Imagine tending to your garden, nurturing each plant with gentle care as you water them. Suddenly, a crimp in the hose disrupts the smooth flow of water, creating interruptions and reducing the effectiveness of your efforts. This scenario reflects how certain hindrances in our spiritual lives, like unconfessed sin, doubts, distractions, and actions contrary to God’s Word, can impede the abundant flow of God’s blessings and guidance into our lives, hindering our growth and well-being. It’s crucial to swiftly respond to situations or decisions that raise doubts or contradict God’s principles, much like running to a crimped hose to restore water flow.
The consequences of sin can be far-reaching and damaging, impacting not just our relationship with God but also our spiritual growth and influence. Ignoring sin’s deceitful allure, making excuses, or being ignorant of its effects can lead to spiritual drought and separation from God’s best for us. However, through understanding, repentance, and God’s grace, we can overcome sin’s destructive power and find forgiveness and cleansing in Christ. By actively seeking God’s guidance, aligning our actions with His will, and embracing Christ’s redemption, we can experience spiritual renewal, empowerment, and a restored connection with God’s abundant blessings in every aspect of life.
Beats From Your Pastor’s Heart
Colossians 3:3-4, “For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.”
The oneness between believers and the practice of the church are both dependent on the centrality of Christ.
Christ is the center.
Indeed, Christ Himself is the reality of the Christian life and the church life.
When Christ is my center, I am free from my self.
I am free from self-consciousness.
I am free from self-condemnation.
I am free from anxiety.
I am totally free because I died and my life is now hidden with Christ in God.
“It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me” (Gal. 2:20).
Christ is our joy.
Christ is our encouragement.
Christ is our faith.
Christ is our living.
We interact with Him in everything in our lives.
We interact only with Christ.
Our interaction is not with ourselves–with self-reflection and self-condemnation.
Christ is our righteousness (1 Cor. 1:30).
He is “all and in all” to us (Col. 3:11).
Jesus Christ is the Christian life.
We need to look away to Him.
Look away from yourself.
Look away from your failure.
Look away from your bad mood.
Look away unto Jesus.
Christ is the centrality of everything in our Christian life.
He is the Christian life itself in every aspect.
Until Tomorrow
With A Shepherd’s Love,
Pastor Jackson
WEDNESDAY’S PRAYER REQUESTS
Tom Graham (Sandra’s Husband) – Surgery went well
Cheryl Knight
Joe Shelnutt
John McClain’s Mother
Amy Garner
Amy Garner’s Mom & Dad
Andrew Halevi & Daughter
Ashely Burn’s Sisters
Coly/Connor – Allison’s G’sons
Dan Haines
Darlene Wiggins
David Burnette
David Harrison – Riverside
Deanna Fowler
Denise Hulsey – Jordan’s G’mother
Donnie Butler’s Dad
Doris Loyd
Dr. and Mrs. Davis
Drew
Easton Fielder
Ed Mays
Eric Magnusson’s Mother
Eric Ward
Faith Burnette
Freddie May’s Mom
George & Linda Alexander
James Burnette
James Garner’s Friend
Joanie/Jeanie Mom
Jodi Bateman
John Austin
June Cronan’s Sister
Junior Stephens
Kailey Bateman
Kim McClain’s Mother
Krista Hilscher
Larry Barker
Lee Cronan
Lillanna Magnusson’s Mom
Linda Breedlove’s Sister – Sarah
Linda Hodges’ Sister
Lonzo Christin
Lori Blount’s Mother
Mary Sims
Marynell Ford
Maureen Brown
Michael Stanley
Miles Bradshaw
Nora Allison
Pastor & Mrs. Driskell
Ricky Gipson
Rose Fuller – Pruitt-Monroe Nursing Home, Forsyth GA
Roseleigh Osborn
Sandra Graham
Scott Lanier
Soso Nzolo – 17 Yr. Old South African Pastor’s Daughter
Susan & Alexis Tesone
Susan Mosley
Tom Witcher