(CS4U) Rules

RISE AND SHINE CHRISTIAN SERVICES March 12 & 13, 2011 Discover yourself to reclaim your destiny Meditations for your quiet moments Rules for Living Here are three rules for living. First, learn to control the climate around you. Negativity is contagious; look out for its 'carriers'. Love them, lift them, but don't let them infect you. Filter what people say to you through God's Word. 'God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power (ability and a can-do attitude) and of love (which always looks for the best) and of a sound mind (which is stable and consistent)' 2 Timothy1:7. Second, learn to laugh at yourself. A woman who'd been given a lovely plant took it home, watered it, fertilised it and set it in the sun. A year later she discovered it was silk - and she still laughs about it. When you're secure in God's love and approval you can laugh at yourself; it's a mark of spiritual maturity. Third, learn to factor God in. Ever hear of the 90/10 rule? When 90 per cent of the circumstances are uncontrollable, focus on the 10 per cent you can do something about. Paul did that. 'We were troubled on every side; without were fightings, within were fears. Nevertheless God.' 2 Corinthians 7:5-6. Note the words 'Nevertheless God'. When you're facing a mountain always remember: God can move it, He can level it, He can tunnel through it, or He can help you climb it. All you have to do is factor Him in by seeking His face and consulting His Word. 'Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom' Colossians 3:16. Keep a rich deposit of Scripture within you and draw on it daily. You Must be Faithful Faithfulness is more than just a nice concept; you must be faithful to something or someone. Actually, it's in making and keeping commitments to others that we demonstrate our faithfulness to God. ' And whatsoever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord' Colossians 3:17. That means to be seen by Him, to bring glory to Him, and to be rewarded by Him. If you don't love those around you, you don't really love God. Jesus put it this way: 'Inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me' Matthew 25:40. The Greek word for faithful means 'to be trustworthy and reliable'. When you give your word, can you be trusted to keep it? Many of us just aren't reliable. We can't be counted on to do what we say. It doesn't matter how gifted you are, if you're not trustworthy God cannot use you. And God will test you! How? By assigning you to do something for a period of time that you don't want to do, something that's not fun or exciting, something that may require you to submit to someone else's authority, something you chafe under. Then He will say to you, 'Just be faithful.' And faithfulness is not merely showing up day after day - it's showing up with a good attitude. God rewards that kind of faithfulness. Jesus said, '...If you have not been trustworthy with someone else's property, who will give you property of your own?' Luke 16:12. Simply stated, if you want to be successful, you must be faithful. Share this with a friend Send us your Prayer Requests Feel free to unsubscribe risetoshine@hotmail.co.uk