Trying to be……

1 John 2:28 And now, little children, abide in Him, that when He appears, we may have confidence and not be ashamed before Him at His coming.

If there is one thing I am sure of after just over a year as a lay pastor, Satan attacks where you preach. This test has been almost a weekly occurrence, and that makes tackling the difficult subjects increasingly tough. Ministry is very lonely in itself, and Satan uses that as a prop to open the door to depression since the doorframe of depression is solitude. I have suffered with severe depression attacks over the recent weeks; it is seemingly a vicious circle that few understand. Only those with the condition can articulate, and only someone in full time ministry can comprehend the weight and spiritual warfare that full time ministry brings. The only reason I have not bailed to a simpler life is the calling God has placed on my life. I must answer to Him alone for all eternity; that is how I relate to the apostle Paul. Acts 9:16 For I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name’s sake.”

Has God laid a ministry on your heart? Has God showed you something that you know you were supposed to be doing, and you acted like you didn’t hear him? Are you running from God? You will have to answer for these decisions for an eternity; why you did or did not do what he called you to do. You will stand before Him and give an account for your life; “What did you do with the knowledge of my Son”, he might say. “Why did you run from what I gave you,” he might ask. Do you see where John is speaking of these things in the passage above? You could not only be ashamed of how sinful your life was, but for denying a call of God for your short time here. This short life is simply a preparation for an eternal one; one where you either reap the rewards or suffer the punishment; you must realize the simplicity of that statement.

We are going to be starting a series through the epistle of 1st John at Lakehaven Church. The title of the series is, “Give till it hurts.” We will be studying the epistle and looking how we are called to love, live, and give of ourselves as Christians. We are going to be doing self-evaluations; how do our lives measure up as this epistle sets the bar. Are we abiding in Christ? 1 John 2:6 He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked. Are you living to the best of your ability as a Christian? Are you being obedient to God’s will for your life each day? Isn’t that what Jesus did was abide for only each day? Matthew 6:34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. Try to take today, just today alone, and give of yourself to Him completely. Tell him in prayer that you are his for the day. Seek to abide and be obedient to what He lays on your heart for today. If he comes back tomorrow, you will not be ashamed.