Yeah, I know; "Oh no! Not another preacher pushing how to GET something from God." The title certainly seems to be conveying that, but my intention in this is to show how the answer to everything we have need of is found in God's presence. Wisdom, provision, protection, peace that passes ALL understanding... everything is clearer and possible in the presence of God. But it all starts and ends with relationship... and at that... relationship that is rightly motivated.

Back in 1960 (a mere seven years before my birth), Stanley Kubrick directed the movie Spartacus which starred Kirk Douglas. It was a movie about a man during ancient Roman society who rose from the dust of his slavery to shake the very pillars of Roman rule with his declaration of freedom. Still, while the movie certainly relied on the tried and not-so-true Hollywood concept of rewriting history (for the sake of the cinema), Spartacus was a real person. In fact, he was the leader of the slaves in "The Third Servile War", (yes... I Googled it) a major slave uprising against the Roman Republic.

Pastor Perry recently wrapped up a message series titled "The Rule of 5". In it, he laid many principles about how to order our lives so as to get the most out of them. Essentially, it was about living life on purpose!

The main thought Pastor repeated throughout the series was the phrase..."Not all day, but every day." In one example, he likened this concept to the idea of chopping down a big tree. But rather than needlessly wearing yourself out trying to chop it down in one attempt, he suggested we take a few swings one day... and then go back and take a few more swings the next day. Over time, then, you accomplish the task while avoiding burn-out!

I have a confession to make. I don't always FEEL saved! When I consider how I don't always feel like reading the Word of God, praying, worshipping, fellowshipping, going to this or that church-related function, giving, etc... it reminds me of how we as human beings struggle with the Lordship issue in our lives. Some of us more than others, but the struggle is there for us all nonetheless. And while it may not always be connected with Lordship, but possibly other factors like being tired, bored, etc...it all calls for a crucifying of the flesh to push through whatever barrier would seek to keep us from drawing closer to God and others.