Doug Norman
According to Proverbs 16:18, "Pride goes before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall." The true follower of Christ knows where their strength comes from, yet each of us are tempted to revert back to old sources of strength. In Christ alone our hope is found!!!
Jesus' statements in Matthew 7 expose our dangerous tendency to gravitate toward that which is easy, popular, or even somewhat cheap. However, Jesus was clear - following Him would be costly. The question must be asked, "Is He worth it?"
There is a point when the Lord actually becomes weary with what is supposed to be good. When praise and worship become an abomination. The people of Isaiah's day had the pattern of worship but their hearts were far from it. Today, The Lord desires truth, honesty and pure hearts.. Lord Teach Us!
There is a great danger that each and every follower of Christ faces. It is the temptation to put "God in a box" so to speak. Because we have heard so man bible stories and so many sermons we can become so "familiar" with Jesus that we actually lose sight of who He really is.
Many of us have a sense that God wants to do great things among us. We often assume "bigger is better." But don't forget: In order to see large victories we must win the small ones first!
God wants the world to know Him! They will know Him as they see His works and wonders among His people. Few christians are allowing the Holy Spirit to lead them into unchartered waters where only God can receive the glory for what is accomplished.
God has a plan that is superior to yours and will abundantly exceed your expectations. We must allow our faith to grow beyond our current limitations in each of our lives. We do not know the will of God, but the Holy Spirit knows and will let us know through our spirit. Read 1 Corinthians 2:9, "But as it is written, Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him." If you want to walk in an exceedingly, abundant life, we must examine our heart and deny our flesh in an honest pursuit to be influenced by the Holy Spirit.
In Ephesians 3:20 it states that God desires to do exceeding, abundantly above all we ask or think. What an amazing truth! God is calling the church to believe in Him for the impossible!
The church of Jesus Christ was established under humble means. However, the power and guidance of the Holy Spirit caused the church to explode with the greatest message ever told. The same is true of our individual Christian journey - starting so weak, then encountering the power of God. Let's finish the way we started!
Paul compares the life of a follower of Christ to be like that of an Olympic athlete. The athletes of Paul's day were dedicated, focused, and determined to follow the rules of the game. We also must be willing to come under subjection to God's Word and strive "lawfully."
