Throughout Hebrews we’re told how much better Jesus is.
He’s better than angels.
He’s better than any man that’s ever lived.
He’s a better high priest than has ever served.
He offers a better covenant than man has ever known, and
He offers a better sacrifice than has ever been offered.
Jesus is better… than anything.

Billy Sunday once said: “There are 256 names in the Bible for the Lord Jesus Christ, and I suppose this was because He was infinitely beyond ALL that any one name could express.”

Why would that be important for us to know that Jesus was better than all this? BECAUSE if we don’t realize how much better Jesus is, than anything we could possibly know, … something ALWAYS WILL be better. Whether it is money, love, power, popularity – something will always edge Jesus out if He is not regarded as being the “best” that we could have. And, if we don’t accept that Jesus is better than anything else in our lives, you and I will always be uncertain about our faith.

Back in 1992, George Barna conducted a survey of church people and found that only 55% of those who attend church regularly said that their faith affected the way they live. That meant that 45% felt their faith didn’t affect their lives. Why would that be? Because Jesus wasn’t all that much better than anything else in their lives.

If Jesus isn’t BETTER than anything else for us, we’ll neglect our salvation. As we get distracted and pursue “something else” we’ll drift away from God and face the danger of losing our salvation.

UNDERSTAND THIS AND TAKE NOTE: There is nothing better than Jesus.                                                                                   (JEFF STRITE)

1. My hands are small; please don’t expect perfection whenever I make a bed, draw a picture or throw a ball. My legs are short; please   slow down so that I can keep up with you.
2. My eyes have not seen the world as yours have;  please let me explore safely. Don’t restrict me unnecessarily.
3. Housework will always be there. I’m only little for a short time, please take time to explain things to me about this wonderful world and do so willingly.
4. My feelings are tender, please be sensitive to my needs. Don’t nag me all day long. (You wouldn’t want to be nagged for your inquisitiveness). Treat me as you would like to be treated.
5. Please don’t be afraid to leave for a weekend together. Kids need vacations from parents just as parents need vacations from kids. Besides, it’s a great way to show us kids that your marriage is special.
6. I am a special gift from God; please treasure me as God intended you to do, holding me accountable for my actions, giving me guidelines to live by and disciplining me in a loving manner.
7. Please give me freedom to make decisions concerning myself. Permit me to fail, so I can learn from my mistakes. Then someday I’ll be prepared to make the kinds of decisions that life requires of me.
8. Please don’t overdo things for me.Somehow that makes me feel that my efforts didn’t quite measure up to your expectations. I know it’s hard, but please don’t try to compare me to my brother or sister.
9. I need your encouragement to grow. Please go easy on the criticism; remember, you can criticize the things I do without criticizing me.
10. Please take me to Sunday School and church regularly, setting a good example for me to follow. I enjoy learning more about God.

1. The needy never ask at a good time (Jesus was trying to be alone for a while).
2. The needy always ask for more than you have.
3. Jesus asks only that I use what have, and He’ll take care of the rest.
4. Even after a long day, Jesus has time to help.
5. Even when it would be reasonable, Jesus doesn’t send people away who want His help.
6. Sharing Jesus’ love with someone can mean filling any kind of need, not just a spiritual one.
7. Jesus uses people to help other people so that both are blessed. “You give them something to eat.”
8. Jesus gave thanks before the meal. Even someone who has everything can be thankful.
9. When I give what little I have away, it multiplies in return. With leftovers.
10. Jesus does miracles that look rather ordinary. Then and today.

A small boy gave Jesus 5 small barley loaves and 2 small fish and Jesus fed 5,000 men; not including women and children and there were 12 baskets of left over pieces. Jesus is Mighty to Save and Strong to provide. No matter how meager your resources are, God will provide.

Here is the question:

Have you brought your meager broken pieces to Jesus Christ?

Have you brought your 5 loaves and 2 fish to Christ?

When we bring our meager resources to Jesus Christ – and it passes through the hands of Jesus Christ – it becomes enough – more than enough – an abundance of blessings!

When we bring our meager little selves to Jesus Christ, it is absolutely miraculous what miracles and wonders God can do through us!

What is holding you back from surrendering yourself and giving yourself and your gifts to God? (SOURCE UNKNOWN)

The fruit of the Holy Spirit is virtues (graces) that influence the character of the Christian.  In order to live the life that God wants us, His sons and daughters, to live, He didn’t leave us alone, with only our own abilities, but rather gave us His Spirit to produce fruit (manifest itself) in our lives. 

The internal character

Love– this is an unselfish love like that found in Jesus Christ – 1 Corinthians 13:1-8

Joy– this is a happiness or contentment that lasts even when there are reasons to feel sad – 2 Corinthians 6:10; Philippians 4:4; Hebrews 10:34

Peace– this is a tranquillity of spirit that doesn’t change as circumstances alter – Philippians 4:7,9

The character as expressed toward men (outwardly)

Patience – this is not getting upset or angry when one thinks he has a reason to do so or when someone “does you wrong”; includes perseverance and not becoming upset or angered when one thinks he is right or being mistreated – 1 Peter 2:20

Kindness – this is a kind attitude expressed toward other people; it is not a weakness of conviction or character

Goodness – this is doing (and being) good to other people, like the example God has given us

The character in its relationship to God

Faithfulness – here the idea is faithfulness to the Lord and in what one does for Him – Luke 8:15

Gentleness – this is not having a higher opinion of oneself than one should; not getting angry easily; it is seen in        our relationships with others – Matthew 11:29; Colossians 3:12

Self-control –  this   is    personal discipline or control in all aspects of one’s life, especially with passions; it also relates to things like the consumption of food and drink, the use of leisure time, and the way we handle our money – Matthew 4:1-11; 1 Corinthians 10:13

(SOURCE UNKNOWN)