As a matter of fact you won’t do most things if you believe they are unnecessary, that is why it is crucial to examine closely what we believe. Far too often when I was in school I didn’t study because I believed it was unnecessary. Many of us do not exercise because we just don’t think it’s that big of a deal. Many of us don’t regularly read the bible or listen to Great sermons, or get involved in church because we believe it to be unnecessary for our already complicated overbooked lives. We use the time God has given us for many things other than worshipping Him and feeding our Spirits.
I think one of the most powerful yet simple truths I have found in my life is this: “Your new and better self always begins exactly where you are right now!” Your new and better life isn’t some place in the future that you will just arrive at someday, it either begins now or it will never become a reality. In other words, “You cannot skip the Journey or the Requirements to get to where you want to be!” I recently watched a video on youtube of a man who weighed in at 470 lbs and totally out of shape. In one year, because he committed himself to a journey and a process, he lost an incredible 198 lbs in 365 days. You can watch this story HERE Had this man continued to lay on the couch and just wish and think about losing weight and the new life it would bring him, nothing would have changed. It is the same with your Spiritual growth. It’s a journey and it has requirements, one of which is commitment!
This blog is about getting people, including myself, closer to Jesus, and walking a new path. A committed path of living the teachings of Jesus. Why? So we can experience the power of God’s Kingdom here and now in our lives and share that life changing power with others. When God’s power begins changing you it includes producing all the fruits of the Spirit in your life, Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Gentleness, Faithfulness, and Self Control. None of these traits are possible in our own strength. They come through the power of the Holy Spirit changing us from within. The real power of Christianity comes only to those who truly commit themselves to seeking the living God and having a true desire to have Him change them. The life changing power of Christianity comes through a journey down a new path and process. You cannot follow Jesus and stay were you are! It’s impossible. When Jesus asked his would be disciples to follow him, they dropped what they were doing, and started a new journey, a different path, a different way of life. That requirement and process has not changed.
Does that mean I have to change my career or walk away from my plans? Maybe, I cannot answer that, only God can. But what you must understand is this, whatever he leads you to, it is always in your best interest to follow. Because God’s ways are the only way to true blessing which includes Love, Peace, and Joy. I can tell you this, God can and will begin using and changing you right where you are now. Maybe you are nurse or a teacher, or a factory worker, it doesn’t matter what your current circumstances are, when you answer the call to follow Jesus, He will direct you. But when the prompting comes you must be willing to say, “Yes Lord!” and take the new path. For me, it took longer than it should have because I was bull headed. I could have had a much more joyful, peace filled life had I just listened and obeyed earlier. Don’t make that same mistake. No matter where you find yourself in this moment, following Jesus is the only true option for a better future.
We will gather this Sunday at 10:00am on the Praise Community Fellowship Facebook live page.
Our prayer list:
- Keith Sedlacek, Cathy Crowder has asked for our prayers for Keith who has been diagnosed with inoperable lung cancer. Let’s lift Keith and his family in prayer for God’s healing Grace, Peace, and Love.
- Emmett, Bob and Judi Bertels grandson is a 12 year old young man who has just been diagnosed with macular dystrophy which causes loss of eyesight. We ask for God’s intervention and healing.
- Mike Portell, continued healing of his hand injury.
- Alene Schuette, who fell and fractured a vertebrae. We pray for release of pain and full recovery.
- Ron Jones, continued strength and healing and God’s Peace and Love.
- Me for broken ankle, your prayers are very appreciated for a fast recovery.
- All who are seeking a deeper relationship and deeper understanding of Jesus’ teachings.
- Courage to be bold for Jesus with our neighbors and family.
Praise Community Fellowship, kent@praisecommunityfellowship.com 618-334