Now That You Know

 Today at Bethel there was a freedom of worship that broke out across the entire congregation. Bro. Walker in the middle of the worship service called for people to come forward and praise their way into victory. The alter was packed with people worshiping. It was a freedom that Bethel needed so very much. Then, Bro. Robert Linder got up to preach. He is just as funny as his twin brother Bro. Harold Linder. Bro. Linder preached a dynamic sermon on "Now That You Know".  I highly recommend that you listen/view the entire service as well as the sermon, for I believe they will both be a blessing to you. The link is here. I will share with you what stood out to me the most. As with anyone listening to a sermon, what might have encouraged me and stood out, may be different for someone else who was in attendance. Thus, if you are able to watch it on your own, I suggest you do. The main text was taken from John 13:15-17. If you know these things blessed, are you if you do them. In life and your walk with God it's not enough to just know what to do, you need to do it. When you do this, you are blessed. If you know what to pray, pray it. If you know what to say, say it. If you know where to go, go. Action needs to be applied to the knowing. Some really don't know what to do and it's up to the church to tell them. What must I do to be saved? Tell them Acts 2:38. Some know but refuse to apply it. It could be due to insecurity, but at the end of the day, you need to do what you know to do. Then there are those who know exactly what the will of God is for their lives. Instead of moving forward in the direction he has laid out, they go in the opposite direction. There is a lack of a desire to obey God's plan. Even when they do this, God is still there wanting them to turn around and make the right choice. Then there is the one who  has learned they are not perfect, but choose to let God lead them in their life. They listen to their spiritual leadership. They  may not understand, but because they know what they know, they choose to trust and follow God.  Even when going through a challenging season and all the garbage that life throws at you, you know what to do. When you know, apply it. Live it. Walk in it. The spirit of God is within you to help you make it. Greater is He, Stronger is He, More Powerful is He that is in us. When you are battle weary and dealing with all these things, don't give up. Keep on going. Stay focused on your identity in Christ. Don't forget who  you are. You are the Apple of God's eye, He will keep you and give you strength. Psalm 100:2-3. Seasons change and circumstances change. God does not change. Remind yourself of this and remember that you are His. Choose to walk in joy. God has a purpose and a perfect plan. When the situation becomes painful, hold on tight o God, your pain will become your testimony. God is a promise keeper.  Surely goodness and mercy will follow you all the days of your life. God is faithful. Everything you have comes from God.  He has a plan and a holy purpose. Know where you come from. Know where you are going and trust His promises. Do what you know to do. Don't give up. Keep going. At the end of his sermon, Bro Linder was speaking about  serving God and others. He talked about "washing one another's feet".  He had a towel in his hand and asked Nicholas Rusinyak to come to where he was. Bro. Linder got on his feet and began to wipe Nick's shoe as if in an act of service. He then started to pray a blessing over Nick. I could not stop the tears. I remembered him when he was just a young boy singing and worshiping God with all he had. Today, during worship as he was leading in song, he was giving it all he had once again. I am so thankful that when life became hard, he choose to do what he knew to do. He held on and never lost his praise. No mater what life throws at you, you have a choice. You can hang on for dear life to God's hand and keep going or you can give up. I choose to hold on and praise my way through to victory.  God is good.