Stuck
Jan 10 - Feb 14, 2016
Running the race
February 14, 2016 • Dr Charles Kyker
Running is hard. And yet, anyone who has ever ran long distance knows that the “second wind”—the point when the runner experiences a physical and mental break-through comparable to soaring—is well worth every mile of training leading up to that moment of sheer release. Think about it: a mara- thon runner puts in hours, days, months, even years of preparation into a goal that in the end is more about enduring than competing. A runner never looks back, but focuses their attention forward at all times—the personal prize at the end of the race.
Seductive power of sin
February 7, 2016 • Pastor Diron Chloe
God’s Law is good. God reveals His truth in order to draw us into a personal rela- tionship with the Himself. The apostle Paul says, “But the law itself is holy, and its commands are holy and right and good” (Romans 7:12). It is the weakness of our sinful nature that brings death. “So God did what the Law could not do. He sent His Son in a body like the bodies we sinners have. And in that body God declared an end to sin’s control over us by giving His Son as a sacrifice for our sins. He did this so that the just requirement of the Law would be fully satisfied for us, who no longer follow our sinful nature but instead follow the Spirit” (vv3b-4).
What do you value?
January 31, 2016 • Dr Charles Kyker
Life is full of pitfalls that get us stuck and unfortunately often keep us stuck. In fact, staying on the move for Christ and His Kingdom is a daily battle. Mature followers of Christ understand that the Christian life is a journey—an obstacle course, of sorts, with ongoing struggle. It is no wonder Jesus said: “Anyone who wants to be my dis- ciple must follow me, because my servants must be where I am” (John 12:26a). Fol- lowing Jesus, being where He is, is the only way to stay unstuck.
At the Wrong Altar?
January 24, 2016 • Dr Charles Kyker
There’s nothing that will get us stuck quicker than worshiping at the wrong altar. We may not see the effects of our choice immediately, but sooner or later, devotion to a self-made idol will suck the life out of us. Have you erected an altar to a false god? Are you sick of worshiping at a place where there’s no life, no power? Perhaps today is the day to stop wavering, to stop “hobbling between two opinions.”
What has you?
January 17, 2016 • Dr Charles Kyker
Why would any one of us want to win the lottery when we know clearly from Scrip-ture (and from history!) that money is not the answer to life’s challenges? The more money one has, the more problems one has to manage. “Greedy people try to get rich quick but don’t realize they’re headed for poverty” (Proverbs 28:22). Instant wealth without wisdom is a dangerous combination. But an honest income earned through diligence and hard work, is a good thing if managed well.
Stuck in Relationships?
January 10, 2016 • Dr Charles Kyker
It is no fun to get stuck. Getting stuck interrupts work, planned activities, and important appointments. Anyone who’s ever been stranded on the side of the road with a flat tire or broken-down vehicle knows the frustration of being stuck. And yet, something happens when we get stuck, we are forced to stop and give attention to the problem at hand. With the right attitude, getting stuck doesn’t have to end in anger or frustration. It can be a positive juncture if we give God permission to work.