How Much Does It Cost?

The take away points from the sermon last night are.

Shark Tank

In the reality series "Shark Tank" people come before a panel of five very rich and successful business people (the sharks) and try to convince them to invest in their product or business idea. The term used frequently by those coming before the sharks is, "I am trying to get my business to the next level!"

The people presenting their idea to the sharks must be willing to "give up equity or control" of part of their business to the shark who may want to invest in them if they want the benefits the shark can offer.

God wants equity in your life. If you want to take your Christian walk to the next level and receive the benefits that are available to those who walk closely with God, it requires you to give up more control of your life to Him. That is not easy because we love to be in control.  The cost of walking closely with God is surrender of your life to Him.

My "check engine light is on" what should I do?  

My check engine light had been on in my car for about a month and I kept ignoring it hoping it would go away.  It didn't so I took my car in to get it checked out. There was a cost to get my car fixed.  Although the repair bill was expensive, it was still better than ruining my car and having to go buy a new one.

I believe many of us have a "check engine" light on in our life. The warning is really "check walk with God!" Anyone experiencing addiction, guilt, strife, jealousy, un-forgiveness, or overall unhappiness has a "Check walk with God warning Light on."  Just like I had to take my car in to get diagnosed and repaired, you may have to go to God and ask for forgiveness, for healing, and for guidance. Prayer is the place to start. There is a cost and the cost is giving up what ever is not a blessing in your life and surrendering it to God.

2 Corinthians 5:8

"We are confident, yes well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord."

Get your mind off of you and onto others.  If you get your mind off your own problems and focus on what God has for you, your perspective will change.

Philipians 2:3-4

"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interest but each of you to the interest of others."

That particular scripture is one of the scriptures that is a "key" to being able to live in the Kingdom of God here and now. Walking a Christian walk is about denying ones self for others. Adopting the Christian way of life is to become a servant to others.

God has an amazing plan for your life, it will include serving others!
Prayer meeting this Thursday 6:30.  Hope to see you soon.  Love, Pastor Kent