Sunday Reflections

Here are some thoughts from Sunday:

• It was week one in our James series. We were in James 1 and We talked about the "Marks of a Mature Person."
• Maturity isn't about age, appearance, or how many degrees you have attained.
• Maturity is displayed through your attitude. D.L. Moody said "Character is what you are in the dark."
• Trials are from the outside and are sent to strengthen our faith.
• Temptation starts on the inside and can destroy your faith.
• Anyone can act like a Christian, but it takes a real one to react like a Christian.
• Trials are not to punish us but to prove us! Eventually whatever is on the inside will come out.
  
• God is more interested in building your character than making you comfortable.
• Temptation equals an opportunity to accomplish a good thing in a bad way.
• If you haven't had an encounter with Satan lately, it could be because you are going in the same direction. "New Levels bring New Devils."
  
• Satan wants you to focus on the one "tree" you don't have and God wants you to focus on ALL He has provided for you.
• It doesn't matter how much of the Bible you know if you don't apply it. There was a name for people like that in the Bible: Pharisees.
• Most of us are educated way beyond our level of obedience.
• The Bible doesn't change our lives. The application of the Bible by the power of the Holy Spirit changes our lives!
• We are super excited for Chris and Kelly Reynolds! They are moving the end of March for Chris to finish college and get ready for what's next for them. We love them deeply and are so grateful to be a church that sends people out! I'll get Chris to share more in a separate post.
• It was great to hear of all the people that read through James this past week in preparation for this series.
  
• We had a mission team in town this past weekend. They helped move us completely to our new home too! God's timing is incredible. We scheduled this team before we knew we needed to move but thankfully God knew.
  
• I am so grateful for the many churches who partner with Elevate to reach people for Jesus.
• I'm excited about our upcoming prayer and fasting along with our offering that will go to help build wells around the world through Living Water International!
  
• James 2 coming your way this weekend!