Good Evening,
Tonight I wasn't exactly sure where I was going to go with this subject, but it kept being laid on my heart as I prayed before I sat down to write. Tonight I want to talk a little about those in our lives that walk with us, fall with us, cry with us, laugh with us, and share almost everything you can imagine with us.
Close your eyes for a moment and picture your top 3... Do you have them? Okay, now I want you to ask yourself two questions: Where are they most blessed? and Do you know what it is that is broken in them?
Pause, Pray.... Now, were you able to answer both questions? Yes, good for you! Keep talking to them, keep sharing, keep up the conversation... you are doing something very right and God is truly Blessing you. And if the answer is No, don't be upset because you have good company. I will join hands with you and tell you that I'm not often as knowing as I should be. Is it because I don't try or is it because I live among alot of good poker players... who knows? But, I'm learning I have to be better. I have to see the blessings in my Dearest Brothers and Sisters and I also need to know them well enough to know where they are broken. I need to reach down and meet them wherever they are. I need to wake up!
The past 6 months in many ways has been a good start at a wake up call for me. I've experienced extreme heartache, extreme depression, and extreme obstacles. But, the one thing that was a constant was that every time I was close to rock bottom one of you picked me up. Is that coincidence? No, THAT IS GOD! I firmly realize this and do not take it for granted. Because as I'm climbing out of this muck I'm becoming stronger, more faithful, and more of a witness to what the healing power of the Living Water is all about. I'm learning that not only is it not about me, its about recognizing how I can give every last ounce of what I have in me to others in Christ's name.
Many will say I'm weak because I want everyone to be happy. Many will say I'm weak because I convict myself severely when I hurt those around me. Many will say I'm weak because I get so very frustrated with all of the darkness and want the light. But, I'm not weak and neither are you if you care as much as I do. Because we are called to be more than wallflowers. We are called to do more than sit the bench. We are called to serve. We are called to witness. We are called to live like Christ would have us live. Yes, I'm VERY, VERY Blessed and Yes, I'm Broken too. And at the end of the day I will give this blessed and broken life to Jesus and pray that I've done just one thing to glorify his name. Will you join me? I'm looking forward to seeing you in the trenches and grasping your hand.
Matthew 5:9 NLT "God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God. "
Love and Peace Through Our Risen Savior
Steve
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Shackles
Good Evening!
Tonight I want to talk about shackles. You might ask what a shackle is? Well, Webster defines a shackle as something used to bind the hands and feet of prisoners. You may have even seen shackles in history books on slavery. Why do I want to talk about shackles? Because everyone of us is bound by them. Everyone of us is a slave to sin. I had the tremendous opportunity yesterday to play at my home Church in St. Clairsville, Ohio and Pastor Call delivered a wonderful, Spirit filled message about "New Life" and "There is no condemnation in Christ". Needless to say, I was inspired by it and carry it with me this evening as I type. Pastor Call made several great points in his sermon. One of these was that we are all slaves to sin and Jesus set us free!
After hearing that I wonder how many of us truly understand what that means? I wonder how many of us are willing to let go of our Shackles? I wonder how many of us are willing to truly believe we are free because we are believers in the Risen Savior? Well, I can t say that I'm always able to let go of my shackles, but I can say that its one of the things I've hoped to focus on this year. Those that know me know that I convict myself far greater than any man could. I'm probably a little hard on myself at times, but I for one am tired of being a slave to sin and its empty promises. I for one am tired of the devil dancing over my sorrow because of my failure. I for one am tired of watching those I love beat themselves over their failures when all they have to do is "Lift Up There Face" and see that Salvation is here... Salvation has come in Christ Jesus! Praise to his name!
Let's all pray together that we can give our lives fully to Christ, Lift up our faces and see the Salvation, Accept that we are broken, we will fail, but we can't stop trying. Let's pray that we truly believe there is no condemnation in Christ... Only open arms!
Now go and read Romans Chapter 8 and pray with me.
Love and peace through our Risen Savior,
Steve
Tonight I want to talk about shackles. You might ask what a shackle is? Well, Webster defines a shackle as something used to bind the hands and feet of prisoners. You may have even seen shackles in history books on slavery. Why do I want to talk about shackles? Because everyone of us is bound by them. Everyone of us is a slave to sin. I had the tremendous opportunity yesterday to play at my home Church in St. Clairsville, Ohio and Pastor Call delivered a wonderful, Spirit filled message about "New Life" and "There is no condemnation in Christ". Needless to say, I was inspired by it and carry it with me this evening as I type. Pastor Call made several great points in his sermon. One of these was that we are all slaves to sin and Jesus set us free!
After hearing that I wonder how many of us truly understand what that means? I wonder how many of us are willing to let go of our Shackles? I wonder how many of us are willing to truly believe we are free because we are believers in the Risen Savior? Well, I can t say that I'm always able to let go of my shackles, but I can say that its one of the things I've hoped to focus on this year. Those that know me know that I convict myself far greater than any man could. I'm probably a little hard on myself at times, but I for one am tired of being a slave to sin and its empty promises. I for one am tired of the devil dancing over my sorrow because of my failure. I for one am tired of watching those I love beat themselves over their failures when all they have to do is "Lift Up There Face" and see that Salvation is here... Salvation has come in Christ Jesus! Praise to his name!
Let's all pray together that we can give our lives fully to Christ, Lift up our faces and see the Salvation, Accept that we are broken, we will fail, but we can't stop trying. Let's pray that we truly believe there is no condemnation in Christ... Only open arms!
Now go and read Romans Chapter 8 and pray with me.
Love and peace through our Risen Savior,
Steve
Monday, May 30, 2011
Ever make a mistake?
Good Afternoon and Happy Memorial Day!
Hope everyone is getting to spend some time in the sun with friends and family and remembering all of those that gave so much for us. Today also brought on news of a resignation... Coach Tressel's resignation. I don't think there were many that haven't heard about it, do you? Now comes all of the talk, all the buzz. I bet the you've probably heard things like "I can't believe Tressel let that go on" or "How can he look at himself in the mirror" or "what a total lack of class". Really? Really? How many of those individuals are perfect? How many of them have never made a mistake? How many of them in the same situation wouldn't have done the exact same thing? Let me guess anyone hear said "I would have done better". Would you?
How do you know unless you have walked in that person's shoes and who are you to judge?
Remember Matthew 7: 2-5
2 For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.
3 “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? 4 How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? 5 You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.
Are you willing to be held up to the same measure. Be careful. If you've ever made a mistake would you ask for compassion and love or judgment. I'm not saying its not fair to help others see things from a Christian view, but I am saying that there is great hazard in passing judgment on others with your own wisdom. Why not pray and ask for wisdom for the person with lack of judgment. Why not seek to help them? Why not ask God to ease their pain? Yes, they do suffer.
I know that I'm so far from perfect that I cannot question the behavior of anyone and it deeply troubles me that so many of my Brothers and Sisters are far to quick to jump on the bandwagon to beat someone when they are already down. I actually identify with Jim Tressel... I've felt much like he probably is feeling right now. I hope this message doesn't find you in the company of fellow haters and if it does, maybe its time for a change of scenery.
Have a great week and do me a favor that will only benefit you... take a moment, pause, and pray before you begin the beating of a man that is already down.
Love in Christ,
Steve
Hope everyone is getting to spend some time in the sun with friends and family and remembering all of those that gave so much for us. Today also brought on news of a resignation... Coach Tressel's resignation. I don't think there were many that haven't heard about it, do you? Now comes all of the talk, all the buzz. I bet the you've probably heard things like "I can't believe Tressel let that go on" or "How can he look at himself in the mirror" or "what a total lack of class". Really? Really? How many of those individuals are perfect? How many of them have never made a mistake? How many of them in the same situation wouldn't have done the exact same thing? Let me guess anyone hear said "I would have done better". Would you?
How do you know unless you have walked in that person's shoes and who are you to judge?
Remember Matthew 7: 2-5
2 For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.
3 “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? 4 How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? 5 You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.
Are you willing to be held up to the same measure. Be careful. If you've ever made a mistake would you ask for compassion and love or judgment. I'm not saying its not fair to help others see things from a Christian view, but I am saying that there is great hazard in passing judgment on others with your own wisdom. Why not pray and ask for wisdom for the person with lack of judgment. Why not seek to help them? Why not ask God to ease their pain? Yes, they do suffer.
I know that I'm so far from perfect that I cannot question the behavior of anyone and it deeply troubles me that so many of my Brothers and Sisters are far to quick to jump on the bandwagon to beat someone when they are already down. I actually identify with Jim Tressel... I've felt much like he probably is feeling right now. I hope this message doesn't find you in the company of fellow haters and if it does, maybe its time for a change of scenery.
Have a great week and do me a favor that will only benefit you... take a moment, pause, and pray before you begin the beating of a man that is already down.
Love in Christ,
Steve
Monday, May 23, 2011
Can you bear it?
(I Peter 3:9) 9 not rendering evil for evil, or insult for insult; but instead blessing; knowing that to this were you called, that you may inherit a blessing
Good Evening! Tonight you will notice I started with a verse and yes, there is a reason. I came upon this verse last night while Michelle and I were doing our Bible study and it really spoke to me. I'll let you in on why in a moment, but first I want to ask you: What does this verse say to you? What does it mean? How do you bear it when people persecute you?
Well, here's my take from recent events in my life. I could rightfully (in the eyes of this world) lash back at those who continually question my character, throw stones, and beat me down with their actions, suppositions, and hate. After what I've endured, nobody would question me repaying their evil for evil and reacting instead of praying. In fact, many have questioned me: Why don't you defend yourself? How do you let them say that about you? Why don't you speak your mind? Why don't you set them straight?
Truth be told I've really, really wanted to. I've really wanted to point our the failures of those that have wronged me. I've wanted to hurt them in the same way their judgment and lies have hurt me or those that I love. I've wanted to expose them for what they are so that they can face the same pain that I've felt. But, I haven't. I've somehow been able to restrain myself from falling into the trap. A major part of that is relying on many of you. You have allowed me to "vent" and given me perspective that my infantile brain couldn't fathom. You have provided me the "Truth" through your references to Bible Verses and examples of steadfast faith. You have been extensions of Jesus and for that I'm extremely grateful.
I know that the "Stone Throwers" are still and will always be at work in my life and yours. Actually I anticipate the next move from these extensions of Satan is right around the corner. I'm just glad that I have all of you to support me so that I can follow through with the instructions from the verse above. Its no accident that God has provided us to support each other in these times. Its no accident that we are here to lift each other up and provide unconditional love. Its God's perfect plan.
Tonight I want you to pray over your "Stone Throwers". They may be family members, friends, coworkers, or complete strangers. They may be very aware of the stones they are casting or may be oblivious to how they are hurting you. Pray for them. Pray for you. Pray over the verse above so that their actions don't keep you from experiencing the full richness of the Kingdom. And, finally stand strong my Brothers and Sisters. You know who you are in Christ and that's all that really matters.
One of my most hated phrases lately is "Well, perception is reality you know." This jaded reality could be that you are scheming to do something spiteful, being a bad parent, being a bad friend, being a bad sibling, being a hypocrite... get the picture? Don't let the "Stone Throwers" dictate the truth or trick you into believing these lies. We are children of God and as long as we keep our focus on Jesus and allow the Holy Spirit to drive our lives we will never truly fail. Soon their "reality" will be seen for what it truly is and that is the work of the Devil. And, the Good News is that we will rise above as long as we are diligent.
Tonight Brothers and Sisters I pledge to pray for your "stone throwers" and I ask you to do the same for me because together as a Family of Believers We Can Bear It! Love and Peace to you through our Risen Savior,
Steve
Good Evening! Tonight you will notice I started with a verse and yes, there is a reason. I came upon this verse last night while Michelle and I were doing our Bible study and it really spoke to me. I'll let you in on why in a moment, but first I want to ask you: What does this verse say to you? What does it mean? How do you bear it when people persecute you?
Well, here's my take from recent events in my life. I could rightfully (in the eyes of this world) lash back at those who continually question my character, throw stones, and beat me down with their actions, suppositions, and hate. After what I've endured, nobody would question me repaying their evil for evil and reacting instead of praying. In fact, many have questioned me: Why don't you defend yourself? How do you let them say that about you? Why don't you speak your mind? Why don't you set them straight?
Truth be told I've really, really wanted to. I've really wanted to point our the failures of those that have wronged me. I've wanted to hurt them in the same way their judgment and lies have hurt me or those that I love. I've wanted to expose them for what they are so that they can face the same pain that I've felt. But, I haven't. I've somehow been able to restrain myself from falling into the trap. A major part of that is relying on many of you. You have allowed me to "vent" and given me perspective that my infantile brain couldn't fathom. You have provided me the "Truth" through your references to Bible Verses and examples of steadfast faith. You have been extensions of Jesus and for that I'm extremely grateful.
I know that the "Stone Throwers" are still and will always be at work in my life and yours. Actually I anticipate the next move from these extensions of Satan is right around the corner. I'm just glad that I have all of you to support me so that I can follow through with the instructions from the verse above. Its no accident that God has provided us to support each other in these times. Its no accident that we are here to lift each other up and provide unconditional love. Its God's perfect plan.
Tonight I want you to pray over your "Stone Throwers". They may be family members, friends, coworkers, or complete strangers. They may be very aware of the stones they are casting or may be oblivious to how they are hurting you. Pray for them. Pray for you. Pray over the verse above so that their actions don't keep you from experiencing the full richness of the Kingdom. And, finally stand strong my Brothers and Sisters. You know who you are in Christ and that's all that really matters.
One of my most hated phrases lately is "Well, perception is reality you know." This jaded reality could be that you are scheming to do something spiteful, being a bad parent, being a bad friend, being a bad sibling, being a hypocrite... get the picture? Don't let the "Stone Throwers" dictate the truth or trick you into believing these lies. We are children of God and as long as we keep our focus on Jesus and allow the Holy Spirit to drive our lives we will never truly fail. Soon their "reality" will be seen for what it truly is and that is the work of the Devil. And, the Good News is that we will rise above as long as we are diligent.
Tonight Brothers and Sisters I pledge to pray for your "stone throwers" and I ask you to do the same for me because together as a Family of Believers We Can Bear It! Love and Peace to you through our Risen Savior,
Steve
Monday, May 2, 2011
Tell me Can you Witness
Good Evening!
Not sure if this will make a whole lot of sense this evening, but I'm going to give it a shot. This week I want to briefly discuss the topic of witnessing. What do I mean by this? Its simply talking to others about Jesus and the impact being a believer has had on your life. Lets look at a verse to put this in perspective:
Matthew 28: 18-20
18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Some of you probably recognize this verse and I know of at least one of you that its your favorite. What does it say to you about witnessing? I think its pretty straight forward isn't it? We are commanded to go and make disciples of all nations in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. How cool is that?!
I want to tell you of something that happened to me last Friday. I was playing my guitar with a friend in a local coffee shop and we were picking out some popular songs in preparation for a set that we are going to play at Delaware's Relay for Life this year. I took a moment to play a Christian Song. Actually the one I'm going to have played at my funeral party someday.... any guesses? Seriously though I wasn't afraid to play it in public... Why? Because that is first and foremost who Steve Ruckman is. I'm a Child of God! And I'm not Ashamed! I'm proud of it! I can talk for hours about it and have actually talked several friends ears almost completely off on the subject. I guess what I'm saying is once you dive in you don't look back. Submerse yourself in those healing waters and then TESTIFY! Testify to the impact it makes on you. Live it and Love it!
I believe there are several types of people in this world. A couple of these are Believers who walk it, Believers who take the free ride, Non-believers who show apathy, and Haters who represent the antithesis of our belief. Each one of these four groups offers and opportunity. Certainly each merits a different approach, but this week I want you think about whether you know anyone in the categories above and develop your plan to reach out and transform them or encourage them on their walk. Enjoy the gift of witnessing... let it lead your heart to smile!!!!!
Love and Peace In Christ,
Steve
Not sure if this will make a whole lot of sense this evening, but I'm going to give it a shot. This week I want to briefly discuss the topic of witnessing. What do I mean by this? Its simply talking to others about Jesus and the impact being a believer has had on your life. Lets look at a verse to put this in perspective:
Matthew 28: 18-20
18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Some of you probably recognize this verse and I know of at least one of you that its your favorite. What does it say to you about witnessing? I think its pretty straight forward isn't it? We are commanded to go and make disciples of all nations in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. How cool is that?!
I want to tell you of something that happened to me last Friday. I was playing my guitar with a friend in a local coffee shop and we were picking out some popular songs in preparation for a set that we are going to play at Delaware's Relay for Life this year. I took a moment to play a Christian Song. Actually the one I'm going to have played at my funeral party someday.... any guesses? Seriously though I wasn't afraid to play it in public... Why? Because that is first and foremost who Steve Ruckman is. I'm a Child of God! And I'm not Ashamed! I'm proud of it! I can talk for hours about it and have actually talked several friends ears almost completely off on the subject. I guess what I'm saying is once you dive in you don't look back. Submerse yourself in those healing waters and then TESTIFY! Testify to the impact it makes on you. Live it and Love it!
I believe there are several types of people in this world. A couple of these are Believers who walk it, Believers who take the free ride, Non-believers who show apathy, and Haters who represent the antithesis of our belief. Each one of these four groups offers and opportunity. Certainly each merits a different approach, but this week I want you think about whether you know anyone in the categories above and develop your plan to reach out and transform them or encourage them on their walk. Enjoy the gift of witnessing... let it lead your heart to smile!!!!!
Love and Peace In Christ,
Steve
Monday, April 18, 2011
Would you Deny Him?
Welcome to Holy Week. As our Pastor said yesterday its one of the most powerful weeks of the year. I want to start tonight with the passage of Peter Denying he knew Jesus:
Luke 22: 54- 62
54 Then seizing him, they led him away and took him into the house of the high priest. Peter followed at a distance. 55 And when some there had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and had sat down together, Peter sat down with them. 56 A servant girl saw him seated there in the firelight. She looked closely at him and said, “This man was with him.”
57 But he denied it. “Woman, I don’t know him,” he said.
58 A little later someone else saw him and said, “You also are one of them.”
“Man, I am not!” Peter replied.
59 About an hour later another asserted, “Certainly this fellow was with him, for he is a Galilean.”
60 Peter replied, “Man, I don’t know what you’re talking about!” Just as he was speaking, the rooster crowed. 61 The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word the Lord had spoken to him: “Before the rooster crows today, you will disown me three times.” 62 And he went outside and wept bitterly.
What does this passage say to you? How many of us are Peter hourly, daily, weekly? How many of us never truly get away from the fear of being called a Jesus Freak, Holy Roller, or Bible Thumper. How many of us let ourselves and those around us down because we are too afraid to be what God calls us to be? When was the last time you denied Christ?
I can tell you that I've done it recently not by my action, but by my inaction. A month ago I fell into a trance where I was afraid to do anything wrong, afraid to hurt or offend anyone, afraid to live. Thanks be to God that one of my dearest Sisters in Christ for pulling me out of my slumber by telling me I was better than the man she was seeing. I was more to everyone and quite frankly "I needed to get back in the game" I needed in part to stop denying Jesus and to live as God intended.
I have a pray for all of us this Holy Week. I pray that given the opportunity, we will be bold for Christ, we won't hide the fact we are attending 1, 2, 3 or more services this week, we won't be scared to ask someone to join us at Church. I pray that all of us will somehow learn from Peter, who was by far more faithful than any of us could probably ever imagine ourselves being and know that we too Deny Jesus. We too cry Crucify Him... Not by what we have done, but by what we leave undone.
Be bold my Brothers and Sisters. Wear your Cross this week! Show the world you are Children of God!
Love in Christ,
Steve
Luke 22: 54- 62
54 Then seizing him, they led him away and took him into the house of the high priest. Peter followed at a distance. 55 And when some there had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and had sat down together, Peter sat down with them. 56 A servant girl saw him seated there in the firelight. She looked closely at him and said, “This man was with him.”
57 But he denied it. “Woman, I don’t know him,” he said.
58 A little later someone else saw him and said, “You also are one of them.”
“Man, I am not!” Peter replied.
59 About an hour later another asserted, “Certainly this fellow was with him, for he is a Galilean.”
60 Peter replied, “Man, I don’t know what you’re talking about!” Just as he was speaking, the rooster crowed. 61 The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word the Lord had spoken to him: “Before the rooster crows today, you will disown me three times.” 62 And he went outside and wept bitterly.
What does this passage say to you? How many of us are Peter hourly, daily, weekly? How many of us never truly get away from the fear of being called a Jesus Freak, Holy Roller, or Bible Thumper. How many of us let ourselves and those around us down because we are too afraid to be what God calls us to be? When was the last time you denied Christ?
I can tell you that I've done it recently not by my action, but by my inaction. A month ago I fell into a trance where I was afraid to do anything wrong, afraid to hurt or offend anyone, afraid to live. Thanks be to God that one of my dearest Sisters in Christ for pulling me out of my slumber by telling me I was better than the man she was seeing. I was more to everyone and quite frankly "I needed to get back in the game" I needed in part to stop denying Jesus and to live as God intended.
I have a pray for all of us this Holy Week. I pray that given the opportunity, we will be bold for Christ, we won't hide the fact we are attending 1, 2, 3 or more services this week, we won't be scared to ask someone to join us at Church. I pray that all of us will somehow learn from Peter, who was by far more faithful than any of us could probably ever imagine ourselves being and know that we too Deny Jesus. We too cry Crucify Him... Not by what we have done, but by what we leave undone.
Be bold my Brothers and Sisters. Wear your Cross this week! Show the world you are Children of God!
Love in Christ,
Steve
Monday, April 11, 2011
Even Though I Walk Through the Valley...
Even though I walk through the Valley of the Shadow of Death, I fear no evil for thou art with me... Psalm 23
Are you unshakable or do you tremble when fear comes knocking. Can you face a demon head on? What about an army of them? What about those that dwell deep in your own soul? When was the last time you walked the "Valley"? When was the last time you were battle tested? Here's some thoughts if its been awhile and you would like a refresher...
Take heart Brothers and Sisters. The truth of our defense lies in quite arguably one of the most notable Psalms... Psalm 23. I'm guessing many of us can literally say every line by heart, but can we live every line by heart. Can we say that when we are in the Valley of the Shadow of Death that we fear no evil. Can we say that we truly believe that Christ will lead us beside still waters and restore our soul? Are we being led down the path of righteousness for his name sake? Do we believe that a table is prepared for us in the presence of our enemies and our cup overflows? Do we truly believe that goodness and mercy will follow us all of the days of our lives and that we will dwell in the house of the Lord forever?
I ask you tonight to pray that the answer to the questions above will be a resounding YES for you! I ask you to put your full trust in Jesus and give it over to him. I ask you to bring the Word found in Psalm 23 to life. If you can live it, others will take notice and live it to. We are in a broken world full of pain, heartache, jealously, and every evil imagined and unimagined. It is up to us to be a living example. It is up to us to set the bar.
Next time you are in the "Valley", PRAY. Pray like you've never prayed before and enjoy that green pasture, enjoy those still waters, enjoy the table the Lord has prepared for you. And, don't keep it secret. Tell someone around you about how God is moving mountains for you. HE CERTAINLY MOVES THEM FOR ME! AND MY CUP OVERFLOWS! PRAISE BE TO GOD!
And, Love and Peace to each one of you this week as we get ready to celebrate Palm Sunday. Hear the celebration, feel the celebration, and get ready for Easter.... Sneak peak.... He is RISEN! Sorry, couldn't resist.
Steve
Are you unshakable or do you tremble when fear comes knocking. Can you face a demon head on? What about an army of them? What about those that dwell deep in your own soul? When was the last time you walked the "Valley"? When was the last time you were battle tested? Here's some thoughts if its been awhile and you would like a refresher...
Take heart Brothers and Sisters. The truth of our defense lies in quite arguably one of the most notable Psalms... Psalm 23. I'm guessing many of us can literally say every line by heart, but can we live every line by heart. Can we say that when we are in the Valley of the Shadow of Death that we fear no evil. Can we say that we truly believe that Christ will lead us beside still waters and restore our soul? Are we being led down the path of righteousness for his name sake? Do we believe that a table is prepared for us in the presence of our enemies and our cup overflows? Do we truly believe that goodness and mercy will follow us all of the days of our lives and that we will dwell in the house of the Lord forever?
I ask you tonight to pray that the answer to the questions above will be a resounding YES for you! I ask you to put your full trust in Jesus and give it over to him. I ask you to bring the Word found in Psalm 23 to life. If you can live it, others will take notice and live it to. We are in a broken world full of pain, heartache, jealously, and every evil imagined and unimagined. It is up to us to be a living example. It is up to us to set the bar.
Next time you are in the "Valley", PRAY. Pray like you've never prayed before and enjoy that green pasture, enjoy those still waters, enjoy the table the Lord has prepared for you. And, don't keep it secret. Tell someone around you about how God is moving mountains for you. HE CERTAINLY MOVES THEM FOR ME! AND MY CUP OVERFLOWS! PRAISE BE TO GOD!
And, Love and Peace to each one of you this week as we get ready to celebrate Palm Sunday. Hear the celebration, feel the celebration, and get ready for Easter.... Sneak peak.... He is RISEN! Sorry, couldn't resist.
Steve
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