Jon Nungester-Living from the Inside Out

Probably the best way to answers todays question is to ask yourself how you veiw people when you see them make great sacrifices to help others in need.

The fallowing story from Luke chapter 10 is a parable that Jesus told about the “Good Samaritan”. To help you understand this story, you need to know that a Samaritan was someone not regarded well among the Jews. They were thought of as second-class citizens so to speak. In other words, the Jews didn’t like the Samaritans and didn’t associate with them.

A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. So, too a Levite [a spiritual leader], when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritin, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. Hewent to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him. The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’

Now, imagine that you were the one who was beaten and robbed, then someone forma  group of people who you didn’t regard very highly, possibly even someone you had previously ignored, ridiculed, avoided, or gossiped about, came and helped you, How would that change your attitudetoward this person, and you desire to build a friendship with them?

Now, imagine that you are the one who has the ability to help others, and in that group of others are people you don’t like, or you think don’t like you. Or maybe in that group of others are people who don’t know Jesus. How can recognising their needs and being the one that helps them change their opinion of you?

How can it change your opinion of them?

How can it affect their veiw of Christians and ultimately of Christ?

Talking to God…

As you close in prayer today, ask God to help you make the difficult transformation in your life to help those in need, even when it costs you something, even when you have to make personal sacrifices. Ask God to show you the people who you can serve, and ultimately be a testimony of a loving Christian.

Today, read Philippians 2:5-11.

Yesterday we read about how we should adjust our attitudes towards others, and even towards our self. It’s not in our nature to think of others first. We naturally are looking out for our self all the time. That’s why Jesus said, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” He knew that we naturally love our self the most and if we can work at loving others that much, we’ll be doing great.

According to verse 5, as we work at improving our attitude towards others, who can we use as our role model?

What does this say about how God views being a servant?

Underline all the things that describe Jesus’ attitude in verse 6 through 8. Now list those things here:

Who was Jesus serving?

Now think about the fact that God Almighty gave up all His glory in Heaven, came down to living amongst His creation, that He did that for you, and write about how that changes your attitude towards serving others. Compared to God, what sacrifices do you make tos erve others?

Talking to God…

Close today in prayer first thanking God for His Son, for the sacrifice He made for you, and then ask God top help shape your own heart towards serving others in a way that honors Him.

Start today by reading Philippians 2:1-4.

After reading the passage, what stands out the most? If you had to choose a key phrase or give this section a title, what would it be?

In verses 1-4, underline all of the positive character traits, and all of the things the writer says we should have and strive for in our lives. Make a list below of all those things.

Before you answer the fallowing ratings, consider your whole life, which includes your life with friends, teachers, co-workers, parents, and siblings.

Rate your selfishness (1-10)

Rate your humility (1-10)

Rate how well you think of others (1-10)

Recognizing the needs of others (1-10)

After reading this passage and rating your own life, in what ways do you need to change?

According to verse 1 and 2, what happends when we become more humble, selfless, and think of others as more important than our self?

Talking to God…                                                                                                              

 Nothing is going to move from our heads to our hearts apart from prayer. Take a few minutes and talk to God about what He taught you today and ask Him to help you change, and to open your eyes to the needs of others.

Below are the devotionals from Dale Spady who spoke last week on Philippians 1:

Read the first chapter of Philippians.  As you read, circle the words “joy or “rejoice” in your Bible each time you see them.

Now go back and read each of the sections below and answer the questions.

1. Verses 1:1-8.  Paul was writing from a prison cell, yet he prayed with joy.  what reasons did he have to rejoice?

2. Verses 1:9-11.  How could the Philippian Christians make Paul even more joyful?

3. Verses 1:12-18.  In what ways did God use the circumstances, which caused Paul’s sufferings, for His glory?

4. Verses 1:19.  what resources does God provide to help us through suffering?

5. Verses 1:20-26.  Describe Paul’s views of life and death.

6. Verses 1:27-30.  Suffering is a part of your christian life.  According to Paul, how should we respond to suffering? 

This last weekend I spoke on Philippians 2:1-4 and how true joy comes when we put other people’s needs before our own.  I also made a challenge to go out of your way and do 3 nice things for another person. 

What are the three things you did for another person?

And, how did that make you feel? 

When: January 14, 530-10pm

What: Golf N Stuff

Cost: $20, New Friends=Free

Wear warm clothes because it might be a little wet.

So sorry I couldn’t be with all of you this weekend, but I was on a cruise to ensenada with our college ministry.  It was fun getting to chat with them and recruiting them to be apart of our ministry.  While I was on this trip I had some time to reflect on the meaning of life.  Yes, it’s true…the meaning of life. 

I was watching all of these people get drunk, partying, gambling, etc. and they seemed to be very happy.  I kept wondering to myself, they seem so happy doing all of this stuff, what if I were to do it?  I really felt that a lot of times we get caught up in seeing others live in sin and be so happy and we Christians struggle to follow God and we wonder why God would allow them to be happy. 

But, then I saw all of these people the next morning, with headaches and pain from partying so much and I thanked God for not allowing me to rely on alcohol or drugs to have a good time.

Hey Everyone,
This is the new place to be for anyone who wants to know what’s going on in The Rock Ministry, Calvary’s very own middle school ministry. It is also for anyone who wants to discuss spiritual issues. I plan on posting at least once a week for right now until I get the hang of things. So, check back often and keep posting your comments.

So, I was out today doing some last minute Christmas shopping for my wife (don’t tell her) and I was amazed how differently people act this time of year. People were honking more and I can’t believe how many curse words came out of people’s mouths. I stood in the middle of the Oaks Mall and noticed something that does not get seen very often. I was watching Santa with the kids getting his picture taken and how calm and serene it was (even though the baby’s were crying). But then I looked around and I noticed everyone and their brother hustling and bustling around not paying attention to this amazing Christmas tradition of sitting on Santa’s lap. I couldn’t believe it. I wanted to yell, “Hey, look at what you are missing! Just stop and look!” But, I didn’t. I just laughed and walked on.
It made me think about what Bethlehem must have looked like when Mary and Joseph entered. Everyone was preparing for the census and there was no room for the couple to stay. This amazing and beautiful birth took place in the middle of this town of confusion. Yet, it wasn’t me but the angels that yelled at people (the shepherds) to stop and take notice of this amazing scene.
My prayer for you this Christmas is that you would stop and take the time to look around the room and see how much you are blessed with and not get caught up in the preperations or all of the “stuff.” Celebrate Jesus this Christmas!