We are in the midst of one of the greatest global crisis of our lifetime - where everything that can be shaken is being shaken. 

Fortunately we are part of a Kingdom that will not be shaken!

When storms come, we can start to drift.  It's important to build on our salvation - not on what the world is saying.

Hebrews 2:1 - 3

1 Corinthians 3:6 -15

6 Key Thoughts to Build and Center on:

1. It is God's Will for Things to Grow

1 Corinthians 3:6 - 7

The sign of a healthy life is growth. Even pruning seasons are designed for growth.

We can't make things grow - but we can cooperate with God to help things grow.

If we don't win the battle in our minds that it's God's will for things to grow - we don't get a harvest.

2. Learn to Stand Alone and to Work Together

1 Corinthians 3:8

No one succeeds alone. You succeed because others help you - that's why it's a good idea to get along.

There's no way we could do church without the whole team.  But there are things only I can do and no one can do them for me.

We can stand with you but no one can stand for you.  We can give you great church - but you still have to read your Bible. 

We can encourage you - but we can't make you happy.  Sometimes you just have to encourage yourself.

3. Find Out What God is Doing and Cooperate

1 Corinthians 3:9

Instead of asking God to bless some scheme - take the time to hear what He is doing.

This is a good day to start hearing from God. Find out what He is doing - and then get in on it!

God has not run out of increase ideas for you!   If you can't figure out what to do - then invest into the house of God.

4. Find Your Own Grace and Build With It

1 Corinthians 3:10

We just took 90 people to Newspring Church in Anderson, SC.   I love their church, I love their pastor and I loved learning from them.  However, I don't want to be them.

I don't have the grace to do what someone else does - nor does anyone else have the grace to do what I do.

Learn from others - but don't be someone other than what God has given you grace to be. You have unmerited favor on your life - Be yourself.

5. Build Everything in Your Life on Your Relationship with Jesus

1 Corinthians 3:11

THE foundation of it all is a personal, real relationship with Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior.   

His Lordship is the filter for all the decisions in life. Build your marriage, your career, your life and your money on your relationship with Him.

It's time to move beyond just leaning on His grace and into honoring His Lordship over your life.

Do what you do to please Jesus.  This is not a good day to see what we can get away with. Be quick to run to Him and recenter.

6. Be Ready to Evaluate Now Because Your Life Will Be Evaluated at Some Point

1 Corinthians 3:12 - 15

Every Tuesday our staff evaluates everything we do. Sometimes we have "robust dialogue" and step on each other's toes. But we all know we're after the same thing - we're after the best for the house of God.

The point is this: if we're not evaluating it - you are.

This is not a good day to bury your head in the sand and hope everything works out.   It's a good day to be clear-headed and honest with ourselves.

Don't kid yourself. There will be a day when we'll stand before God and our lives will be evaluated.  Let's make that day a great day!