Importance of Knowing the Truth

See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ. Colossians 2:8

In order for us to know what we are hearing is the truth… we need to know the truth. It’s easy to fall into a mode of believing the last compelling thing that we have heard. This is a dangerous place to be, so make a point to know what you believe and why you believe it. As a Christian you are “in Christ” and have the fullness of God powering your life, so simply ask Him for help comprehending and applying the Word to your life. You don’t grow up physically in an instant, so why expect to instantly be spiritually mature? God looks forward to the “process” of our growing as a great time of relational growth between He and us. Begin each day with a quiet time of structured Bible study and prayer, you’ll soon see how He will empower you to grow deeper in relationship with Him.

Stepping Stones

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

James 1: 2-4

How incredible is the sight of beautiful diamond glistening in the light. The process from discovery to diamond ring requires a skilled craftsman cutting away parts of the diamond so that the ultimate design is revealed to reflect light in a special way. The Light of the world wants to shine through you but it requires the chipping away of imperfections so the facets of your life reflect His light in amazing ways. The chipping away is the process of overcoming tough times in life so be certain your life is in the Creator’s hands. When you’re there, you can confidently grow through the challenging times knowing that you are becoming the complete creation that you were designed to be. Don’t be frustrated by trials, they can be stumbling blocks for those who feel sorry for themselves or stepping stones for those who realize that each trial brings them closer to becoming the jewel that glistens in His light.

You’ve Got a Friend

May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Romans 15:5-6

Life can be filled with situations of heartbreak and loneliness but loving each other through hospitality and genuine caring is a great encouragement. You may be in a strong situation and able to share and care for others, let God be glorified in your encouraging ways. For those in tough situations be gracious and thankful that God has provided the fellowship of believers to lift you up so that you’ll be strengthened again to share in future opportunities. There will be ups and downs in life, so bring God the glory through all phases of your life. Do not focus on being the victim of hard times but relish in being the victor through Christ returning you to a capacity to encourage others in Christian love.

Mind Control

Proverbs 19:21 Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails.

When considering Christ’s LORDSHIP of our lives we need to yield control of our minds to His purpose. Fitting God into our plans is in direct conflict with Him being Lord of our life. You can make lots of plans but as the scripture reminds us His purpose will prevail. Fit into God’s plan, you’ll find greater peace and confidence as you live a life directed by the One who knows the future.

Spokesperson for the Lord

What message do you send when speaking of your church or Bible study group? Is it a message that draws people to your group or does it drive them away. How will your response be judged by the Lord?

Consider that you might be the gatekeeper for those seeking salvation and a relationship with Christ and your response will either turn the switch on or possibly shut it off. How often have people avoided the church and the opportunity to hear the Gospel because somebody had to spread a negative, selfish comment. When you have a negative thought about your church or your Bible study group, think about why the negative thought is there. If you’re having a “what’s in it for me?” or “what have you done for me lately?” thought, understand that your focus is 180 degrees in the wrong direction. You’ll find that your attitude is much better when you’re having a “What can I do for you in the Lord?” or “What have I been doing for the Lord, lately?” kind of thought.

So, be a power lifter today but encouraging others with your uplifting and positive words. If you have a complaint, really evaluate it before spouting off. What is the genuine source of the problem? Is it you feeling guilty? Are you embarrassed? Remember that praise and excitement will draw people to meet the God of your salvation, don’t douse the flicker that could become a strong spiritual flame in someone’s life.

Because of His Mercy

5he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, 6whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior,

Titus 3: 5-6

During my freshman year of college I began having severe abdominal pains and losing blood. After a battery of tests the doctor let me know that I had ulcerative colitis. The disease would cause me to have a few good days and many painful and weakening bad days for the next 10 years. The disease began to show signs of becoming cancer and my doctor alerted me to the need of surgery to stop the cancer growth before it spread. Within the next few months, I had the surgery to remove the damaged colon and reconstructive surgery to provide similar functions to give me a normal digestive tract. A few months later, I began to regain my strength and was restored to living a life without the pain of colitis and free of the cancer that had began to grow in my body.

I had an illness that was going to kill me much like the disease of sin that was poised to destroy my life. The Great Physician had the antedote to cure the sin problem but it would have a very high pricetag. Then the Maker of the cure decided to provide the cure at His own expense. I simply had to accept this offer.

You can experience this as well by admitting to God that you are a sinner, that you believe that He sent His Son Jesus to die on the cross to pay the penalty of your sin was buried and rose to life 3 days later and then confess Him as your Lord. Rebirth, renewal are yours by following the simple plan that He designed for us to live with Him throughout eternity. You won’t earn this salvation but can receive it for free directly from God himself. Do not wait another minute.

Church Fires and Being on Fire in the Church

For the past few months, it seems like there is a report of a church fire occurring where the building has sustained a great deal of damage. Maybe arson, maybe just old wiring in an attic, maybe an overloaded electrical circuit, but the result is a fire that burns brightly in public and draws reporters and cameras. It set my mind in motion thinking why do we not see headlines of communities and cities on fire for the Lord. Is the church so worried about converting people to a way of thinking and really failing to live out a faith that is fired up and deeply impacting the faithful one so much that others are drawn to the Source of that fire, Jesus Christ?

As Christians, are we making time to be in His Word and time to be quiet and listen closely for His leading in our lives in order to stoke the fire of faith within us? Do we tend to have a drive-by mentality when it comes to spending time with the Lord?

Is there a fire in your church? Is there a fire in you?

Matthew 3:11

"I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me will come one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not fit to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.

The movement of the Spirit in the church could be incredible, it may be you that can be a catalyst in this event. Be in His Word, be in prayer and be faithful to the work in your church so that greater headlines may come saying how the fire of the Holy Spirit is restoring lives and rescuing sinners in massive numbers.

The Amazing Source of Energy for the Servant

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God 1 Corinthians 1: 3-4

The Source of energy for the Christian servant is a supernatural One. Much like the Bible story of Jesus feeding the 5,000+ with not much more than a Happy Meal, we can continue to reach into the basket of His provision when caring for others. If you’re a new Christian and doubting that you have the time or energy to be there for others, you will be amazed if you will take the leap of faith and begin caring for others’ needs. You’ll find that the focus and worry on your own struggles begin to be lifted from your shoulders as you begin to find ways that you can encourage and lift others in their time of need.

Using the MasterCard illustration:

Giving a word of encouragement. $0
Providing a handshake or a hug. $0
Knowing that God just refilled you.. PRICELESS

Stop the attempts to suppress Tebow

http://www.cbs.com/info/user_services/fb_global_form.php

Click the above link to let CBS know your opinion regarding the Tim Tebow ad that is scheduled to be shown during the Super Bowl.

Reports of women’s groups urging CBS to not show the ad featuring Tim Tebow is our call to action as Christians that appreciate and support life.

To my knowledge the women’s groups have the same opportunity to purchase airtime with CBS during the Super Bowl and I believe they should exercise their right to advertise instead of suppressing the rights of those supporting the Tebow Ad. Please share this with your friends and family so that CBS knows that you support balanced opportunities to share messages during this highly publicized event.

Q C 2009 11 29

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