Here we are at about the halfway mark through 2008.
It is dry and hot with no relief in sight, fuel prices are gangbusters,
Inflation is starting to reach into every area. Christians historically
are good starters but not nearly as good at finishing. Jesus as we look
at His earthly life started out in obscurity in a manger. Began in the
country but finished in the capitol city. His race started and grew with
intensity and with constancy the whole lifetime. How is your '08 going, are you getting tired in the stretch?
Are you getting bombarded with the political, economic, military and the
world's condition to the point you are confused? Let me help,
affirm and or reaffirm the fact that the Lord is your portion (Psalm 16:5).
As you do this, confusion will leave and peace and stability will come
to you. When the pressure was great Jesus got alone with the Father
for God is His portion. Whatever we serve is our portion, and the stability
of what we serve is the stability that we will have in our life. I have a few
things I'd like you to consider...
Mindset
- is your mindset eternal or temporal? What we focus on is usually
what becomes our mindset. As the days grow darker our need to focus on
eternal things grows larger (II Cor. 4:16-18). Scare and intimidation is the
world's tactics for gaining control of people. Jesus says if you are
weary and burdened come to Him and He will give you rest (Matt. 11:28-30).
Treasure
- what is your treasure? As the kingdom gains importance in our
life it becomes our treasure. When the kingdom is your treasure it is very
difficult for this present world to be a bother to you. Your joy will be
your rpm gauge indicating what and where your treasure is. Please read
Matthew 13:44-46.
Obedience
- constant and long-term obedience is challenging for humanity.
I believe that the issue of who and what is your portion has a lot to do with
that battle. Obedience is often both our desire and frustration. It is
imperative you learn to cast your burdens onto Jesus so you can be free to be
obedient.
Psalm 119:57
Love,
Pastor Brandon
