In Paul’s first letter to the church at Corinth, he writes “My brothers (and sisters) be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not without fruit in the Lord. “ (1 Cor. 15:58)

Sure … But how?

Looking to the gospel of Matthew, we read where Jesus said “Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on a rock. And the rain came down, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house. And it did not fall, for it was founded on a rock.” (Matt 7:24-25)

Could it really be that simple? To just:

1. Position yourself where you can hear The Word
2. Obey The Word

That sounds straight-forward. The day-to-day application however may be a different story. What does being steadfast in behaviors and actions look like? (Ps. 15:2-5)

1. He who walks uprightly
2. Works righteousness
3. Speaks the truth in his heart
4. Does not backbite (slander) with his tongue
5. Does no evil to his neighbor,
6. Does not disgrace or shame his neighbor
7. Despises a reprobate (vile person)
8. Honors those who fear Jehovah
9. Remains faithful to his word or promise even if unprofitable);
10. Does not put out his money at interest
11. Does not take a bribe against the innocent.

He who does these things shall not be moved forever.

So do you think God suddenly decided, ok enough of that. People nowadays don’t need to do that anymore… I don’t think so, not by a long shot. In fact, I dare say that we need to do likewise to an even GREATER degree.

As elders and leaders in our homes and houses of worship, we MUST return with our whole heart back to God…Keeping the MAIN thing, the MAIN thing…what is that? The Gospel, line upon line, precept upon precept for both young and old. Modern day application? Absolutely, provided it’s not a twisted perversion to support one or more of man’s goals, agendas or schemes. New methods? Certainly, as long as it edifies God and causes no sin or temptation for same.

If the righteous be forsaken, what are the unrighteous to do?

Pastor Andrew Logan
www.aplogansr.com
All Nations Word and Worship Center
Corpus Christi, TX
www.allnationswwc.org

Unlike that one, comes one with a sword
All will call Him, King and Lord
His love brings joy and peace that remain
Over and over, over again
His blessings add no sorrow at all
Comforts and heals after each fall

Wide is the path that leads to destruction
Narrow, so narrow is the walk with Jesus
Choose this day, who you will serve.

Key difference # 1:

Peter, James, and John had an intimate relationship with Jesus, the Word made flesh. So much so that Jesus’ very Life and Spirit became a part of them. I believe the demonstration of this reality came when Peter spoke “Silver and gold have I none, but such as I have, I freely give. In the Name of Jesus’ rise up and walk.” You see Peter had a complete revelation of the reality of Jesus’ authority and power over absolutely everything. A dynamic compound of action borne out of revealed faith summoned the Spirit of God to work on Peter’s behalf.

Key difference # 2:

I want to challenge the reader: Has this expression “in the Name of Jesus” become nothing more than Christian-speak or jargon to you? Do you routinely end many if not all of your prayers with it, not giving it a second thought? Unfortunately, this habit may seem harmless; however we must recognize the heinousness of doing it. To trivialize the expression like adding salt or pepper to our meals is no different than driving a stake into Jesus’ hands or feet on the cross. In other words, Jesus’ sacrifice MUST have been worth more than Christian verbal “pixie dust”.

Key difference # 3:

We have forgotten that God’s Word and Holy Spirit inspired words are loaded with creation power. May I remind you that Jesus spoke, and things were created from nothing more than His Words? In our hurried mundane lives, we have completely overlooked this aspect of relationship with God. The same Power (One) that raised Jesus Christ from the dead is alive inside us, so our words bring reality of what we speak into existence whether it is life or death. Is your life focused on bringing life to others? Does your speech reconcile with this focus?

Selah.

Pastor Andy Logan
All Nations Word and Worship Center
author of Plugging Into Real Worship and
Conectándose a la Adoración Verdadera
www.aplogansr.com

“When are you going to stop making excuses for what you THINK I can’t or won’t do with/through you?”

Ouch. And He continued.

“When are you going to get out of the way, and simply do what you already know how to do? Create an environment where I (The Lord) can join you and manifest myself among you and others there, and show them who I AM?”

You see, He’s done listening to the “But God, I’m not this (or that) yet. I need to do [something bigger that requires more skill, money, help, etc than I currently have]” Newsflash: He already knows what you do/don’t have!!

“Behold I stand at the door and knock. If any man hears Me and opens the door, behold I will come in and sup with him.”

Have you cleared the overgrown brush, the weeds, the tricycles etc. from in front of your heart’s door so that He can come and knock on it?

Are you listening for His knocking?

So often we look at the above scripture reference and file it away and pull it out as we lead someone to Christ.

So do you only visit your friends’ houses 1 time only and never again? I don’t think so, especially not if they’re close. You visit OFTEN especially when there’s food involved!

How much more does God want to visit with us and share His Food with us? Much more frequently than we give Him room to do so in our busy lives.

So that’s where I’ve been.

How about you?

Andrew Logan
www.aplogansr.com

Modern worship or dare I say entertainment affords much too much opportunity for spectators and reviewers. When a real worship service happens, EVERYONE knows it and leaves a different person than they were upon arrival.

pluggingintorealworship.wordpress.com

I challenge you to be proactive as you begin to formulate your strategic and tactical plans for the new year. How? By making a connection with God Almighty in worship and listening for His wisdom and guidance for the road ahead. Just one of many benefits He’s waiting to give those who’ll stop in and spend some time with Him.

Andrew P Logan, Sr.
Book is available at www.aplogansr.com

www.aplogansr.com