Saturday, May 6, 2017
Building People of Substance for Works of Power
Don’t leave home without Him, Friend.
I recently had the opportunity to chat with a gentleman who was struggling with some life issues. He was a Christian, an intelligent and successful man, but he was battling temptation. This was no novice. He was a seasoned veteran who had served in church for years. He had talked to pastors, to friends, and to professional counselors, yet he still struggled daily. As we talked, I casually asked him about his personal devotional life. He answered, “I try to remember to do it.” Bingo!
So often, we look to all kinds of esoteric answers as to why we struggle. As a rule, the answer lies in something much more basic. We forget the things that are foundational to a disciplined, successful Christian life. That leaves us to fight spiritual battles with intellectual or physical tools. We are first frustrated, then exhausted, and ultimately defeated. And the cycle begins again. Whether we like it or not, there are some things we are supposed to do daily. If we don’t, we are ill-equipped to face the world:
· We need the daily bread of His Word. Read your Bible! Matthew 6:11 / Acts 17:11
· We need a fresh consecration to His will and way every day. Luke 9:23 / Luke 22:42 / Proverbs 3:5-6
· We need the daily refreshing of contact with other believers. Acts 2:46 / Hebrews 3:13
When I first embarked on a spiritual life, my mentor told me to put something in front of the door to remind me to pray and meditate before I left the house. (One suggestion was to hang my pants from the doorknob. I would sooner go out without my pants than without my prayer). I thank God for someone who helped me form a habit that has sustained me.
Somebody Said: Success is nothing more than a few simple disciplines, practiced every day. Jim Rohn
Scripture Reading: Blessed be the Lord, Who daily loads us with benefits, The God of our salvation! Selah Psalm 68:19 NKJV
If life seems more difficult and complicated than you think it out to be, get simple. Get back to basics. Open your Bible, hit your knees, and plug in to the Power before you charge powerless out into the world. He will honor you if you will honor Him.
Pastor Virgil L. Stokes
Faith Christian Fellowship of Tucson
3141 W. Ironwood Hill Dr.
Tucson, AZ 85745
www.fcftucson.org
Office: 520-792-3238
Looking for some good Bible study material? Try www.fmtionline.com.
pastorvirgil.com 