Bread for the Broken

Have you ever thought about your last words? I know… it’s a morbid thought, but if Christ doesn’t return in your lifetime, you’ll find yourself in that position, at death’s door, leaving all you know and love on this earth behind. As Pastor James will point out in today’s message, as Joseph knelt by his father Jacob in his final moments, Jacob demonstrated how essential trusting God was in his life. His last words were words of faith that inspired Joseph, as well as all believers that would follow.

Don’t fall for the idea that a life following Jesus will be easy. It’s compared to a race in Scripture. And it’s much more like an ultra-marathon than a short sprint. It requires perseverance and determination - not to battle your way to victory by your own strength, but to keep your heart surrendered and focused on following Jesus. As Pastor James continues our study of Genesis in today’s message, he’ll remind us that this challenging race can only be completed through the strength of Christ.

Have you taken the time to thoroughly grasp the creativeness of Jesus? He made the world you live in, the entire planet earth, everything in it, and even the universe it sits in. By simply looking to the beauty surrounding you you can gain a great confidence in His greatness. Today Pastor James encourages you to see Jesus in all things. Realize that this world you're in is one of Gods masterpieces that He adores. Acknowledge this and allow it to bring out a love for all of His creations.

Know that Gods Grace is real and always there for you. Through Jesus all sins are forgiven. Today Pastor James teaches you that despite the wicked things that Jacob did throughout his life he ultimately was shown grace by God. He was able to look forward knowing that his future was bright. Don't let the weight of your past hold you back from Jesus. Instead allow it to propel you to Him, for He holds the grace that you need most. Give your heart to Him. Ask Him to take and forgive you of all your sins.

Is Holiness radiating through the actions you take in life? Pastor James teaches you today that as a Christian others should know there's something different about you. Doing this though is very difficult. You must fully be in line with God and His Will. You must maintain discipline and abide by the word even in the toughest of situations, and you must love people who don't deserve it. Seek this kind of life. Abide by gods Word and you'll become a person that changes the community around you.

Jesus is always ready to hear from you. If you feel that you've strayed too far or done something too wrong, know that you're incorrect. Nothing will stop Jesus from loving you or wanting a relationship with you. Pastor James teaches you today that there's no reason to avoid Jesus. He's already died for your sins of the past and your sins of the future so that you could confidently come to Him anytime you wanted. Let nothing hold you back. If you long for the father go to Him.

It's important to know where God wants you in life and to not blow up what you perceive as His Will into something He never intended for you. Today Pastor James encourages you to consistently be in Gods Word and to regularly seek out one on one time with Jesus through prayer. He teaches you that this is critical because it places Christ and His Words into your head. Then when it's His voice that you hear you can confidently move forward into His plan for you. Even if it's just to stay where you are.

Often, we try to take control of our lives in ways that the Lord doesn’t want. We dig deep, and power through, when all He really wants us to do is let go. In today’s message, Pastor James shows us what happens through Judah when Jacob lets go. Judah begins to take on the responsibilities that God wanted for Him. He is in the line of Jesus, but it took years and many setbacks for him to be the man God wanted Him to be. Is there a Judah in your life? Maybe their time to shine is just around the corner?

God’s goodness can be seen by everyone. He is everywhere and works in the lives of everyone, including those who don’t believe in Him. Pastor James reminds us in His message today, that sometimes even nonbelievers can remind us of how good our God is. He can use them to encourage us in our walk with the Lord. Sometimes when our faith is weak, God sends someone into our lives to remind us of His goodness. Have you ever needed a nonbelieving friend to remind you of God’s faithfulness?

We are told in the Bible that this life is but a vapor. It will pass quickly, so it is important what we do with it. Sometimes we try to hold on to things that we love or are afraid to lose. But in today’s message, Pastor James reminds us that holding onto things too tightly is not what God wants for us. He desires that we trust Him with the gifts He has given us in this life, for example, our children, our income, and our health. He desires that you give everything to Him and trust that He has your best in mind!