I Got This

Do you believe everything that is said about you? It has been said that we are our worst critics and, for some, when we hear negative comments about ourselves, the work we do or even the way we practice our faith, we can fall into the practice of believing it to be true. Over the past year, I have watched as good people get pummeled by negativity and false narratives and become so convinced they are who everyone perceives them to be. Many great and honest people have fallen prey to the opinion of others and take on the persona that has been thrust upon them. A minister in the southern States was on a podcast about four months ago sharing about his journey in and out of ministry. He was told by his peers that he really did not fit the mold of most of the other clergy in his denomination. He took this to heart and changed the way he looked, changed his mannerisms and preaching style only to find out that there was still more to change. The more he shifted, the more they criticized and the more he believed he would never measure up. Over time, he lost the drive to preach the good word and ended up working on the trawlers on the east coast. Those on the trawlers did not really understand him at the start but gave him a chance to learn and grow. They built him up and, over time, he became a very good deck hand. He fit right in and built some great relationships and many came to trust him as a shipmate and as their Padre. The last I heard, there were twelve trawlers in the fleet and he was considered to be one of their better team leads but, even more significant, their spiritual leader.

When God was looking for the next leader of the Jews, He made it known that God sees deeper than we do.

But the Lord said to Samuel, “Don’t judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The Lord doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” 1 Sam 16:7

Jesse only saw what he perceived to be the best choice to be ordained as king but God saw the heart and the faith of the young lad, David. He was not what many would say would be the strong king warrior but David slew giants, was victorious over his enemies and, in the end, set up the foundation for the Christian faith, Jesus of Nazareth.

“I know about your suffering and your poverty—but you are rich! I know the blasphemy of those opposing you. They say they are Jews, but they are not, because their synagogue belongs to Satan. Don’t be afraid of what you are about to suffer. The devil will throw some of you into prison to test you. You will suffer for ten days. But if you remain faithful even when facing death, I will give you the crown of life. Rev 2:9-10

God has set a place aside for the faith filled and awaits our entry into Glory. He sees the hearts of the followers of Christ and always walks with us as we go through life. If you are looking to adapt your being for those who one day claim the greatness of Apple only to shift to Android when they get tired of the latter, the ones who today wear sandals and pajamas to shop at the department store and change to Birks and shorts to shop at Ikea a year later, then you are putting your eggs in the wrong basket. Put your faith in God for He is the same yesterday, today and forever and He loves you more than you will ever know while on the planet. Trust when He says we are His chosen.

My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them away from me, for my Father has given them to me, and he is more powerful than anyone else. No one can snatch them from the Father’s hand. The Father and I are one.” John 10:27-29

This week we start the month with a message from our missionaries to Africa and a video from the International Day of Prayer. We invite you to join us this Sunday either in person or watch us online at 10:30 AM.

Facebook Live - https://www.facebook.com/main.ave.31

YouTube Live – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCs9LIkN_QTdVM6eVXEgy9QA

We look forward to seeing you this Sunday.

Blessings,

Pastor Todd

www.mainavefellowship.blogspot.com