Lord, We Need You!

As our church is working on another facility expansion after the 12 year anniversary, the enemy is openly throwing a hissy fit and using people in an attempt to divert our attention to distractions that will amount to nothing. This is a season where the body of Christ must be focused intentionally on the Lord's leading and not falling away to the glitz and glamour of the world. When you are not deeply rooted in Christ, you will easily believe fallacies that seem like an easier road to take but they are quite dangerous. The enemy will try to lure you in with things that may seem harmless, but he knows your weaknesses. For example, if you have never had a sip of alcohol and never struggled with addiction, you aren't going to suddenly be tempted to drink a bottle of wine as you walk in the grocery store. The enemy won't bother trying to tempt you with something you don't have any desire for. However, if you tend to chase after material things or a greater status in the world, then the next promotion with a big raise could be the trick to get you to work endless overtime, lose out on family time, skip church, and suddenly feel far away from God. A friend of mine was recently offered a raise a work and turned it down in exchange for additional vacation days. This was honored and now she has more time to take off work and spend with family, or on vacation, or taking a mission trip. What a beautiful thing! Do you know who you are? Do you realize the price that was paid for you in blood? Who are you serving? Is it the God of the bible or some god you've created? Romans 1:3-6 (NLT) The Good News is about his Son. In his earthly life he was born into King David’s family line, and he was shown to be the Son of God when he was raised from the dead by the power of the Holy Spirit. He is Jesus Christ our Lord. Through Christ, God has given us the privilege and authority as apostles to tell Gentiles everywhere what God has done for them, so that they will believe and obey him, bringing glory to his name. And you are included among those Gentiles who have been called to belong to Jesus Christ. Matthew 6:24 (NLT) “No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and be enslaved to money." Stay alert! The enemy does not fight fair, but you do not have to live in fear! Jesus defeated darkness! We are victorious in Him! (Not in our own strength) Lean not on your own understanding, but trust in Jesus! You can trust the One who died for you. He is faithful and true! Lord, we need you more everyday! Speak to us now, reveal our hearts, help us become more like You as we work out our salvation with fear and trembling. Father, may we all lay down those things that aren't please to you or are taking away the time You desire. We love you Jesus! Philippians 2:12 (AMPC) Therefore, my dear ones, as you have always obeyed [my suggestions], so now, not only [with the enthusiasm you would show] in my presence but much more because I am absent, work out (cultivate, carry out to the goal, and fully complete) your own salvation with reverence and awe and trembling (self-distrust, with serious caution, tenderness of conscience, watchfulness against temptation, timidly shrinking from whatever might offend God and discredit the name of Christ).