“But now your kingdom will not endure; the LORD has sought out a man after his own heart and appointed him leader of his people, because you have not kept the LORD's command."

Philippians 3:8-9:

"Yes, everything else is worthless when compared to the priceless gain of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. I have discarded everything else, counting it all garbage, so that I may have Christ and become one with Him."

Thousands who travel by cruise ships through the inside passage of Alaska annually journey inland to visit the old gold rush town of Nome. But few visitors would label it an attractive tourist spot. Garbage lines the streets. Due to the harsh winters, permafrost, and limited landfill area, litter is left in front of many houses. Wrecked cars and broken down snowmobiles sit and rust on grassless front yards. Abandoned appliances, outgrown toys, and assorted refuse contribute to the unsightly landscape until the winter snow blankets them.

Amid the trash and litter that has come to define Nomes landscape is the community’s Christian radio station that broadcasts biblical teaching, praise and worship songs, as well as Russian programs (that are heard 150 miles to the west in Siberia). KICY’s transmitter tower stands 250 feet above the towns refuse and debris. The contrast between the garbage on the ground and the purposeful tower in the air is striking!

According to what Paul is saying in these verses, our firsthand knowledge of Jesus elevates us to a level of living that is to tower above everything else in this world. We have a choice each day to preoccupy ourselves with the “garbage” of this world- career advancement, material possessions, and wealth, pleasure- or we can reach upward to what truly counts: a life as a Fully Devoted Follower of Christ.

All our other pursuits (including job, education, hobbies, personal ambitions and future plans) are like the litter in Nome, Alaska. They may represent valid experiences and meaningful accomplishments, but they are an eyesore in contrast to the beautiful relationship the Lord has invited us to experience as Fully Devoted Followers of Christ.

Charles Wesley wrote, “Thou, O Christ, art all I want, more than all in Thee I find.” Take out the garbage today - remove all the litter that prevents you from living the fully devoted life for Jesus today.

Prayer of the Fully Devoted Follower
"Lord, I’m ashamed to admit, but you already know it’s true. I am more apt to focus on the routines and relationships that characterize my life than to look up in your direction to remember what’s really important. Forgive me, Father. Cause me to remember where my worth really lies. Amen."

Read John 15:1-6.

Everyday, we seem to hear more news about the financial crisis; banks closing, businesses going bankrupt and homeowners struggling with their mortgage. Then there is the state of California, let’s not even go there.

We also hear of cultural challenges in government, education, taxes, business, morality, sexuality and media, with change happening so fast it seems impossible to keep up with it all.

Then there are our personal challenges and family trials and blessing thrown in the mix as well.

God’s word has much to say about our need to stay closely tied to the strong foundation.

I Corinthians 16:13 says, “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.”

Our faith must be placed not on the things of this world, but on our Lord Jesus Christ and His promises and ways.

I asked you to read John 15. This is a powerful passage because it teaches us that we MUST stay closely connected (tied to or grafted into) Jesus who is in turn our direct access to God. Verse 5 tells us we can do nothing without abiding in Christ; in fact we will wither and bear no fruit.

God is communicating to us that:

1. I know you: I created you, knitted you together before you were born, I am intimately aware of what you are going through. Psalm 139
   
2. God cares: John 11:35 – Jesus was deeply moved and troubled by the needs, hurts and fears of His children.
   
3. God is willing: Philippians 4:19 – God WILL meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.
   
4. God is able: Ephesians 3:20 – He is ABLE to do something about what He knows and cares about.

The theme for the men’s conference in September is “The Perfect Storm: Stand and Deliver,” and we will be talking about the winds and waves of life and how we can stand strong and then deliver light and encouragement to others. I hope today that you will be encouraged all the more to stay in close connection with Christ and stand firm in your faith and trust of Him during these turbulent times.

posted by:
Jeff Koons
Pastor of Adult and Men’s Ministries