We all face challenges. No one anywhere, except for some televangelist hucksters, has ever said that life will be easy when you come to Christ.  Years ago I read the story (and just recently ran across it again) of a church that was having a reunion.  A former member who attended the celebration had worked hard and had become a millionaire. When he testified about how had had grown in the faith, he related an incident from his childhood.

He said that when he earned his first dollar as a boy, he decided to keep it for the rest of his life. But then a guest missionary preached about the urgent need on the mission fields. He struggled about giving his dollar. “However, the Lord won,” the man said proudly, “and I put my treasured dollar in the offering basket. And I’m convinced that the reason God has blessed me so much is that when I was a little boy I gave Him everything I possessed.” The congregation was awestruck by the testimony-until a little old lady in front piped up, “I dare you to do it again!”

I honestly don’t know how true that story is, but  there is a vital truth behind it. We must not let past attainments stunt our spiritual growth. Nor should they define our spiritual growth. And most definitely should they not stop our spiritual growth.

I realize this weekend is the 4th of July weekend. Many churches and pastors across the country will be honing in on that celebration. Confession: I will not be. I am continuing in my series from the Everyday Gospel Devotional by Paul David Tripp.  Perhaps, more needed is the lesson found in Psalm 108-145 (with specific emphasis on Psalm 119) than a foray into celebrating American (which I am not against). But my thinking is America will not change by laws or “big beautiful bills” or protests or fireworks. No…America will have to change from the inside. Each and every individual, especially those of who claim to follow Jesus, need our hearts changed. We need to stand on God’s Word and claim the changing message of the Gospel. That will not happen until we are convinced God and His Word can be trusted. That is why my sermon this Sunday is entitled Taking God at His Word.

I hope you celebrate the birthday of America, the greatest country to live in. (I have no problem saying, “Sayonara” to those who don’t like it here).  But more importantly, our hearts must change. And that only happens when we become convinced God is Who He said He is and can be trusted. I look forward to seeing you Sunday. If you are unable to join us in person, please join us online for our live stream. We meet at 9:00 and 10:45. Send a request to join our Facebook Group at Owen Valley Christian Fellowship or view our public page at Owen Valley Christian Fellowship-Spencer, In. Or you can watch via YouTube at Owen Valley Christian Fellowship. I look forward to seeing you or hearing from you online. And let me ask you to do me a favor: please let us know you are watching and then feel free to comment-yay or nay. If you have any questions, please ask and I will get back to you. Thanks. And thanks for praying for us.