Keep the main thing the main thing!

Philippians 1:20-21 (New Living Translation)

Paul’s Life for Christ
20 For I fully expect and hope that I will never be ashamed, but that I will continue to be bold for Christ, as I have been in the past. And I trust that my life will bring honor to Christ, whether I live or die. 21 For to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better.

Numbers 6:22-27

Then the Lord said to Moses, “Tell Aaron and his sons to bless the people of Israel with this special blessing: ‘May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace.’ Whenever Aaron and his sons bless the people of Israel in my name, I myself will bless them.” NLT

This is something I want to pray for others. God's blessing are immeasurable!

1 Peter 1:13-16

So think clearly and exercise self-control. Look forward to the gracious salvation that will come to you when Jesus Christ is revealed to the world. So you must live as God’s obedient children. Don’t slip back into your old ways of living to satisfy your own desires. You didn’t know any better then. But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy. For the Scriptures say, “You must be holy because I am holy.” NLT

I herd one preacher say "to be holy is impossible but the more that we are 'wholly' committed to God the more 'holy' we can be."

James 1:2-3

Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. NLT

Don't you wish and hope for a life that is full of ease? If everyday could be sunny, warm, and free from trouble. James says that when troubles come our way, we should consider it an opportunity for joy. During times of trials we become stronger and grow in maturity. This is a good thing, but too often we don't want it. Could i consider trials a joy, or as another translation puts it, can i "make trials my friend?" Don't miss out on an opportunity to grow and mature in your walk with the Lord through a trial.

Philippians 3:10

Amplified Bible: [For my determined purpose is] that I may know Him [that I may progressively become more deeply and intimately acquainted with Him, perceiving and recognizing and understanding the wonders of His Person more strongly and more clearly], and that I may in that same way come to know the power outflowing from His resurrection [[a]which it exerts over believers], and that I may so share His sufferings as to be continually transformed [in spirit into His likeness even] to His death, [in the hope]

A.B. Simpson said:
Once it was the blessing now it is the Lord, Once it was a feeling not it is his word, Once it was his gifts i wanted now it is the giver, Once i sought healing now i seek himself alone.

Never loose that! don't forget or get too caught up in things and miss the one who our lives should be all about!

Matthew 11:25

"At that time Jesus said, "I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children."

Dear Lord, may I never become to smart in my own mind. I desire to know more of you and I want more of you. I pray I would never out reason the moving of your Holy Spirit in my life. May I not become too smart to trust you in faith.

John 9:4

As long as it is day, we must do the work of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work.

These are great verses to remind me of my calling and the commitment I need to have. I am created for eternity and this world is temporary. I must make the most of my time here. I have all eternity to live!

- Rick

Prayer

Lord today I want to live for you. I need motivation, strength, and guidance. Fill me with your Holy Spirit. Use me and control me. May I be your instrument to bring the life saving good news of the gospel to those around me.

John 5:24

"Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life."

Too many are living a dead life. They desire to "pass from death to life" but are looking in so many wrong places. I personally know that Salvation comes from hearing the word of God but do I really use that to try and tell others about Christ? It seems like I will try some grand scheme or some new program to try to get people to respond to Christ, But the best and most trusted approach is the Word of God.

Master of the Universe and me

Psalm 99:1

The LORD reigneth; let the people tremble: he sitteth between the cherubims; let the earth be moved.

What does it mean that the Lord reigns? Do I really understand that? He is above all things yet so often i put things above him in importance. What am I that I out schedule God? How can I put things of less importance over the one who reigneth over all things?

Lord may you rule every aspect of my life

The one thing

Too often i get so caught up in my life. I get so busy doing things that i forget the main reason why i do what i do. God wants me, that it! While i try to do things for his kingdom, the main thing is my relationship with him. My one desire should be to know him and keep that a priority. Working and staying busy will crowd God out and i won't be in a relationship with him at all.

Philippians 3:10

the one thing

Its not a competition

In this world, everything is a competition, especially in ministry. "How many people come to your service?" or "How many teens come to your youth group?" Numbers are such a measuring factor and I believe numbers have their place but I want God to get the glory! I am "God's building" I am a worker in the fields of harvest and the only one i should seek to please in Him.


I planted the seed in your hearts, and Apollos watered it, but it was God who made it grow. It's not important who does the planting, or who does the watering. What's important is that God makes the seed grow. The one who plants and the one who waters work together with the same purpose. And both will be rewarded for their own hard work. For we are both God's workers. And you are God's field. You are God's building. I Cor 3:6-9 NLT

Psalm 94:19

Awesome verse for me today! (Psalm 94:19)

oh how often i get my head full of thoughts and ambitions. Sometimes i just crash and overload. I needed this passage today! I have the comforts God desires me to have, inside of me. He desires me to have joy and delight and he has given me these things already. However, something gets out of place and my mind takes over, when in my heart God says i have peace for you.

Lord may i seek your peace. You know what will happen with my life. I desire to give it to you and not try and control things with my exhausting thoughts. Amen