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Are you making a difference?

Salt is good; but if the salt has lost its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is neither fit for the land nor for the dunghill, but men throw it out. He who has ears to hear, let him hear!

Luke 14

What difference do you make in your neighborhood? Do your neighbors even know you’re a Believer? Maybe you’re not “salty” enough. Be more overt, make sure they know! Be salty!

Look at the world around us. It seems to be getting worse, or more specificaly, the Church does not seem to be winning the “culture war.” But is that true?

Then He said, “What is the kingdom of God like? And to what shall I compare it? It is like a mustard seed, which a man took and put in his garden; and it grew and became a large tree, and the birds of the air nested in its branches.”

And again He said, “To what shall I liken the kingdom of God? It is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three measures of meal till it was all leavened.”

Luke 13

Those over whom Jesus is their sovereign, the people who call Him King, that is, God’s Kingdom, will not fail. 

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No, at the end of the day, we cannot all get along if we stand on opposite sides of Jesus.

Do you suppose that I came to give peace on earth? I tell you, not at all, but rather division.

Luke 12

While as much as it depends on us we need to try to get along with everyone (Rom 12:18) that is not going to be possible for those who deny Jesus. Science, politics, and just life in general… being a Christian affects every aspect. We should be the first people to have joy, give a smile, and love others, but we cannot compromise on what the Bible teaches us. We cannot shy away from teaching all that Jesus commands us, this will create division. Jesus did not come for “peace on earth and good will towards all men.” He gives us peace with Him, but that will create the opposite to those opposed to God.

So, don’t be discouraged when people treat you poorly for your position on matters the Bible speaks to clearly. Count it all joy!

What are we waiting for… the Kingdom is here!

if I cast out demons with the finger of God, surely the kingdom of God has come upon you. When a strong man, fully armed, guards his own palace, his goods are in peace. But when a stronger than he comes upon him and overcomes him, he takes from him all his armor in which he trusted, and divides his spoils.

Luke 11

Jesus was casting out demons saying “hey look, here’s the proof that the Kingdom is here!” Jesus is telling us that Satan is defeated, he is bound, because the “stronger man” (Jesus) is here. He is in charge, he has won the battle!

So what are we waiting for? Let’s get with it. We are not weak, we are not ineffective, we are His people, sent in His power… we’ve already won! Let’s go change the world!!!

Jesus gives us a model for prayer. It’s not something to be memorized to simply recite as some kind of incantation to make God jump through hoops, prayer never works like that, but this is a guide to show you what prayer is intended to be about.

Father, hallowed be your name.
Your kingdom come.
Give us each day our daily bread, and forgive us our sins, for we ourselves forgive everyone who is indebted to us.
And lead us not into temptation.

Luke 11

Honor God

Pray for His will.

Pray for provision, forgiveness, and strength to love (forgive) people.

And pray for the strength to live as God wants you.