We Are One
"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." [Romans 12:2]
In a small farming community, news travels fast. Several years after the bank sold the farm David's family had owned for decades, he learned the property would be available for sale. After much sacrifice and saving, David arrived at the auction and joined a crowd of nearly two hundred local farmers. Would David's meager bid be enough? He placed the first bid, taking deep breaths as the auctioneer called for higher bids. The crowd remained silent until they heard the slam of the gavel. The fellow farmers placed the needs of David and his family above their own financial advancement.
This story about the farmers' sacrificial act of kindness demonstrates the way the apostle Paul urges followers of Christ to live. Paul warns us not to conform to the "pattern of this world" (Romans 12:2), by placing our selfish desires before the needs of others and scrambling for self-preservation. Instead, we can trust God to meet our needs as we serve others. As the Holy Spirit renews our minds, we can respond to situations with God-honoring love and motives. Placing others first can help us avoid thinking too highly of ourselves as God reminds us that we're a part of something bigger--the church(vv. 3-4).
The Holy Spirit helps believers understand and obey the Scriptures. He empowers us to give selflessly and love generously, so we can thrive together as one.
-By Xochitl Dixon
How can you place someone else's needs before your own? How has your faith been impacted by someone placing your needs before your own?
Father God, please rid me of my selfishness so I can love selflessly and stand as one with my brothers and sisters in Christ.
This message taken from: Our Daily Bread
In a small farming community, news travels fast. Several years after the bank sold the farm David's family had owned for decades, he learned the property would be available for sale. After much sacrifice and saving, David arrived at the auction and joined a crowd of nearly two hundred local farmers. Would David's meager bid be enough? He placed the first bid, taking deep breaths as the auctioneer called for higher bids. The crowd remained silent until they heard the slam of the gavel. The fellow farmers placed the needs of David and his family above their own financial advancement.
This story about the farmers' sacrificial act of kindness demonstrates the way the apostle Paul urges followers of Christ to live. Paul warns us not to conform to the "pattern of this world" (Romans 12:2), by placing our selfish desires before the needs of others and scrambling for self-preservation. Instead, we can trust God to meet our needs as we serve others. As the Holy Spirit renews our minds, we can respond to situations with God-honoring love and motives. Placing others first can help us avoid thinking too highly of ourselves as God reminds us that we're a part of something bigger--the church(vv. 3-4).
The Holy Spirit helps believers understand and obey the Scriptures. He empowers us to give selflessly and love generously, so we can thrive together as one.
-By Xochitl Dixon
How can you place someone else's needs before your own? How has your faith been impacted by someone placing your needs before your own?
Father God, please rid me of my selfishness so I can love selflessly and stand as one with my brothers and sisters in Christ.
This message taken from: Our Daily Bread
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2023
January
Enjoy Each Day Of This New Year (1)Enjoy Each Day Of This New Year (2)This Year Think "Possible" (1)This Year Think "Possible" (2)This Year Think "Possible" (3)Let God Lead YouGod Is Your ProviderYour Overflowing Cup Of BlessingSteps To Overcoming Your WorriesFocus On Your God-Given VisionThe Story Of Your BibleHow God Leads UsHow Jesus Dealt With SinAre You Joy-Deprived?It's Time To Pray (1)It's Time To Pray (2)Faith That Brings ResultsBe Faithful To God At WorkWhen Your Best Isn't Good EnoughToday, Give Your Problem To GodSteps To Forgiveness (1)Steps To Forgiveness (2)The Joys Of Heaven (1)The Joys Of Heaven (2)The Joys Of Heaven (3)Learn To Control Your AngerSeek God For DirectionTry A Power NapGo To The Right SourceHow God Sees YouYou Have To "Walk Out" The Process
February
Guard These Three Areas of VulnerabilitySimplify Your LifeOnward and UpwardYou Need Each Other (1)You Need Each Other (2)You Need Each Other (3)Showing Grace Toward Those Who Differ With YouAre You Having a Nighttime Experience?A Heart Filled With GoodnessChrist's Love for YouGive God All the GloryYou're a ReflectorYou Must Care for the Needy (1)You Must Care for the Needy (2)You Must Care for the Needy (3)Don't Give Up on Your SaulRecovering From BurnoutSetting Captives Free (1)Setting Captives Free (2)He Will Do It AgainBeware of Self-PityToday, Choose the Right AttitudeBuild a Relationship with Your Children"Servants" for LifeChange Your ExpectationsStart Memorizing ScripturesChrist is Coming Again!Friendship
March
Experiencing God's Presence And PleasureDon't Wait; Enjoy Your Life NowMoney Matters In MarriageUse Your God-Given CreativityA Prayer Of ForgivenessWhen God Sends You An Angel (1)When God Sends You An Angel (2)When God Sends You An Angel (3)When God Sends You An Angel (4)A Prayer For Financial ContentmentA Prayer Of Commitment To GodHaving A Vision For Your LifeChange Your Thinking, Change Your Life (1)Change Your Thinking, Change Your Life (2)Change Your Thinking, Change Your Life (3)Does It Glorify God?Lessons From A Broken HeartWhat You Must give UpYou Need OthersRebuilding Your Marriage (1)Rebuilding Your Marriage (2)Rebuilding Your Marriage (3)Rebuilding Your Marriage (4)Through Christ, You Can Do ItDepend More On GodStart Saying, "I Can"Refuse To Live In Fear (1)Refuse To Live In Fear (2)Refuse To Live In Fear (3)Refuse To Live In Fear (4)Prepare In Advance
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