Tag: Christian

The Captain of My Ship

God is, you are NotCaptain of my ship

                We go through life with choices.  Who do I hang out with?  What do I wear?  What church do I go to?  What career do I seek after?  Who do I marry?  What sport do I play?  Where do I live?  What do I do in my spare time?  The list of choices is like a deep dark well of indecision.

We are an intelligent race capable of doing the impossible by the world’s standards.  Some humans are so smart it is inconceivable to the layman but as smart as the most intelligent person could ever be or achieve, they can’t figure out the mysteries of God.

Never has any human breathed life into someone or something that previously did not have life.  Never has someone just gone to heaven or hell without the permission from God.  No one, even in their most genius minds has been able to figure out how to get into heaven without God’s permission.  There are those things that only God in His infinite wisdom can do which makes even the brightest seem dim in comparison.

1st Corinthians 3:19  “For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight. “

We try and figure out how not to sin.  CAN’T DO IT!  We try and figure out how to not fight or argue with our spouse, CAN’T DO IT!  We try and get our children to be obedient, CAN’T DO IT!  We try and act more Christ-like, CAN’T DO IT!  There are so many “we tried” that maybe we should try and not try yo do it anymore without the help of our wonderful Savior. The Bible says in:

Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

God has sent His Son to this earth to save us from our sins, to lead us and guide us.  He is our Captain, who will steer our ship into calm, still waters.

You see we live on this broken and shattered earth where Satan is allowed to roam and seek who he wishes to destroy.  It says in:

2 Corinthians 4:4  Satan, who is the god of this world, has blinded the minds of those who don’t believe. They are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News. They don’t understand this message about the glory of Christ, who is the exact likeness of God.

Let me explain it like this, there are many kinds of boats as well as components on a boat that will help us navigate through the waters of life, if we attempt life’s waters without a captain, without a navigation system or without a rudder we could be on an endless journey seeking contentment, joy, peace and we…will not find it.  Imagine taking a wooden raft into the ocean and trying to get out across the waves, well you would most likely be capsized and your raft would be ruined.  This is the example of the lost, the person who doesn’t believe in God, they seemingly will be always fighting the current always getting smashed by the waves, never getting anywhere.  This is because Satan has them, he knows if you’re on that rickety raft with no captain, navigation or rudder that you aren’t going anywhere.  He has you right where he wants you and that is separated from God.

Now imagine you’re in a canoe.  You will have a better chance because you have a paddle, although at times you will be able to be pushed back, sometimes swayed and at times turned over there will be a lot of battles and it may be difficult.  This is a representation of the new believer.  Satan will come at you and sometimes he can push you back, sometimes steer you in the wrong direction, and maybe get you to turn back.

Then there is the Navy Battleship, this ship is made of steel plate, has a multitude of people, with a captain and a crew, it glides right through the waves, crashing and smashing anything in its path.  It has a state of the art navigation system, powerful rudders, powerful engines and its armed with many weapons able to protect itself from enemy attack.  This is a representation of a seasoned Christian who realizes the need for Jesus to be the captain of your ship and for the Holy Spirit to be your rudder.  He will navigate you through the murky, stormy waters, and lead you to the calm.  He will always get you through and when the devil sees this ship coming, oh man he turns and runs!  Because he knows that this ship is armored up and can defeat any shots the devil may take.  This is the ship you need to be on!  This is the ship that when trouble arises when there are rough storms when there are storms with crashing waves.  This ship is the one that glides through unscathed because Jesus promises us in His Word in:

Isaiah 54:17 “That no weapon formed against me shall prosper.”

He also says in Psalm 119:105  “Your Word is a lamp to guide my feet, and a light to my path.”  And in Psalm 32:8 The Lord says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.”

Matthew 6:33 “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.”

So you see with keeping Jesus as the Captain of our ship, we are assured to successfully be navigated through these dry and weary lands.

When The Storm Is Raging Around You, Remember Who Your Rock Is.

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What storms are in your life right now?  Is it financial?  Is it relationships?  Is it Marriage or family?  Is it your workplace?  Where it is or what it is can, and will, be calmed by Jesus if you allow Him Into your life.  Jesus promises in His word to calm our storm.  Let’s go to the word of God and DIVE DEEP.  Turn with me to Mark 4:35-41.

Jesus Calms the Storm

Mark 4:35-41  35 That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side.” 36 Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. 37 A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. 38 Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?”

39 He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.

40 He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?”

41 They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!”

Okay, you see the disciples here, are on a boat with Jesus.  These guys are with our Savior and don’t even know it.  They are cruising along and bam, out of nowhere, they run into a storm.  Just when they think all is well, they find themselves in a situation they can’t deal with.  They are scared and fearful, they panic.

Do you sometimes find yourself here where the disciples are?  Yes, of course, we do.  We have all been there.  We have no money to pay the bills, we are in a battle with our spouse, we get divorced, we lose our job or our home, our car breaks down.  Whatever the situation, there are probably thousands of storms that can come into our lives, right?  Well, I am here to tell you, there is hope, there is a lighthouse with its light shining so bright, that will guide us back to shore.  Come here and listen, his name is Jesus.

Come back with me if you would, to the scriptures here in Mark 4:38, it says Jesus is sleeping on a cushion, (lol) He is asleep on a cushion people!  That is how bad your problems are.  There is a storm about to crush the boat and Jesus is sleeping.  Let’s think about that and put that into perspective.  When the storms come into our lives, we have to remember Jesus is at the stern of your boat, sleeping on a cushion.  He knows and is aware of the situation, so much that He shows us how concerned He is by sleeping.  So if He is sleeping through the storm, He must know everything is going to work out, right?  Right!  The verse goes on to say the disciples woke up Jesus saying, “Jesus, don’t you care if we drown?”  These guys must be scared out of their minds.  They truly do not know the power of Jesus and trust Him enough to believe that they are safe in His hands and honestly that’s us.  Our storm comes and we know we should put it in His hands and lean on the scriptures.  Here are some references for why we should not fear.

Psalms 27:1

A Psalm of David. The LORD is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The LORD is the defense of my life; Whom shall I dread? 2When evildoers came upon me to devour my flesh, My adversaries and my enemies, they stumbled and fell.

Exodus 15:2

“The LORD is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise him, my father’s God, and I will exalt him.

Psalm 18:28
You, LORD, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light.

Psalm 23:4
Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

Psalm 28:8
The LORD is the strength of his people, a fortress of salvation for his anointed one.

Psalm 38:22
Come quickly to help me, my Lord and my Savior.

Psalm 46:2
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,

Psalm 49:5
Why should I fear when evil days come, when wicked deceivers surround me—

Exodus 14:14

The Lord will fight your battles and you only need to be silent.

If we are taught in the word, that God cares for us and will protect us, then storms should look like rain showers with a glimpse of the sun on a nice spring day.  We should see Jesus asleep on a cushion at the stern of our boat and if we get too overwhelmed we go sit next to Him and ask him to comfort us, because He is our comfort, He is the God of all comfort.  The Bible says in 2 Corinthians 1:3-5:

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. 5 For just as the sufferings of Christ are ours in abundance, so also our comfort is abundant through Christ.…

Let’s go back to the word in Mark 4:39:

He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.

You see, Jesus just simply gets up and commands the waves and the wind to be calm.  One day we might have a storm, but through Christ and the word of God, in a split second, He will show up and the storm will be calm.  Listen, the waves and winds would have never done anything to the boat or the disciples.  What they showed Jesus is that they have no faith.  He even says it in the next verse, let’s read:

Mark 4:40 He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?”

We are called to have the faith of a mustard seed in Matthew 17:20:

He replied, “Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move.  Nothing will be impossible for you.”

So if the disciples had faith just as small as a mustard seed, they could have believed they would be ok as they go through the storm or even told the waves and winds to be calm.  We do have the power through our faith to believe Jesus will take care of our storms.

Mark 4:40 They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!”

We have to remember that Jesus is the son of almighty God and if we truly believe that, with all our heart then we know, He knows, what’s best for us and will protect us.  In the Bible, Jesus is referred to as the Good Shepherd.

Jesus the Good Shepherd
John 10:10-12  10 “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly. 11 “I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.  12 “He who is a hired hand, and not a shepherd, who is not the owner of the sheep, sees the wolf coming, and leaves the sheep and flees, and the wolf snatches them and scatters them.

You see Jesus’ love is unconditional, it is perfect, it’s forgiving and compassionate.  He loves and cares for us so much.  We all need to get to that point that we trust Him so much, that no matter what the storm may bring, we can lean on His promises and show others that surround us that we can rely on Jesus and He will be there for us, in all circumstances.

1 Peter 5:10 And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.

Now that my friends is the best news tonight!  After we suffer a little while, God will Himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.  He loves you so much it’s time to completely trust in Him.

Jesus cares greatly for us and wants us to have the faith of a mustard seed.  He wants us to come to Him so He can comfort us and wrap His loving arms around us.  He wants us to know beyond a shadow of a doubt that He is there to help us, protect us, and comfort us.  He has the power to stop the storm, so when the storm comes, keep hold of the Hem of His Garment, have Faith, Pray and stay in His word.

Illuminated Flavor

                                           Are we to the world?

saltlight2

We are called to be the salt to this world.  We are also called to be the light as well.  Let’s dive right in and see what the scripture says.

Matthew 5:13-16  

13 “You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless.

14 “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. 15 No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.

Let’s look at some uses of salt by the world’s standards as a mineral.  It gives flavor, it preserves, and it binds wounds.

So Jesus tells us to be the salt of the earth.  He wants us to be that seasoning, because if salt has no flavor, it is thrown out, useless.  How can we be of any use if we are flavorless salt?  We as Christians need to stop just blending in with the world and let our flavor, our seasoning effect the people around us, just as salt flavors what it is on.

Salt also preserves.  If we go around planting seeds, leading people into a relationship with Christ, then we, like salt, can preserve their eternal lives.  If we introduce people to the living Word of God, then we too, like salt, can preserve their eternal lives.

Salt binds wounds.  If we are as salt, we can show people that no matter what spiritual wounds they may have in their lives, like in marriage, relationships, with family, there are many kinds of wounds we can have in a spiritual sense and salt/flavor of Jesus Christ can heal all wounds.  Jeremiah 30:17  I will give you back your health and heal your wounds,” says the Lord…

If we go out in the name of Jesus, equipped with the Holy Spirit and with the living Word of God, we will be the salt.  We will flavor people with the sweet aroma of God.  Our salt can help bring peace into peoples’ lives.  It can change their lives, heal them, save them, bind wounds, break chains of bondage, provide freedom and help to combat the evil that comes at them.

We are called to be the salt, flavorful salt.  So make sure you are of use to God.  Don’t become flavorless.  Don’t just blend in.  We are not called to do that!

Light, let’s look at how the world uses light.  We use it to light up dark spaces, we use it for warmth, we use it to generate power, it can burn, close wounds, remove stains, produce growth,and  it’s so powerful that when condensed it can become a powerful laser.  Light has the ability to create power and energy and God gives us His light for power in this dark world.

We are the light of the world, the world is dark.  It is in a constant spiritual battle.  Satan blankets the earth with sin and darkness.  Satan creates an illusion of fear and sickness, false problems.

We, as Christians, are overcomers.  We are supposed to be shining bright.  We have to go out into that darkness and let our light shine brighter than ever.  For what good are we if we are hiding our light under a basket, or under a blanket.  We need to allow our light to expose the darkness, learn to plant seeds when the opportunity presents itself.  Be aware of your surroundings when you’re out and about because we walk among a spiritual battlefield and Satan is prowling around like a roaring lion.  So your light could be the only Jesus, the only Bible people will ever see.  So make sure it’s shining!  Make sure you’re salty.  Bright and salty that’s us.  Now go and make a difference.  Be that salt and flavor in someone’s life.  Be that light and provide light to the right path for someone’s trapped in darkness, for this is the will of God for us.

Where Two Ways Meet…What Path Will You Choose?

 

This is a decision not contemplated too often amongst the Christian community and this concerns me.  Let’s dive right in this morning.  We read in Matthew 7:13-14:

The Narrow Way

13 “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. 14 Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.

Wow!  That statement is very powerful and direct, let’s break that down.  We look at the first part and it says “for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it.”  This first part is talking about the world and its ways which we are not supposed to be conformed to, we see here in 1 John 2:15-16:

15 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world.

Revelation 12:9

9 So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.

2 Timothy 3:1-5

3 You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times. 2 For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. 3 They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. 4 They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. 5 They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that!

So we read that we are not supposed to be conformed to these patterns that we see in the world.  We see that Satan has been cast down here by God and the devil will be the great deceiver.  The world around us only cares about self and money, all kinds of lusts and pleasures which we are not supposed to be conformed to.  We are citizens of Heaven and according to God we better act like it or we will be doomed to a life of destruction.

Why would God warn us about this broad path?  Why should this be of concern to us?  Because we live in a broken world ruled by Satan and we have been given free will to choose to follow the world and its patterns or follow after Christ.  And you know this breaks my heart to know that a very large population of the Christian community will not be going to Heaven because they will have chosen the broad path.  The path that made them feel good.  The path that the crowd was traveling.  This my friends is the exact reason we need to take getting to know our Savior so seriously.  We must be able to differentiate between the world’s ways, the broad way, and God’s way, or the narrow way because according to God Himself there will only be a few who find it.  Too many of us are too attached to our life, to our secular friends, and to our old ways to let go and start afresh, but the Word of God says it like this in 2 Corinthians 5:17:

17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.

This is what the second part of our scripture means “because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.”

We also see in Matthew 22:14 “For many are called, but few are chosen.”  There is a narrow path, a road less traveled, a very unpopular road in the world.  This is a life of ministry.  This is a life after Christ.  We are called to be imitators of Christ.  God is pleading to us to start living in the Light.

We see in Ephesians 5:1-20  1 Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. 2 Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God.

3 Let there be no sexual immorality, impurity, or greed among you. Such sins have no place among God’s people. 4 Obscene stories, foolish talk, and coarse jokes—these are not for you. Instead, let there be thankfulness to God. 5 You can be sure that no immoral, impure, or greedy person will inherit the Kingdom of Christ and of God. For a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world.

6 Don’t be fooled by those who try to excuse these sins, for the anger of God will fall on all who disobey him. 7 Don’t participate in the things these people do. 8 For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light! 9 For this light within you produces only what is good and right and true.

10 Carefully determine what pleases the Lord. 11 Take no part in the worthless deeds of evil and darkness; instead, expose them. 12 It is shameful even to talk about the things that ungodly people do in secret. 13 But their evil intentions will be exposed when the light shines on them, 14 for the light makes everything visible. This is why it is said,

“Awake, O sleeper, rise up from the dead, and Christ will give you light.”Living by the Spirit’s Power

15 So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. 16 Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. 17 Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do. 18 Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit, 19 singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, and making music to the Lord in your hearts. 20 And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

We as Christians are responsible for our own life.  We must make a conscious decision to follow after Christ.  Jesus gives us the living Word of God that is life changing.  He gives us the Holy Spirit to help us and guide us, but we must be living right in order for that to happen.  We must live a life that is pleasing to Him.  A life spent pleasing the Lord is the most gratifying life one could hope for because He promises us a life filled with Peace, Love, and Contentment.  If we trust in Him and travel the Narrow Path we will be on a path not traveled by many, but we will be on a path that leads to eternal life.

Christians I plead with you today to chose your path wisely and if you have been traveling down that broad path then jump off and run as fast as you can over to the narrow one because when you hit the end of the narrow path you will find Jesus and it doesn’t get any better than that!

So will it be The Broad or the Narrow…What Path Will You Choose?  For your life depends on it

The Christian Lifestyle…Am I Giving It My All?

Let’s Dive In!

 

The true authentic Christian lifestyle is all laid out for us in the Bible.  The Word of God was written so that we could fully understand how God requires us to live and what we are to be doing as His children.  Here is the problem in this world, the devil is distracting people from doing it.  The devil’s main job is to do just that, to prevent you from living up to God’s expectations and making you feel that sin is okay.  He does this by having millions upon millions of his demons controlling the masses that we see on a daily basis that make us look on and say, “That’s normal.”

As a Christian Youth and Family Pastor you hear too many excuses of why they don’t have time to read their Word, not enough time for daily prayer and studies, why they can’t go to bible study, why they can’t go to church, that their plates are so full, our schedule doesn’t permit it, my wife this, my husband that, and our kids blah blah blah.

Let me bring some truth to the light here.  You actually can make changes for good in your Christian walk, you can do better, you can work things out in your marriage, your kids can have a better attitude, you can be more patient, humble, kind and loving.  Would you like to know how?

Okay, okay, hold on a minute, let’s talk about this.  When we are seeking a career what do we do?  We usually go to school, we study like crazy, we want to learn so bad we sometimes get into massive debt in student loans just to fill our minds with knowledge so in hopes of one day landing a career job that will bring us in the money, so that we can have a certain lifestyle and future.  We want to perfect our abilities so we can be the very best at what we do, and we do it right otherwise we are just wasting our time.

How about if we are playing a sport, we go to practice over and over and over, we want to be the best and why?  So we win, so we get a scholarship, so we get recognized by scouts, so we can make money, but we do it to the best of our ability because that’s what you do when you want to be the best you train, and practice,

Why is it that all the secular activities that we as a generation can do, we do amazingly.  We can do it so well.  We have all the time in the world to devote to, but when it comes to perfecting our Christian walk, “Eehh I’ll get to it”, is normally the attitude.  You see there is no immediate return on the investment, so it seems, and that’s why it’s on the back burner.  But a life filled with peace, humility, and love is the life we all seek after.  People don’t think it’s attainable because they do not put the time in to learn.

Here is the secret to a life filled with Hope, Joy, Peace, and Love….

Reading the Word of God, build your relationship with the Lord, meditate on His Word day and night, and keep a scripture on your tongue.  Sing praises to your Savior and start putting the kind of effort you put into non-eternal things like career, job, sports, hobbies and you will see a newly found reward start to form in your life.  Imagine if your life was as good as your job, business, or favorite sports team, imagine that!  Now go and start devoting the kind of time that you have been putting into the temporal and start putting it into your eternal, because that my friend is what’s most important.

The Battle For Souls Is Real

Do you truly believe this?

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Ephesians 6:12  For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.

1 Peter 5:8  Be alert and of sober mind.  Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.

Just from these two scriptures, we can see that the devil is very much alive and prowling around seeking whom he wants to destroy…..

How does the devil  do this? How can he destroy us? Well for one, he makes sure we stay separated from God, he entices us to indulge in sin, he temps us, he needles our minds with doubt and stress, and he whispers to us “that’s ok God won’t mind.”  Satan is subtle, he has no timeline and is no rush. Satan will take a sin and he will inject it into our society and bring it around very slowly so one day it will just be accepted. Right now we can see Satan at work in our society with all the sexual impurity being pushed on our children. Satan is the great deceiver, he lies to us and seeks out the vulnerable who are looking for comfort.  He especially has an eye on those who are considering following Christ.  When you are contemplating, or if you have decided to follow Jesus, you can count on this: Satan and his demons are right at your side, just waiting for an open door.

Here’s the thing, and this is a certainty, the devil wants your soul to come to hell with him and he is doing and will do everything in his power to get you there,  Have you ever had a mosquito buzzing around your face?  Yeah, me too!  You ever notice that they can find you immediately wherever you are?  They’re blood seekers.  Now imagine 2000 of them are swarming you and following you.  Now make them invisible and that’s Satan and his legion of hell-bent demons on your tail.  They are real and here on this earth to keep you from Jesus Christ, our loving Savior.  If you are one who is living in sin, if you have not accepted Christ as your Savior, then yes, God’s hands are off of you and you more than likely have that swarm of demons, not just following you, but attached to you.

First things first, you must accept Christ as your Savior and be reborn.

Romans 10:9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

 Romans 10:9  If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

John 3:3 Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, unless you are born again, you cannot see the Kingdom of God.”

If you do these things, that is the start of a new life for you and a start in preparing for the battle.  Now you need to get in war mode and put your combat gear on. The closer we get to God, the easier it is to defeat satan, the easier it is to hear God speaking to us, the easier it is to find God’s destiny plan for our lives.

2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

Ephesians 6:10-18  10 A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. 12 For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.

13 Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle, you will still be standing firm. 14 Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. 15 For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. 16 In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. 17 Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

18 Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.

Victory in this battle comes through repentance.  We all sin as Christians, but a true Christian does not live in sin.

1 John 3:8-10 8 But when people keep on sinning, it shows that they belong to the devil, who has been sinning since the beginning. But the Son of God came to destroy the works of the devil. 9 Those who have been born into God’s family do not make a practice of sinning, because God’s life is in them. So they can’t keep on sinning, because they are children of God. 10 So now we can tell who are children of God and who are children of the devil. Anyone who does not live righteously and does not love other believers does not belong to God.

Friends, I can assure you the battle is real.  Seek God and His righteousness FIRST and all things shall be added to you.  Matthew 6:33 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.  

HE WILL GIVE YOU VICTORY!

Friends with the World or Enemy with God.

Which one are you?

 

This is is what God says about it.  In James 4:4 we read:

“You adulterers! Don’t you realize that friendship with the world makes you an enemy of God? I say it again: If you want to be a friend of the world, you make yourself an enemy of God.” 

And in 2 Corinthians 6:14 it says this:

“Don’t team up with those who are unbelievers. How can righteousness be a partner with wickedness? How can light live with darkness?”

These verses should be scary, I mean I wouldn’t want to be an enemy of God, that’s for sure. Here is the thing with these verses, you do know God is speaking to His children here,  not the non Christians? These scriptures are for His followers, the elect, the chosen and believe you me He is not kidding around. I know many people try to come up with so many excuses for being friends with the world but the only reason we would entertain hanging out with non christian or being part of something secular would be to inject Jesus into them or it and or be there to plant seeds, too many think its ok because those relationship are life long but after accepting Jesus as our Savior we signed a contract and became bond servant to Christ and it is now we must become obedient and learn His ways.

Let’s look at the word “world” in the context it’s used.  It’s not talking about the earth or the planet itself.  What God is saying is “carnality, evil, lustful cravings, sin, false beliefs, false gods, worldly activities, lusts, wants, rebellion, basically all the things the world has to offer.  We see in Romans 12:2

“Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” 

And in 1 John 2:15-16

“Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you.  For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world.”

God has given us plenty of Scripture that makes it abundantly clear to not be part of this sinful worldly way of life, or be friends with it.  We must remember that

 “We know that we are children of God and that the world around us is under the control of the evil one.” 1 John 5:19

We are the light brought to expose the dark and as a Christian we have to accept that.  This is all part of becoming a seasoned Christian, understanding God’s word.  Let’s go over one last scripture that will put the world in perspective.

“You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times. For people will love only themselves and their money.  They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful.  They will consider nothing sacred.  They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good.  They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God.  They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly.  Stay away from people like that!”  2 Timothy 3:1-5

Christian, you have to understand this, that we are foreigners, we are residents of Heaven, and we are here not to follow what the world follows after.  We are here to lead people to Christ, love people where they are, help one another, love our neighbors as ourselves, share the love of God through acts of kindness, be selfless, become part of the body of Christ and serve, be a servant for our Lord, be the farmer, and plant seeds.  Because friend, let me tell you, the work of God is so vast and the laborers are so few.

So friends with the world – no, but love the world – yes!  Care for people’s souls, plant seeds, lead them to Christ, and do it through authentic unconditional love the kind of love that can only come through Christ.

Don’t be a friend of the world,

be a soul winner

for Christ in the world!

 

Don’t Try Opening A Closed Door

You May Not Like What You Find

 

Life is one long hallway full of doors, some open and some closed, these doors come in many fashions. Some of these doors are opportunities, others are relationships some are short term and others are life long. How do we determine if a door has been opened by God or closed and that’s a great question. First let us establish a very important ideology and that is this; That apart from God we can do nothing. Oh don’t take my word on it for that came straight from Jesus in John 15:6

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned.”

You see if He says apart from me we can do nothing then how could we ever recognize a door he has open or shut, that’s right we can’t. Now if we are walking with Him and He is in us leading and guiding us then along our path we will not miss opportunities that He has, we will not miss other open doors such as relationships or jobs or ministry that He wants us to be apart of and these will be open doors. If we are always attached to Him like fruit on a vine looking to please Him and looking for opportunities and if we are steadfast in His word with the Holy Spirit in us so He may guide us then we will recognize those closed doors, because trust me you do not want to pry open a a door the Lord has closed in our life because believe it or not you will not like what you find. The reason we have to be attached to the Vine “Jesus” is for multiple reasons but one important one is this, that satan himself will push you to open a door the Lord has closed and if your not planted firmly in good soil and anchored in His Word than you may be tempted to open the door,

I have a story pertaining to this so a knew this couple they have been married a few years and were trying to grow in the Lord , my wife and I were their mentors/biblical counselors so one problem the husband had was a love for money and he just couldn’t get enough, it was like they most important thing in his life so much it started to put a wedge in the relationship, so he was counseled to slow down and spend more time in his word and with his wife and together they needed to grow closer to God, they had plenty of money and there was no need to chase a bigger golden ticket I mean what would be the point if it would destroy your marriage, So it was agreed there has been mistakes along the way and they went through some wrong doors, they started to fall away from Jesus and the church, and really wanted to get back, they wanted to get back around their christian friends and get more plugged into ministry. Ok this was good news well wouldn’t you know it that at that very moment an opportunity came in that was so great and would bring in so much money, it was a lot of work and would take an additional team to make it work so what to you think happened. Well all I will say is they ran through that closed door and now a few years later they are divorced with a lot of hurt anger, bitterness and long lasting baggage to carry around, not to mention walking away from God. You see what God intended for good satan used to destroy, they would have been a great team for the Lord if they stayed the course but you see the Love of Money is the root to all kinds of evil. The bible says that obedience is better than sacrifice, we read in Samuel 15:22

“What is more pleasing to the Lord:
    your burnt offerings and sacrifices
    or your obedience to his voice?
Listen! Obedience is better than sacrifice,
    and submission is better than offering the fat of rams.”

The bible also says in John 3:36

that if we do not obey than we will have Gods angry judgment on us and we will never see the likes of heaven

We must read the signs, even if we think that the missed opportunity or relationship is a bad choice on our part, God knows best

As we go through life, we are faced with decisions.  Sometimes our decisions are good, others not so much.  As Christians, of course, we want to be led by God and we want our decisions and actions to be Godly.  But what happens when something we are pursuing, or somewhere we are going, or something we are doing goes sideways.  Do we consult God in this dilemma or do we just take care of it and fix it?  We are Christians, children of God, and we know that He is always looking out for us.  The Bible says in Romans 8:28 “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” A closed door is closed for a reason.

We must read the signs, yes even the seemingly, little ones that no one pays attention to.  Like this: You’re interviewing for a new job and you just are not getting hired, well you see if you trust in the Lord, thats a closed door.   Or lets say someone wants you to go in business with them, but something always seems to come up maybe pertaining to money or a number of reasons, this very well may be God closing the door  Refer to Romans 8:28 “all things”, yes that’s right, every little thing that happens is for a reason.

As Christians, we have to be aware, we have to realize that Jesus is very active in our lives.  We have been empowered by His Holy Spirit to lead us, direct us, and navigate us through a very uncertain and unpredictable future, that is if we are walking it alone.  Our future is certain and predictable for His followers because God is in control of all things.  You see here in the Word of God it says, “For I know the plans I have for you”, declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope, and a future.”  Jeremiah 29:11

God loves us so much that He tells us in Deuteronomy 32:11 that He is “like an eagle that stirs up its nest and hovers over its young, that spreads its wings to catch them and carries them aloft.”

We must and I can’t stress this enough, we must take notice to the little, sometimes meaningless, signs, and wonders because that’s where we hear God’s voice.

My wife and I have a saying and it goes like this, “Sometime we have to be patient while in the hallway” meaning Let God be God.

So, if something is not working out, if something is not going your way, if there are delays, if plans are derailed, if you lose a job, or are fired, if your car breaks and you can’t afford it, see it for what it is: Romans 8:28.

All things happen for good! and be patient in the hallway.

A Purpose and A Plan

Are you interested?

The definition of purpose, as defined by the world’s standard is:

 “The reason for which something happens”.

As Christians, we should be aware that God has a purpose for us and at some point, we have to start understanding what that purpose is…so, how do we do that?

The bible says this: Jeremiah 29:11

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

We must find the purpose, “the reason for which something is done”, for the purpose God has for us.

Ask yourself this: Where am “I” at in my life?  What am I doing?  Am I working full time?  Am I married?  Am I looking for my husband or wife?  Do I have children?  Am I happy with my career choice?  Am I in school?  Do I talk about God with friends, family, or coworkers?

Where am “I” in regards to ministry?  Are you ministry minded?  Do you serve in any capacity?  Do you have a passion for learning God’s Word?  Do you think about doing more for God?  Do you look at people and wonder if they know the Lord?  Do you wish you could do more for God, like spreading the Good News to the ends of the earth?

Do you find yourself content in your life choices?  Is your schedule too busy with work, family, and activities?  Do you enjoy the fruits of your labor: vacations, shopping, enjoying “me time”?  Are you too busy building your business, your portfolio, getting your physical body in shape, maybe your on a 5-year plan to save, or buy a house and raise kids?  Sometimes we focus on making money so we can give our family what our parents couldn’t give us.

You see, there are hundreds of reasons for “me” that will keep me from my purpose.

There are two paths we as Christians can be on #1 Our own plan or #2 God’s plan.

This #1 plan works around God’s purpose if we’re only concerned about ME, or my life.  The #1 plan is a me-centered plan, it’s for us, it’s to please ourselves, to get us what we want that makes us feel good, especially for our accomplishments.  I did it!  Look at me and this self-centered “me” complex.  Some believe that these are the things God designed me for: to build me up, my physical, my career, my social life, and my family.  I can conquer the world mentality.  Some are fixated on a career path, college degrees, corporate ladder climbing, and retirement.  Most times our drive is the bigger, better, more goal.

When we are only focused on the me and the I, rest assured you have pushed God to the side.  Our plans are flawed, let me show you…Look, right here in Proverbs 16:9 “A man’s heart plans his way, But the Lord directs his steps.”

You see, God has our course all laid out.  His plan has a purpose, a purpose for our lives.  But we have to take our minds off of us and our desires and seek Him so His desires will be revealed.  you see in Matthew 6:33 its says:

“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”

So here is the flaw in “our own plan”, when we plan it out and we execute it, college, career, save, buy, have children, this is strictly our plan.  We are not to think like a person in the world, because that’s the world’s way: school, career, money, family, retire and in Romans 12:2 the Bible says “Don’t be conformed to this world, to the patterns of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of our minds.  Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is, His good pleasing and perfect will or PURPOSE for us.”

So Christian, if we start off with this daily, Matthew 6:33 “But first seek the Kingdom of God and all things shall be added to you” and God’s purpose is one of them! then that will set the day for us, we have to stay rooted in His Word in order to remotely know what it is He has for us. Our lives shouldn’t be all about us and me, but about God and His purpose and it’s through that, and only that, we will find our true heart’s desires.  So to answer our original question, the purpose of purpose is this that we are doing what is required to be a citizen of Heaven so we can fulfill what God has purposed us to do and that is spread the goods news to the ends of the earth.  That comes in many forms, so find your purpose and seek Him to help you accomplish it!

Live in Your Word and see the Lord in all you do

 

 

 

 

Citizen of Heaven!

Am I acting like it?

 

Today let’s discuss what it means to be a citizen of heaven.  First, let’s go to the scriptures and see what it says about that.

Paul tells us in Philippians 1:27:

” Above all, you must live as citizens of heaven, conducting yourselves in a manner worthy of the Good News about Christ. Then, whether I come and see you again or only hear about you, I will know that you are standing together with one spirit and one purpose, fighting together for the faith, which is the Good News.”

Okay, imagine with me if you will, that you were born in heaven and you grew up with God and Jesus.  All you ever saw was the beauty, the unimaginable beauty of Heaven.  All you were taught was to love, honor, and serve your Lord, praising Him every chance you have, being taught scripture, and you were given your citizenship card for Heaven.  One day, Jesus calls you to the throne and asks you to take a trip for Him.  He would like you to go down to earth, settle in somewhere, and spread the Good News that you have learned and been taught about.

He says to you:

15 Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you. 16 For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world. 17 And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever. 1st John 2:15-17

He goes on to say, I am sending you with the Holy Spirit and he will help and guide you as needed and remember I am only a prayer away.  You have the full army of the Lord at your disposal, stay focused on the mission son or daughter.  He says to you:  Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. 1st Peter 5:8

“Now you will have many enemies coming at you, because Satan’s whole job, his whole mission is to keep as many people as he can from being saved, from coming here.  Jesus says one last thing to you:

18 “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. 19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

Matthew 28:18-20

I have a question I would like you to ask yourself below:

“CITIZEN OF HEAVEN”

So ask yourself, _____________, am I a citizen of Heaven?  Have I accepted my mission?  Am I filled with purpose from God and for God?

Here is another question:

If that was you being sent here, are you doing what is asked of you by Jesus?  Because the reality is as citizens of heaven, this is all our calling and that is to share the gospel and to spread the love of Christ to the lost, to live as Christ did and act like we are on His mission for His purpose alone.  It’s time to take our heads out of the sand and start doing. The Bible says in James 1:22-25:

22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. 23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; 24 for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. 25 But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does.

We need to stay out of the world and stop meddling in its affairs like it states in the scripture above in 1st John 2:15-17:

If we would just live in His word and stay focused on what He wills for us, if we stay in prayer and fasting, we will be able to withstand the pressures that this world is applying and in that we will  be able to stand firm on the Word of God and do just as He asks and we will be called the Sons and Daughters of God who are “CITIZEN OF HEAVEN”.

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