Jesus in the Middle

There are many concerns facing us in our world today.  We have the fear of terrorism, the problems that our country has with health care and economy, relationship concerns, fear concerns, church situations and everyday stresses when life does not treat us fairly.  What ought our response be to all these things that we face?  As one person at times we can begin to feel that one person cannot do anything to change any of these concerns.  I am convinced that when one person commits to do what is right in the sight of God that they can make a difference.  Hebrews 13:20-21 "May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever.  Amen."  Through this verse it gives us basic principles to respond to whatever is happening in our world around us.  First, the source of our strength and power is based upon the blood of Jesus at the cross. We must not only trust Jesus for forgiveness of sins but allow the power of the resurrection affect every area of our lives.  We do overcome through the blood of the Lamb.  Second, Jesus is not only the author of our salvation but He is our strength, for in this verse there is the promise that He will equip us for the work He has called us to do in His church.  In order for this to happen I must enter a partnership with Him and allow Him to do whatever, however He wants for my spiritual good.  This points out the truth that it is not about me but about Jesus and what He is doing in and through us.  Third, there is the emphasis of pleasing God.  I must be willing to ask the question, is my responses to what is happening to me in life pleasing to God.  This ought to bring to our mind a conscious awareness that I am not my own but have been bought with a price.  I belong to Jesus and how I live matters to Him, what I say matters to Him and whatever I do ought to bring pleasure to the heart of God.  I have given you three things that can help you to respond to the concerns that affect your life but it can all be summed up in saying that we must keep Jesus in the middle of every thing we do in life.  If I cannot place Jesus in the middle of whatever I am doing and saying then I ought not to do or to say that thing.  Do not give the enemy a foothold, keep Jesus in the middle of all things.

May the love and grace of God be with you.

Pastor John