Dave’s Monday Blast – September 7, 2020
Over the last couple of weeks we have been focusing upon practicing the presence of God. Remaining in His presence equips us to Thrive in Challenging Times! Joshua 1:9 says: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid (terrified); do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” The beauty of this passage is simply this…God is with us…wherever! Although I consider this to be a personal admonition, it is also a command to the Church.
Some thoughts for the Church:
1. When Churches thrive their communities thrive, marriages thrive, and the lost find Christ. The disadvantaged are cared for, racial barriers fall, gifts are discovered and employed, and the Kingdom is advanced.
2. When Churches thrive their people thrive. I know that it is counter-cultural to say, but the church serves so many purposes. The efforts to disenfranchise the church, to marginalize the church, and to shutter the doors of the church have had devastating personal and corporate effects.
Consider our EMOTIONS
Fear is the darkroom where negatives are developed, but Nehemiah 2:20 reminds us that “the God of heaven will give us success; therefore we His servants will arise and build.”
The bottom line is that fear is freed by faith! Faith that God is with us always!
Consider our DOMINANT LIFE PRINCIPLES
In Acts 2:45 – 47 we read that the early church performed GOOD DEEDS which established GOOD WILL and that translated into the GOOD NEWS not only going forth but the positive response was overwhelming as numbers were being added to the Kingdom every day.
The bottom line is that self-absorption is countered by self-sacrifice.
Consider our LIFESTYLES
James 4:8 says: “draw near to God and He will come near to you.” As we seek His presence we understand His heart for all humankind. He is not willing that any should spend their eternity separated from Him.
The bottom line is that self-sacrifice is fueled by a passion from the heart of God.
Next week I want to continue this discussion by demonstrating through the Word that as we “draw near to God” He makes powerful, life-changing connections with us.
