Expects

We are quick to tell God what we want, but how many times do we ask Him what He expects of us?

Jesus tells us in Matthew 7:7-11 7, “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. 9 “Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? 10 Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? 11 If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!

Jesus tells us to: Ask, seek, and knock! Then we’ll receive, find, and doors will be opened. We just have to follow His plan.

God intends for us:

1. To have good gifts.

2. To seek Him.

3. To love the world in the name of Jesus.

It’s not about you, and it’s not about now.

Is your life all about Jesus, and His purposes?

Follow Jesus – it’s all about God and His eternal plan. Amen?

Transforming

Would the neighbors around your church say, "We're glad this church is here," even if they don't attend? If your church relocated, would anyone care? Are we actively reaching out to their friends, neighbors, and co-workers? Do your members show genuine concern for those who don't know Christ?

According to a recent article by Kevin Ford, if you answered "no" to any of these questions, your church has an inward focus that needs urgent attention.

By contrast, a transforming church is one that has a shared focus of mission beyond its walls, regardless of its size, personality, or worship style. These courageous churches help transform people into God's image. They transform the communities in which they minister. And, as organizations, they are continually transforming how they lead, operate, and minister. They are missional, or outwardly focused, in nature. 

So what does it take to become a transforming church? 

If your church wants to navigate toward a transformational focus, your leadership team will need to implement these steps:

1. Redefine your mission statement to target people outside the walls of the church building.

2. Focus your evangelism and mission efforts largely on your own local community.

3. Help people connect to your outreach efforts.

4. Resist the temptation to be all things to all people.

5. Take time to develop a strategic plan that bridges your church's passions and strengths with the needs of people in your community.

6. Engage a large percentage of your membership in the process of discovering your community and developing your strategic plan.

The paradox of focus is simple. It would seem as though a narrow focus would yield minimal results. In fact, the opposite is true. As the church focuses its resources on doing a few things well, it provides a permission-giving culture for members to follow their calling. Ministry then moves from a few to all members.

Amen?

Measuring

I had the opportunity once to sit in a meeting with the HR director of a very large church. He gave a nice exercise to use to measure the effectiveness of your staff.

It made me remember Paul’s advice to a young Pastor, Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15 NLT

The test to use is to make a graph. The left vertical line represents performance and the horizontal line is potential. You rate each one low, medium, or high. From these results you can find who has value and those worth investing in.

I think we should use this same kind of tool when it comes to our Christian service. Are we being productive for the kingdom? Would others think we have potential to grow and mature in ministry? James says all believers should look in a mirror and be honest about their relationship with Christ.

May we all measure up to God’s plan for our lives. Amen?

Moments

I remember a trip I took to a Pastor's conference a few years ago that took a little more patience than I was prepared for. The drive was a lot longer, 90 miles, twice the distance of my normal airport. It took over 20 minutes to find a parking spot followed by a 45-minute security line!

I had just enough time to get a cup of coffee before going to my gate, and no one was in line at the Dunkin Donuts. As I stepped to the counter the server turned and said, “One moment please”. I could have got mad but decided to laugh at my hurriedness instead. “In a moment” I was enjoying a great cup of java with a smile on my face. I thought later that a lot can happen in a moment - both good and bad.

The Bible gives us good news about what can happen in a moment.

In a Moment:

- Through Christ you can cross from hopelessness to hope.

- You can talk with the Creator of the universe.

- We can be taken from this life in to eternity with God.

-  Christ will return (In the twinkling of an eye).

Slow down – take your moment with God today. Amen?

His Ways

“Generations come and go but it makes no difference. The sun rises and sets and hurries around to rise again. The wind blows south and north, here and there, twisting back and forth, getting nowhere. The rivers run into the sea but the sea is never full, and the water returns again to the rivers, and flows again to the sea. History merely repeats itself. Nothing is truly new; it has all been done or said before. What can you point to that is new? How do you know it didn’t exist long ages ago? We don’t remember what happened in those former times, and in the future generations no one will remember what we have done back here” (Ecclesiastes. 1:4-7; 9-11).

Solomon didn’t think there was anything new. His thinking was probably clouded through not being where the Lord wanted him, but from God’s view He’s not surprised by the things that are new to us.

What is your attitude towards change?

There are certain principles and truths about change.

1.     The future will not be like the past, and usually not what we expect. When we allow God to make the changes it will be extraordinary.

2.     The rate of change will be faster in the future then in the past. In today’s world with new technology changes happen at lightning speed.

Growth equals change. Please don’t confuse immobility with stability. To resist change usually doesn’t equate to security. Change is the price we pay for growth.

I’ve heard it said, We must give up to go up! In order to experience what change offers we must let go of the way we’ve always done things. Seek His ways and plans. They’re always better that anything we can come up with on our own.

Changes

I once preached a message titled, “Change to Stay the Same!” using 1 Corinthians 1:17-18 as my text. For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel—not with wisdom and eloquence, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power. For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

It leads us to the question: What does it mean to stay faithful to the Gospel? And how can we preserve its original meaning? The problem is we end up trying to preserve the way we’ve always done it! Truth is understood through language, culture, and the time it happens. Believers and churches (hopefully made up of believers) should be in a process of constant refocusing to be true to the meaning of the Gospel. We have a choice between facing the future or backing in to it (looking backwards to what was instead of what can be).

There are four areas to change in order to stay faithful to the Gospel:

1. In our understanding – new spiritual and Biblical thoughts

-We need tradition (values & roots) to grow & be strong, but not traditionalism (roots us down, deadens us, and makes us dogmatic).

2. In our dialogue – new commitment to conversation with “others”

We need to listen with “God” ears, and Hearts.

3. In our connectedness – new focus on missions. We need to recognize opportunities to connect with other believers, and if necessary create new ones.

4. In our fellowship – new ways of being the church. The question is not about why we feel as we do about God, but seeking and proclaiming the truth about God!

I’m excited about what God wants to do in our lives. We just need to stay faithful - even if it means doing things differently. Amen?

Becoming

 How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!  - Psalm 133:1. “When people live together in unity,” is also called “community”. King David, the writer of this psalm is speaking much more about living together in a tight, communal relationship than simply keeping peace and not arguing or having discord. 

This is God's desire for His church! It is not about just going to church, but about becoming the church. We need take a genuine interest in the lives of others.  We must care, share, and pray for each other every day.

Be wise church - live in unity. Do life God's way and according to His plan. Let us be the example to the world instead of vise-versa. 

Amen?

Kingdom Minded

Two thousand years ago, a carpenter from Nazareth named Jesus burst on the scene with a vision that has changed the world. Everywhere He went Jesus inspired the imaginations of many people by painting a picture of a spiritual and relational movement like none that had ever existed before.

Some would go without food just to be near Him. Others would travel miles to hear Him tell about a God who loved them personally. They thronged to hear Him teach about a phenomenon He called the “Kingdom of God.” They found it hard to believe that God’s gift of forgiveness and salvation was for everyone.

For three years, Jesus Christ proclaimed the Good News of the Kingdom and then He was betrayed, arrested, beaten, and murdered on a cross.  His followers thought the Kingdom-vision was dead. 

But three days later Jesus rose from the grave, and His Kingdom dream was as alive as He was. He opened their minds to see that the kingdom He had been teaching about for three years was not a political kingdom, but a far greater one, a spiritual kingdom—the rule of God in people’s hearts,

Does God rule in your heart?

Accept Jesus in to your heart, and enter in to the Kingdom of God!

Amen?

Church Work

Forty days after Jesus rose from the grave He returned heaven. He promised His disciples and followers that they would receive a gift - the  Holy Spirit. We see this come to past in Acts chapters 1-2.

They called this new movement “The Church.” Peter preached the first sermon and 3,000 people believed in Christ that first day. Acts 2 is how God envisions His Church, not just in Jerusalem, but all over the world, including right in your church!  I believe this with all my heart.

How does a church become like that original church in Acts 2?

That church pursued five purposes: Fellowship, Discipleship, Worship, Serving, and Evangelism. When implemented these mandates can make any church compelling, powerful and influential.  This is what God wants my church and your church to be like, too. It can happen starting today if we commit to pursuing the priorities the first church did.  

Are you ready?

May we be the church God wants us to be - always.

Lostness

A few years ago I was honored to preach at the opening Vesper service at our county fair. I spoke about how terrifying it is when you or someone you love is lost. In Luke 15 Jesus tells three beautiful stories about lost things being found.

1. The lost sheep was rescued.

2. The lost silver coin was redeemed.

3. The lost son was restored.

All three of these stories have the same ending - rejoicing! Before we met Christ all of us were lost, but He came to rescue, redeem, and restore us. "God so loves the world...". Always remember that Jesus cares about the lost people of this world, and so should we. As His hands and feet, we are to bring those who have separated themselves from God because of sin. Remember listen to their story. Share with them your story of salvation. Give them Jesus' story of redemption and God's love.

Accepting Christ's gift of eternal life brings the lost out of darkness in to the light of God's presence.

Always share God's love with the lost - it's amazing to see grace in action. Amen?

Storms

Most of us have experienced the aftermath of the many thunderstorms that have hit our area this year. Damaged caused by lightning strikes, flooding, down power-lines, and wind can be very costly. After these storms in life let us be reminded what the Bible says in Psalm 85:7-9:

"Show us your unfailing love, LORD, and grant us your salvation. I will listen to what God the LORD says; he promises peace to his people, his faithful servants— but let them not turn to folly. Surely his salvation is near those who fear him, that his glory may dwell in our land."

We are to accept God’s love, salvation, promises and peace.
We are commanded to fear Him and let His glory fill and rule our land.
God will use a crisis to get our attention.
Are we listening?
Always love God with your obedience and faithfulness especially through life's storms.
Amen?

Investing in Church

In the first church they put their time, their talents, and their treasures together to do something powerful—something that has lasted from that day until now. They put them together to found the church. We see this account in Acts 2:42-47:

 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.  Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles.  All the believers were together and had everything in common.  They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need.  Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts,  praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

Imagine being part of that kind of authentic community. They gave to those had need! I think that makes God smile. 

What are you investing your life in?

Christian Living

A new life demands a new lifestyle – a change! Today we’ll look at Ephesians 4:17-32 and why change is necessary in a Christ followers life. Below are things we should avoid and things we need to adopt.

1. Believers are to avoid immoral lifestyles. Paul describes the unsaved as having: a. Confused thoughts (17) b. Hardened hearts (18) c. Closed minds (18) d. Impure and greedy thoughts (19)

We can safeguard ourselves by doing life God’s Way!

2. Believers are to adopt a spiritual lifestyle

a. They are to have a renewal of spiritual thoughts and attitudes. (20-23)

b. They are to put off the “old self” including: - Lying (24) - Uncontrolled anger (26-27) - Stealing (28) - Corrupt longings (29, 31) - Grieving the Holy Spirit (30)

c. They are to put on the “new self”, including: - Truthfulness (25) - Honest labor (28) - Helping those in need (28) - Building one another up (29) - Kindness and compassion (32) - Forgiveness (32)

Adoption requires changing old ways and beginning new habits - having a new heart.

Ephesians 5:1 instructs us to: “Be Imitators of God”. How are we doing?

Willingness

We should always be ready to share our faith – even when it’s inconvenient. Peter tells us in 1 Peter 3:15, But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect. 

A few years ago, I was on a train at rush hour wanting to finish a sermon I was writing. I had all my things out covering two seats. The train soon became filled. Soon a woman was standing next to me and staring at my seat. I really didn’t want to give up my space, but I did.

I explained I was working on something important and went back to work. I could tell she was looking at what I was doing, but I still didn’t want to engage in conversation.

I finally “came to my senses” and said, “I see your looking at my sermon”. She asked me to tell her about it. We engaged in a great conversation, and I was able to share the Gospel with her. 

The moral of my story is to always be prepared but to also be willing to share Jesus with the world.

Always be prepared and willing to do God's work. Amen?

Being Clear

You’ve heard me say before, “Clarity is a beautiful thing!” But to have clarity in understanding the Lord’s will and plan for our lives it can get a little murky...

God's Word says in John 3:12, Jesus said, "I have spoken to you of earthly things and you do not believe; how then will you believe if I speak of heavenly thing?”

If we are having trouble understanding God's Word, then maybe we need to work on our relationship with Him. Today ask that your hope, faith, trust and obedience be strengthened. 

Amen?

Seat Offering

What if someone came in to your church and asked, May I have your seat? This question is often answered in the negative in a declining church, but growing churches answer “yes”.

Paul tells us in Colossians 4:5-6; Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity.  Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

Three things to remember:

1. The Open Chair

A reminder that new members and guests are always welcomed.

2. The Comfort Zone

When an area is 80% full growth begins to decline.

3. The Average Size

There are new standards of how many people will fit. People require more space than ever before.

How willing are you to give up your seat, get out of your comfort zone, or rethink the way we do church?

Always be willing to grow – even if it means moving over. Amen?

Step It Up

Since Vacation Bible School and Church Camps we’ve had we’ve had over ten young people accept Christ as their Savior! It reminded me of these 4 Steps to take once you’re saved.

1.     Identify with Christ through Baptism – Matthew 28:18-20Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

2.     Be Committed to Faithful Church Attendance – Hebrews 10:25 Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

      3.   Worship the Lord through Prayer and Bible Study – Psalm 19:9-11 The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever. The ordinances of the LORD are sure and altogether righteous. They are more precious than gold,than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb. By them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.

4.    Share Your Faith – Romans 1:16-17 I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.”

Getting started with the right steps will help us grow. Amen?

Bring It

When it is all said and done what will bring glory to God?

 Psalm 57:2 says, I cry out to God Most High, to God, who fulfills his purpose for me.

Here are five things we can do to bring glory to God:

1. Center our lives on God. Live a lifestyle of worship. We were planned for God’s pleasure, and it begins with complete surrender of our lives to Christ

2. Connect with other believers. We need to experience real fellowship that God desires us to have.  We were formed for God’s family. Identify with other believers through the church.

3. Cultivate spiritual maturity and Godly behavior. Quit trying and start training! We were created to become like Christ. Develop habits for intentional growth.

4. Contribute something back. Use your talents in ministry, and find a place to serve at church.

5. Communicate God’s love for others. Develop a heart for the world. We were made for a mission - Share your faith in a mission activity.

Always be about God’s purposes - bringing glory to Him. Amen?

Protection

During the Civil war, Union Major General John Sedgwick in the Spring of 1864 at Spotsylvania Courthouse was reproving his men for crouching in their trenches (protection) and displaying what he considered a lack of courage. He leaped to the top of the works to show them by example that they had nothing to fear from the enemy snipers.” “Why men”, he called, while waiving his arm, “They can’t hit an elephant at this dis…” Records show that the General was shot and killed by a Rebel sniper at 800 yards.

Psalm 33:20 promises believers -  We wait in hope for the LORD; he is our help and our shield (protection). We should take this seriously. Being obedient to the Lord’s will and service will shield us, but if we step away from it, well… Let’s just say there are still snipers out there that want to injure us or take us out (physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually).

So today and every day, remember where your help and protection come from.

I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from? ² My help comes from the Lord; the Maker of heaven and earth. ³ He will not let your foot slip— he who watches over you will not slumber; - Psalm 121:1-3

Fixer Upper

We are a society of "fixers". We think of ways to make the problem go away or make it better. This attitude is as old as time itself. Remember the Garden of Eden, and original sin?

When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it.  Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves. - Genesis 3:6-7

When Adam and Eve sinned they tried to fix it themselves by making coverings. God asked them where they were, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree that I commanded you not to eat from?” Instead of confessing and asking for forgiveness they played the blame game. There were consequences that we feel today.

To the woman he said, “I will make your pains in childbearing very severe; with painful labor you will give birth to children. Your desire will be for your husband, and he will rule over you.”

To Adam he said, “Because you listened to your wife and ate fruit from the tree about which commanded you, ‘You must not eat from it,’ “Cursed is the ground because of you; through painful toil you will eat food from it all the days of your life.  It will produce thorns and thistles for you, and you will eat the plants of the field.  By the sweat of your brow you will eat your food until you return to the ground, since from it you were taken; for dust you are and to dust you will return.” Genesis 3:16-19

Allow God to forgive your sin and fix your life. Amen?

Follow the Path

God doesn’t want you to be confused, and he will never lead you into confusion. If you’re having trouble figuring out which way to go, get back to the basics and trust that God will give you the guidance you ask for. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6) 

Take these steps to know God’s direction for your life.

I admit I need God’s guidance to make any decision.

I ask in faith for direction.

I listen for God’s response.

I trust God when I don’t understand.

Always ask God to give you guidance and obey.

Always follow the right leader. His name is Jesus. Amen?

Need to Know

“I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in His death, and so, somehow to attain to the resurrection of the dead.” - Philippians 3:10 

Paul is saying (and so should we):

I want to know Christ in a personal and practical way.

I want to begin to experience the power, freedom and joy that comes when we live in light of the resurrection 

I want to have the attitude Jesus had when facing the difficult times of life.  I want to know that sense of peace that transcends the world.

And I want to live NOW as a person who attains the resurrection of the dead on this side of the grave

Let's again take a look at the story in John 6:16-21 When evening came, his disciples went down to the lake,  where they got into a boat and set off across the lake for Capernaum. By now it was dark, and Jesus had not yet joined them.  A strong wind was blowing and the waters grew rough. When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus approaching the boat, walking on the water; and they were frightened. But he said to them, “It is I; don’t be afraid.”  Then they were willing to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat reached the shore where they were heading.

It was dark and the disciples were about to sail into a storm without Jesus.

Is Jesus with you in the storm?

Jesus calmed the fears of the disciples by revealing to them His true identity in the midst of the storm.

Do you know who Jesus really is?

Jesus entered the boat, the stormed stopped, and they arrived immediately.

Do you have the protection of Jesus?

Jesus will see you through the storms, and get you home.

Walk On

Have you ever been given the advice to: Walk it off ? It's usually given to us when we are afraid or what is happening to us isn't as bad as we're making it to be.

In John 6:16-21 we see Jesus coming through a storm to rescue His fearful disciples. By the way He was walking on water!

 When evening came, his disciples went down to the lake, where they got into a boat and set off across the lake for Capernaum. By now it was dark, and Jesus had not yet joined them.  A strong wind was blowing and the waters grew rough.  When they had rowed about three or four miles,[a] they saw Jesus approaching the boat, walking on the water; and they were frightened.  But he said to them, “It is I; don’t be afraid.”  Then they were willing to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat reached the shore where they were heading.

This is a great illustration of the supernatural, fear, and faith (or lack of). The focus of this account is on Jesus and how He protects us, loves us, and wants us to grow in our belief (faith and obedience) of Him. We need to keep our hearts, minds, and eyes on Him.

How’s your focus?

Always keep your focus on the one who walks on water. Amen?

Monkeying Around

I heard about an experiment in dealing with stress and anxiety. Scientist had monkeys in a cage and stressed them out with noise and other stimuli. Nothing seemed to calm them down till they allowed the monkey's friend enter in to the same cage. Monkey buddies reduced stress by 50%!

We shouldn't be surprised. Solomon shared years ago.

Two are better than one,

    because they have a good return for their labor:

¹⁰ If either of them falls down,

    one can help the other up.

But pity anyone who falls

    and has no one to help them up.

¹¹ Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm.

    But how can one keep warm alone?

¹² Though one may be overpowered,

    two can defend themselves.

A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. - Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

I've got a couple of monkey buddies in my life that helps me deal with stress. I pray you do too. They're also a lot of fun.

I pray that you will find and keep monkey buddies in your life. Amen?

Fear Deliverer

We can be assured that no weapon waged against God’s can succeed. Rely on God’s promises for your welfare as He is your Good Shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep. Faith in God delivers us because the Lord quickly comes to rescue those who cry out. Have Obedience and faith in God to work all things together for good. 

Great faith in God delivers us from the fear of human beings.

- Protection -Baby Moses did not know it at the time, but God’s protection shielded him from every evil power.
- Power -No power is able to hurt you when God’s protective arms are wrapped around you. When you feel most neglected, abandoned or insecure remember God is watching over you.

- Care - God’s care of us in our infancy is yet another reason to praise Him. Pharaoh cruelly sought to destroy Israel, but his own daughter had pity on a Hebrew child, and not only so, but, without knowing it, preserved Israel’s deliverer, and provided Moses with a good nurse, even his own mother. It's about His design, plan, and purpose!

Anyone can be raised to greatness through God’s providence. The Lord’s power is able to deliver anyone at anytime from any place of adversity.  For He will deliver the needy who cry out, the afflicted who have no one to help. (Psalm 72:12)

 Are you willing to ask the Lord to deliver you from whatever trouble, difficulty or fearful insecurity you are facing?

Allow Him to take you from Here to There! Amen?

Change Choices

In general, people seem to be afraid of change. Change makes people anxious. Philippians 4:4-7 says, Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! ⁵ Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. ⁶ Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. ⁷ And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Christians should NOT be afraid of change. Our God is a God of change. In Revelation 21:5 He declares “Behold, I make all things new”. God does all kinds of “new things” in our lives every day. God can do great things when His people allow Him the freedom to change their lives and their church. 

God wants His church to reach out beyond their comfort zones to reach more and more people for Christ. Fear keeps us from doing it. We need to be the church who looks toward God - with anticipation. 

When it comes to change we have five Choices – We can be Agents (make it happen) of change, understanding of change (it's okay to ask questions), trusting of change (follow your leaders), ignorant (what happen?) of change, or fearful (be a hindrance) of changes. Which are you?

Some people are afraid because the “giants” of life get in our way from seeing God. That shouldn’t be a problem. We can dream big dreams because we serve a big God. Amen?

Lonely

When it comes to dealing with loneliness remember that Jesus gives us His comfort and promise.

1 "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. 2 In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. 4 You know the way to the place where I am going." 5 Thomas said to him, "Lord, we don't know where you are going, so how can we know the way?" 6 Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 7 If you really knew me, you would know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him." -  John 14:1-7

In Matthew 28:20, Jesus tells us –  ^“And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

God will never leave me, I am never alone.

God will never leave you, you are never alone.

Use this beautiful truth and promise to His utmost and highest today and every day.

Freedom

As we celebrate Independence Day and the freedoms we enjoy today let us not forget that true freedom only comes through Christ. Let’s consider what Paul wrote in Galatians 5.

In verse 1 he says, It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.

It is up to each believer to stand firm on the truth and show our love by being obedient to Christ. We see it in verses 7-8,  You were running a good race. Who cut in on you and kept you from obeying the truth?  That kind of persuasion does not come from the one who calls you.

Jesus is now the main actor in our lives not us. In verse 13, You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love. Just like Christ.

May we always realize where true freedom comes from. Amen?