Praise God for another day and another chance to help grow the kingdom. I ask that everyone join me in a prayer for those individuals whom are grooming the next generation in the ways of the Lord.
Today’s Prayer
Father, Today I’m reminded of what an awesome and great responsibility youth leaders have, in guiding and teaching teens in today’s world. It can be such a difficult calling, but also a rewarding one. I pray for every one of these ministers, that you will give them wisdom, insight, instruction through Your Word and Holy Spirit, special unction to know how to reach this generation of young people for You and make a difference in their lives–and as a result, the lives that those young people will touch in the days to come. I pray that You will anoint these leaders with power, boldness, and love. I pray that they will keep their focus on You, and walk in the Spirit day by day. I pray that You will protect them from all harm and evil. Thank You, God. In Jesus’ name I pray and trust. Amen.
Let’s eat.
No Confidence in the Flesh
If anyone else thinks he has reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more. – Philippians 3:4
As I was studying the bible on the subject of flesh I came upon some life altering truths. The apostle Paul surely could relate to the business executive. Paul reached the height of his profession only to have it completely stripped and torn from him. What he thought mattered in life became trash compared to what God did in his heart as He destroyed what seemed valuable at the time. It took a dramatic event to bring Paul into this revelation. It took a bright light, blindness, and the most fearful experience a human could have – being addressed personally by God, who was questioning why Paul was persecuting His people.
It wouldn’t be too long after his conversion that Paul would learn one of the greatest lessons every child of God must learn. That lesson is to avoid putting confidence in the flesh. In our work we are rewarded for achievement. It is a “measurable” life. We work. We see results. We get certain feelings of accomplishment from these activities.
It I was reminded of a time not too long ago when I was placed in a situation to experience utter failure. I could identify with the words of Paul. I have met other believers as well who achieved great success in their business life only to experience dramatic failure. That personal handshake with failure leads to a realization that:
Whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in Him… (Philippians 3:7-9).
Sometimes God lets us experience great pain to learn the lessons of greatest importance. Knowing Christ intimately is the most important lesson we will learn. Take stock in what you find your greatest pleasure in today. Avoid placing your confidence in things that are but trash so that you might know Him more intimately.
Quote of the Day
Often times God demonstrates His faithfulness in adversity by providing for us what we need to survive. He does not change our painful circumstances. He sustains us through them.
Charles Stanley
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REV. ELDER G E STERRETT
FOUNDER
GCKRS HELPING HAND FOUNDATION – THE RELATIONSHIP FACTORY
James H. Taylor Sr. – Kankakee City News has published my Daily meal message for a decade.