Pilot Knob Lutheran Draw Near 10/5/2022
James 4:8a Come near to God and he will come near to you. If what we do prior to a period of testing greatly influences our response to God then it would be very beneficial to draw near to God, seek His face, spend time in His presence and get to know Him better.
I believe most of us if we are honest would confess we don’t love God with all our heart, mind and strength, (Deut. 6:5Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.) but you want to. Psalm 42:1 As the deer pants for streams of water,
so my soul pants for you, my God. We sing this song in church sometimes and we need to pray God would give us a thirst for Him. Water is necessary for life, but there are times we aren’t thirsty and don’t drink enough water and become dehydrated. Many Christians today are spiritually dehydrated because they don’t thirst after God and that will not prepare us for God’s assignments.
What is the greatest commandment that fulfills all others? “Love the LORD you God with all your heart. . .” Genuine love is what fuels endurance, and perseverance; it’s what enables one to take risks, face difficulties and carry burdens. A true lover is willing to suffer for the one he loves, but an admirer may not be so willing. There are a lot of people in and out of church that are admirers of Jesus, but few who truly love Him with everything they have.
Paul was looking for someone to help the church in Philippi and Timothy was the only one who was a help to him. Philippians 2:21 For everyone looks out for their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. We too often look out for number one, we focus on our pain, our losses etc. “Poor me; why me”? Could our problems which God allows serve His purposes for us and others? I believe so. We need to cultivate a love that places God’s interests ahead of our own. True and sincere worship of God in our period of darkness is very valuable to Him. It says we love you the same and my devotion remains the same when facing hard and painful times.
At the end of the beatitudes Jesus says: Matthew 5:11-12a “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven. Our worship and singing are truly an act of love, and drawing near to God especially when we don’t feel like it. It is love that helps us overcome a wounded and offended heart. Are you a lover or an admirer?
Pr. Bob Snitzer
By the Way:
Today, 4:30 confirmation class.
October 9, 9:00 Morning worship. 2 Timothy 2:1-13 Deserted and Refreshed
10:15 Congregational meeting regarding the sound system. NO Sunday school for all ages.
~ Past communiques and sermons can be read and heard on our website: www.pilotknob.org and Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PilotKnobLutheran/
Sermons may be heard on KIOW 107.3 FM Sunday mornings at 7:00. Spread the word. If you would like to support this outreach with a contribution, it costs $55 each week.
