We enjoyed nice praise music before celebrating the baptism of two young women who shared their testimonies and confessions of faith. So wonderful!
Pastor continued his sermon series on The Blessed Life. Pastor shared that he learned an important nugget as a staff pastor. He learned that his job was to make sure his leader was successful. Some senior pastors made it easy because he could fully trust them and their decisions; others maybe not so much. Pastor acknowledged that it was not important who gets credit for ideas but that the right ideas are being pursued. Pastor determined that when he turned his attention to what was important to his ‘boss’, he decreased but his value increased.
This message extends to seeking what God wants. I become less, so Jesus becomes greater.
If our blessing is having God's supernatural power working for us, does that happen best when we are at our greatest or at our greatest need? We are not enough by ourselves even if the world says otherwise. We must decrease to see the increase.
At one point the disciples ask Jesus “who is the greatest in heaven?” Jesus’ reply was: “whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 18:1-5.
Children need parents, adults to help them in life. We need to recognize that we need our heavenly Father.
This is consistent throughout God's principles: Decrease (in our own importance) leads to increase.
Authority – our blessings come when we are under authority.
Stewardship – we are just managers of what God allows us to have.
Tithe – when we honor Him with our first fruits, He will provide for our needs.
Sowing and reaping – when we sow with Christ in mind, we reap a larger harvest.
Mercy and forgiveness – when we decrease in our anger and bitterness so we can forgive, we receive mercy and forgiveness for our own transgressions.
The Point: The greatness of me cannot coexist with the greatness of God/Christ.
John the Baptist recognized that he was only to help make a way for the Messiah. John found joy at the success of Jesus. John 3:24-29. In verse 30 he states: “He must become greater; I must become less.”
Pastor asked us to question ourselves:
Every day, month, year is there less of me and more of Christ?
Am I concerned with what concerns God?
We must acknowledge I need Him more than ever; I will never be enough; we need Jesus.
This song popped out to me today: I Need You.
Verses for Today:John 3:27-30
27 To this John replied, “A person can receive only what is given them from heaven. 28 You yourselves can testify that I said, ‘I am not the Messiah but am sent ahead of him.’ 29 The bride belongs to the bridegroom. The friend who attends the bridegroom waits and listens for him, and is full of joy when he hears the bridegroom’s voice. That joy is mine, and it is now complete. 30 He must become greater; I must become less.”
Lord, I pray today that I become less important so Your Glory and power can increase and shine out.
