Walking In Truth

We have an inherent need to direct our feelings toward something or someone; be it blame or praise, there seems to always be something that’s responsible for our emotions. But today, Pastor Johnny reminds us how important it is to not direct our praise towards any man because God is deserving of all of it. Whatever man has accomplished, it’s by the grace and the power of God. We can do nothing in our own strength, and that’s why it’s so important to recognize how worthy our Lord is.

Are there people in your life who can easily discourage you or distract you? What about the opposite? Do you know people who are encouraging and lift you up and help you on your walk with God? Today in his message, pastor Johnny reminds us of the dangers we can face when we surround ourselves with the wrong people. People who end up holding us back and keeping us from all the good God has for us. Work hard and make the tough decisions to keep unhelpful people out of your life!

There are so many people around us that can influence us. Whether it's in person, on TV, or on social media. We are constantly surrounded by voices, ideas, and suggestions. Which do you follow? Who do you listen to? How do you decide? Today, pastor Johnny suggests that if a person's life is not reflective of what you know God to value you should not allow this person to influence you. It's hard to do though, to filter through all the information and voices around us. Ask God to guide you!

Are there days in your life that just beat you down? Sin has got a hold of you and there doesn't seem to be a way out. The good news for you is that you are not on your own to overcome your sin! Jesus has already paid the price for you! He's won the battle and He's waiting for you to come and rest in his victory! Today in his message, pastor Johnny uses the battle that David faced with Goliath to illustrate how impossible some of our battles seem, but God's got us! And He will help us overcome!

Are you set on achieving greatness in your life? Some of us do achieve greatness, but not many of us. Are you ok if you're one of the ones that are responsible for small, unnoticed things? God wants you to be. He isn't concerned with fame or fortune, He's concerned with the matters of your heart. Today in his message, pastor Johnny reminds us that this great and powerful God we serve isn't impressed with accomplishments or achievements, He just wants your heart and He wants your heart to be pure and full of peace.

Are you content? Does what you have, who you know, and what you do bring you worth, or are you always looking for something more or something better? It's tempting, for sure, to look at others around you and see more money, or a nicer car, or a bigger house. But look at all that God has given you. He's given you life. He's given you peace. Rest in that and be satisfied. Today in his message, pastor Johnny reminds us that God doesn't care about any of this stuff that we care about, He cares about our hearts!

Are you ever tempted to be angry with God if He removes something from your life? Whether it's a person, a job, or a possession. The feeling to blame God for your unhappiness is tempting, but don't do it! Trust Him that He knows what's best for you, even if it makes you uncomfortable or sad, trust Him! Today in his message, pastor Johnny uses the story of Samuel to illustrate our need to depend on God's plan and His knowledge of what's best for your current situation.

As Pastor Johnny continues his teaching series through the book of 1 Samuel, he'll be reminding you that delayed obedience is disobedience. God desires obedience and not sacrifice. You can't obey God in some areas of your life and remain in deliberate disobedience in other areas and God will turn a blind eye. God wants you to repent of those very things you hold onto that you know are sinful. Saul made the mistake of disobeying God, and thinking offering some sacrifices would make it better.

As a Christian, you have victory in Jesus! Even when you feel distressed and discouraged, you still have victory in Jesus. You have victory not only over the grave, but you have victory over the sin in your life as well! Pastor Johnny will be reminding you that sin no longer has dominion over you, and you have the power of the Holy Spirit to say no to sin. You've died to your old life, and have been resurrected into a new life in the Lord. Walk in that resurrection power, and don't allow the enemy to lie to you!

Very often it's hard to focus on the voice of the Lord when you're too concerned with what other people think. Saul became focused on pleasing man, so much so that he lost sight of what really mattered. Today, Pastor Johnny will be explaining how important it is to heed the voice of the Lord and obey Him even when it's not the most popular opinion of those around you. Throughout all of church history, the world has hated believers. Don't be surprised when people don't like you for following Jesus.

Taking steps of faith isn't always easy, it's almost like muscle memory. You find it slightly easier each time you take a step while you trust in the Lord. Pastor Johnny will be reminding you today that God's peace should be guiding your decision-making. When you remain in prayer, and you seek the Lord's help in making a decision, He'll always provide you with peace in the right direction. If you are troubled and confused, remain still and wait for that peace of God to rule in your heart before moving.

As Pastor Johnny continues his teaching series through the book of 1 Samuel, he'll be challenging you to take steps of faith in obedience to God's Word. It's easy to give lip service and say you trust God and have faith in Him. It's a whole other thing to actually walk out that faith by your actions and behavior. It's only when pressure is applied, that you truly know what you are made of. When trials come, are you trusting God or do you fold under the pressure? You can experience His peace even in the midst of troubles.

The story of Saul serves as a warning to all Christians who are in any type of position of authority. Saul allowed his position and power to corrupt him, and he became exceedingly proud and arrogant. Today, Pastor Johnny will be encouraging you to remain humble, especially if you are in any type of leadership position. Saul slowly became ruled by his flesh, and the Bible says that the Spirit of the Lord departed from Saul. You are either ruled by the flesh or you're ruled by the Spirit, there is no in between!

As Pastor Johnny continues his teaching series through the book of 1 Samuel, he'll be exhorting you to repent of any sin you've been holding onto. The world, the flesh, and the devil are always at work trying to make you believe that carnal pleasures can satisfy your soul. This is a lie that has been told from the very beginning. Only God Himself can satisfy the longing of your soul, and only He can bring freedom from the bondage of that sin. As a Christian, sin no longer has dominion over you!

The devil roams around like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour. This is why it's so important for you to remain sober and vigilant because you have an enemy that's trying to destroy your walk with the Lord! Pastor Johnny will be exhorting you to remain in fellowship and not fall into the temptation of isolating when you fall. The enemy loves nothing more than to isolate you because this is the most vulnerable place a Christian can be in. Stay connected to the Body of Christ, and remain accountable.

One of the most tragic stories in the Bible is that of King Saul. Saul was used by God in a mighty way, and he was chosen by God because he was small in his own eyes and humble. Unfortunately, Saul grew proud and became jealous and sin took over his life. Today, Pastor Johnny will be warning you against growing comfortable in your walk with the Lord and to repent of pride before it spreads. It's possible to have a saved soul and a wasted life. Remember, God wants you to have a life of abundance!

As a child of God, you've been given specific spiritual gifts to minister to the saints and to help further the Kingdom of God. As Pastor Johnny continues his teaching series through the book of 1 Samuel, he'll be encouraging you to use the gifts God has given you. If you are not sure what your gifts are, pray and ask Him to reveal them to you. Don't allow the enemy to discourage you from stepping out in faith. Purpose to cooperate with the Holy Spirit, and allow Him to work in and through you.

As Pastor Johnny continues his teaching series through the book of 1 Samuel, he'll be reminding you that God is the one you should first and foremost be seeking help from. Many times, people place their hope in a political leader or the government, but man and the world system are greatly flawed and only God can truly provide! Everything belongs to the Lord, and He's sovereign over all. As a Christian, you should be placing your faith in God alone, not in man or any other worldly system.

The prophet Samuel was used mightily by the Lord and was faithful to speak on God's behalf to all of Israel. Samuel purposed to spend quality and quantity amounts of time with the Lord, to hear Him speak, and obeyed His Word. Today, Pastor Johnny will be explaining how important it is to take time out of your busy day to seek the Lord and hear His voice. If you feel as though you're not hearing God speak to your heart, perhaps there's something getting in the way that God wants you to repent of.

Pastor Johnny is working his way through 1 Samuel and today's message is one we all need to hear! Put away your idols and prepare to seek the Lord. It's as simple as that. This message can save your life; it can save your marriage and your family. Anything that comes in the way of serving God is an idol. Sometimes those things are good but sometimes they're dark and poisonous. Put it away today. Relieve yourself of the poisonous fumes and prepare to seek the Lord today!