A woman had just returned to her home from an evening of church services, when she was startled by an intruder. She caught the man in the act of robbing her home of its valuables and yelled: 'Stop! Acts 2:38!' (repent and be baptized, in the name of Jesus Christ, so that your sins may be forgiven)
The burglar stopped in his tracks. The woman calmly called the police and explained what she had done. As the officer cuffed the man to take him in, he asked the burglar: 'why did you just stand there? All the old lady did was yell a scripture at you.'
'Scripture?' replied the burglar. 'She said she had an Axe and Two 38s!'
Knowing Scripture can save your life - in more ways than one!
Exodus 32
some motivation for living a grace filled life
3 thoughts from this story of Moses' Grace...
1. Amazing Grace survives back-biting
Moses was up on the mountain hanging out with God and His people started grumbling...
Back then they made a cow...today we just have a cow when something doesn't go our way...
In the ministry you will get hurt...
Hebrews 12:14,15
If you call the shots you're going to take the shots...
But, do not allow bitterness to build, it will choke your heart for God and your love for people until your heart just shrivels...
hurt people hurt people
Over the past 5 years as your pastor...3 helps have taught me to survive back-biting...
1. God is my defense
No matter how hard it may be sometimes, never give into the temptation to defend yourself...
2. Assume the best
You don't have to think every thought that you think...
3. I am not the Messiah
the greatest thing a spiritual leader can do is give away leadership
It's not about me...It's not about you...It's about us!
Everybody is a minister...Everybody needs a ministry!
Back to Exodus 32...
2. Amazing Grace survives outbursts of anger
God's wrath is let looses...
Moses anger gets so hot he breaks the tablets of stone that God's own fingers had written on...
Grace isn't "anything goes"...Romans 6
anger management
James 1:19,20
learning the difference between overlooking an offense and repressing anger:
*consciously forgiving an offense or refusing to forgive an offense
*choosing not to focus on the pain or rehearsing the hurt
*loving thoughts or hateful, self-destructive thoughts
*gracious spirit or judgmental spirit, irritability
*recognizing God's sovereignty or filled with blame toward others
*sincerely letting things roll off of you or taking things personally
*confronting in love or "blowing up" raging at people or avoiding needed confrontation
Romans 12:18
I think the last thought that stuck out to me from Exodus 32 was...
3. Amazing Grace survives and moves on EVEN THRIVES
Exodus 32:34
His mercies are new this morning
This moment has never been here before
Put that foot in front of the other one
Love again anyway
Hope in the face of fear...
the 7-Ups:
1. Wake Up!
Decide to have a good day. "Today is the day the Lord hath made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." Psalms 118:24
2. Dress Up!The best way to dress up is to put on a smile. A smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks. "The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at outward appearance; but the Lord looks at the heart." I Samuel 16:7
3. Shut Up!Say nice things and learn to listen. God gave us two ears and one mouth, so He must have meant for us to do twice as much listening as talking. "He who guards his lips guards his soul." Proverbs 13:3
4. Stand Up!For what you believe in. Stand for something or you will fall for anything. "Let us not be weary in doing good; for at the proper time, we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good..." Galatians 6:9-10
5. Look Up!To the Lord. "I can do everything through Christ who strengthens me". Philippians 4:13
6. Reach Up!For something higher. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not unto your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him, and He will direct your path." Proverbs 3:5-6
7. Lift Up!Your Prayers. "Do not worry about anything; instead PRAY ABOUT EVERYTHING." Philippians 4:6
No comments:
Post a Comment