The Challenge To Unity

Different opinions, ideas, wants, and methods of believers are the greatest challenge to the unity of the body of Christ.

Ephesians 4:2,3 With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

If we are to walk in unity of Spirit, we must possess lowliness, meekness, longsuffering, and forbearing one another with love.

This isn't easy. Meekness requires humility and discarding pride. Longsuffering means to be patient to those who aggravate us. Forbearance requires us to accept people as they are and with love (1 Cor. 13).

We can't pull this off within ourselves. When we yield to The Lord and allow His Spirit to fill us, we are brought to a place where nothing matters to us but His will. That will bring unity of the Spirit and bond us in peace.

A Tender Heart

Do we have a tender heart toward God? Do we listen when He speaks through His Word, His still small voice or preaching? If not, our hearts are calloused. Coulloused hearts are like scar tissue--insensitive to feeling . . . . insensitive to God.

Believers with tender hearts have compassion for lost souls, for the suffering, sick or depressed. Jesus had compassion for us.

It's easy to live happy because we are saved, but are we concerned that multitudes around us need a Savior?

Our salvation experience should stay fresh so our hearts don't become calloused. God wants us to show a lost world what he can do through Jesus.

People need The Lord.

Psalm 26:2 Examine me, O Lord and prove me: try my reins and my heart.

Meeting God

Many years ago in England a young boy named William stood at the gate of Buckingham Palace wanting to meet the King of England. In spite of obstacles--the wall, the gates, the guards, and the policeman who told him to go home--he waited all day.

Then the gate swung open, and a young man walked passed the policeman and took William by the hand. Together they walked through the gate.

After touring the palace, the young man took him to a room where the king sat.

"Father, I have here a young boy who wants to meet you," he said. Meeting the son gave William access to the father.

Jesus, the Son of God, takes us where we could never go on our own. His blood shed on the cross for our sin brings us to God the Father. When we believe we become a child of the King.

Hebrews 4:16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Four Truths About God

Psalms 139:1,2  O Lord, thou hast searched me and known me. Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off.

1. God knows everything about you, your personal and private moments and your intimate thoughts. He knows the motivation behind what you do and the impact upon yourself, others, and the cause of Christ. We may deceive others but not God.

2. You can't escape God's presence, even if you try. That is comforting and convincting.

3. You are the greatest evidence of God's creative power. In the womb, God formed and fashioned you (Psalm 139:13).

4. God calls you to live in His holy light. His holy light became flesh and hung on a cross--the "just" for the "unjust--to redeem the guilty world from sin.

God wants an intimate relationship with you. Talk to Him about that.

Sheep Require A Good Shepherd

Psalm 23:1-3 The Lord is my shepherd: I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

Jesus is the Shepherd of the believer. He could've compared us to brave lions, but he called us sheep. Sheep have a reputation for being dumb. We need a shepherd to lead and protect us.  

Jesus not only calls us by name, but He bonds with us. He knows when we're weak, when we stray, and when we're loyal. We know His voice.

Jesus leads us to what's best for us and melts the coldness of our hearts with the warmness of His embrace.

We don't have to fear theValley of the Shadow of Death. I've been there. Maybe some of you have too.

I'm looking forward to spending eternity with my Good Shepherd.

How To Be

The call to follow Jesus isn't a call to "just get by". He deserves our best.

Be STRONG:  Ephesians 6:10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in The Lord and in the power of his might. 

Be FAITHFUL: Believers are judged for their faithfulness, not their achievements.

Be YOUR BEST: Be willing to be disciplined; strive, work hard, live by the rules, endure hardship for the sake of the gospel.

Be TOUGH: Sometimes we suffer for no other benefit than what others will learn from our experience and pain.

Be SERIOUS: Serving The Lord is the most important thing we do on this earth.

Someone said, "They that deny themselves for Christ shall enjoy themselves in Christ."

Step up and serve Jesus no matter the cost. God will help you become all you need to be if you submit yourself to Him.

Willing, Faithful, Near

Isaiah 43:2  When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not over flow thee; when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. 

God is reminding the Israelites that He has met their need since day one and will continue to do so.

• Water---The Red Sea (Ex 14)
• River---Crossing the Jordan (Deut. 4)
• Fire---Shadrach, Meshack, and Abednego (Daniel 8)

God hasn't changed. What He did for Israel, He can do for you and me.

There's not an area of life in which God won't work to fulfill His promises. As you face the storms, walk through the valleys, and endure the dark nights of life, God will never fail you.

He wants to meet your need more than you know (Matt. 6:25-33). He is willing, faithful and always near.