Fundamentals:

We are down to the final four men’s college basketball. The reason these teams have succeeded to this point is they simply kept to the fundamentals of the game. The same is true in our walk with Christ. When the pressures and stresses of life begin to press in, we need to keep to the fundamentals of our faith. “Having faith and a good conscience, which some having rejected, concerning the faith has suffered shipwreck.” (1 Tim. 1:19.) I’ve learned the first fundamental is to keep m6y relationship with the Lord first. The Bible encourages us: “but seek you first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” (Matt. 6:33.) The second fundamental is to never lose the wonder of God. It’s easy to let the wonder of God become commonplace in the drudgery of everyday life. By keeping my eyes on the wonder and awe of God, I’ll never lose hope. In fact, once we’re awe struck by His greatness, we can’t help but share it with others. “I will declare the wonder of Your name to My brothers and sisters. I will praise You among all Your people.” (Hebrews 2:12.) To keep on track, I ask myself, am I just going through the motions or am I seeking the great things of God and sharing them with others? Finally I think it’s fundamental to rely on the supernatural intervention of god.

Ephesians 5:18 commands: “do not be drunk with wine, but be filled with the Spirit.” When a person is filled with alcohol, what’s controlling them? God has given us a helper, the Holy Spirit, in Him we have all power, confidence, and strength we need for whatever comes our way. Allowing God to guide our lives daily is the only way to lead a successful and thriving life of faith. So the next time pressures and stress come into your life, keep to the fundamentals of your faith and win the day!

Pastor Robert