From: The Word For Today - Bob Gass Ministries
Psalm 46:10 "Be still and know that I am God."
One of the most awesome commands that God gives to us is, 'be still.' The reason He says it so often is because our activity - when birthed out of the carnal mind - actually prevents Him from working on our behalf.
That doesn't mean you're to be passive or lazy. No, it just means that you're to do whatever He leads you to do - without running ahead of Him in your own energy!
It also means you're to submit everything to Him first, then slow down and wait! In other words, make sure you have a sense of peace to go along with the plans and ideas you believe He's given you.
Ask Him to show you His will for your life, then 'be still' and acknowledge that He's God… He's in charge… and He knows what He's doing!
It's pride, or fear, that makes you want to get behind the wheel, and determine the direction of your life. Acknowledge that. Pray about it. Learn to trust Him without always having to know what He's going to do, when He is going to do it, and how He's going to carry it out.
When He says to you, "Be still, and know that I am God," He's just saying that all you have to do is turn your heart toward Him in confidence, and He'll do what needs to be done. It's that simple.
Thank you for visiting Christians in Agreement.
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Walking Light Bulb
From: Greg Laurie Ministries
Matthew 5:16 "Your light must shine before men so that they may see goodness in your acts and give praise to your Heavenly Father."
The religious leaders thought they had eliminated the problem when they crucified Jesus. But now, His disciples were preaching and performing miracles. It was as though Jesus had returned. He was back in the hearts and lives of His people.
This reminds us that one of the best arguments for the Christian faith is a transformed life. Believers are the best advertising God could have because their lifestyles change, their attitudes change, and even their countenances change. The greatest biography of Jesus is written in the words and actions of His people. Your godly lifestyle is a testimony, just as if you were a walking miracle like the lame man whom Peter and John healed.
Jesus told us we are to be the light of the world and the salt of the earth. There is a place to let our lights shine and proclaim the truth of God. And there is a place for us to be salt.
Even if you don't tell people you are a Christian, they will sense something is different about you. They will watch you. You are like a walking light bulb. You are a representative of Christ.
If you are being the kind of Christian that God wants you to be, if you are being a "salty" Christian, then your lifestyle will stimulate a thirst for God in others. The greatest compliment is when someone wants to know more, when he or she approaches you and says, "What is it about you?" That is your opportunity to shine the light of the gospel.
Thank you for visiting Christians in Agreement.
Matthew 5:16 "Your light must shine before men so that they may see goodness in your acts and give praise to your Heavenly Father."
The religious leaders thought they had eliminated the problem when they crucified Jesus. But now, His disciples were preaching and performing miracles. It was as though Jesus had returned. He was back in the hearts and lives of His people.
This reminds us that one of the best arguments for the Christian faith is a transformed life. Believers are the best advertising God could have because their lifestyles change, their attitudes change, and even their countenances change. The greatest biography of Jesus is written in the words and actions of His people. Your godly lifestyle is a testimony, just as if you were a walking miracle like the lame man whom Peter and John healed.
Jesus told us we are to be the light of the world and the salt of the earth. There is a place to let our lights shine and proclaim the truth of God. And there is a place for us to be salt.
Even if you don't tell people you are a Christian, they will sense something is different about you. They will watch you. You are like a walking light bulb. You are a representative of Christ.
If you are being the kind of Christian that God wants you to be, if you are being a "salty" Christian, then your lifestyle will stimulate a thirst for God in others. The greatest compliment is when someone wants to know more, when he or she approaches you and says, "What is it about you?" That is your opportunity to shine the light of the gospel.
Thank you for visiting Christians in Agreement.
Monday, August 27, 2007
The Best You Can Do
From: Bryant Wright Ministries
Ecclesiastes 9:10 "Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might."
As a teenager, I went to work in a tennis shop, learning to string racquets. The owner told me I'd have to practice on old racquets for a couple of weeks before he'd let me get paid to string customers' racquets. After a few weeks, he gave me a brand new Jack Kramer racquet to string for one of his best customers. In the dark ages of the twentieth century, there were no finer racquets.
I worked carefully and slowly, and when I was done, I said to the shop owner, "I hope he likes it 'cause that's the best I can do." He looked it over and smiled and said, "I hope so, too, 'cause it's yours."
That man gave me a gift that has lasted long after the racquet gave out. We need to do our best to treat folks like we want to be treated because we never know when our actions may come back to bless us or haunt us. God's word is clear, "Whatever a man sows, this he will also reap."
Thank you for visiting Christians in Agreement.
Ecclesiastes 9:10 "Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might."
As a teenager, I went to work in a tennis shop, learning to string racquets. The owner told me I'd have to practice on old racquets for a couple of weeks before he'd let me get paid to string customers' racquets. After a few weeks, he gave me a brand new Jack Kramer racquet to string for one of his best customers. In the dark ages of the twentieth century, there were no finer racquets.
I worked carefully and slowly, and when I was done, I said to the shop owner, "I hope he likes it 'cause that's the best I can do." He looked it over and smiled and said, "I hope so, too, 'cause it's yours."
That man gave me a gift that has lasted long after the racquet gave out. We need to do our best to treat folks like we want to be treated because we never know when our actions may come back to bless us or haunt us. God's word is clear, "Whatever a man sows, this he will also reap."
Thank you for visiting Christians in Agreement.
Sunday, August 26, 2007
God's Protection
From: Neil Anderson Ministries
1 Peter 5:9 "Resist the devil, solid in your faith, realizing that the brotherhood of believers is undergoing the same sufferings throughout the world."
I cannot accept someone saying, "The devil made me do it." No, he didn't make you do it; you did it. Somewhere along the line, you chose to give the devil a foothold. He merely took advantage of the opportunity you gave him.
You have all the resources and protection you need to live a victorious life in Christ every day. If you're not living it, it's your choice. When you leave a door open for the devil by not resisting temptation, accusation or deception, you are vulnerable. And if you continue to allow him access to your life, he can gain a measure of control over you.
Many Christians today who cannot control their lives in some area wallow in self-blame instead of acting responsibly to solve the problem. They berate themselves and punish themselves for not having the willpower to break a bad habit, when instead they should be resisting Satan in an area where he had obviously robbed them of control. Anything bad which you seemingly cannot stop doing, or anything good which you cannot make yourself do, could be an area of demonic control.
God's protection from demonic attack is not something you can take for granted irrespective of how you behave. This protection is conditional on your willingness to respond to God's provision. We are told to put on Christ and make no provision for the flesh (Romans 13:14), to put on the armor of God and to stand firm (Ephesians 6:11), to submit to God and resist the devil (James 4:7). If we irresponsibly ignore God's resources by failing to obey these commands, how can we expect Him to protect us?
Thank you for visiting Christians in Agreement
1 Peter 5:9 "Resist the devil, solid in your faith, realizing that the brotherhood of believers is undergoing the same sufferings throughout the world."
I cannot accept someone saying, "The devil made me do it." No, he didn't make you do it; you did it. Somewhere along the line, you chose to give the devil a foothold. He merely took advantage of the opportunity you gave him.
You have all the resources and protection you need to live a victorious life in Christ every day. If you're not living it, it's your choice. When you leave a door open for the devil by not resisting temptation, accusation or deception, you are vulnerable. And if you continue to allow him access to your life, he can gain a measure of control over you.
Many Christians today who cannot control their lives in some area wallow in self-blame instead of acting responsibly to solve the problem. They berate themselves and punish themselves for not having the willpower to break a bad habit, when instead they should be resisting Satan in an area where he had obviously robbed them of control. Anything bad which you seemingly cannot stop doing, or anything good which you cannot make yourself do, could be an area of demonic control.
God's protection from demonic attack is not something you can take for granted irrespective of how you behave. This protection is conditional on your willingness to respond to God's provision. We are told to put on Christ and make no provision for the flesh (Romans 13:14), to put on the armor of God and to stand firm (Ephesians 6:11), to submit to God and resist the devil (James 4:7). If we irresponsibly ignore God's resources by failing to obey these commands, how can we expect Him to protect us?
Thank you for visiting Christians in Agreement
Saturday, August 25, 2007
Stay Connected
From: Today God Is First - Os Hillman Ministries
Psalms 143:8 "Let the morning bring me word of Your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in You. Show me the way I should go, for to You I lift up my soul."
Two of the greatest inventions of my time have been the laptop computer and e-mail. The laptop means I no longer have to stay in one place to be productive in my business life. E-mail has allowed me to stay connected to people all around the world with the touch of a button.
My greatest frustration is when either of these does not work. Sometimes e-mail cannot be used because I can't get a connection. Sometimes I cannot use my laptop because I have not properly charged it, and then the charge runs out while I am on an airplane. Both of these situations mean I am unable to tap into the resource that allows me to fulfill my calling in my work to the fullest.
The morning time with God is much like these situations. God pours His Word into my spirit, and I am recharged. This recharging has an important effect on my day. It allows me the greatest opportunity to hear the small voice that directs my steps. If I refuse to "get connected," I risk following my own ways of fulfilling the duties of my day. It sets forth the opportunity for God to speak into my spirit what He desires for me each day. It allows me to focus on God's purposes, not mine.
The only way to know someone is to spend time with him or her. The only way to discern the voice of another is to hear that person's voice. David, the author of this psalm, was a warrior, king, and businessman. He understood this principle of connecting with God in the morning. His morning allowed him to connect with God's love, renew his trust in Him, and hear His directions for his life. Shouldn't you and I do the same?
Please pray for my mother, Helen Beall. She fell earlier this week and broke her hip. She is 82 and complications with her blood pressure and heart rhythm are delaying her surgery.
Thank you and God bless.
Psalms 143:8 "Let the morning bring me word of Your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in You. Show me the way I should go, for to You I lift up my soul."
Two of the greatest inventions of my time have been the laptop computer and e-mail. The laptop means I no longer have to stay in one place to be productive in my business life. E-mail has allowed me to stay connected to people all around the world with the touch of a button.
My greatest frustration is when either of these does not work. Sometimes e-mail cannot be used because I can't get a connection. Sometimes I cannot use my laptop because I have not properly charged it, and then the charge runs out while I am on an airplane. Both of these situations mean I am unable to tap into the resource that allows me to fulfill my calling in my work to the fullest.
The morning time with God is much like these situations. God pours His Word into my spirit, and I am recharged. This recharging has an important effect on my day. It allows me the greatest opportunity to hear the small voice that directs my steps. If I refuse to "get connected," I risk following my own ways of fulfilling the duties of my day. It sets forth the opportunity for God to speak into my spirit what He desires for me each day. It allows me to focus on God's purposes, not mine.
The only way to know someone is to spend time with him or her. The only way to discern the voice of another is to hear that person's voice. David, the author of this psalm, was a warrior, king, and businessman. He understood this principle of connecting with God in the morning. His morning allowed him to connect with God's love, renew his trust in Him, and hear His directions for his life. Shouldn't you and I do the same?
Please pray for my mother, Helen Beall. She fell earlier this week and broke her hip. She is 82 and complications with her blood pressure and heart rhythm are delaying her surgery.
Thank you and God bless.
Friday, August 24, 2007
Faith Training
From: The Word For Today - Bob Gass Ministries
Romans 12:3 "In accordance with the measure of faith God has given you."
When it comes to building muscle, how much weight you lift, is not as important as how many repetitions you do. The more "reps," the stronger you become. So it is with your faith. When you face tough times and come through them, you develop the faith needed to handle the next crisis. You know that since God brought you through that, He can also bring you through this.
It's necessary to experience both success and failure, for built into each, is the ability to be stronger and wiser tomorrow. David destroyed Goliath, because he'd "faith-trained" with a lion and a bear! He also refused to wear King Saul's armor, because he knew you can't use somebody else's workout regime to kill your Goliath. Listen, "I cannot go with these; for I have not proved them." (1 Samuel 17:39).
What you're going through right now, is just equipping you to handle what God has for you in the future. It's been sent, so that you can work on your training formula.
Have you ever noticed how certain people can lose everything, yet a few years later they're back on top again? That's because they know the formula - and that's better than the riches, for the formula will work anywhere. If you can cook, you can cook anywhere. If you can sing, you can sing anywhere. Learn God's formula for your life. Use the situation you're in right now as a faith-training opportunity!
Romans 12:3 "In accordance with the measure of faith God has given you."
When it comes to building muscle, how much weight you lift, is not as important as how many repetitions you do. The more "reps," the stronger you become. So it is with your faith. When you face tough times and come through them, you develop the faith needed to handle the next crisis. You know that since God brought you through that, He can also bring you through this.
It's necessary to experience both success and failure, for built into each, is the ability to be stronger and wiser tomorrow. David destroyed Goliath, because he'd "faith-trained" with a lion and a bear! He also refused to wear King Saul's armor, because he knew you can't use somebody else's workout regime to kill your Goliath. Listen, "I cannot go with these; for I have not proved them." (1 Samuel 17:39).
What you're going through right now, is just equipping you to handle what God has for you in the future. It's been sent, so that you can work on your training formula.
Have you ever noticed how certain people can lose everything, yet a few years later they're back on top again? That's because they know the formula - and that's better than the riches, for the formula will work anywhere. If you can cook, you can cook anywhere. If you can sing, you can sing anywhere. Learn God's formula for your life. Use the situation you're in right now as a faith-training opportunity!
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Good Ideas and God-Ideas
From: Today God Is First - Os Hillman Ministries
Romans 8:14 "Because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God."
The greatest sign that you and I are maturing in our walk with God is when we can discern the difference between "good ideas" and "God-ideas." When the people of Israel journeyed out of Egypt through the desert, they were led by the cloud by day. They could move only as fast as the cloud. If they went ahead, they went without God's presence. If they lagged behind, they also lost God's presence.
There are so many things in which you and I can be involved, and the more successful you become, the greater the temptations to enter into things where God has not called you. Entrepreneurs are especially prone to see all the opportunities.
I recall one time when I entered into a project that I thought was a great idea. It would help many people. After two years, the project had to be discontinued. It was a great lesson on understanding what projects have God's blessing on them. There are some projects you and I might get involved in that result in little fruit compared to the investment put into them. That is because they may never have been birthed by the Holy Spirit.
As sons of God, we are called to be led by the Spirit. This requires a level of dependence on God in which many of us really do not want to invest. It requires listening, waiting, and moving only when God's Spirit tells us to move. Businesspeople are "action" people. We know how to get things done, but our greatest strength can be our greatest weakness.
Today, ask God to make you a Romans 8:14 man or woman who is led by the Spirit of God. Pray against lagging behind or moving ahead. Ask God to reveal whether the next project you consider is a "good idea" or a "God-idea."
Romans 8:14 "Because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God."
The greatest sign that you and I are maturing in our walk with God is when we can discern the difference between "good ideas" and "God-ideas." When the people of Israel journeyed out of Egypt through the desert, they were led by the cloud by day. They could move only as fast as the cloud. If they went ahead, they went without God's presence. If they lagged behind, they also lost God's presence.
There are so many things in which you and I can be involved, and the more successful you become, the greater the temptations to enter into things where God has not called you. Entrepreneurs are especially prone to see all the opportunities.
I recall one time when I entered into a project that I thought was a great idea. It would help many people. After two years, the project had to be discontinued. It was a great lesson on understanding what projects have God's blessing on them. There are some projects you and I might get involved in that result in little fruit compared to the investment put into them. That is because they may never have been birthed by the Holy Spirit.
As sons of God, we are called to be led by the Spirit. This requires a level of dependence on God in which many of us really do not want to invest. It requires listening, waiting, and moving only when God's Spirit tells us to move. Businesspeople are "action" people. We know how to get things done, but our greatest strength can be our greatest weakness.
Today, ask God to make you a Romans 8:14 man or woman who is led by the Spirit of God. Pray against lagging behind or moving ahead. Ask God to reveal whether the next project you consider is a "good idea" or a "God-idea."
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Growing Pains
Let's remember that God is aware of everything going on in each of our lives and He can allow it to happen or prevent it. This is a mystery that we cannot possibly understand...especially when "bad things happen to good people."
When disaster strikes...and sooner or later it happens to all of us, it certainly does not catch God off guard. Do you really think He ever says, "Oops, didn't see that coming!" or "Wow, I didn't mean for that to happen!" Of course not.
It's always the enemy who causes bad things (evil) to happen on earth and it's always God who makes "All things work together for good, for those who love God, and are called according to His purpose." (Romans 8:28).
Remember Job who questioned God for allowing such horrible calamities to befall him. After God responded by taking Job to task for questioning the Creator of the Universe, Job replied, "I don't understand but I disown what I have said and repent " and also " I know that You can do all things, and no purpose of Yours can be hindered." (Job 42:2,6).
God's Word in the Book of Job reminds us that although we cannot understand why "bad things happen to good people", we know that, by faith, God is in control and His purpose will be revealed to us one day...in this life or the next.
From: The Word For Today - Bob Gass Ministries
2 Corinthians 3:18 "As the Spirit… works within us, we become… like Him."
Are you striving to become more like Jesus, but some days it feels like two steps forward and three back? Growing up Spiritually isn't easy, that's why Paul encourages us not to "grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart." (Galatians 6:9).
You don't notice yourself growing older physically until you look at an earlier photo, then it hits you. And it's the same with Spiritual growth; it's hard to gauge how far you've come until you look back and see where you were before Jesus saved you and turned your life around. The Bible says, "As the Spirit… works within us, we become more… like Him." But growing up involves growing pains!
One day a high-rise construction worker slipped and fell from a scaffold 40 floors up. As he plummeted past the 20th floor a woman in an office shouted, "How're you doing?" The man replied, "So far so good!"
Never forget that you're on a Spiritual journey, you're making progress, and that the devil will always look for ways to remind you how far you still have to go. Don't listen to him! Jesus said: "There is nothing truthful about him… everything he says is a lie" (John 8:44).
If you get discouraged and give up, Satan wins. Learn to live beyond your feelings, to dig down inside to where God's Spirit lives. And take heart! It may not always feel like it, but every day you're maturing and growing stronger in Christ. So don't even think about throwing in the towel!
When disaster strikes...and sooner or later it happens to all of us, it certainly does not catch God off guard. Do you really think He ever says, "Oops, didn't see that coming!" or "Wow, I didn't mean for that to happen!" Of course not.
It's always the enemy who causes bad things (evil) to happen on earth and it's always God who makes "All things work together for good, for those who love God, and are called according to His purpose." (Romans 8:28).
Remember Job who questioned God for allowing such horrible calamities to befall him. After God responded by taking Job to task for questioning the Creator of the Universe, Job replied, "I don't understand but I disown what I have said and repent " and also " I know that You can do all things, and no purpose of Yours can be hindered." (Job 42:2,6).
God's Word in the Book of Job reminds us that although we cannot understand why "bad things happen to good people", we know that, by faith, God is in control and His purpose will be revealed to us one day...in this life or the next.
From: The Word For Today - Bob Gass Ministries
2 Corinthians 3:18 "As the Spirit… works within us, we become… like Him."
Are you striving to become more like Jesus, but some days it feels like two steps forward and three back? Growing up Spiritually isn't easy, that's why Paul encourages us not to "grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart." (Galatians 6:9).
You don't notice yourself growing older physically until you look at an earlier photo, then it hits you. And it's the same with Spiritual growth; it's hard to gauge how far you've come until you look back and see where you were before Jesus saved you and turned your life around. The Bible says, "As the Spirit… works within us, we become more… like Him." But growing up involves growing pains!
One day a high-rise construction worker slipped and fell from a scaffold 40 floors up. As he plummeted past the 20th floor a woman in an office shouted, "How're you doing?" The man replied, "So far so good!"
Never forget that you're on a Spiritual journey, you're making progress, and that the devil will always look for ways to remind you how far you still have to go. Don't listen to him! Jesus said: "There is nothing truthful about him… everything he says is a lie" (John 8:44).
If you get discouraged and give up, Satan wins. Learn to live beyond your feelings, to dig down inside to where God's Spirit lives. And take heart! It may not always feel like it, but every day you're maturing and growing stronger in Christ. So don't even think about throwing in the towel!
Monday, August 20, 2007
The "father of lies"
From: The Word For Today - Bob Gass Ministries
1 Peter 5:8 “Stay sober and alert! Your opponent the devil is prowling like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”
Satan’s predictable! All his temptations follow this familiar 4-step pattern:
(1) Desire! First he identifies a desire within you, like the desire for revenge, or the legitimate desire to be loved and feel pleasure. Then he suggests you fulfill that legitimate desire in a wrong way. The truth is, if you didn’t have desires, temptation couldn’t attract you. The Bible says there’s: “A whole army of evil desires within you” (Jas 4:1).
(2) Doubt! Satan tries to get you to doubt what God has said about sin. Is it really wrong? How come others do it? Doesn’t God want me to be happy? The Book of Hebrews warns: “Watch out! Don’t let evil thoughts or doubts make any of you turn away from the living God” (Heb 3:12).
(3) Deception! Satan’s incapable of telling the truth. He’s “the father of lies” (John 8:44). Anything he tells you will either be untrue or half-true. He whispers, “Nobody will ever know. It’ll solve your problem. It’s only a little sin.” But a little sin is like being a little pregnant; it’ll eventually show itself.
(4) Disobedience! If you conceive and carry a thought long enough, you’ll birth a behavior. Every addict starts with one fix and every alcoholic with one drink. Shattered marriages begin with seemingly innocent flirtations. James warns, “We are tempted when we are drawn away and trapped by our own evil desires…do not be deceived” (Jas 1:14-16).
“What’s the solution?” you ask. Live closer to God and you’ll be less vulnerable to temptation!
1 Peter 5:8 “Stay sober and alert! Your opponent the devil is prowling like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”
Satan’s predictable! All his temptations follow this familiar 4-step pattern:
(1) Desire! First he identifies a desire within you, like the desire for revenge, or the legitimate desire to be loved and feel pleasure. Then he suggests you fulfill that legitimate desire in a wrong way. The truth is, if you didn’t have desires, temptation couldn’t attract you. The Bible says there’s: “A whole army of evil desires within you” (Jas 4:1).
(2) Doubt! Satan tries to get you to doubt what God has said about sin. Is it really wrong? How come others do it? Doesn’t God want me to be happy? The Book of Hebrews warns: “Watch out! Don’t let evil thoughts or doubts make any of you turn away from the living God” (Heb 3:12).
(3) Deception! Satan’s incapable of telling the truth. He’s “the father of lies” (John 8:44). Anything he tells you will either be untrue or half-true. He whispers, “Nobody will ever know. It’ll solve your problem. It’s only a little sin.” But a little sin is like being a little pregnant; it’ll eventually show itself.
(4) Disobedience! If you conceive and carry a thought long enough, you’ll birth a behavior. Every addict starts with one fix and every alcoholic with one drink. Shattered marriages begin with seemingly innocent flirtations. James warns, “We are tempted when we are drawn away and trapped by our own evil desires…do not be deceived” (Jas 1:14-16).
“What’s the solution?” you ask. Live closer to God and you’ll be less vulnerable to temptation!
Sunday, August 19, 2007
The Purpose Of This Ministry
The purpose of this ministry is not to teach, for I am not a teacher. Its purpose is not to preach, for I am not a preacher.
Its purpose is not to prophesy, for I am not a prophet. Simply, the purpose of this ministry is to encourage, for I am an encourager.
All Christians have received at least one of the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit that Paul describes in Romans 12:6-8...prophesy, ministry, teaching, exhortation (encourager), mercy, giving, and leadership. Some Christians have more than one, possibly all of them.
My encouragement to all Christians (Catholic and Protestant) is to agree that we all have a common purpose...to know, love and serve the Lord our God. We can do this because the one Triune God...Father, Son, and Holy Spirit is with us, in us, and is guiding us. Pray that the Holy Spirit will give you the wisdom and understanding to know your spiritual gift(s) and how to best serve our Lord.
We must be like the "industrious and reliable" servant Jesus described in the parable of the talents. He took his gifts and invested them. And upon his master's return, he heard what we all want to hear one day..."Well done good and faithful servant! Come, share your master's joy!" (Matthew 25:21).
Its purpose is not to prophesy, for I am not a prophet. Simply, the purpose of this ministry is to encourage, for I am an encourager.
All Christians have received at least one of the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit that Paul describes in Romans 12:6-8...prophesy, ministry, teaching, exhortation (encourager), mercy, giving, and leadership. Some Christians have more than one, possibly all of them.
My encouragement to all Christians (Catholic and Protestant) is to agree that we all have a common purpose...to know, love and serve the Lord our God. We can do this because the one Triune God...Father, Son, and Holy Spirit is with us, in us, and is guiding us. Pray that the Holy Spirit will give you the wisdom and understanding to know your spiritual gift(s) and how to best serve our Lord.
We must be like the "industrious and reliable" servant Jesus described in the parable of the talents. He took his gifts and invested them. And upon his master's return, he heard what we all want to hear one day..."Well done good and faithful servant! Come, share your master's joy!" (Matthew 25:21).
Bullets Or Seeds
From: The Word For Today - Bob Gass Ministries
Isaiah 50:4 "The Lord God has given me His words of wisdom so that I may know what I should say."
Richard Halverson writes, "You can offer your ideas to others as bullets or as seeds. You can shoot them or sow them. Ideas used as bullets will kill inspiration and motivation. Ideas used as seeds will take root, grow and bear fruit in the life in which they are planted. But there's a risk; once it becomes part of those in whom it's planted, you probably will get no credit for originating the idea. But if you're willing to do without the credit… you'll reap a rich harvest."
Consider these two things:
(1) Good ideas are wasted when you use a 'ram-it-down-your-throat' approach. You've got to learn how to say the right thing, the right way. Solomon writes, "A man of knowledge uses words with restraint, and a man of understanding is even-tempered" (Proverbs 17:27). To get the job done, you must have the right answer - and the right attitude.
(2) Your efforts at helping others to change will fail, or worse, alienate them, if you don't approach them in love and humility. Most people already know what their problem is; they've been dealing with it long enough. And deep down they want to do better. But unless you want a 'who-are-you-to-tell-me?' response, you've got to approach them the right way.
"Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones" (Proverbs 16:24). The truth will always set people free. But if they refuse to listen to the truth in the way you're sharing it, maybe the problem's not theirs - it's yours. Maybe you're firing bullets instead of planting seeds.
Isaiah 50:4 "The Lord God has given me His words of wisdom so that I may know what I should say."
Richard Halverson writes, "You can offer your ideas to others as bullets or as seeds. You can shoot them or sow them. Ideas used as bullets will kill inspiration and motivation. Ideas used as seeds will take root, grow and bear fruit in the life in which they are planted. But there's a risk; once it becomes part of those in whom it's planted, you probably will get no credit for originating the idea. But if you're willing to do without the credit… you'll reap a rich harvest."
Consider these two things:
(1) Good ideas are wasted when you use a 'ram-it-down-your-throat' approach. You've got to learn how to say the right thing, the right way. Solomon writes, "A man of knowledge uses words with restraint, and a man of understanding is even-tempered" (Proverbs 17:27). To get the job done, you must have the right answer - and the right attitude.
(2) Your efforts at helping others to change will fail, or worse, alienate them, if you don't approach them in love and humility. Most people already know what their problem is; they've been dealing with it long enough. And deep down they want to do better. But unless you want a 'who-are-you-to-tell-me?' response, you've got to approach them the right way.
"Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones" (Proverbs 16:24). The truth will always set people free. But if they refuse to listen to the truth in the way you're sharing it, maybe the problem's not theirs - it's yours. Maybe you're firing bullets instead of planting seeds.
Saturday, August 18, 2007
The Enemy's Battle Plans
From: Joel Osteen Ministries
Ephesians 6:11 "Put on the armor of God so that you may be able to stand firm against the tactics of the devil."
Satan called a worldwide convention. In his opening address to his evil angels, he said, "We can't keep the Christians from going to church. We can't keep them from reading their bibles and knowing the truth. We can't even keep them from conservative values. But we can do something else. We can keep them from forming an intimate relationship with Jesus. If they gain that connection, our power over them will be broken. So let them go to a church; let them have their conservative lifestyles, but steal their time.
"How can we do this?" shouted the angels. "Keep them busy in the non-essentials of life. Invent schemes to occupy their minds. Tempt them to spend, spend, spend and then borrow, borrow, borrow. Convince the wives to go to work for long hours and husbands to work six or seven days a week so they can afford their lifestyles. Keep them from spending time with their children. As their family fragments, soon their homes will offer no escape from the pressures of work.
Over stimulate their minds so they cannot hear that still, small voice. Entice them to keep the radio, TV, VCR, CDs and PCs going constantly in their home. This will jam their minds and break that union with Christ. Pound their minds twenty-four hours a day. Even in their recreation, let them be excessive. Have them return from their recreation exhausted, disquieted, and unprepared for the coming week.
And when they meet for spiritual fellowship, involve them in gossip and small talk so that they leave with troubled consciences and unsettled motion. Let them be involved in soul winning but crowd their lives with so many good causes that they have no time to seek power from Christ. Soon they will be working in their own strength, sacrificing their health and family for the good of the cause."
It was quite a convention in the end. And the evil angels went eagerly to their assignments causing Christians everywhere to get busy, busy, busy, rushing here and there.
Has Satan been successful at his schemes? You be the judge. Satan's goal is to take our minds and hearts off Christ then steer us to the cares of the world. If we're too busy for God, then we're too busy.
Ephesians 6:11 "Put on the armor of God so that you may be able to stand firm against the tactics of the devil."
Satan called a worldwide convention. In his opening address to his evil angels, he said, "We can't keep the Christians from going to church. We can't keep them from reading their bibles and knowing the truth. We can't even keep them from conservative values. But we can do something else. We can keep them from forming an intimate relationship with Jesus. If they gain that connection, our power over them will be broken. So let them go to a church; let them have their conservative lifestyles, but steal their time.
"How can we do this?" shouted the angels. "Keep them busy in the non-essentials of life. Invent schemes to occupy their minds. Tempt them to spend, spend, spend and then borrow, borrow, borrow. Convince the wives to go to work for long hours and husbands to work six or seven days a week so they can afford their lifestyles. Keep them from spending time with their children. As their family fragments, soon their homes will offer no escape from the pressures of work.
Over stimulate their minds so they cannot hear that still, small voice. Entice them to keep the radio, TV, VCR, CDs and PCs going constantly in their home. This will jam their minds and break that union with Christ. Pound their minds twenty-four hours a day. Even in their recreation, let them be excessive. Have them return from their recreation exhausted, disquieted, and unprepared for the coming week.
And when they meet for spiritual fellowship, involve them in gossip and small talk so that they leave with troubled consciences and unsettled motion. Let them be involved in soul winning but crowd their lives with so many good causes that they have no time to seek power from Christ. Soon they will be working in their own strength, sacrificing their health and family for the good of the cause."
It was quite a convention in the end. And the evil angels went eagerly to their assignments causing Christians everywhere to get busy, busy, busy, rushing here and there.
Has Satan been successful at his schemes? You be the judge. Satan's goal is to take our minds and hearts off Christ then steer us to the cares of the world. If we're too busy for God, then we're too busy.
Spiritual War
From: Neil Anderson Ministries
Colossians 2:15 "He disarmed the rulers and authorities and made a public display of them, having triumphed over them through Him."
In Colossians 2:15, Paul identifies something very important that happened at the death, resurrection and ascension of Christ. Not only were we made alive in Christ, but Satan was also disarmed and defeated. His defeat is not pending, nor is it future; it has already happened.
If Satan is already disarmed, why don't we experience more victory in our lives? In a word, the lie. "Your opponent the devil roams around like a hungry lion, looking for someone to devour."(1 Peter 5:8) In reality his fangs have been removed and he has been declawed, but if he can deceive you into believing that he can chew you up and spit you out, he can control you, which is just what he wants to do. He is gumming Christians to death!
The very reason Christ conferred His authority on us was to demonstrate to the kingdom of darkness who is really in control in this world. In Ephesians Paul wrote that his call was "to bring to light what is the administration of the mystery which for ages has been hidden in God, who created all things; in order that the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known through the church to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. This was in accordance with the eternal purpose which He carries about in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Ephesians 3:9-11).
How are we doing at making Christ's victory known to "the rulers and authorities in heavenly places," which is God's eternal purpose? In many quarters, not very well. Some of us are still saying, "What rulers and authorities?" We're not sure that demons even exist. How are we ever going to get our job done in the world if we don't believe what God says about the kingdom of darkness?
The fact that Jesus left us "in the world" (John 17:11) to wrestle against "spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places" (Ephesians 6:12) is a present-day reality. Supernatural forces are at work on planet Earth. We live in the natural world, but we are involved in a spiritual war.
Dear God, keep us alert to the enemy's strategy of trying to control our thoughts. We pray that by the power of the Holy Spirit in the name of Your Son Jesus Christ, that Your hedge of protection will keep the evil one away from our lives. Amen
Colossians 2:15 "He disarmed the rulers and authorities and made a public display of them, having triumphed over them through Him."
In Colossians 2:15, Paul identifies something very important that happened at the death, resurrection and ascension of Christ. Not only were we made alive in Christ, but Satan was also disarmed and defeated. His defeat is not pending, nor is it future; it has already happened.
If Satan is already disarmed, why don't we experience more victory in our lives? In a word, the lie. "Your opponent the devil roams around like a hungry lion, looking for someone to devour."(1 Peter 5:8) In reality his fangs have been removed and he has been declawed, but if he can deceive you into believing that he can chew you up and spit you out, he can control you, which is just what he wants to do. He is gumming Christians to death!
The very reason Christ conferred His authority on us was to demonstrate to the kingdom of darkness who is really in control in this world. In Ephesians Paul wrote that his call was "to bring to light what is the administration of the mystery which for ages has been hidden in God, who created all things; in order that the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known through the church to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. This was in accordance with the eternal purpose which He carries about in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Ephesians 3:9-11).
How are we doing at making Christ's victory known to "the rulers and authorities in heavenly places," which is God's eternal purpose? In many quarters, not very well. Some of us are still saying, "What rulers and authorities?" We're not sure that demons even exist. How are we ever going to get our job done in the world if we don't believe what God says about the kingdom of darkness?
The fact that Jesus left us "in the world" (John 17:11) to wrestle against "spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places" (Ephesians 6:12) is a present-day reality. Supernatural forces are at work on planet Earth. We live in the natural world, but we are involved in a spiritual war.
Dear God, keep us alert to the enemy's strategy of trying to control our thoughts. We pray that by the power of the Holy Spirit in the name of Your Son Jesus Christ, that Your hedge of protection will keep the evil one away from our lives. Amen
Friday, August 17, 2007
Church Fellowship
From: Our Daily Bread Ministries
Hebrews 10:25 "We should not absent ourselves from the assembly, as some do, but encourage one another; and this all the more because you see that the Day draws near."
The warm fellowship of the church will keep your heart from growing cold.
How important is our fellowship in the local church? Let me answer that question by telling a story.
A minister was concerned about the absence of a man who had normally attended services. After a few weeks, he decided to visit him. When the pastor arrived at the man's home, he found him all alone, sitting in front of a fireplace. The minister pulled up a chair and sat next to him. But after his initial greeting he said nothing more.
The two sat in silence for a few minutes while the minister stared at the flames in the fireplace. Then he took the tongs and carefully picked up one burning ember from the flames and placed it on the hearth. He sat back in his chair, still silent. His host watched in quiet reflection as the ember flickered and faded. Before long it was cold and dead.
The minister glanced at his watch and said he had to leave, but first he picked up the cold ember and placed it back in the fire. Immediately it began to glow again with the light and warmth of the burning coals around it.
As the minister rose to leave, his host stood with him and shook his hand. Then, with a smile on his face, the man said, "Thanks for the sermon, pastor. I'll see you in church on Sunday." -David Roper
Hebrews 10:25 "We should not absent ourselves from the assembly, as some do, but encourage one another; and this all the more because you see that the Day draws near."
The warm fellowship of the church will keep your heart from growing cold.
How important is our fellowship in the local church? Let me answer that question by telling a story.
A minister was concerned about the absence of a man who had normally attended services. After a few weeks, he decided to visit him. When the pastor arrived at the man's home, he found him all alone, sitting in front of a fireplace. The minister pulled up a chair and sat next to him. But after his initial greeting he said nothing more.
The two sat in silence for a few minutes while the minister stared at the flames in the fireplace. Then he took the tongs and carefully picked up one burning ember from the flames and placed it on the hearth. He sat back in his chair, still silent. His host watched in quiet reflection as the ember flickered and faded. Before long it was cold and dead.
The minister glanced at his watch and said he had to leave, but first he picked up the cold ember and placed it back in the fire. Immediately it began to glow again with the light and warmth of the burning coals around it.
As the minister rose to leave, his host stood with him and shook his hand. Then, with a smile on his face, the man said, "Thanks for the sermon, pastor. I'll see you in church on Sunday." -David Roper
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Challenging Times
From: InTouch Ministries
Psalm 46:2 “God is our refuge and our strength, an ever-present help in distress.”
The life of Joseph teaches important principles about challenging times.
Difficulties will continue until God's purpose is accomplished. In Joseph's case, God's plan was to prepare him to rescue his family as well as the nation of Egypt from famine. In order to ready Joseph for a position of authority and responsibility, God placed him in an important Egyptian household as a slave. There, in hard circumstances, Joseph could learn key lessons needed for the future. Not only did he acquire important skills, but his faith and relationship with the Lord were also strengthened. God still operates that way, equipping us to accomplish the work He has planned for us. (Ephesians 2:10)
We learn more in the dark than we do in the light. Besides discovering God's faithfulness, Joseph learned to handle high and low positions, to say no to temptation, and to discern God's presence. The principles and truths we read in Scripture are not really ours until they get tested and tried.
What we learn in the darkness, we are to share in the light. Joseph openly shared his faith and knowledge from God when he interpreted the Pharaoh's dreams. (Genesis 41:15-16) He did not let imprisonment stop him from helping others. (Genesis 40:1-23) What we learn in our trials is to be offered to those who are suffering.
None of us look for hard times, but they seem to find us regularly. Instead of fearing them, we can trust God and embrace His plan. He uses trials for His glory and our gain. (Job 23:10) We can count on it.
Psalm 46:2 “God is our refuge and our strength, an ever-present help in distress.”
The life of Joseph teaches important principles about challenging times.
Difficulties will continue until God's purpose is accomplished. In Joseph's case, God's plan was to prepare him to rescue his family as well as the nation of Egypt from famine. In order to ready Joseph for a position of authority and responsibility, God placed him in an important Egyptian household as a slave. There, in hard circumstances, Joseph could learn key lessons needed for the future. Not only did he acquire important skills, but his faith and relationship with the Lord were also strengthened. God still operates that way, equipping us to accomplish the work He has planned for us. (Ephesians 2:10)
We learn more in the dark than we do in the light. Besides discovering God's faithfulness, Joseph learned to handle high and low positions, to say no to temptation, and to discern God's presence. The principles and truths we read in Scripture are not really ours until they get tested and tried.
What we learn in the darkness, we are to share in the light. Joseph openly shared his faith and knowledge from God when he interpreted the Pharaoh's dreams. (Genesis 41:15-16) He did not let imprisonment stop him from helping others. (Genesis 40:1-23) What we learn in our trials is to be offered to those who are suffering.
None of us look for hard times, but they seem to find us regularly. Instead of fearing them, we can trust God and embrace His plan. He uses trials for His glory and our gain. (Job 23:10) We can count on it.
Produst Testing
From: Today God Is First - Os Hillman Ministries
Matthew 25:21 "His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness.'"
Testing allows one to discover how well a product is made when placed under extreme stress. Increasing the pulling pressure between two objects reveals the amount of tension that can be withstood in a chain link. Eventually, the "choking" point occurs. In sports, we ascertain the "choking" point for athletes by putting them into a pressure situation. At what point will the athlete lose concentration and collapse under the pressure? It is under these stressful times that we discover how well we have been trained to withstand the pressure and make right decisions regardless of outside influences.
In my younger days I played sports. I came to observe that we fail under pressure usually because we reach a point where our ability to focus on execution yields to concern about outcome. This worry about outcome forces us to lose our concentration. The fear of failure begins to rule our emotions and actions, which ultimately results in our failure. What we fear has come upon us. It becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy.
In life, we see giving in to pressure in the form of compulsive behavior, withdrawal, anger, abuse, moral failure, and dishonesty, to name just a few manifestations.
Jesus never yielded to pressure. He never made decisions based on outcome. He always made the right decision. He always performed the same no matter what the circumstance. He lived a life based on absolutes, not circumstances. He never gave in to "situational ethics."
As God entrusts us with more and more responsibility, He brings more and more pressures into our lives to "test the product," to make sure that He can give even more responsibility to us. This process helps us see where we are in our maturity and determines our level of future responsibility.
Are you a product that can withstand the product test? Will you perform as the Maker designed no matter what outside pressures come? Know that you cannot perform well unless you are continually in relationship with and obedient to the one who made you. Trust the product developer today. He has made you to perform well under pressure.
Matthew 25:21 "His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness.'"
Testing allows one to discover how well a product is made when placed under extreme stress. Increasing the pulling pressure between two objects reveals the amount of tension that can be withstood in a chain link. Eventually, the "choking" point occurs. In sports, we ascertain the "choking" point for athletes by putting them into a pressure situation. At what point will the athlete lose concentration and collapse under the pressure? It is under these stressful times that we discover how well we have been trained to withstand the pressure and make right decisions regardless of outside influences.
In my younger days I played sports. I came to observe that we fail under pressure usually because we reach a point where our ability to focus on execution yields to concern about outcome. This worry about outcome forces us to lose our concentration. The fear of failure begins to rule our emotions and actions, which ultimately results in our failure. What we fear has come upon us. It becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy.
In life, we see giving in to pressure in the form of compulsive behavior, withdrawal, anger, abuse, moral failure, and dishonesty, to name just a few manifestations.
Jesus never yielded to pressure. He never made decisions based on outcome. He always made the right decision. He always performed the same no matter what the circumstance. He lived a life based on absolutes, not circumstances. He never gave in to "situational ethics."
As God entrusts us with more and more responsibility, He brings more and more pressures into our lives to "test the product," to make sure that He can give even more responsibility to us. This process helps us see where we are in our maturity and determines our level of future responsibility.
Are you a product that can withstand the product test? Will you perform as the Maker designed no matter what outside pressures come? Know that you cannot perform well unless you are continually in relationship with and obedient to the one who made you. Trust the product developer today. He has made you to perform well under pressure.
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Spiritual Strength
We will begin today putting devotionals on this blog site taken from various website ministries. Please feel free to comment.
God bless you
Bobby
From: The Word For Today...Bob Gass Ministries
Phil. 4:13 “In Christ who is the source of my strength, I have strength for everything.”
Generally speaking, God calls us to step out and do things we don’t feel qualified to do. Why? So that we’ll learn to lean more on Him. “Does that mean I won’t make mistakes?” No, it means you probably will. But instead of being discouraged you’ll accept them as part of the learning curve and go on to greater things! Often we look at a task and think, “There’s no way I can do this.” Hey, you’re looking through the wrong end of the telescope! You’re looking at yourself instead of God!
When God called Joshua to take the place of Moses, He promised him: “As I was with Moses, so I will be with you” (Jos 1:5). Now if God promises to be with you (and He does), that’s all you need! His strength is best shown through your weakness (see 2 Co 12:9).
Whatever ingredients are lacking in the natural realm, you can withdraw from your account in the spiritual realm. Listen: “Draw your strength from the Lord and His mighty power” (Eph 6:10). What kind of might? “Boundless might!” Where do you draw it from? The ultimate source – God!
Christ empowers and equips you as you fellowship with Him, so stop selling yourself short! Armed with His might you have more capabilities than you think, and you’re able to do a lot more than you’ve done in the past. So today, put your confidence in God and stop doubting yourself!
Friday, August 10, 2007
Christians in Agreement
I am a cradle Catholic with a passion for God and a passion to see Christians worldwide unite together in our battle against our common enemy the devil. Paul says, "The body is one and has many members, but all the members, many though they are, are one body; and so it is with Christ. It was in one Spirit that all of us were baptized into one body. All of us have been given to drink of the one Spirit." (Romans 12:12-13).
My dream is for all Christians to be in unity as the Lord desires. As the Second Vatican Council pointed out: "There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one Baptism" (Ephesians 4:4-5). For "all you who have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ ... for you are all one in Christ Jesus" (Galatians 3:27-28).
We know there are obvious differences between Catholics and Protestants in terms of church leadership and theology. However, if we focus on our common beliefs, we would be in a much better position to deal with our common problem...the devil. Simply because we (Christians) attend different churches and have different preachers, priests and pastors does not mean any particular denomination has a more secure path to Heaven than any other true believer in Christ. Unity does not mean uniformity.
My passion for many years has been Ecumenism (Christian Unity). I am currently working on developing a ministry dedicated to that goal. With the proper motivation, "All things are possible for God." We are God's servants and all we have to do is answer His call and begin moving forward...one step at time.
"Genuine ecumenism is not about convincing non-Catholics to become Catholics, or convincing Catholics to become Protestant – or to pretend that we are not Catholic or Protestant. Ecumenism is an attempt for mutual respect and understanding, a quest for members of different traditions and denominations to honor everything that unites them, even as they discuss respectfully the things that divide them. True ecumenism starts with mutual love and respect." Archdiocese of Santa Fe
I see an incredible opportunity to "bridge the gap", not in a spirit to convert each other but in a spirit of cooperating with each other to present a solid witness for unbelievers and to energize the "lukewarm" (maybe the largest group in need).
It occurs to me that now, in this climate of social, political and economic turmoil, is the time for all Christians to come together in prayer: "If My people, upon whom My name has been pronounced, humble themselves and pray, and seek My presence and turn from their evil ways, I will hear them from Heaven and pardon their sins and revive their land." (2 Chronicles 7:14).
Unless we come together in great numbers to get the media and politicians' attention necessary to reverse this Country's self - inflicted death spiral, we Christians are going to have another accountability issue with God on the day of our judgment. It's not only what we do, but what we fail to do, that God will be reviewing with us.
We are facing a "911" situation in our Country and the world. This follows decades of moral and spiritual deterioration beginning with the attack on man's fellowship with God in the 60's with respect to the erroneous interpretation of "Separation of Church and State", and the sexual revolution.
In 1973, the biggest assault by satan on mankind occurred: Roe v. Wade. Since then over 50 million babies have been killed in the United States alone...hundreds of millions worldwide. There has never been a greater violation of the Constitution or the Declaration of Independence than this satanic law.
The Bible says there will be no tears in Heaven. I suspect however they are flowing every day in Heaven as thousands of God's little precious ones are being killed each and every day in the United States. "You knit me in my mother's womb." (Psalm 139:13)
The National Day of Prayer instituted by Congress in 1952 and The Week of Prayer For Christian Unity begun in 1908 by an Episcopal Priest and Anglican Vicar...and today sponsored by the World Council of Churches and the Catholic Church are two popular initiatives. However after one day in May or one week in January, momentum fades and is often lost. As many motivational speakers have said, "Success is not a one day event or a destination but rather a journey." Ecumenism has to be embraced by the masses in order to be successful. We need to have an "ecumenical movement."
Irrespective of our differences let's focus on three things we can absolutely agree on: 1. Pro-Life 2. Marriage according to God's will (one man/one woman) 3. Biblical Stewardship (Time, Talent and Treasure)
If tackling 3 issues at once is a little too much, my suggestion is let's have Pro-life as the pivot point of our unifying efforts.
Let's begin with the basic tenets of our Christian faith - where there is no disagreement...
1. We are all on a team with Jesus Christ as our Captain. He is the Son of the Living God who came down from Heaven by the power of the Holy Spirit and became man. The Holy Trinity is One God in Three Persons...God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. God has no beginning and no end.
He is omniscient, omnipotent and omni-present. This is a mystery which as Christians we believe with all our heart and may be explained to us one day after our earthly life is complete.
2. The Bible is God's instruction manual to His children, inspired by Him and absolutely infallible, written by His chosen servants. "All scripture is inspired of God and is useful for teaching - for reproof, correction, and training in holiness so that the man of God may be fully competent and equipped for every good work." (2 Timothy 3:16).
3. Jesus Christ suffered, died and was buried. On the third day He rose from the dead and is now seated at the right hand of God the Father. When Jesus ascended into heaven, He sent us a Helper, the Holy Spirit...to guide and protect us and to be with us always. Christ will come to earth again...at God's appointed time. "The exact time is not yours to know. The Father has reserved that to Himself." (Acts 1:7).
Christ sacrificed Himself for the atonement of mankind's sins...past, present, and future. His supreme sacrifice singularly opened the door to Heaven...allowing every human being, though sinners, through free will, the opportunity to enter into the presence of God and be with Him forever in our next life.
4. The entire Gospel teachings of Christ can be summed up in two commandments. "You shall love the Lord your God, with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength." and "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." (Matthew 22:37-40) Jesus said this sums up the entire law, and the prophets as well.
5. Paul follows in his letter to the Ephesians which to me is the essence of a Christian's life: "May Christ dwell in your hearts through faith, and may charity (love) be the root and foundation of your life. Thus you will be able to grasp fully, with all the holy ones, the breadth and length and height and depth of Christ's love, and experience this love which surpasses all knowledge, so that you may attain to the fullness of God Himself." (3:17-19).
6. Jesus taught us how to pray: "Our Father who art in Heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy Kingdom come, Thy Will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us...and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen."
7. As Christians we can all agree on the wisdom in this nugget of truth: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not rely on your own understanding. In all things be mindful of Him, and He will direct your paths." (Proverbs 3:5-6).
Now let's examine the root of all our problems...
We must recognize that there is an active, powerful enemy of God at work in our midst. In fact he used to be on God's Team. However, he became prideful and haughty, and because of the status he held and the nature of his rebellion, God irrevocably kicked him off the Team. Earth happens to be his current residence.
We know him by many names...satan, lucifer, devil, prince of the world, the tempter, the evil one, the enemy, father of lies, thief, and many other similar references. Since he knows what his ultimate fate will be, his only goal is to destroy the lives of as many human beings as possible, before God finally says...We are done.
I think the father of lies and thief may be the best descriptions for satan, given to us by John in his Gospel. As John says, "The thief comes to kill, steal and destroy." (10:10).
One of the most effective weapons he uses is divisiveness. Just look at how many Christians so often vehemently argue with each other over differences of opinion.
Mahatma Gandhi is said to have studied Christianity intensely but declined to become a follower of Christ because he, "knew so many Christians who were so unlike Christ."
Christians spend so much time and energy debating the differences among Catholics and Protestants that the common focus and beliefs are somehow diminished and marginalized. We then become a vulnerable target for the enemy.
Matthew quotes Jesus in his Gospel, "A kingdom torn by strife is headed for its downfall. A household split into factions cannot last for long." (12:25), and later, "He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters." (12:30).
This is how we fight the enemy...
Paul says we are engaged in Christian warfare and we must, "Put on the armor of God so that you may be able to stand firm against the tactics of the devil. Our battle is not against human forces but against the principalities and powers, the rulers of this world of darkness, the evil spirits in regions above. You must put on the armor of God if you are to resist on the evil day; do all that your duty requires and hold your ground." (Ephesians 6:11-13).
Every evil in this world is the result of satan's activities. We must pray constantly to our Lord that He will prevent the liar from corrupting our lives and the lives of all people around the world. "In all circumstances hold faith up before you as your shield; it will help you extinguish the fiery darts of the devil." (Ephesians 6:16).
Once we allow the Holy Spirit to indwell in our hearts, we can then have the confidence of knowing that, " Greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world." (1 John 4:4) and ,"No weapon formed against you shall prevail." (Isaiah 54:17).
We know who wins...
God's Word says, "The devil who led them astray was hurled into the pool of burning sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet had also been thrown. There they will be tortured day and night, forever and ever." (Revelation 20:10).
But let's keep him from winning so many battles. "Stay sober and alert. Your opponent the devil is prowling like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour." (1 Peter 5:8).
And finally...
As noted in the agreed upon Evangelicals and Catholics Together "ECT" statement in 1994, "Evangelicals must speak the Gospel to Catholics and Catholics to Evangelicals, always speaking the truth in love, so that 'working hard to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace . . . the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God'" (Ephesians 4:3, 12-13).
"All who truly believe in Jesus Christ are brothers and sisters in the Lord and must not allow their differences, however important, to undermine this great truth, or to deflect them from bearing witness together to God's gift of salvation in Christ."
Pope John Paul II tells us in his 1995 Encyclical on Ecumenism: "In the eyes of the world, cooperation among Christians becomes a form of common Christian witness and a means of evangelization which benefits all involved."
When it's all said and done, "What unites us is much greater than what divides us." (Pope John XXIII in 1963).
Paul urges us in 1 Corinthians 1:10 "I beg you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to agree in what you say. Let there be no factions; rather, be united in mind and judgment."
Let us then always reflect Christ's influence in our lives...at home, at work, at church, and at play.
Let's be like Joshua who said, "If it does not please you to serve the Lord, decide today whom you will serve...as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord." (24:15). It's an easy decision.
As James put it in his letter, "You are a vapor that appears briefly and then vanishes." (4:14). We need to use what little time we have left in this life to move forward together...in love.
"I pray for those who believe in Me through their word, that all may be one as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You. I pray that they may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me." (John 17:21)
"May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all." (2 Corinthians 13:13).
God bless you.
Bobby
roscoe.robson@gmail.com
My dream is for all Christians to be in unity as the Lord desires. As the Second Vatican Council pointed out: "There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one Baptism" (Ephesians 4:4-5). For "all you who have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ ... for you are all one in Christ Jesus" (Galatians 3:27-28).
We know there are obvious differences between Catholics and Protestants in terms of church leadership and theology. However, if we focus on our common beliefs, we would be in a much better position to deal with our common problem...the devil. Simply because we (Christians) attend different churches and have different preachers, priests and pastors does not mean any particular denomination has a more secure path to Heaven than any other true believer in Christ. Unity does not mean uniformity.
My passion for many years has been Ecumenism (Christian Unity). I am currently working on developing a ministry dedicated to that goal. With the proper motivation, "All things are possible for God." We are God's servants and all we have to do is answer His call and begin moving forward...one step at time.
"Genuine ecumenism is not about convincing non-Catholics to become Catholics, or convincing Catholics to become Protestant – or to pretend that we are not Catholic or Protestant. Ecumenism is an attempt for mutual respect and understanding, a quest for members of different traditions and denominations to honor everything that unites them, even as they discuss respectfully the things that divide them. True ecumenism starts with mutual love and respect." Archdiocese of Santa Fe
I see an incredible opportunity to "bridge the gap", not in a spirit to convert each other but in a spirit of cooperating with each other to present a solid witness for unbelievers and to energize the "lukewarm" (maybe the largest group in need).
It occurs to me that now, in this climate of social, political and economic turmoil, is the time for all Christians to come together in prayer: "If My people, upon whom My name has been pronounced, humble themselves and pray, and seek My presence and turn from their evil ways, I will hear them from Heaven and pardon their sins and revive their land." (2 Chronicles 7:14).
Unless we come together in great numbers to get the media and politicians' attention necessary to reverse this Country's self - inflicted death spiral, we Christians are going to have another accountability issue with God on the day of our judgment. It's not only what we do, but what we fail to do, that God will be reviewing with us.
We are facing a "911" situation in our Country and the world. This follows decades of moral and spiritual deterioration beginning with the attack on man's fellowship with God in the 60's with respect to the erroneous interpretation of "Separation of Church and State", and the sexual revolution.
In 1973, the biggest assault by satan on mankind occurred: Roe v. Wade. Since then over 50 million babies have been killed in the United States alone...hundreds of millions worldwide. There has never been a greater violation of the Constitution or the Declaration of Independence than this satanic law.
The Bible says there will be no tears in Heaven. I suspect however they are flowing every day in Heaven as thousands of God's little precious ones are being killed each and every day in the United States. "You knit me in my mother's womb." (Psalm 139:13)
The National Day of Prayer instituted by Congress in 1952 and The Week of Prayer For Christian Unity begun in 1908 by an Episcopal Priest and Anglican Vicar...and today sponsored by the World Council of Churches and the Catholic Church are two popular initiatives. However after one day in May or one week in January, momentum fades and is often lost. As many motivational speakers have said, "Success is not a one day event or a destination but rather a journey." Ecumenism has to be embraced by the masses in order to be successful. We need to have an "ecumenical movement."
Irrespective of our differences let's focus on three things we can absolutely agree on: 1. Pro-Life 2. Marriage according to God's will (one man/one woman) 3. Biblical Stewardship (Time, Talent and Treasure)
If tackling 3 issues at once is a little too much, my suggestion is let's have Pro-life as the pivot point of our unifying efforts.
Let's begin with the basic tenets of our Christian faith - where there is no disagreement...
1. We are all on a team with Jesus Christ as our Captain. He is the Son of the Living God who came down from Heaven by the power of the Holy Spirit and became man. The Holy Trinity is One God in Three Persons...God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. God has no beginning and no end.
He is omniscient, omnipotent and omni-present. This is a mystery which as Christians we believe with all our heart and may be explained to us one day after our earthly life is complete.
2. The Bible is God's instruction manual to His children, inspired by Him and absolutely infallible, written by His chosen servants. "All scripture is inspired of God and is useful for teaching - for reproof, correction, and training in holiness so that the man of God may be fully competent and equipped for every good work." (2 Timothy 3:16).
3. Jesus Christ suffered, died and was buried. On the third day He rose from the dead and is now seated at the right hand of God the Father. When Jesus ascended into heaven, He sent us a Helper, the Holy Spirit...to guide and protect us and to be with us always. Christ will come to earth again...at God's appointed time. "The exact time is not yours to know. The Father has reserved that to Himself." (Acts 1:7).
Christ sacrificed Himself for the atonement of mankind's sins...past, present, and future. His supreme sacrifice singularly opened the door to Heaven...allowing every human being, though sinners, through free will, the opportunity to enter into the presence of God and be with Him forever in our next life.
4. The entire Gospel teachings of Christ can be summed up in two commandments. "You shall love the Lord your God, with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength." and "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." (Matthew 22:37-40) Jesus said this sums up the entire law, and the prophets as well.
5. Paul follows in his letter to the Ephesians which to me is the essence of a Christian's life: "May Christ dwell in your hearts through faith, and may charity (love) be the root and foundation of your life. Thus you will be able to grasp fully, with all the holy ones, the breadth and length and height and depth of Christ's love, and experience this love which surpasses all knowledge, so that you may attain to the fullness of God Himself." (3:17-19).
6. Jesus taught us how to pray: "Our Father who art in Heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy Kingdom come, Thy Will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us...and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen."
7. As Christians we can all agree on the wisdom in this nugget of truth: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not rely on your own understanding. In all things be mindful of Him, and He will direct your paths." (Proverbs 3:5-6).
Now let's examine the root of all our problems...
We must recognize that there is an active, powerful enemy of God at work in our midst. In fact he used to be on God's Team. However, he became prideful and haughty, and because of the status he held and the nature of his rebellion, God irrevocably kicked him off the Team. Earth happens to be his current residence.
We know him by many names...satan, lucifer, devil, prince of the world, the tempter, the evil one, the enemy, father of lies, thief, and many other similar references. Since he knows what his ultimate fate will be, his only goal is to destroy the lives of as many human beings as possible, before God finally says...We are done.
I think the father of lies and thief may be the best descriptions for satan, given to us by John in his Gospel. As John says, "The thief comes to kill, steal and destroy." (10:10).
One of the most effective weapons he uses is divisiveness. Just look at how many Christians so often vehemently argue with each other over differences of opinion.
Mahatma Gandhi is said to have studied Christianity intensely but declined to become a follower of Christ because he, "knew so many Christians who were so unlike Christ."
Christians spend so much time and energy debating the differences among Catholics and Protestants that the common focus and beliefs are somehow diminished and marginalized. We then become a vulnerable target for the enemy.
Matthew quotes Jesus in his Gospel, "A kingdom torn by strife is headed for its downfall. A household split into factions cannot last for long." (12:25), and later, "He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters." (12:30).
This is how we fight the enemy...
Paul says we are engaged in Christian warfare and we must, "Put on the armor of God so that you may be able to stand firm against the tactics of the devil. Our battle is not against human forces but against the principalities and powers, the rulers of this world of darkness, the evil spirits in regions above. You must put on the armor of God if you are to resist on the evil day; do all that your duty requires and hold your ground." (Ephesians 6:11-13).
Every evil in this world is the result of satan's activities. We must pray constantly to our Lord that He will prevent the liar from corrupting our lives and the lives of all people around the world. "In all circumstances hold faith up before you as your shield; it will help you extinguish the fiery darts of the devil." (Ephesians 6:16).
Once we allow the Holy Spirit to indwell in our hearts, we can then have the confidence of knowing that, " Greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world." (1 John 4:4) and ,"No weapon formed against you shall prevail." (Isaiah 54:17).
We know who wins...
God's Word says, "The devil who led them astray was hurled into the pool of burning sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet had also been thrown. There they will be tortured day and night, forever and ever." (Revelation 20:10).
But let's keep him from winning so many battles. "Stay sober and alert. Your opponent the devil is prowling like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour." (1 Peter 5:8).
And finally...
As noted in the agreed upon Evangelicals and Catholics Together "ECT" statement in 1994, "Evangelicals must speak the Gospel to Catholics and Catholics to Evangelicals, always speaking the truth in love, so that 'working hard to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace . . . the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God'" (Ephesians 4:3, 12-13).
"All who truly believe in Jesus Christ are brothers and sisters in the Lord and must not allow their differences, however important, to undermine this great truth, or to deflect them from bearing witness together to God's gift of salvation in Christ."
Pope John Paul II tells us in his 1995 Encyclical on Ecumenism: "In the eyes of the world, cooperation among Christians becomes a form of common Christian witness and a means of evangelization which benefits all involved."
When it's all said and done, "What unites us is much greater than what divides us." (Pope John XXIII in 1963).
Paul urges us in 1 Corinthians 1:10 "I beg you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to agree in what you say. Let there be no factions; rather, be united in mind and judgment."
Let us then always reflect Christ's influence in our lives...at home, at work, at church, and at play.
Let's be like Joshua who said, "If it does not please you to serve the Lord, decide today whom you will serve...as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord." (24:15). It's an easy decision.
As James put it in his letter, "You are a vapor that appears briefly and then vanishes." (4:14). We need to use what little time we have left in this life to move forward together...in love.
"I pray for those who believe in Me through their word, that all may be one as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You. I pray that they may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me." (John 17:21)
"May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all." (2 Corinthians 13:13).
God bless you.
Bobby
roscoe.robson@gmail.com
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