2025-03-23 THE DANGER OF PRIDE

Title: When God Unplugs Our Pride

Have you ever experienced a total meltdown when your Wi-Fi suddenly goes out? One moment, everything is running smoothly, and the next, you're staring at the dreaded word: buffering. It's a small reminder of how much we rely on things we can't control. But what happens when God decides to unplug something much bigger—our pride? In the story of King Nebuchadnezzar from Daniel 4, we see a powerful lesson about pride and how God uses it to reset our lives, not to destroy us. Let's explore how this ancient story can help us reconnect with God today.

Pride is a sneaky thing. It convinces us that we're in control, that we don't need anyone else, and that our successes are solely our own doing. King Nebuchadnezzar thought the same. He looked at his vast kingdom and believed he was the mastermind behind it all. But God had a different plan. He sent a dream to Nebuchadnezzar, a warning that his pride would lead to a fall. Despite the warning, the king continued in his arrogance, and God allowed him to experience a humbling transformation—living like an animal until he acknowledged God's sovereignty.

This story isn't just about a king from long ago; it's about us. We all battle with pride, thinking we're the center of our universe. But God wants us to recognize that everything we have is a gift from Him. Our talents, our successes, our very lives are not our own. They're reflections of God's glory. When we fail to see this, we risk a spiritual disconnect, much like a Wi-Fi outage, but with far greater consequences.

So, what can we do to avoid the pitfalls of pride? First, we need to recognize it. Pride blinds us, making us think we're self-sufficient. But the truth is, we're not. We need to acknowledge our dependence on God for everything. Second, we must understand the result of pride. It leads to a fall, just as it did for Nebuchadnezzar. God is patient, but there comes a time when He will humble us if we don't humble ourselves. Finally, the remedy to pride is repentance. Like Nebuchadnezzar, we need to look up to heaven, acknowledge God's rule, and give Him the glory He deserves.

The point is clear: God is in control, not us. He gives and takes away, not to harm us, but to bring us back to Him. So, what will you do this week to humble yourself before God? Will you acknowledge His hand in your life and give Him the credit He deserves? Remember, it's much less painful to humble yourself than for God to do it for you.

Let's pray: Heavenly Father, we come before You, acknowledging that we often let pride take the driver's seat in our lives. Help us to see our need for You in every aspect of our lives. Teach us to humble ourselves and give You the glory for all that we have and all that we are. May we reflect Your glory in everything we do. In Jesus' name, Amen.

2025-03-16 3:16 on 3/16

Title: Finding Rest in God's Love

You might be feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or anxious about what tomorrow holds. Maybe you're grateful for getting through a storm, or perhaps you're still in the midst of one. No matter where you find yourself today, there's a message of hope and love waiting for you. Have you ever wondered how to find peace amidst life's chaos? The answer lies in understanding the depth of God's love for you, as beautifully expressed in John 3:16. This verse isn't just a familiar phrase; it's a powerful declaration of God's unconditional love and the promise of eternal life through Jesus Christ. Let's explore how this truth can transform your life today.

Understanding God's Love

At the heart of John 3:16 is the profound truth that "God so loved the world." This isn't just any kind of love; it's agape love—unconditional, self-giving, and sacrificial. It's the kind of love that doesn't depend on what you do or don't do. It's a love that God chooses to give you simply because you are His. Imagine the love a parent has for their child, a love that doesn't require anything in return. That's the kind of love God has for you. Even when you feel unworthy or distant, God's love remains constant and unwavering.

The Gift of Jesus

God's love is demonstrated through the gift of His Son, Jesus Christ. Jesus is unique, fully God and fully human, and He came to bridge the gap between us and God. He lived a perfect life and died a sacrificial death on the cross for our sins. This act of love is the greatest illustration of God's commitment to you. It's not about following a set of rules or checking off a list; it's about receiving the gift of Jesus and the eternal life He offers. When you believe in Him, you are promised a life that doesn't end with physical death but continues eternally with God.

Who's Your One?

In our journey of faith, we are called not only to receive God's love but also to share it with others. The "Who's Your One?" initiative is a powerful reminder of this mission. It's about identifying one person in your life who needs to know Jesus and committing to pray for them, share the gospel with them, and invite them into a relationship with Christ. This initiative encourages us to be intentional in our evangelism, recognizing that each person matters deeply to God. As you reflect on God's love for you, consider who your "one" might be and how you can be a vessel of God's love in their life.

Wonderfully Made Ministry

We are excited to introduce the new "Wonderfully Made" ministry, which focuses on celebrating the unique design and purpose God has for each individual. This ministry aims to support and uplift those with special needs and their families, providing a space where they can experience God's love and community. Inspired by Psalm 139:14, which declares that we are "fearfully and wonderfully made," this ministry seeks to affirm the inherent value and dignity of every person. Through "Wonderfully Made," we hope to create an inclusive environment where everyone can grow in their faith and experience the fullness of God's love.

Taking the Next Step

So, what does this mean for you today? It means that eternal life is available to you right now. You don't have to wait until you've got everything figured out or until life is less chaotic. The Bible says, "Today is the day of salvation." If you haven't yet placed your faith in Jesus, consider doing so today. Acknowledge your need for Him, confess your sins, and invite Him into your life as your Lord and Savior. For those who already know Jesus, this is a call to share this incredible news with others. If you truly believe in the life and love Jesus offers, let it be evident in your words and actions every day.

Action Steps:

1. Reflect on God's Love: Spend time in prayer and meditation, reflecting on the depth of God's love for you. Read John 3:16 and Romans 5:8, and let these truths sink into your heart.

2. Accept the Gift: If you haven't already, take the step to accept Jesus as your Savior. Pray a simple prayer of faith, asking Him to forgive your sins and lead your life.

3. Share the Message: Think of someone in your life who needs to hear about God's love. Pray for them and look for opportunities to share your faith with them.

4. Get Involved: Consider how you can support the "Wonderfully Made" ministry or other church initiatives. Your involvement can make a significant impact in the lives of others.

5. Live Out Your Faith: Let your life be a testament to God's love. Serve others, show kindness, and be a light in your community.

Conclusion

The point is, Jesus wants your whole heart. What will you do this week to give it to Him? Will you take a step of faith and trust in His love? Or will you share this message with someone who needs to hear it? Remember, without taking this step, you might miss out on the peace and purpose God has for you. So, let's embrace the love God has shown us and let it transform our lives and the lives of those around us.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your incredible love and the gift of Jesus. Help us to fully embrace this love and live in the light of Your promises. For those who haven't yet accepted Jesus, I pray that You would open their hearts to receive Him today. For those who know You, give us the courage to share Your love with others. May our lives be a reflection of Your grace and truth. Bless the "Wonderfully Made" ministry and all efforts to reach others with Your love. In Jesus' name, Amen.