Pursuing Those Things That Benefit

Week of September 2, 2022

“Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another.” (Romans 14:19, NKJV)

One of the marks of spiritual maturity is a willingness to strengthen other believers.  Paul, in the scripture text, urges Christians to pursue activities that make for peace and edifies others. 

Pursue means focusing our efforts toward our goal.  This will involve using all the resources God has given us to ensure peace in the life of other Christians.  To the Colossians church, Paul said, “Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus. To this end, I also labor, striving according to His working which works in me mightily.” (Colossians 1:28-29).

In order for Paul to promote peace and build up others, he had to refrain from activities that would cause others to stumble.  He put aside his own comforts and his own personal freedom for the greater good to lead others into Christian maturity.

As Christians, we need to be devoted to strengthening one another’s faith, which may demand some sacrifices on our part.  This is what Paul and the early church was about and it should be what we are about.

As God reveals to you what those around you need in order to grow in their faith, be prepared to make the necessary sacrifice for a fellow Christian.

God Bless, Pastor Rick

Disciple

Week of August 26, 2022

“24Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. 25 And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. 26 Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. 27 But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.” 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 (NKJV)

The extent of our commitment to Jesus Christ determines the quality of our spiritual life.  When we see this clearly it will help us to be more determined to live as God expects.  A true commitment to Jesus Christ requires a willingness to become disciplined in our walk with Him.  Without discipline faith cannot grow.

It is easy to declare that we love God when the music is stirring our emotions.  However, to love in an unsympathetic environment around ungodly people and still be an example of your love for God requires discipline that goes beyond emotion.  Discipline means we pray when we don’t feel like praying, we read the Bible when we don’t feel like it, and we say no to things that will break our walk with The Master.  It is through discipline alone that we become a worthy disciple of Jesus Christ.

Receiving Guidance

Week of August 19, 2022

“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye.” Psalm 32:8 (NKJV

It is not always easy to discern the will of God.  Decision-making is often very complex.  The choices you make today may influence your future, finances, personal life, career, and family.  Whatever the circumstances, unless you remain level-headed, you run the risk of being overwhelmed by the anxiety of uncertainty.  What you need is the guidance and wisdom that comes from the Holy Spirit.  You also need the knowledge you can gain from the Scripture, making God’s principles easier to understand.  Through these means, we gain an eternal perspective.  Otherwise, we only see through the lens of the here and now.  For this reason, praying for the guidance of the Holy Spirit and studying the Bible are essential. 

Through these means, you develop a more intimate relationship with Christ.  With an intimate relationship with Jesus, you recognize the way God is leading.  The clearer you will hear Him speak to you.  The end result is that we are brought in line with God’s will.