ENGAGE: Matthew 23:27-28

Discovering and engaging in the God-given purposes for your life. This includes understanding gifts, understanding passions, recognizing needs, and engaging in ministry purposefully based on these foundations.

Wow! Today's Day by Day for Emotionally Healthy Relationships is spot on and uncovers cringe-worthy areas in my life - areas where I've slipped into the "elder son" area of the prodigal son story.

The elder son is literally a picture of the Pharisees in many ways. Nenri Nouwen describes it this way:

"I recognize the elder son in me. Often I catch myself complaining about little rejections, little impolitenesses, little negligences. Time and again I discover within me that murmering, whining, grumbling, lamenting, and griping that go on and on even against my will."

How can we engage the world with purpose when we are struggling with our own sin and pharisaical attitudes? The answer is … by God's grace, and by more and more self-awareness. We become engaged with purpose when we allow the amazing love of God to be our strength and the very source of what we give to the world around us.

To Consider: (From Emotionally Healthy Relationships Day by Day - Peter Scazero)

"In what areas of life might your pursuit of "getting things done" or "doing right things" be more important to you than seeking a loving relationship with God and others?"

For Further Thought:

Are You the Elder Son?

Comments

Which Guy will you be?

On Sunday, we compared the two "guys" Jesus talked about in Luke 18. Jesus compared a Pharisee (religious person) to a tax collector (humble worshipper). He made it clear that the tax collector came away justified in his worship because of his humility. Some of the characteristics of the Pharisee (Don't be that guy) were. He loved to compare himself to "sinners" to feel better about who he was. He loved to compare himself to "lowly worshippers" who weren't giving as much as he was. He kept a list of stuff he did for God as a way of impressing God and others. On the other hand, the tax collector came to God with these attitudes: He came humbly He was sorrowful and repentant. He recognized his need for grace and mercy The Big difference between the two was that the tax collector, in his humility, was able to: Rest in what God had done and would do by His grace. Reach out to others because of what He had been given. Releas...

What's Happening at the River?

Here's what is happening at River Oaks Church. Pastor Kevin's message, “A Good Peace” (recorded December 8, 2019), is now available on the River Oaks YouTube channel! https://youtu.be/KwfeUAlcgcw Pastor Kevin’s message, “A Complete Joy” (recorded December 15, 2019), is now available on the River Oaks YouTube channel. There are two additional videos mentioned in the YouTube description, so be sure to check them out too! https://youtu.be/ghu_23kyxZs Meals for the Strites Please consider providing a meal for the Strites over the next few weeks. Call Lynette Crull (540-578-4033) to schedule a time. Pastor Kevin will be walking with crutches for several weeks. Your prayers for continued healing are appreciated as his recovery time continues for several months.

Is There a God?

Great Question! How would you answer? Are you aware that you can not prove that He is? You can believe and you can see evidence, but to prove is another story. So, why DO you believe there is a God? How can you talk with those around you about this question that everyone considers at one time or another? We explored this question on Sunday. Click the link below to watch the message online now.

River Oaks Church: Live - Connect - Engage

Search This Blog