Sunday Morning Manna
"What's Hindering You"

"Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth?" (Gal. 5:7) Over the last 25 years I have seen a lot of new converts who have gotten off to a "flying start" as Christians and had really began to grow in grace. They were getting something done for the Lord and bearing some fruit, then suddenly something got in their way and blocked their path. They quit running and just stopped in the middle of the track (my ex-sister in law is one). Here are some things that will hinder your Christian walk. 1. "RELATIVES", if you love anybody in your family more than you love the Lord, you will not run the Christian race at your best(Matt. 10:37). 2. The love of MONEY can hinder you. You don't have to have money to love it. There is nothing wrong with making an income, but if you put the treasures of this world ahead of your love for Christ it will hinder you (1 Tim. 6:9-10). 3. Seeking worldly SUCCESS more than Christ can hinder you. Luke 16:15 says "for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God." If the world puffs you up and makes a big shot out of you, watch out. That's because what the world thinks highly of, God thinks stinks.4. Sickness can hinder you. Paul had an infirmity in the flesh which God would not remove, but it did not stop him. It's O.K. to tell the Lord that you are not pleased with you health, but you need to submit to God's will and keep serving HIM. 5. Your spouse can hinder you. If you and your spouse are "unequally yoked" he or she can drag you off track. God said a man and woman are to become "one", thus you need to both be headed in the same direction. 6. "Friends " can hinder you. (1Cor. 15:33), you need the right kind of friends, if not, they will pull you down to their level rather than you lifting them up. One thing is for SURE, if you get you eyes off of Christ and on the kinfolks, money, success, sickness, a spouse, or friends you will not be able to "RUN WITH PATIENCE THE RACE THAT IS SET BEFORE US" (Heb. 12:1). At the end of his race the Apostle Paul said, "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: 8Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day" (2 Tim 4:7-8). Lastly my Christian friends, run the race with the Judgment Seat of Christ ever in mind and don't let anyone or anything hinder you from obtaining "A FULL REWARD" (2 John 8).
God Bless, have a great Sunday