7 “If thou wilt be a servant unto this people this day, and wilt serve them and answer them and speak good words to them, then they will be thy servants for ever.”-

The greatest of all leaders are those who are willing to lead by example. There are many skills that a leader must have if people are going to follow. A leader must have a vision, they must be able to know how to delegate, and to motivate. But a true leader is a servant leader who is not afraid to get their hands dirty. A leader understands how to relate to those who follow them. They know how to empathize because they have been there. A leader speaks with confidence, yet is kind in speech, encouraging others to press on and not give up. Jesus is our greatest example of what a leader should be. He lived a servant’s life, giving His life as a ransom for others. Because He was willing die for us, we follow Him gladly and willing. 

Follower of the Lord

May 18^th, 2008

1 Thessalonians 1:1-10

There are many people out in the world who inspire others to follow them. They see themselves as leaders for a particular cause. Paul was such a person, but his cause was for others to follow Christ. He always was aware of the awesome responsibility to be an ensample how one should be a follower of Christ. Many looked to him for guidance and direction. As believers, we have a responsibility also to lead others to Christ and live so that others see our good works and desire also to follow Christ.

Greetings from Paul

• Different than Galatians
• God’s Blessing and favor

Giving Thanks Always

• Words of appreciation
• In all things give thanks
• Praying for others brings unity

Great Work of Faith and Love

• Work of faith- Believing God in spite of all
• Labor of love- Love of God compels-love demonstrated
• Patience of hope- Never give up

Gospel Power

• Words are empty without anointing
• Power comes through believing and prayer

Guide to Christ

• Ensample unto others
• Looking to the saint for spiritual direction
• Pointing others to Christ

God-Ward Faith

• On the move for God
• Spreading the Word
• Always drawing closer to God

Going with God

• No longer in sin
• New creature in Christ Jesus

Grace of Deliverance

• Christ died for our sins
• Christ rose that we might have life
• Christ is coming for those who believe

The Call of Abram- God's Leadership

Genesis 12:1-9

Abram, is know as the father of the Arabic people and the father of faith to all believers in Christ. In the Land of the Ur of the Chaldees, The call to Abram was given to leave his land and people. Abram’s faith and complete obedience to the leadership of God resulted in a nation that is known today as the dwelling place of God. Abram left a legacy that has survived for thousands of years. His example of following God, has inspired millions to step out in faith and begin to trust God to lead their lives. Despite the circumstances and the unknown future, God desires His children to trust and obey and leave the results and outcomes to him.

Plan of God-Get thee out
• Listening to the voice of God
• He has a plan for our lives
• Are we willing to follow His Plan?
• Giving up to gain.
• It is God that shows the way and not others
Promise of God-I will make thee
• The promise of a great nation
• Abram’s name will be known through out the whole world
• I will give you and your seed land
• The Promises of God are true
• The rewards for obeying and following Him
Protection of God- I will bless thee
• Part of His promise is to keep us in the hollow of His hand
• We our the “apple of His eye”
• He is a jealous God- He cares for His own
Pilgrimage of Abram- Pass through the land-journeyed
• Abram had his eyes on the promise land
• We cannot get caught up in earthly treasures
• We must always be ready to follow where he leads
Practice of Abram- He built an altar
• Take time to worship God
• Finding out the next move.
• God’s leadership always leads praise and thanksgiving
• I will follow where He leads, and live each day in obedience to Him.