The Main Thing

Keeping the Main Thing THE MAIN THING

What is our number one challenge as Christians? Keeping the main thing, the main thing. The “main thing” is Jesus Christ and honoring Him in all we do. The Bible says in Colossians 1:18, that He alone (Christ) in all things and in every respect is to occupy the chief place (stand first) and be pre-eminent in our lives. There must be nothing in our lives that offends Christ or is contrary to the Bible or its principles.

The Bible is not “on trial.” It is not subject to personal interpretation. The Bible is the revelation of God to man, the infallible Word of God: the authoritative rule of faith and conduct—the point of reference for all our situations and the only reliable guide for Christian living. The Bible contains all we need to know to live a holy life, pleasing and acceptable to God.

Analyze your speech and you will find out where your heart is. The Bible says in Matthew 12:34 that out of the fullness, the abundance, the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks. What do you talk about? What is uppermost in your mind? Jesus said in Matthew 12:30 that He who is not with Me, not firmly on My side, is against Me, and he who does not, on purpose. gather with Me and for Me, scatters abroad.

There is no middle ground. Either you are for Christ or you are, on purpose or by default, against Him. Be wholeheartedly for Christ. Allow Him to have first place in your life, in your family, at your work, while you play, and while you rest. Make the Bible the center-point of your life and Jesus Christ the center-piece!

Crisis of Confidence

I am leading our Life Group in a study through Acts (we have finished the letters and the gospels). A couple in our group just purchased Chuck Missler's DVD study on Acts and lent it to me. As I read Chuck's credentials and accomplishments (ham radio operator by age 9; pilot by teenager; master's degree in electrical engineering UCLA; graduated the US Naval Academy--with honors; Branch Chief of the Dept of Guided Missiles; Systems Engineer for a large aerospace firm; Senior Analyst for Depts of Intelligence and Defense, etc.)  I wonder: who am I?

With individuals who have intellect and training and discipline like that expounding the Word... what do I think I can add or understand??? Who do I think I am?

On the other hand, the Bible tells me:

There is a God in Heaven who reveals mysteries. Daniel 2:27
He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning. He reveals deep and hidden things; He knows what lies in darkness, and light dwells with Him. I thank and praise you, O God of my fathers: You have given me wisdom. Daniel 2:21-23

Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: Rulers and elders of the people! Acts 4:8
When they saw the courage, boldness and unfettered eloquence of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, unlearned, untrained, ordinary men, they were astonished and amazed and they realized and took note that these men had been with Jesus. Acts 4:13 

However, I'm not Daniel or Peter either, am I?

LORD, I am Yours

Whatever the cost may be, may Your will be done in my life. I realize I am not here on earth to do my own thing, or to seek my own fulfillment or my own glory.

I am not here to indulge my desires, to increase my possessions, to impress people, to be popular, to prove I am somebody important, or to promote myself.

I am not here even to be relevant or successful by human standards. I am here to please You.

I offer myself to You, for You are worthy. All that I am or hope to be, I owe to You. I am Yours by creation, and every day I receive from You life and breath and all things.

I am Yours because You bought me, and the price You paid was the precious blood of Christ.  

You alone, the Triune God, are worthy to be my Lord and Master.  I yield to You: Gracious and glorious Heavenly Father; Lord Jesus who loved me and gave Himself for me; Holy Spirit and Your gracious influence and empowering.

All that I am and all that I have I give to You.

adapted from Ruth Meyers "31 days of praise"

A Prayer For You

I asked the Lord to bless you as I prayed for you today.

To guide you and protect you as you go along your way.

His love is always with you, and His promises are true,

When we give our cares to Him, we know He will see us through.

So when the road you travel, seems too difficult at best,

Just remember I'm praying, and our God will do the rest.