You Matter – 1 Corinthians 12

12:3 Don’t curse.

12:4-7 There are many ways we can be used to serve God and help each other. All of these ways are given to us by God.

12:8-11,28 God’s gifts include: To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines.

12:12,14 We are all different.

12:13 We are the body of Christ.
12:13 We all function differently in this world.
12:13 We all have different situation.
12:13 We all share the same spirit.

12:14-17 One isn’t better than the other.

12:15-24 Everyone is a significant part of the body of Christ.

12:18 God made us exactly the way He wants us.

12:21 We need each other.

12:22 Those we may consider weak are actually the strongest.

12:23 Keep your private parts private.

12:25 We must care for each other.

12:26 If one suffers, we all suffer.

12:27 When we are baptized, we ALL become part of the Holy Spirit.

12:31 We should desire the most helpful gifts. We should want to help others.

Prayer: Lord, please give me the desire to want to help others in the way you would have me to help them.

Change Your Mind, Change Your Life – Romans 12

I love Romans 12 because there is so much that we can apply to our everyday lives.

12:1 Be a living, holy, acceptable sacrifice to God.

12:2 “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” NKJV. So much has been written and preached about this verse. Don’t agree with everything in society. Change your mind so you can change your life and live in a way that pleases God.

12:3 Don’t think you are better than you really are. Be honest with yourself about yourself.

12:4 Everyone has value and something to contribute.

12:5 We all are a part of each other.

12:6-8 Use your gifts and talents to serve God.

12:9-10 Really love people.

12:11 Work hard.

12:11 Don’t be lazy.

12:11 Serve with gladness.

12:12 Be patient in trouble.

12:12 Keep praying in times of trouble.

12:13 Help those in need.

12:14 Bless those who persecute you. Pray that God will bless them. OUCH!!! That’s REALLY hard. I have to make that a goal for myself.

12:15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.” NKJV

12:16 “Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all!” NLT

12:17 “Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable.” NLT

12:18 “Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.” NLT

12:19 “Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say, “I will take revenge; I will pay them back,” says the Lord.” NLT

12:20 If your enemies are hungry, feed them. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals of shame on their heads.” NLT

12:21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. NKJV

Pulling Together – Nehemiah 3

3:1-32 Much can be accomplished when:
* Everyone knows their role.
* Everyone understands the reason for the work (the vision).
* Everyone works together for a cause that’s bigger than themselves (the mission).
* Egos and position are non-factors.

3:1-32 Everyone has gifts, talents, and skills to contribute to building God’s kingdom.

God’s Direction – Acts 22

22:2 Communicate with people in the way that they best understand.

22:3-21 Don’t hide your testimony.

22:3-21 People change.

22:5-9 What you do to others, you do to Jesus.

22:9 Just because you see doesn’t mean you understand. Understanding requires more than just seeing.

22:10 Obey God.

22:10-13 Relationship with God helps us understand (“see”) what we previously couldn’t.

22:1-21 God can use you to build His kingdom regardless of your past.

22:17 Prayer helps you hear God’s voice.

22:10-18 Follow God’s direction.

22:22-30 God will rescue us from trouble when we are obedient and repent from our sins.

Support Your Church – Ezra 1 & 2

1:1-4 God’s kingdom benefits when we do what God has assigned us to do.

1:1-6 Support your church with your service and finances.

1:1-11 Work with others to build up your church community.

2:60-63 You can go home after a long absence, but things won’t be the same.

2:68-69 Give offerings to build and support your church.

Work Smart – Acts 6

6:1-4 Focus on the mission.

6:2-5 Delegate authority. The apostles recognized that they couldn’t do everything.

6:1-7 If you try to do everything, you’ll be good at nothing.

6:6 People who serve need prayer and to be ministered to. It keeps their strength up.

6:1-7 One person can’t do everything, but everyone can do something.

6:7 When you focus on the purpose, you get closer to reaching your goal.

6:8,10 Stephen performed miracles, was wise, and full of God’s grace and power. What’s not to love about that? He’s doing good for others. Well, people got jealous and afraid that people would pay more attention to Stephen, so they lied.
Lies cannot stop God. It’s in times of trouble that we see God’s work and power.