Not My Will But Yours

Week of August 9, 2024

“Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done.”  (Luke 22:42, NKJV)

Many things come our way in life.  Some are unexpected disappointments, some are fiery trials and most of these times we cannot see the reason for them.  Regardless of the significance of the trial, some are major and others are minor, we need to handle them all. 

The things that God allows to happen to us are always for our benefit.  He wants us to trust Him even when, as the Apostle Paul said, we see through a glass darkly.  Faith is not a reckless leap in the dark but it is a sincere trust that says and believes, “I know that God’s will is best for me.”  This kind of trust leaves the choice up to God and you are able to say what our Lord said, “Not my will but yours.”

This must be our daily prayer, “not my will but yours.”  This is the best way to experience peace in our hearts.  God will always work for our good although that doesn’t always seem to be the case in the immediate moment.  I hope you can testify that your will is yielded to God’s will.                    

God Bless, Pastor Rick

Stir Up The Gift

Week of August 2, 2024

Paul on one occasion told Timothy: “I remember the genuine faith that is in you… so stir up the gift of God which is in you…”  2 Timothy 1:5-6(NKJV)

A great danger in the Christian faith is familiarity.  We have heard so many messages that they possibly don’t impact us anymore.  Our heart is not stirred during the worship times.  Christianity doesn’t play a role in our life that it once did.  The joy of the Lord is not the same as in the past.

Living a vibrant Christianity is based on a relationship with Christ.  An experience that doesn’t waver because His word is continuously on my mind and in my heart.  As I think on Christ’s teachings for example; that love is greater than hate, forgiveness achieves much more than revenge, God guides those who need direction and so much more, so I purpose each day to live out His teachings, the fervor and zeal that was once experienced will return.

Open your heart to the work of the Holy Spirit in your life.  You will be aware that God is at work in your life.  When He manifests Himself through your life, your Christianity becomes alive and meaningful.  Growth and change will take place.  Joy and gladness that we all want to experience will return.          

God Bless, Pastor Rick

Take A Closer Look At Criticism

Week of July 26, 2024

“Do you suppose, O man — you who judge those who practice such things and yet do them yourself — that you will escape the judgment of God?” Romans 2:3 (NKJV)

A father was pacing the floor in the bedroom while his daughter took what he thought was far too long to say good night to her boyfriend in the living room. He said to his wife it is taking too long for that young man to say goodnight to our daughter. The wife encouraged the husband to come to bed, you were that age once. The father said, “That's why I'm concerned.”

His judgment of his daughter and her boyfriend was apparently based on his own memories of what he had done a generation ago. His judgment was speculation based on his own conduct.

Judgements on our part often expose our own needs. What you may be judging in someone else are things that are troubling you within. Righteous indignation may be caused by something not so righteous in us.

If you are overly critical you should ask yourself, “why does this bother me?’ Of course there are some things which need to be questioned in concern for another person especially parents that have children living at home. But when our judgment is impulsive and severe, make sure the problem you are criticizing in someone else is not still within you.

God Bless, Pastor Rick