NEED SOME GUIDANCE FOR CHRISTIAN LIVING?

SCRIPTURE(s):
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, 
but in humility consider others better than yourselves.
(Philippians 2:3)
 
And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love 
and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are 
in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all 
the more as you see the Day approaching. If we deliberately keep 
on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, 
no sacrifice for sins is left
(Hebrews 10:24-26)
 
Jesus replied: Love the Lord your God with all your heart 
and with all your soul and with all your mind.
(Matthew 22:37)
 
MEDITATION:
The scriptures give us 
some very basic and simple instructions for Christian living.
 
Be humble and consider others better than ourselves:  
This keeps us from becoming 'discouragers', gossips, egotists, backbiters, 
and prideful (the scriptures say that God HATES pride - whatever He hates, 
should not be a part of our life). 
 
Spur one another:
We should be encouragers to each other.  We should do and say the things 
that will encourage others to show love and do good deeds.
 
Meet together:
This brings us all together for a common purpose and encourages us to 
keep on keeping on. Together we lift each other up; together we hear from 
God through the one He has selected to share His Word with us; together 
we worship and praise the Lord.
 
Stop sinning:
We may fall short at times, however when we continually sin, the sincerity 
of our faith (and salvation) comes into question. How can we combat 
habitual sins? We starve the "flesh" and feed the "Spirit" (a very simple 
but profound approach).
 
Love God with all we have:
When we do this, our total being becomes so filled with "good things" 
that there is little room left for "worldly things". We have an inner desire 
to spend time with God and to obey His commands. 
 
God gives us these simple, easy to understand messages for one primary 
reason - He loves us and wants what is best for us. The world can't even 
come close to showing this kind of love and concern for us. "Praise God 
from Whom all blessings flow!"
 
ACTION:
How are you doing in each of the five areas outlined in the scriptures?
Are you practicing humility? (humbleness is not a sign of weakness, but 
it is indicative of someone with a gentle strength). Are you more focused 
on yourself than you are on others?

Do you make special efforts to encourage others? How often do you try to 
lift the spirits of others? When is the last time you have said something 
encouraging to a pastor, missionary, teacher or anyone else who is actively 
serving the Lord in some capacity?

Do you frequently meet together with other believers? Do you enjoy 
the time with them or just endure it so you can get back to what you 
want to do? Is your time spent with other believers a time of worship 
for you personally, or do you expect to be entertained and use the time 
to be critical of others in attendance? Worship is what you make it. 
Your responsibility is to listen to God’s Word and not to focus on the 
delivery of the speaker. Remember you are visiting God’s house so He 
should be your primary focus.

Are you continuing with sin, or do you try to avoid what has its grip on 
you? Our adversary is much more powerful than we are and he has been 
busy with his evilness for much longer than we have been alive. We need 
God’s help to overcome and break free of the sins that strive to control us.

Do you love God with all of your being and all you have? God asks for 
a return of 10% of the blessings He has given you – are you obeying His 
command? If you are, are you obeying Him cheerfully? If you were on 
trial, would there be enough witnesses to testify that your actions and 
attitudes prove that you love God?

Pray,
“Heavenly Father, You know the struggles we face every day and 
You know we are helpless without your presence. Help us to grow 
ever closer to you and give us the strength and encouragement we 
need to "starve the flesh" and "feed the Spirit".