Sunday, November 29, 2020

More

 "Be thankful for what you have; you'll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don't have, you will never, ever have enough." (Oprah Winfrey)

Think about what we have in Christ: the encouragement he has brought us, the comfort of his love, our sharing in his Spirit, and the mercy and kindness he has shown us. If you enjoy these blessings, then do what will make my joy complete: Agree with each other, and show your love for each other. Be united in your goals and in the way you think. In whatever you do, don’t let selfishness or pride be your guide. Be humble, and honor others more than yourselves. Don’t be interested only in your own life, but care about the lives of others too.

In your life together, think the way Christ Jesus thought. He was like God in every way, but he did not think that his being equal with God was something to use for his own benefit. Instead, he gave up everything, even his place with God. He accepted the role of a servant, appearing in human form. During his life as a man,     he humbled himself by being fully obedient to God, even when that caused his death—death on a cross. (Philippians 2:1-8, Easy-to-Read Version)

Philippians 2:1-2(above)-Don’t have a bad attitude. Instead have an attitude of thankfulness (thank-a-tude). God has given you much so take comfort in that. Does your attitude match the good things your heavenly Father has allowed you to have?

Philippians 2:3-5(above) - Be joyful with an attitude of gratitude. Don’t be selfish with what God has given you. Instead pursue the needs of others, and put the love of your heavenly Father into action by giving your best to others. Remember, God gave His best for you (the death of His Son on a cross). Show the gift of God’s grace to others.

Philippians 2:6-8(above)-Jesus had a selfless humble attitude. His humanity and divinity connected together in being a servant to others. Jesus expressed completely who He was by His actions towards others. 

 

God wants us to be both thankful and joyful for Who He is. This will transform our lives from the centerpoint out. God is still good, and in control in the midst of everything we encounter in life. Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; His love and his kindness go on forever. (1 Chronicles 16:34, Living Bible)

Sometimes, life may give you only one opportunity to show other people a pleasant, godly attitude. Allow your heavenly Father to feel you with the tenderness and compassion you need for others.

 

Ways to serve others

·        Help share their needs, burdens, or bad times.

·        Invite them to spend quality time with you at some event (or occasion).

·        Offer a compliment, encouragement, or bless them in some way.

·        Participate with them in something they enjoy doing (even if you don’t like participating in it).

·        Pray for them regularly.

·        Rejoice with them in their good times.[i]



[i] Inspired by the sermon “Thank-a-tude,” Sunday November 22, 2020, Pastor Jon Fulton (CPW).  All CenterPoint churches have returned to an online format because of the increase in COVID-19 cases in central Ohio. Sunday morning online services can be viewed at facebook.com/centerpointchurches or centerpointchurches.com/live.

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