Mid-Week Encouragement January 24th, 2024
One of our greatest foes in our Christian walk may be ourselves. We are told in verses such as 1 John 1:8; 1 Corinthians 3:18; 2 Timothy 3:13, and so on, that we can not only be deceived, but we can deceive ourselves. This creates a unique problem in our lives. If we lie to ourselves about our walk, our faith, and our behavior, and believe the lie we tell, it ultimately undermines the work of the Holy Spirit; thus, as scripture says in 1 Thessalonians 5:19-22, we quench the work of the Holy Spirit.
We create a false narrative of our lives and live within a bubble world we created for ourselves. Unfortunately, I have seen this often when people come to me for counsel yet refuse scriptural correction because they are so focused on the symptoms they miss the root cause, which is their vain imagination.
We are warned against our vain imagination because it sets itself up against the things of Christ. Instead of heeding the word of God, we create our reality, which is always inferior to God's plan for our lives.
We see Satan do this when he exclaims in Isaiah 14:13-15.
Isaiah 14:13-15
"But you said in your heart, ‘I will ascend to heaven; I will raise my throne above the stars of God, and I will sit on the mount of assembly In the recesses of the north. 14 I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.’ 15 Nevertheless you will be brought down to Sheol, To the recesses of the pit."
Satan deceived himself into believing it was possible to not only be like Yahweh but better than God. These vain imaginations can come in many forms, but all lead to the same destruction in our lives.
Romans 1:21
"Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened."
Our imagination must be reclaimed for God by the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:2), and the casting down of any imagination that exalts itself against the knowledge of God. (2 Corinthians 10:5)
Let us be extra mindful this week about our thoughts and choices, being sure to measure them against the word of God.
SERMON FROM LAST SUNDAY
NEXT SUNDAYS SERMON
The Spiritual Gifts Part 4: Serving the Body of Christ
ANNOUNCEMENTS
The House of Faith Year-End Meeting will occur on Sunday, January 28th, immediately after the regular service. All board members must be present, and everyone else is encouraged to stay, but it is not mandatory.
READ THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR
With Hebrew Scholar Chad Bird from 1517, a nonprofit organization that exists to declare and defend the Good News that you are forgiven and free on account of Christ alone.
OTHER NOTES
Pastor Bruce's latest book on faith, Drowning in Milk: A Guide to Spiritual Growth, is available at the church, along with his other books, Heaven & Hell and The Minister's Manual, on the vestibule table just outside the sanctuary. All of his books are also available on Amazon.
Our new online giving system makes supporting our church easy. The new system allows you to give a one-time, weekly, or monthly donation of any amount. See for yourself at https://www.ps127.org/tithes-offerings. Please support our ministry by giving.
PRAYER REQUESTS
Kari Sidel
For our country
Rick Hagarty
BIRTHDAYS
1/1 Vivienne Esther Calhoun
1/7 Warren Heier
1/10 Lori Ulman
1/26 Richard Webber
If you need anything added, such as an announcement, birthday or anniversary, or prayer request, send it by email to Contact@PS127.org.
