Be a Contributor to Bless, Influence and Transform Lives

You know you can't earn God's love but how can you live your life in a manner that honors Him? The prophet Micah gives you some clues. First, act justly. Be a person of integrity and honesty and love everyone impartially. Second, love mercy. Always model God's compassion and grace to others. Third, walk humbly with your God. Acknowledge that God's great wisdom is more than sufficient to guide you as you obey Him. This morning, your life will show how much you love God when you act justly, love mercy and accept His instructions with humility as stated in Micah 6:8

"Do not despise small beginning, for the eyes of the Lord rejoice to see it begin.!" (Zechariah 4:10) Remember how God fed the 5000? When you take what you have and put it in God's hands, the growing and multiplication begins.  Don't be afraid to take small steps. Just take steps of faith and God will walk and work with you. In the days of small things, you learn His ways and grow in His likeness. In the day of small things, you develop wisdom for the big decisions and faith for the big battles ahead. Don't compare yourself with other people - instead ask God for a glimpse of what He can do with you, in you and through you. God wants to do great things through you - if you will just let Him!

Manasseh, "in his distress sought the ... Lord ... and when he prayed ... the Lord was moved ... and listened to his plea." (2 Chronicles 33:12-16). Manasseh promoted witchcraft, practised human sacrifice and even put a hugh idol in the temple of God. Yet, in a Babylonian prison, he turned to God. God, whose compassions do not fail, reached him, restored him and gave him another chance. He will do for you too! Nehemiah says "You are a forgiving God, gracious and slow to anger and abounding in love" (Nehemiah 9:17). You hear that? God is ready when you are - all you have to do is COME before Him and humble yourself!

God's plan for you is to come through your difficult situation. Don't be moved by what you see, be moved by what you know. Disregard the circumstances and dare to believe God who has always been faithful to you. God will never let you down. He will not allow you to be pushed to the limit. He'll always be there to bring you through these difficult times. (1 Corinthians 10:13). You may feel you are in the lion's den or a fiery furnace but He will bring you through it. He will provide a way out - so start looking for it. You can make up your mind today to believe God, who has promised to provide a way out for you!

Hear this story: "When the British Government sought to reward General Gordon for his brilliant service in China, he declined all money and titles but accepted a  gold medal inscribed with the record of his 33 engagements. This was his most prized possession. But after his death, the medal could not be found. Eventually, it was learned that he had sent it to Manchester during a severe famine, directing that it should be melted down to buy bread for the poor. In his diary, he wrote: "The last earthly thing I had in this world that I valued was given to the Lord Jesus." The truth is, there is no way to live for Jesus without living for others. Our dear Lord Jesus has set the supreme example for us as in Mark 14:24 “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many,” He said to them.

How would you identify a Christian? Most people would describe a Christian as one who obeys a whole list of strict rules - including being a drug-free teetotaler who dislikes off-color jokes and never watch x-rated movies. However, the most important defining factor for Christians is how they express their love for one another. When you love people, you desire what's best for them - not analyze how they can benefit you. Today, show that you are a Christian through your love for others today. People will surely know you are one of His disciples. John 13:34-35 " By this shall all people know that you are My disciple if you have love for one another."

Many people believe things such as money, possession, good looks, intelligence and power are the measure of their lives. Yet none can predict happiness or instill a lasting sense of worth. What if you were awaken one morning to find that your personal wealth and power had vanquished? What if your attractiveness failed and your intelligence faltered? God does not measure your life by your outward appearance or the size of your bank account. He teaches that humility leads to greatness and you achieve success when you give yourselves to others. Matthew 20:26 says... whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant..