Today Is All That Has Been Promised

Week of April 26, 2024

“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.”  Matthew 6:34 (NKJV)

Are you ever preoccupied with tomorrow?  The most disturbing aspect of anxiety is concern for the future. Anxiety is the unwritten chapter of our lives, which brings anxiety to our lives. The point in our scripture is this: If we live the way He suggests, tomorrow will be a more glorious day. Why? Because what we do today will be related to what can happen tomorrow. We can have something to say about what will happen by how we handle what's happening. Jesus' advice is that there is sufficient opportunity today to see His power at work.

Oftentimes, we get tomorrow-oriented, and we don't enjoy the present moment. Do you ever get so preoccupied with what is coming up that you get distracted with what is? It is good to plan ahead and look to the future, but not to the point that we don't live today and miss what God is up to today. The seeds of tomorrow's harvest are being planted today. How you plant today will determine what you reap. So don't forget to live...today!

God Bless, Pastor Rick

Second-Mile Christianity

Week of April 19, 2024

“And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two.” Matthew 5:41 (NKJV)

Back in the time of Christ, if a Roman Soldier walked up and said carry this load for me by the law, you were required to do so for one mile. Jesus said not to carry it for one mile but to carry it for two. Jesus seems to be saying that if a person asks you to go one mile and you do it, you are only fulfilling what is required by the law. However, if you keep the load and indicate a willingness to go on in service, you surprise and impress others with your loving openness. The minimum does not impress Jesus. He calls His people to keep the load and press on.

What is an example of a practical application of second-mile Christianity? Instead of holding on to unforgiveness in your life because you have been wronged, go the second mile and forgive that person. I am not saying that you have to be in the same relationship, but you don’t hold on to resentment; you forgive. Go on beyond expectations. Give yourself beyond your limit, and you will find the second breath of the Holy Spirit infusing new life in your life.

God Bless, Pastor Rick

Amazing Faith

Week of April 5, 2024 

"And Jesus said unto the centurion, Go thy way; and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee." Matthew 8:13

 There were those occasions when Jesus was astonished by other people's faith in Him. In this case of all people, a Roman Centurion asked Jesus to heal his sick servant. Jesus offered to go to his home to heal the man, but the soldier said "Lord, I am not worthy that You should come under my roof. But only speak a word, and my servant will be healed."

Many of his people doubted who he was, but here we have a Roman soldier who believed in Jesus' power. So much so that he believed Jesus could heal his servant from a distance. No need to come; just speak the word. His faith amazed Jesus.

The reason the soldier's faith was so strong is because he understood authority. He was in the military. His experience gave him insight into God's authority. He felt like Jesus had the authority to heal his servant or do what needed to be done, even from a distance.

This lesson should teach us to not be another Thomas, Lord, unless I can see and touch the wounds in your hands and sides, I won't believe. No, even from a distance, learn to trust your Lord in all matters. You, too, amaze your Lord with your trust in Him.

God Bless, Pastor Rick