|
|
|
|
|
|
Hopefully you finished filing your taxes yesterday—and in case you didn't, big oops! 😬 Let's launch into our weekly series, One Thought from Philippians 2!
|
|
|
Others First
|
|
Back in 2008, a nonprofit organization made a bit of a media splash with their videos of first-hand testimonies of the life-changing difference Jesus made in many lives. The white chair, black background, stark spotlight, and unique filming caused the videos to be memorable and shareable. Now, over 15 years later, I Am Second videos are still being filmed, produced, and released.
|
|
|
|
|
While the I Am Second videos share stories of people putting Jesus first and self second, Philippians 2:4 (from our key passage for this One Thought from Philippians 2 series) also shows us that if Jesus is truly first in your life, then you will naturally put others before yourself. Here is how the English Standard Version puts this verse...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
"Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others." (Philippians 2:4)
|
|
|
Toward the end of my sermon on Easter Sunday, I shared that the fastest path to unhappiness is the path of selfishness. Too often, we believe the lie that joy will be found by putting self first. Yet, that approach usually makes one miserable. It is in giving our time, energy, words, and more to another person that actually makes us feel far better about life.
|
|
But notice that the verse does not say, "Look not to your own interests at all..." In other words, living Christ-first-others-next doesn't mean ignoring yourself. I hope you wisely care for yourself with healthy food, exercise, good sleep, and more. But the caution from Philippians 2:4 is to not let care of self interrupt and even stop your care of others.
|
|
Just as Christ put us first by going to a cross He did not deserve, let us put others first so they might see the love of God through our actions, words, and presence.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ministry of the Month
|
|
This month, we are highlighting our Worship Team as Riverwood's Ministry of the Month! If you're a musically-oriented follower of Jesus who loves to sing, plays an instrument, or is audio-and-visual tech-savvy, sign up to audition and serve today!
|
|
|
Ladies, Come to The Table
|
|
Ladies! Join us on April 20th @ 7:00pm for meaningful community and biblical conversations. Please connect with Cheryl Badura for location details. No need to prepare, just bring yourself & invite a friend!
|
|
|
|
|
Monthly Financial Update
|
|
Here is our financial update as of March 31st:
|
|
Budgeted YTD Needs: $51,181.50
|
|
Actual YTD Giving: $41,037.89
|
|
|
Parent/Child Dedications
|
|
We have the privilege of having a Parent/Child Dedication during our Worship Gathering on Mother's Day, May 10th. If you would like to publicly dedicate your child(ren) to the Lord, please send us an email!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
