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!

Being a Christian means that we are in a battle. Every since the adversary fell from heaven, satan has made himself an enemy to God and to His prized creation, mankind. In Ephesians 6, our Father has given us the tools that we need to win. One of our weapons is prayer.

There are 3 principles to a successful prayer life:

Sometimes it seem like it takes a very long time for the things that we are trusting God for to happen. We begin to get anxious and even doubtful. When we deal with other people, it is understandable that we might have doubt because we are dealing with human beings who are just doing the best that they possibly can. With God and His promises, there is no reason to doubt.

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.