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Friday, September 10, 2010
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We're glad you chose to visit with us today! Sonkist Ministries is simply an outreach to people who are trying to live healthy, satisfied lives and strive toward their fullest potential!
The foundation for a balanced, fulfilled life begins with understanding that you really are a special creation - not some blob of material that just "happened" into existence. Being unique, however, means that you will have different strengths, weaknesses, preferences, dislikes, goals, dreams - and even quirks - than anyone else on the planet!
Yet as unique as you are, you will definitely share some commonalities with your neighbors, friends and family members. In fact, as we've worked with children, teenagers, and adults over the past twenty years, we have discovered an interesting phenomenon. No matter what their age, social status, educational background or cultural experiences, all individuals are curious about two basic questions:
*Who am I?
*What am I supposed to be doing with my life?
We believe that the answers to these - and all of life's most challenging questions - can really be found. No matter what your past has been like, you can have a fabulous future! If you're depressed because people have let you down, or you have personal or professional issues that cause you to struggle on a regular basis, you can make positive changes to improve these dilemmas. Perhaps you are anxious due to all the pressures of living in today's world. Maybe you're dealing with family problems, and it seems that there's no one to guide you through these trying times.
Here at Sonkist Ministries we believe there is help - and hope - for a better tomorrow . . . and that this future begins with the choices that you make today! We'd like to assist you as you start living that better, brighter future. Won't you take a little more time to investigate how you can get in touch with the real you and see what amazing possibilities are awaiting you?
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They’ll Know We are Christians by Our Love – for One Another!
When I was a teenager, there was a popular Christian song that usually made the top 10 list at church events – especially at church camp. It went something like: “And they’ll know we are Christians by our love, by our love . . . yes they’ll know we are Christians by our love.”
The message of the song is extremely clear – and it comes directly from Scripture. Right before His betrayal and crucifixion, Jesus encouraged His disciples with these words:
A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.
John 13:34-35
The problem is that this seemingly simple command can be difficult for most of us to follow. Oh, I’m not saying that Christians struggle with being loving – it’s just the “one another” aspect that appears to be the hardest part of the equation. That’s probably why Jesus made a point to use the phrase“one another” three times in His instruction to all of us!
Jesus – the one who loves us so much that He died on the cross for our sins – urges us to love each other just as He does! We must be willing to give our all, put aside our own desires, humble ourselves, and, yes, even “die” to our selfish, sinful natures in order to truly show care and compassion in a way that resembles our Savior!
Why exactly are we supposed to love one another anyway? Why can’t we just focus on witnessing to the unsaved, praying for our world, or sending money to missionaries who need our help? These things are great, but the Lord knows the “others” around us require real-life examples. In fact, Jesus explained it very simply: “by this all men will know that you are my disciples.” This is the best witness to others! Our love FOR ONE ANOTHER is what will really prove to all those who are watching Who we believe!
Sadly, other people often see quite the opposite. On a Yahoo! Answers page that asked about the meaning behind this verse, I found this posting: “Problem is, I generally know someone is a Christian by his hypocrisy.”
That’s a startling statement! But think about it. We tend to believe a person not so much because of what he or she says but because of what that individual does, right? For instance, if a firm guarantees to keep your money safe – but then doesn’t, can you ever trust the people who run that organization again? What if someone promises to complete a project for an important meeting, but then shows up and says “I’m sorry, I just couldn’t get it all done” – what are the chances that you’ll entrust him/her with another assignment?
Yet we’re talking about something FAR more important here than money or work-related matters. This is about salvation – and our living testimony to others! All of those unbelievers that we’d like to see the Lord save are watching – sometimes warily – wondering exactly what we’ll say or do next. Someone on that same website understands Jesus’ command (and, by the way, notice He used this strong word rather than something softer like “recommend” or “urge” – probably because He knew we needed it!). Look at what was posted: “Because so many people are angry and judgmental and criticize (even Christians), so we as Christians are to love one another and when people see that we are different, they will know we are followers of Christ.”
So, how are you doing in the “love one another” department? How are you treating your fellow brothers and sisters in Christ? Is it easier to be a witness to the unsaved than to reach out, accept, give, and – yes – even forgive the children of God in your life?
Some days this is an easier calling than others, but Jesus has provided His example and His help so we can look past the selfishness of others – and get over our own self-centered natures – and do exactly what He has commanded us to do. And, as we truly care for each of our brothers and sisters, the “others” who need to know Jesus will see His love in action!
Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.
I John 4:7
Many blessings to you from all of us at Sonkist Ministries!
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See to it, brothers, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness. We have come to share in Christ if we hold firmly till the end the confidence we had at first.
Hebrews 3:12-14
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