September 26 - October 2, 2009
INSIDE BEAUTY“Man looks at the outward appearance, The Lord speaks these heavenly words to Samuel the priest as he tries to select the next king from among Jesse’s eight sons. We too need this kind of strong instruction in a world that emphasizes the outside over the inside. In a culture of tucks, lifts, makeovers and endless cosmetic advancements, it is easy to forget Scripture’s counsel that “outer beauty is fleeting” (Proverbs 31:30). Jesus especially warns the religious, often obsessed with appearing better than they really are that there is little attention given to the inside. He says, “First clean the inside of the cup and dish, and then the outside also will be clean” (Matthew 23:26). True beauty travels from the inside out. Peter reminds us all as he addresses Christian wives that there is an unfading beauty that must be sought: “your beauty should not come from outward adornment. Instead it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight” (1 Peter 3:3-4). Peter has nothing against looking beautiful, but is more concerned about us being beautiful. The emphasis is on essence. I recently heard almost 99 year old Hall of Fame basketball coach, John Wooden, interviewed on a major sports network. When the commentator asked Coach Wooden to share some of his favorite words to live by, without ponder or pause, stammer or stutter, he said he daily prays the familiar words of his late wife Nellie – “O Lord, make me beautiful within.” The only reason we aren’t more taken by inner beauty than outer is that we forget to live for the right audience. For Greater Glory to Him 
P.S. We have had around 30 people present for the bible study the past two weeks. I would like to run the following announcement: We are having great participation for the Ephesians Bible Study during ACTS 2:42. Let's not just begin well and fizzle fast, but finish well as we journey together for 11 more weeks in God's Word. At the end, those with only 1 to 0 misses will be given a special blessing! Weekly Financial ReportWeekly Need $4,829
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