Walking Worthy....

I Thessalonians 2:12 we exhorted each one of you and encouraged you and charged you to walk in a manner worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory.

It seems to me that this passage is best paired with Galatians 5:13 - "For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another." It’s easy to lose sight of what Thanksgiving is about. We get busy, we get focused on fixing that enormous meal, we get caught up in the Black Friday sales both in stores and of course on Amazon. Heck, I noticed this year there were more and more pre-black Friday sales with everyone competing for hard sought items and wanting to get it first or not be able to get it before Christmas, due to supply. I wonder how much the media plays in setting up those dynamics by naming something as the “best buy or present” for the season. I think sometimes, we lose sight of the freedoms we have in Christ and Paul’s message to us about not letting our freedoms interfere with the mission that God has for us which it to “serve one another,” is of great importance to remember.

Recently Daytona Biker Church focused outside ourselves and for a small church to provide both funds and items for flood relief in the amounts we have given in the last few months is an amazing feat. This past weekend alone, the bug run was able to provide $1500 to help individuals with flood relief. While it wasn’t all the church, it is clear that the mission of Christ “serving one another,” was fulfilled by all in attendance and our ability as a body of Christ to reach outside of our walls by organizing and hosting this event is the essence of what Paul is saying. Thank you to everyone who helped to fulfill this mission. You are appreciated more than you know and our reach outside the 26 bikes and 1 car that went on this journey has had impact in the lives of others. We have served those in need.

Jesus lead in asking forgiveness for others while on the cross demonstrates that selflessness that all of us should strive to accomplish. I am not saying we won’t have periods of self-absorption or anger at others but in the end when we stand before Christ will He be able to say, we have accepted the mission of His grace. Have we shown our thanks to Him for imparting grace on us by our actions and service toward others.

Galatians 5:13 - For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.

Have a great Thanksgiving.

Much love

Preach