As those of us in Florida prepare to face Hurricane Dorian, I cannot help but reflect upon the story of the disciples as they faced a storm in Matthew 8. They were fearful and cried out to Jesus to save them! But as we will learn, it is not about the external storms we face, but the internal storm we battle that Jesus came to deliver us from. Jesus and His Word is the only true foundation, and if your house is built on His foundation, you can withstand any storm.
John 15:13 (NKJV) 13 Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends. What does this mean to you? Really, what does it truly mean to you when you read it or hear it? It is a great Bible verse, and one that many times is linked to the military, especially on Veteran's Day or Memorial Day. But what does it really mean to you? Do we fully understand the depth of what Jesus was commanding? Let's see what God want to show us in today's message: No Greater Love.
God sent His Son Jesus to save the world, not to condemn it. But according to Matthew 7, the gate is narrow and difficult the way which leads to life; life found in Jesus. The beauty is Jesus continually sought out people to heal, to restore, to redeem, He never turned anyone away. Jesus desired relationship with us, in order to change us, transform us into His disciples. But not everyone wanted to be a disciple. Many follow Jesus to get something, not to make Him their Savior and Lord. Thus when it comes time for us to make a decision of the world (wide gate) or Jesus (narrow gate), which do we chose. I know Jesus wants you to choose Him, because He wants you; He wants eternal relationship with you.
As Christians, there is one thing we all have asked God for, and that is for Him to use us. For His will to be done; to bring Glory to Him; to be an instrument for His pleasure! But sometimes being in God's service does not always goes the way we want or desire. Being used by God, for God, can be hard, it can be tough, it can be challenging. But if you are truly wanting to be in His service, do we not have to trust Him regardless of what it looks like or feels like? I would have to say that being "used" by God is the greatest honor any Christian can have, we just have to position ourselves to be willing, to hear, to obey, and to be confident in God! Four aspects we have to prepare for is: Give God the glory, Die to self, Being used by God is not easy, and It is always God's timing. Remember, God is a holy, faithful, loving God; Who wants nothing more than the best for you.
The world is looking for answers, and we are to be that light to them, not to be a part of the divide. Speak words of life and truth through love. In all your relationships and conversations, point them back to the One Who died for us on the cross.
We live in a hectic and challenging world. Our days can be filled with stress, difficulties, and chaos. At times it can be overwhelming, but God is a God of peace. Jesus said in John 16, "in Me you may have peace." Let's discover this peace that is generously given to us through Jesus Christ.
God has called a people who are committed to His purpose and destiny. A warrior’s heart is one that is founded on passion, tenacity, character and has a never-quit attitude. But a warrior’s heart established in Christ, provides victory over this fallen world and the ability to walk in truth. In Romans 5, we are instructed to glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character. As fire is used to clean and shape fine metal, so can tribulations be used to shape our heart. A warrior's heart, founded in Christ, gives us the courage, strength and faith to put on the armor of God and to stand, and not run. Let’s discover how Christ can change our hearts forever.
In life, we are faced with many challenges and decisions. Some easy, some difficult. How we approach those moments is a reflection of our character and faith. Sometimes we may chose the wide (comfortable) road (choice), because it is easier and requires nothing. But as we know with God, "just getting by" is not His way. He wants us to change, and with change there is a process. Let's embrace God's driven process of transformation and become extraordinary!
God has placed a gift in each of us, and His desire is to see us tap into that gift. However, there is a process that takes time to cultivate and prepare us for the birthing of that gift. Travailing is to engage in painful or laborious effort. Just as Christ birthed salvation in the garden, it is our job to birth the gift that Christ has placed in us.
Happy Father's Day to all the dads! Because of God's immense love and grace for His children, we are able to celebrate together as families. Let's discover how our Father in Heaven saved us and continues to transform us. It is all Because of the one true Father!
In John 3:16 it states "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, so that whoever believeth in Him will have eternal life." In Luke 6:46 “But why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do the things which I say?" In the Book of John we see that Salvation comes from God as a gift to humanity, but in Luke, it points out that obedience to God is a choice each person has to make. Through salvation we have become a new creation in Christ, but our obedience to God should be fruit of this transformation. Let's discover together how our obedience is not dependent on us but God in us.
