Some Things to Think About Part 2

Some Things to Think About (Part 2)

Now that I am off my soapbox from yesterday, here is the rest of the list of things to think about as you take spiritual inventory. They are adapted from Anne Graham Lotz’s book, Expecting to See Jesus (Zondervan):

Hypocrisy: Are you pretending to be more spiritual than you are? Are you pretending to be anything that you are not?

Pride: Are you impressed with your own reputation and accomplishments? Are you offended and resentful when someone else receives attention? When sitting in church, instead of preparing your heart for worship, are you wondering if people have noticed your appearance?

Neglect of family: What have you truly sacrificed for their spiritual, physical, and emotional well-being? Nothing? Very little?

Neglect of God’s family: Who has fallen into sin or disgrace within your church? What have you done to reach out to that person in love? Or is there someone in your church family who has lost a job or is in some physical or practical need, and you have said glibly,”I’m praying for you,” yet have done nothing to help? And then did you quickly forget, and didn’t pray?!

Envy: Who seems more gifted and fruitful and recognizable than you? Have you felt jealous?

Critical Spirit: When have you found fault with someone because he or she doesn’t measure up to your standards?

Slander: When have you told the truth about someone, with the intention of causing others to think less of him or her?

Lying: When have you either made a statement or implied something that was contrary to the unvarnished truth?

Cheating: When have you not done to others what you would have them do to you?

Robbing God: When have you exercised your gifts or spent your time, money, or energy on things that had a selfish goal, without asking God first?

The list goes on … unforgivenes … self-indulgence … anger ... jealousy … gossip … worry … doubt … immorality  of any kind whether visual, mental, virtual, or actual …!!!!

Wow! That is some list. I know that I have had to prayerfully think through the list to take inventory of my life. How about you? Is the Spirit of God tapping you today? If so, listen and then purpose in your heart to make it right. – Bill Welte is President and CEO of America’s Keswick

GPS – God’s Positioning System: Matthew 1; Psalm 78; Proverbs 23

Compass Pointers: Our young men are going into the professional fields because they don't 'feel called' to the mission field. We don't need a call; we need a kick in the pants. We must begin thinking in terms of 'going out', and stop our weeping because 'they won't come in'. Who wants to step into an igloo? The tombs themselves are not colder than the churches. May God send us forth.  Jim Elliot

Navigation Rules to Memorize: Level 1: John 10:10; Level 2: John 10:7-18

Anchored to the Rock: Prayer is not conquering God’s reluctance, but taking hold of God’s willingness. Phillips Brooks