January 18, 2009

Unless the Lord Guards.
Rev. Kinson speaking
- pray for pastors preaching: there is definitely spiritual warfare going on.
- sharing about Nicholas and basket-ball parents
- winning and losing, low self-esteem and values
- what values do I have and where do they come from?

Some observations
What we all need:
1. security
- awareness of being unconditionally and totally loved
2.significance
- purpose and value

If we are lacking in these two areas, we will have problems relating to others.
Worldly significance as described by Solomon in Ecclesiastes 2:11
Success versus significance
The rich young ruler. Self-made wealth that he clings to. Could not let go of that maybe due to fear of rejection or loss of significance. The constant approval of God over the conditional approval of men.

Three things to think about if we struggle with significance
1) We are image bearers of God. (Genesis 1:27)
2) We are all broken but not worthless. Jesus comes for the us because of our condition (Mark 2:17)
3) We are ordained with purpose. God has a plan for us. (Psalm 139:14-16).

We are children of God. This means we have great security and significance in him.
Story of prodigal son.

Questions and thoughts.
1) Is it possible to balance worldly success and a healthy spritual relationship with God? What would it take to do this?
eg Luke 16:13. But biblical characters such as Solomon and Joseph were very successful in managing and building wordly affairs. Solomon was half hearted about God but Joseph was more obedient and focused on the will of God.

2) How does God express "I love you" to us? How can we recognize it every day?