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SEE THE GLORY OF GOD
09-04-2007
Jesus said, "If you believe you will see the glory of God." Powerful words for Mary and Martha whose brother had just died! What a crisis to lose a loved one or to lose a job and income or any other valuable possession. Faith in action is believing in the face of adversity and opposition. So... what is God asking you to believe in spite of problems and pressure? Faith is nothing, exactly nothing, like a big fat zero, unless we engage it in action. Faith is just so many words unless we truly do something useful with it.
The brother of Jesus talked about "dead" faith. He meant useless, worthless, wasted words [denial] that are religious in nature but void of power in reality. Faith means... I must know it in my head and then practice it in my heart. Mary and Martha did see the glory of God because soon Jesus raised brother Lazarus from the dead. Now is the time to resurrect your faith and put it into action.
Here is a simple prayer...
"Dear God, by faith I am asking you to show me the glory of God in this area of life that is now a problem for me [Tell God your concern] and I thank you for this answer I will receive whenever you want to reveal it to me. Thank you for being my great God. Amen."
Now look for the glory of God. It may come in surprising ways... ways you may not anticipate so keep yours eyes open and your faith tuned into what may happen next. P.S. please email me with your answers from God. Send to ronp@cornerstonelodi.com
~ Pastor Ron
GO AHEAD... LET GO
08-28-2007
People say it all the time... "Let Go and Let God", but no one really puts it into practice. Even if we do we soon, very soon take it back again. Let go means let go of fears, worries, insecurities, prejudice and most of all control. We are all control freaks. Jesus teaches us how to really let go. Remember "not my will but thy will be done". Pray it. Mean it! You can avoid disaster if only you will follow the master.
Yes of course, letting go is a struggle. Jesus had to pray this prayer three times. Also the Apostle Paul had to pray three times about his thorn in the flesh before he learned to let go. But letting go is worth the struggle. It puts God in charge of those worries, fears, and many others issues.
Try it.
Let God for once in your life be in charge. The Lord knows that you have certainly made a huge mess of things already. Right? Give God a chance to be all that He said. The results are utterly amazing. "Avoid Disaster--Follow the Master".
~ Pastor Ron
MOST VALUABLE
08-21-2007
You are His most valuable creation. Jesus said that He takes care of the birds of the air and the lilies of the field and you are far more valuable than they are. When was the last time you said, "I am valuable to God"? Stop a moment and say those words. Go ahead and try it. Was it hard to say? Is it hard to believe? What about practicing that lifestyle?
Many times our problem is devaluing ourselves before the One who greatly and highly values us. We are of great worth and highest esteem in the eyes of the Almighty God. I guess it is time to look at life through His eyes and not ours. Notice Matt. 6:25-34. Note what He says about worry and the importance God places on His promise to care for us His valuable creation. Jesus said not to live like pagans! Therefore recognize your special value and "never fear because God is near".
~ Pastor Ron
TOO TIRED, TOO OLD TO TRAVEL?
08-14-2007
Not Abraham. At 75 years of age he made the biggest journey of a lifetime. Not knowing yet going. That was he. God said to him in Gen. 12 leave your country, leave your people, leave your household [family and possessions] and go to a land I will show you. If Abraham can do it so can you.
Do what? Live by faith, start something new, obey God without knowing the end results, and stop questioning everything God chooses to do in your life. So don't wait till you are 75 years old to get the message. What challenge lies ahead for you today? Where can you right now start living by faith? Just like Abraham the results for you will be immensely rewarding! So get ready to go places this fall for God. Anyone for a Baja journey to reach the lost in villages filled with kids and those with no knowledge of God? Did anyone dare to say "too tired or too old"?
~ Pastor Ron
YOUR NEED TODAY
08-09-2007
Life is full of many needs. Losing a loved one reveals my need for comfort. Losing a job reveals my need for financial help. Losing my best friend reveals my need for companionship. Losing my health reveals my need for healing. Losing my temper reveals my need for patience. Losing my self discipline reveals my need for self control. Losing my joy reveals my need for letting go of expectations.
What is your need today? Jesus came to be the answer to our every need. He said, I Am Light in a dark world; I Am Bread in a hungry world; I Am Water in a thirsty world; I Am the Door in a world without entrance to God. Jesus is everything you need in life. When all else has failed try Jesus. "AVOID DISASTER and FOLLOW THE MASTER"
~ Pastor Ron