Everybody needs a plan in today's world. What is God's plan for us to be faithful Christians, a faithful church in today's world? Are we being church when we are out in the world? How do we prioritize our time in our life? We can become so obsessed by the small stuff that we miss the main thing. What are the barriers to sharing Jesus and helping people - cynicism, reluctance, and embarrassment? There are hurting people all around you. Only those of you who learn how to serve will be really happy. Where in the world can we share God's love? Everywhere! Where in the world are you going to love?

The main thing in the Christian faith is to love God with all your heart, soul, mind and all your strength and to love your neighbor as yourself. It is summed up by the main thing: love God unreservedly, love people unconditionally, live life unselfishly. Because when we do, we are not just doing what Jesus told us to do. We are meeting the greatest need in each of our lives, our neighbors' lives and the greatest need of the entire world. It is the need for love. When we offer love, we have the opportunity to see God at work. Unconditional love is the way others see Christ. Live your life to be a testimony.

11:31 is when church really begins, when we start living our faith. Who are our neighbors? Our neighbors are all people in need. Do you have the love of God in your head but not in your heart? We are called to be loving and Christ-like all the time. The story of the good samaritan rings eternally true but it convicts us. Let your light shine on and from this corner, outside of the church building. We can't do it all but we can do our part. Don't go through life so fast that someone has to throw a brick at you to get your attention.

Why do we exist? What is our purpose for being here? Jesus said, Love your neighbor as yourself. Are you staying in your own circle of light safe from the darkness, excluded from outsiders in your own exclusive fellowship? Who are we as followers of Christ between Sunday services? What happens at 11:31 a.m. following service? Are we a people who love God and love our neighbors? What about our hurting neighbors? Where can you go to show someone the love of Jesus? Whenever we love God with everything we have, we find ways to love our neighbor.

Remember pride comes before a fall. How do we stay humble? Don't seek honor for yourself. People are more important than rules. As a servant, take a seat at the end of the table by taking the seat of least honor. The master will move you to a place of honor. The Lord spoke of faithfulness and love, which are the only measures of success that count. Expect to be honored in the life to come. Pleasing God means helping those who have absolutely no way of ever paying you back.

Have you gotten bent out of shape physically and emotionally by life? What happens to our faith between church services? Jesus came to help us in those bent out of shape times. He can help us lift and carry our burdens. Are you careful to not get bent out of shape in your spirit? Never count people out. We choose what kind of attitude we have toward others. Are you taking joy in the well-being of others? Which way will your spirit bend today?

What are the contradictions in your life? Contradictions are a part of life. Jesus taught us to live by what seem to be contradictions: to be great in God's kingdom become the servant of all, love your enemies, we receive by giving, be humble to be exalted, blessed are those who are broken. Ebbs and flows continue but they never disqualify us from God's kingdom. Jesus bottom lines our life with grace. God's grace, love and forgiveness are gifts free for the taking and for the asking. Are you taking a bath in God's grace?

Are you bargaining on a long slow count for Christ's return? Is your service for His Kingdom getting lost in the slow count? Jesus will come when we least expect Him. What did He mean when He told us to watch? The real way to watch is to continually do the works God has called us to do. We need to be ready by doing those works. What are you doing in the name of Jesus Christ? We are blessed and we in turn are asked to be a blessing in our world. God has something for all of us to do. Be a true disciple.

Be on guard against all types of greed. Life does not consist in an abundance of possessions. The desire for bigger, better and more is always there. The tragedy of a person's life is not the abundance of his wealth but the poverty of his values. What would you list as the most important things in your life? Are your treasures set right? Is your focus in the right place? One's life does not consist in the abundance of possessions.

Discussions on how to live a life of faith often involve the words balance and perspective. A life of balance means to move with life and to continue to adjust based on the way life moves. Our lives are multi-dimensional. Perspective is paying attention to the whole of life and not just one part. From your perspective, are you looking at the whole versus just parts? How do your balance and perspective effect how your built-in reflexes react in trying times? The key ingredient in the mix is a dynamic growing relationship with Christ. Let us work so God can use us in his most excellent harmonies.