3.9.25 Word from the Pastor

Paul, in Romans, says that there are two prevailing forces in our lives: the flesh and the Spirit. The flesh represents our human, worldly nature, while the Spirit comes from the Holy Spirit, leading us to draw nearer to God. Paul warns that living according to the flesh leads to death, while setting our minds on the Spirit brings life and peace. Yet, because we are so accustomed to the flesh, we can sometimes even operate the church by it without realizing it.

Finding the balance can be difficult. As a church, we desire growth, we want to give our best effort, and we should. But sometimes, we mistakenly think that more effort means God will work more in us—when that’s not the case. What the Lord often wants is for us to lay down our flesh and trust Him. Sometimes, He allows us to see that our own strength and efforts are futile compared to a heart of prayer and obedience.

I notice this in my own life. When I preach, I feel better about it when I’ve found good examples or studied more. In prayer, I sometimes feel like my prayers are better when I’m louder. These things aren’t inherently bad, but we need to be aware of when we’re relying on ourselves rather than trusting God to work. I’m learning more and more that it’s less about me and more about how much I surrender, kneeling before God in dependence on Him.

This coming week, we have our Three-Cord Prayer—a time to humble ourselves before God, petitioning Him to work in our lives as we seek Him. It’s a time of complete surrender, allowing the Lord to move in us. We must continue to root ourselves in the Spirit, and the way we do that is through prayer—seeking God and asking Him to move in our lives. When we set our minds on the Spirit, He produces life and peace in us.

I pray that as we seek the Lord through prayer, we will experience His goodness and faithfulness as He works in our lives. I pray you will come in faith, ready for an encounter with Him. Apart from Jesus, we can do nothing; our flesh only leads to death. But when we humble ourselves and surrender in prayer, we make room for the Holy Spirit to move powerfully in our lives.

Through this Three-Cord Prayer, I am asking God to humble me—to teach me to surrender my own will and strength and instead rely completely on Him in every moment. I’m praying for a deeper love for God and a greater closeness with the Holy Spirit as I grow as a pastor, a father, and a husband. My hope is that we will all meet with the Lord during this time, as He pours out His Spirit and grace upon us.

Join us for Three-Cord Prayer—let’s seek God together.