It is haunting me for sure and reminding me of the things I must do in order to live out my call. As a church we too have a call - some of which we will discuss this Sunday Night at our Vision Night Family Meeting at 6:00 PM. I sure hope you will be there and not just to be informed (we have people who come and get informed every year) but come and see where God might be moving you into places of service and ministry. You might feel like you are not good enough - we all have bouts of that feeling taking us on. In today's bible reading and Number 8 we find the Lord's prescription for the dedication of the Levites. These were ones who would (as verse 8 says) do the work God had for them to do (so that they may be ready to do the work of the LORD.) Some feel that they don't possess the goods to serve the Lord. Yeah, bouts of "not good enough."
I was reading that Benjamin Franklin used to begin each morning asking himself this question: “What good will I do today?” I like that. It’s a great way to begin a day. There are a lot of people that I know who do good. I do my best to do good too. We all have some problems here and there – but all in all, most of us are striving to do good. To serve the Lord and to worship Him. There’s nothing wrong with being “good.” In fact, we should strive to be. But, goodness alone is not going to get us to heaven. A lot of people think that Christianity is about being and doing “good.” I think that they are confused about God's purpose and the power of salvation for them. The truth is, that I don’t get to heaven because of my goodness. I get to heaven because of Jesus’ goodness. I can’t “earn” my way to heaven because Jesus already paid the price with His Blood on the Cross.Having a Lord that has given me His all is the very reason why I’ve got to give Him my all and the reason why I work for Him. It’s the very least any of us can do. Part of that work is to make our lives an example to others of grace, peace and hope. Part of that work is to make LFC the best that we can and to impact Lompoc and beyond. It goes the same for you and your city, your church, your family - wherever you are and whatever your situation as you read this.
I was reading that Benjamin Franklin used to begin each morning asking himself this question: “What good will I do today?” I like that. It’s a great way to begin a day. There are a lot of people that I know who do good. I do my best to do good too. We all have some problems here and there – but all in all, most of us are striving to do good. To serve the Lord and to worship Him. There’s nothing wrong with being “good.” In fact, we should strive to be. But, goodness alone is not going to get us to heaven. A lot of people think that Christianity is about being and doing “good.” I think that they are confused about God's purpose and the power of salvation for them. The truth is, that I don’t get to heaven because of my goodness. I get to heaven because of Jesus’ goodness. I can’t “earn” my way to heaven because Jesus already paid the price with His Blood on the Cross.Having a Lord that has given me His all is the very reason why I’ve got to give Him my all and the reason why I work for Him. It’s the very least any of us can do. Part of that work is to make our lives an example to others of grace, peace and hope. Part of that work is to make LFC the best that we can and to impact Lompoc and beyond. It goes the same for you and your city, your church, your family - wherever you are and whatever your situation as you read this.
The goal is not to be “good” but instead the goal is to honor Christ with your life.
The goal is not to have a "big church" but to build "big people" who
honor God by building His church.
The goal is not to have a "big church" but to build "big people" who
honor God by building His church.
Are your good works the result of your relationship with God or are they some futile attempt to gain a salvation that Jesus already gained for you?
Do you find yourself not wanting to serve and strive to make a difference because you don't feel adequate? God has called you and He will enable you. PrayerLord, You have done so much for me. You took my affliction when You were blameless. Because You gave me your all, I owe You my all. All I do will be to honor You, not to gain honor from You. To give you glory not to take any glory for myself and to bless you as I serve in your church - where you have placed me.
He is good,
Pastor Bernie
Additional Scripture: Psalm 143:8
1 comment:
Thanks for stopping by my blog, glad you liked seeing Bridgeport pics. I do have more and when time permits this weekend I'll go through and post some more. Cheers!
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