Pastor's Notes

March 2016

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Let’s Really Live! (part 1)


Perhaps you have noticed that some Christians are more capable than others in effectively moving through the ups and downs of life. Have you ever asked yourself, why?  The truth is, their downs are just as overwhelming as anyone else’s, and sometimes even more so. In addition, their ups can be just as overwhelming as well.


The key to their not being devastated by the hard times, or deceived by the good times, is the spiritual discipline they have developed in their walk with the Lord. The Christians who get the most out of life tend to follow a pattern.


1. They recognize their need.

They understand it is impossible to have confident assurance and peace without the Lord’s leadership.

You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!  ~ Isaiah 26:3 NLT


These Christians have learned the importance of always seeking the Lord.

God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of  Heaven is theirs. ~ Matthew 5:3 NLT


2. They recognize where they can experience the Lord’s leadership.

They understand that the Scripture is the living word of God, and it is given to us for instruction.

God means what he says. What he says goes. His powerful Word is sharp as a surgeon’s scalpel, cutting through everything, whether doubt or defense, laying us open to listen and obey. Nothing and no one is impervious to God’s Word. We can’t get away from it—no matter what. ~ Hebrews 4:12, 13 The Message


They understand that in order to walk with the Lord, they have to talk with the Lord.

Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks,  finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. ~ Matthew 7:7, 8 NLT


3. They recognize the need to work daily, developing an intimate fellowship with their Lord Jesus Christ.

They understand the absolute necessity of continued exposure to, and obedience of the word of God.

Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. 32 And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." ~ John 8:31, 32


May each of us develop and maintain the spiritual discipline that will enable us to get the most out of life. Jesus said,

                                                                                                        
    

   “…I came so they can have real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of.” ~ John 10:10b The Message