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Distractions are everywhere. Have you ever started on something, got half way and then got hung up on some details?
The enemy is constantly looking for ways to defeat the work that God is doing in the local church. We must not miss what Christ has for the church because the church itself is in the way.
We are to be actively living out the Christian life. It can be a natural tendency during tough times to be discouraged and wore down. When we are in that state it is much harder to encourage our brothers and sisters and can ultimately effect our church work.
Galatians 6:9 – In the midst of everything we must keep our eyes on Christ, and not loose heart.
Hebrews 12:11-15 – Even in the middle of chastening and pain, we are called to continue to strengthen each other and encourage each other. Do you ever feel like you just don’t have the strength to keep on?
When Peter walked on the water, Jesus didn’t stop the storm to make it possible for Peter to walk on water. The miracle was that Jesus allowed Peter to walk on the waves, in the midst of the storm. When we are in the midst of uncertain times, it is more important than ever to keep our eyes on Christ.
We can also tend to think only about how these things around us affect me. If we can ponder and recognize that everything is about us it can really make a huge difference in numerous ways.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 – You are not your own. You were bought at a price. When we say “yes” to Jesus we also must say “no” to ourselves. Trading myself and my sin and my death problem for eternal life… it is only reasonable to give all of our life to Him!
1 Corinthians 1:1-9 – Paul makes it clear that there was a lot right in the Corinth church in spite of the problems they had. He lifted them up not because of what they had done, but because of what the Lord had done through them.
We should practice speaking Christ’s blessing over each other. Just like Paul did here in Corinthians. Giving truth to fellow believers must not be done without love.
It is normal for us to want people to just see things our way.
1 Corinthians 2:1-5 – Paul consistently wanted to help people look for and see Christ. Paul determined to only know “Christ, and Him crucified.”
Truly life is not about us. It is all about our Creator, He deserves every bit of our life.
Scriptures used – Galatians 6:9, Hebrews 12:11-15, 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, Romans 12:1, 1 Corinthians 1:1-9, 1 Corinthians 2:1-5, Hebrews 12:2