IS IT ALL ABOUT ME?!

by | Apr 2, 2014 | Philippians

Philippians 1:20-21

I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.

Our modern culture encourages us to think highly of ourselves, to raise our self esteem. Counselors teach their clients to look at themselves in the mirror and repeat over and over, “I’m okay! I’m fine! I’m just great!”

The truth of the matter is that we have been sold a bill of goods. We have been made to focus on ourselves instead of others. Pride is perhaps the greatest sin mankind has ever had to deal with. It started in the Garden of Eden when the serpent enticed our first parents by telling them they could be like God.

What a big lie that was, and Satan has been using the same temptation ever since. He tries to get us to focus on what will make us feel good. That idea is so far removed from what God desires for our life that it seems to be in another universe. There are many feel-good evangelists out there that are purveyors of the “name it and claim it” theology. It is almost as if they are saying we should be telling God what to do.

What did Jesus say was the primary focus that we should strive to achieve? In response to His critics asking for the first and greatest commandment, here is how He responded in Luke 10:27: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind; and, Love your neighbor as yourself.” I think that says it all. Not my will, but Thine be done!

May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!

– – – Pastor Cecil

FISH OR FOWL!

by | Apr 1, 2014 | 1 Kings

1 Kings 18:20-21

So Ahab sent for all the children of Israel, and gathered the prophets together on Mount Carmel.  And Elijah came to all the people, and said, ‘How long will you falter between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow Him; but if Baal, follow him.’ But the people answered him not a word.

There are many who know about Jesus and His saving work, and may even have faith that He is the Savior of the World — but have they  been born again? To be born again is much more than simply believing about Jesus — it is inviting Him to be the Lord (the Boss) of your life.

Elijah was a faithful prophet of the Lord. He had the gumption to stand up against the wicked King Ahab and the 450 prophets of Baal. He challenged the people before he challenged the prophets of Baal. He wanted to know whether they stood for God or against Him.

In Matthew 12:30 and Luke 11:23, we read the words of Jesus as He challenged the people of His day: “He that is not with Me is against Me.” That leaves no middle ground for a namby-pamby relationship. If Jesus required a committed relationship then, He still requires it today!

In response to Elijah’s challenge the people remained silent. Their silence answered the question. In the same way our silence to the call to come to Jesus and be born again signifies our refusal to follow. If we desire to be counted as one of His own and have our lives transformed, we must stand up and be counted.

May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!

– – – Pastor Cecil