Without Reservation - Reminder for 2015

Christ accepted you, so you should accept each other, which will bring glory to God.
Romans 15:7

The church in Rome was divided. People were accepting certain religious customs and truths about God but  rejecting others. They were doing the same to the people who followed them. Their condescending attitudes were out of line with God's purpose and perspective. That truth is as valid today as it was almost two thousand years ago.

Jesus accepted everyone without reservation. He knew everyone inside and out - he knew the good, the bad, and everything in between. He accepted you long before you noticed him, even if you rejected him, and solely because he loves you unconditionally.

As you grow more intimate with the One who has fully accepted you, it becomes easier to accept those around you even those whose actions, attitudes, and beliefs do not line up with your own. You may not condone what they do or agree with what they believe, but you can still receive them with open arms, which is what the Greek word for accept really means. Being honest, authentic, and accepting in your love, even of people who misunderstand or reject you, helps them see what God's love is like. It gives them a real-life picture of how Jesus related to others - and ultimately related to them. When you accept others, it pleases God, as well as reveals him.

Pray for anyone you have difficulty accepting. Ask God to reveal any fear, anger or jealousy on your part. Then ask God to help you understand how he feels about the one you're praying for.

Source: The 100 Most Important Bible Verses

Keep God close to your heart during times of questioning the worth of a fellow brother or sister - prayer is key. We all have worth in the eyes of God. It is our earthly flesh that makes us blind. Let us be that mirror image of God and love without barriers. Let not the past, history, dictate our present actions. But look towards the heavens for direction on how to accept with open arms and an open mind. ~ MME Team

A Servant's Heart

In your lives you must think and act like Christ Jesus.

Philippians 2:5

Modern culture encourages individuals to fight for their rights, push their way to the top, and always look out for number one. Jesus demonstrated a different way to approach life, with the attitude of a servant who lays aside his rights for the benefit of others. In his letter to the church at Philippi, Paul challenged the Philippians to make a counter cultural choice and to follow Jesus's example.

To understand what it means to have the attitude and actions of Jesus alive and working within you, read the Gospels. Note how Jesus treated people. Note his patience, his compassion, and his sacrificial perspective on life. He voluntarily put earthly limitations on his heavenly form in order to bless others. He continually asked his Father for "thy will," not "my will," to be accomplished. Out of anyone who ever lived on this earth, Jesus had more reason to demand that others put him on a pedestal than anyone else. He deserved to be honored and served. Instead, out of an attitude of humility, he chose to be the servant of all.

Your attitude influences your decisions and actions and, ultimately, the effect they have on the lives of others. A selfish, self-centered attitude will eventually lead to self-destruction. A humble, God-centered attitude will lead to deeper personal peace and a greater positive impact on the world around you. It also will bring joy and honor to God, who dearly loves you. Help keep your attitude in check by keeping this in mind.

Love is the motivation behind the attitude that you are asked to emulate. The closer you draw to God, the deeper your love will grow and the more like Jesus your attitude will become.

Source: The 100 Most Important Bible Verses

Pray and give thanks to God for one more day to walk in the footsteps of his son Christ Jesus. That your heart may be transformed to that of a servant's heart. To leave behind days of modern culture, focus on self. For our lives are but a whisper here today, gone tomorrow. Let us serve God and make an impact of love upon our brethren. Lord forgive us when we fail you and thank you for one more day to live through your will. ~ MME Team