PRIDE

PRIDE

"Anything that resembles pride or a spirit of ridicule reveals a person
that is full of himself. This sort of person doesn't see his own faults
but takes pleasure in the hard times of others. Here is you self-nature
at its worst: easily wounded, full of contempt, haughty, jealous,
unforgiving, and lacking graciousness.

You and I are NOT perfect. You must be patient with your faults and with
the faults of others. Be practical about your expectations. No one will
become perfect in a day. Even the most perfect people have many
imperfections - this means that you have many faults, too! If you are
impatient with the faults of others it only shows you how imperfect YOU
are. Your faults and my faults make getting along with one another a
hard thing! But we can only fulfill the law of Christ by bearing with
each other.

On the other hand, do not excuse your faults or the faults of others.
Let your love, patience, and willingness to overlook shortcomings flow
between you and all you associate with. Do not pick at other's faults.
No one enjoys that and it only pushes people further away from what is
right. You may even cause someone to become so discouraged that they
turn back after making their first wobbly steps toward God. Give you
your critical nature and stay in touch with Christ within you. Encourage
yourself and those around you to give up pride and selfishness.

Live a simple life before God. Accept what God allows in your life. Do
not let yourself get inwardly irritated by the SMALL troubles and
problems that cross your life. Endure them as you would a headache
without making them worse than they are. When things are difficult in
your life, prayer will be harder, love will be less tender, and God's
presence will be less easily felt. Just learn to be faithful during
these trying times - that is all that God asks.

It is greater strength that carries a boat against the wind for a
quarter of a knot, than for an entire knot with the wind helping you.
Treat the complaints of your self-nature as some people treat their
spoiled appetites. Do not listen to them and act as if you did not feel
them." From THE SEEKING HEART by Fenelon

Great quote: "Justification by faith is not an end in itself. It is
meant to remove every obstacle out of the way so we can get to God. Who
cares if we are made right with God if we don't get God? God gets glory
when He's our treasure-our goal. Justification gets every barrier out of
the way and brings us home to our Father and the banquet table of His
love." Message by John Piper

Men's Fellowship tonight at 6:15 PM - Dinner, Worship and Praise and a
message my Pastor Tony Cuellar. Afterwards enjoy the Activity Center.
Come and bring a friend. Call for reservations - 732-350-1187.