There are three verses that I want to touch on tonight that come from 2 Timothy chapter 3. Early today I was thinking about how I could relate the post that I was going to write to the frigid temperatures that we are all experiencing right now. I was really at a loss. I couldn't quite figure out how I was going to tie the two things together.
Again, and again I always seem to have some doubts about what I am going to write about and the Holy Spirit always gives me something. I don't know why I ever doubt. Every time I think I am stuck, I am given a new thought. That is a small example of God's faithfulness but a great one at that. God is faithful over and over again. If we just trust in God's faithfulness and never doubt our lives would be so much more peaceful. But maybe that is why we doubt sometimes, so that we can realize that peace that we can have through Christ.
If you stepped outside today, you experienced some of the coldest temperatures you ever have in your life. It's ridiculously cold. Even if you were inside standing beside a window, or sleeping beside a window like I have to, you were probably able to tell that it was freezing. One thing about this cold is that there is no escaping it. You could put on five coats, three hats, and two pair of gloves and you would still feel the cold. There was just nothing you do about it.
Much like you and I experiencing the freezing cold today, we as believers in Christ experience persecution whether we can help it or not.
"In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted." (2 Timothy 3:12)
As believers, we all should want to live a godly life every single day, and because of that we will be persecuted. When we obey God and want to live for God we will be persecuted. We can't be surprised when people misunderstand, criticize, and even try to hurt us because of what we believe in and how we live. We can't ever give up. We must continue to live as we know we should with the understanding that God is the only one we need to please.
Persecution looks different to both you can me. We aren't all persecuted the exact same way. The people who persecute you are like a bunch of haters. But what do we do to the haters? We still have to love them.
On to the next one, did you know that the word of God was inspired?
"All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
Simply put, the bible is not a human book. Through the Holy Spirit, God revealed his person and plan to certain believers, who wrote down his message for his people. This process is known as inspiration. The writers wrote down their own personal, historical, and cultural contexts. Although they used their own minds, talents, language, and style, they wrote what God wanted then to write. Scripture is completely trustworthy because God was in control of its writing. Its words are entirely authoritative for our faith and lives. The bible is "God-breathed." Read is, and use its teaching to guide your conduct.
I mean how crazy is that? God had normal human beings like you and I write the bible with their own special talents and gifts while speaking to them through the Holy Spirit. If you don't feel like you have anything special about you, I can assure you that you are special and that God is using your special talents he has blessed you with for a purpose that you might not understand yet.
The whole bible is God's inspired word. Because it is inspired and trustworthy, we should read it and apply it to our lives. The bible is our standard for testing everything else that claims to be true. It is our safeguard against false teaching and our source of guidance for how we should live. It is our only source of knowledge about how we can be saved. God wants to show you what is true and equip you to live for him.
How much time are you spending in the word? Reading it regularly to discover God's truth and to become confident in your life and faith. Reading the bible is one of the hardest things. For me I always put it on the back burner. I thought it took up to much time. I figured if I would pray before bed, that was enough Jesus time in my day. I spent years of my life doing that. I would read short devotionals because I was getting some scripture and certain things made more sense to me. I was taking a short cut and I didn't even realize it. I blog because I want you to get into your bible. The excitement I get opening my bible on a daily basis is a feeling that I want so many people to feel. I am overwhelmed by God's inspired word every time I open it. There are things you can learn from and apply to your life in the word of God more than anywhere else. Digging into the word of God on a daily basis changed my life.
I hope you were encouraged today by this post. I hope that you never give up. Understand that we will be persecuted, but that just comes with living a life fully for Christ Jesus. You are never the only one going through something tough, we all are. Also, the word of God is inspired! If you have never heard that before until today, I hope you find that to be very cool. I encourage you to dig into your bible. The word of God is the source of knowledge about how we can be saved.
Wednesday, January 30, 2019
Monday, January 28, 2019
Like good soldiers
"Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer. Similarly, anyone who competes as an athlete does not receive the victor's crown expect by competing by the rules. The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops. Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all of this." (2 Timothy 2:3-7)
Have you ever thought about the idea of us being like soldiers? I never have and I love it. Soldiers have one thing in mind and that is victory and following the rules that the commander and chief has set. The commander and chief of our lives is Christ Jesus and we should only be concerned with following his word.
Paul also gives the example of an athlete. He writes that athletes will never receive the victor's crown if they don't play by the rules. There are rules that athletes must follow so that games and events are fair. If there were not any rules for athletes to follow there would never be a way to reward someone for the hard work they have put it. There are rules athletes must follow for a reason.
Lastly, Paul talks about farmers. He says that the hardworking farmer should be the first person to receive a share of the crops. The hardworking farmer put all the work in so it is fair if he gets the first share. He was patient and followed the rules that farmers follow.
I hope you understand these three samples here. I like how Paul uses three examples that lots of people can relate too. Not everyone is a farmer, athlete, or a solider. Not everyone is the same, but these three example all have a couple of things in common and that is following the rules, sacrifice, and wanting to be victorious.
As Timothy preached and taught, he would face suffering, but he should be able to endure. Paul used the three comparisons as an example of those who must discipline themselves and be willing to sacrifice to achieve the results they want. Like soldiers, we have to give up worldly security and endure rigorous discipline. Like athletes, we must train hard and follow the rules. Like farmers, we must work extremely hard and be patient. But we keep going despite suffering because of the thought of victory, the vision of winning, and the hope of harvest. We will see that our suffering is worthwhile when we achieve our goal of glorifying God, winning people to Christ, and one day living eternally with him.
Have you ever thought about the idea of us being like soldiers? I never have and I love it. Soldiers have one thing in mind and that is victory and following the rules that the commander and chief has set. The commander and chief of our lives is Christ Jesus and we should only be concerned with following his word.
Paul also gives the example of an athlete. He writes that athletes will never receive the victor's crown if they don't play by the rules. There are rules that athletes must follow so that games and events are fair. If there were not any rules for athletes to follow there would never be a way to reward someone for the hard work they have put it. There are rules athletes must follow for a reason.
Lastly, Paul talks about farmers. He says that the hardworking farmer should be the first person to receive a share of the crops. The hardworking farmer put all the work in so it is fair if he gets the first share. He was patient and followed the rules that farmers follow.
I hope you understand these three samples here. I like how Paul uses three examples that lots of people can relate too. Not everyone is a farmer, athlete, or a solider. Not everyone is the same, but these three example all have a couple of things in common and that is following the rules, sacrifice, and wanting to be victorious.
As Timothy preached and taught, he would face suffering, but he should be able to endure. Paul used the three comparisons as an example of those who must discipline themselves and be willing to sacrifice to achieve the results they want. Like soldiers, we have to give up worldly security and endure rigorous discipline. Like athletes, we must train hard and follow the rules. Like farmers, we must work extremely hard and be patient. But we keep going despite suffering because of the thought of victory, the vision of winning, and the hope of harvest. We will see that our suffering is worthwhile when we achieve our goal of glorifying God, winning people to Christ, and one day living eternally with him.
Sunday, January 27, 2019
Promise of Life
When we struggle with the difficulties in this life, remember that the best is yet to come.
When we give our lives to Christ there is a promise of life that we get to experience. When we are united with Christ, life takes on both immediate and eternal dimensions. Paul's use of the phrase, "the promise of life that is in Christ Jesus," can apply to the life that Jesus give immediately to those who trust him, as well as to the life fully realized in eternity.
On one hand, Paul said, "If anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come" (2 Corinthians 5:17). So a new life begins at conversion. Yet on the other hand, we "wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our own bodies" (Romans 8:23). The present experience we enjoy provides a foretaste of our complete redemption at Christ's return. That is why we need to remember that the best is yet to come.
If you are going through something right now I hope you're encouraged. I am struggling with things right now and knowing that the best is yet to come is all I needed to hear. When I was writing in my journal earlier, I asked the question, "is the best really yet to come?" That is just where I am right now. Then I read 2 Timothy 1 and the very first verse talks about "keeping the promise of life that is in Christ Jesus." So yes! The best is yet to come.
That isn't just for me, it's for you as well. As believers the best is yet to come for all of us because we aren't in heaven yet. That is what the best will be. If you are having doubts like I was, really dig this into your mind and heart. You haven't gotten to experience the best things in this life yet, but you will. If you think you already have then you are wrong because the best is yet to come.
A good friend of mine sent this text to me last night and I hope it's as encouraging to you as it was to me.
God says, "It is time to shift your sense of worth from your performance to your position. You are my son. You do not have to perform to be somebody; you already are a somebody in my eyes."
There is a great promise of life through Jesus Christ and because of Christ you are somebody. You don't have to prove that to anyone because God knows and that is what matters above all else.
Keep on persevering every day because you are somebody and the best is yet to come.
When we give our lives to Christ there is a promise of life that we get to experience. When we are united with Christ, life takes on both immediate and eternal dimensions. Paul's use of the phrase, "the promise of life that is in Christ Jesus," can apply to the life that Jesus give immediately to those who trust him, as well as to the life fully realized in eternity.
On one hand, Paul said, "If anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come" (2 Corinthians 5:17). So a new life begins at conversion. Yet on the other hand, we "wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our own bodies" (Romans 8:23). The present experience we enjoy provides a foretaste of our complete redemption at Christ's return. That is why we need to remember that the best is yet to come.
If you are going through something right now I hope you're encouraged. I am struggling with things right now and knowing that the best is yet to come is all I needed to hear. When I was writing in my journal earlier, I asked the question, "is the best really yet to come?" That is just where I am right now. Then I read 2 Timothy 1 and the very first verse talks about "keeping the promise of life that is in Christ Jesus." So yes! The best is yet to come.
That isn't just for me, it's for you as well. As believers the best is yet to come for all of us because we aren't in heaven yet. That is what the best will be. If you are having doubts like I was, really dig this into your mind and heart. You haven't gotten to experience the best things in this life yet, but you will. If you think you already have then you are wrong because the best is yet to come.
A good friend of mine sent this text to me last night and I hope it's as encouraging to you as it was to me.
God says, "It is time to shift your sense of worth from your performance to your position. You are my son. You do not have to perform to be somebody; you already are a somebody in my eyes."
There is a great promise of life through Jesus Christ and because of Christ you are somebody. You don't have to prove that to anyone because God knows and that is what matters above all else.
Keep on persevering every day because you are somebody and the best is yet to come.
Friday, January 25, 2019
Realness
There is a great deal of realness that comes when we have a relationship with Jesus Christ. The presence of the Holy Spirit is so real every single day. I believe it becomes especially noticeable when you get into a routine on a daily basis where you are either spending time in the word or in prayer.
For me, the more I seek God in my time and surrender to him the more I feel his presence. I don't know if it's the same way for you, but that is how it is for me. I am not saying that I am right when I say that God's realness is only experienced in what I do, I wouldn't ever say anything like that.
I've gotten to the point that if I don't spend time in the word on a daily basis I feel the affects. The affects aren't necessarily bad either. It's not like I am being punished, I just feel like a part of me was missing for that day and that I didn't make use of my full potential.
Wednesday night we picked up a big conference win on the road and after any game it's hard to go to sleep that night because of all the adrenaline that is still pumping through me. We got back to campus around 11:15 which should be bedtime, but Paul and I decided to watch Thor so we were up till around 1:30. I had a meeting the next morning at 10:30 and my roommates had asked if I would make them broadest at 9. I was planning on having some Jesus time in the morning before I made breakfast. I set my alarm for 7:45 and then decided just to go back asleep for another 40 minutes. I knew that the only time I was going to have that day to spend time with Jesus was in the morning and that I missed my shot.
When I spend a number of consecutive days having Jesus time, my mind and my thoughts are mainly centered around what is honoring to God. When I don't have Jesus time, my mind and thoughts begin to shift towards what fits in with others around me whether it's godly talk or not Yesterday was a great day, I got to spend a ton of time with my friends and I was able to get a lot of things done. But there was a problem with yesterday...and it was my thoughts and what was coming out of my mouth. There were certain things I were saying that I normally don't say because my thoughts shifted more towards fitting in than honoring God in all I say and do. Now I am not saying these thoughts were the worst thing in the world, but they were not honoring God I can tell you that. I am also not saying that what was being said around me was terrible, I just try to hold myself to a high standard in all I say and do.
I understood why I was having those thoughts and it hit me right away. I believe this is such a great example of God's realness and his presence. If God wasn't real I would have not ever recognized that my thoughts and words were not honoring towards him. God's love is shown through his never ending presence. Yeah, I said some things and thought some things that weren't godly yesterday but I am not perfect and God is real enough for me to recognize those things.
I hope you can get to the point where the Holy Spirit allows you to recognize the power of God and the word of God. My prayer is that you all do. I hope that your recognition of how your day is going can be circulated around time with Jesus. That is a tough thing to put into words and I hope you understand what I am trying to say to you.
It's like when we have a terrible day, which we all have and we are trying to figure out why. You think your friends are betraying you, you fail a test, forget about a home work assignment, etc. Instead of truing to single out of those things making that the reason you had a bad day, maybe you're focus wasn't centered around God. When it's not we miss out on our full potential.
I came across a verse today that encouraged me and I want to share it with you.
"But godliness with contentment is great gain." (1 Timothy 6:6)
This statement is the key to spiritual growth and personal fulfillment. We should honor God and center our desires on him and we should be content with what God is doing in our lives. For me, I am content with where God has me and the situations he puts me in. If that involves me not participating in a conversation to fit in, I am perfectly okay with that. I am happy wherever God has me because he has never failed me and I am sure he has never failed you either.
If you can take one thing away from this post I want you to understand that God is real. His presence is so real when we have the awareness to look for it. We experience our full potential when we seek and honor God.
For me, the more I seek God in my time and surrender to him the more I feel his presence. I don't know if it's the same way for you, but that is how it is for me. I am not saying that I am right when I say that God's realness is only experienced in what I do, I wouldn't ever say anything like that.
I've gotten to the point that if I don't spend time in the word on a daily basis I feel the affects. The affects aren't necessarily bad either. It's not like I am being punished, I just feel like a part of me was missing for that day and that I didn't make use of my full potential.
Wednesday night we picked up a big conference win on the road and after any game it's hard to go to sleep that night because of all the adrenaline that is still pumping through me. We got back to campus around 11:15 which should be bedtime, but Paul and I decided to watch Thor so we were up till around 1:30. I had a meeting the next morning at 10:30 and my roommates had asked if I would make them broadest at 9. I was planning on having some Jesus time in the morning before I made breakfast. I set my alarm for 7:45 and then decided just to go back asleep for another 40 minutes. I knew that the only time I was going to have that day to spend time with Jesus was in the morning and that I missed my shot.
When I spend a number of consecutive days having Jesus time, my mind and my thoughts are mainly centered around what is honoring to God. When I don't have Jesus time, my mind and thoughts begin to shift towards what fits in with others around me whether it's godly talk or not Yesterday was a great day, I got to spend a ton of time with my friends and I was able to get a lot of things done. But there was a problem with yesterday...and it was my thoughts and what was coming out of my mouth. There were certain things I were saying that I normally don't say because my thoughts shifted more towards fitting in than honoring God in all I say and do. Now I am not saying these thoughts were the worst thing in the world, but they were not honoring God I can tell you that. I am also not saying that what was being said around me was terrible, I just try to hold myself to a high standard in all I say and do.
I understood why I was having those thoughts and it hit me right away. I believe this is such a great example of God's realness and his presence. If God wasn't real I would have not ever recognized that my thoughts and words were not honoring towards him. God's love is shown through his never ending presence. Yeah, I said some things and thought some things that weren't godly yesterday but I am not perfect and God is real enough for me to recognize those things.
I hope you can get to the point where the Holy Spirit allows you to recognize the power of God and the word of God. My prayer is that you all do. I hope that your recognition of how your day is going can be circulated around time with Jesus. That is a tough thing to put into words and I hope you understand what I am trying to say to you.
It's like when we have a terrible day, which we all have and we are trying to figure out why. You think your friends are betraying you, you fail a test, forget about a home work assignment, etc. Instead of truing to single out of those things making that the reason you had a bad day, maybe you're focus wasn't centered around God. When it's not we miss out on our full potential.
I came across a verse today that encouraged me and I want to share it with you.
"But godliness with contentment is great gain." (1 Timothy 6:6)
This statement is the key to spiritual growth and personal fulfillment. We should honor God and center our desires on him and we should be content with what God is doing in our lives. For me, I am content with where God has me and the situations he puts me in. If that involves me not participating in a conversation to fit in, I am perfectly okay with that. I am happy wherever God has me because he has never failed me and I am sure he has never failed you either.
If you can take one thing away from this post I want you to understand that God is real. His presence is so real when we have the awareness to look for it. We experience our full potential when we seek and honor God.
Wednesday, January 23, 2019
Proper Treatment
What comes to your mind when you think of proper treatment? For me, I think of the golden rule: "Treating others how you wish to be treated." Too often we have our own agenda and focus on the things we want, and we care and treat ourselves well but not others. Think about what you thought about when you woke up this morning and the things you were going to do to make that happen. Now think about the people around you, they most likely woke up with an agenda as well. Do you have the awareness and love for those around you to help make their day just as great as you want your day to be?
I came across a verse in 1 Timothy today that beautifully illustrates how we should view other people.
"Do not rebuke an older man harshly, but exhort him as if he were your father. Treat younger men as brothers, older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters, with absolute purity." (1 Timothy 5:1-2)
The first thing you think about when you read that might not make much sense. We have one father and why would we treat any man who is older than us as a father? Treat younger men as brothers. Older women as mothers. Treat younger women as sisters. We have one mother, why treat all women like they're our mothers? Why would I want to treat younger women as sisters?
All of those questions may be a little rhetorical, but that was the best way to present this to you. This just seems like a weird verse when you read it the first time.
When you really think about it, the picture that is painted is clear. When you begin to treat older men like your father you begin to respect older men. When you begin to respect people more often your perceptive begins to change. You learn that you can take something away from these older men in your life. They aren't just older men. These are men who have lived longer than us young guys and these older men have gone through things that we haven't had to go through yet. Much like how fathers want to pour into their sons, these older men want to pour into you. Respect it and embrace it. I think of my dad and the love he shows me. There are so many things that come to mind when I think about how great of a dad he has been for me and I respect and love him so much. Older men are out there who want to love you and pour wisdom into you as well.
Treat younger men as brothers. When I think of guys who are younger than me and think of them like brothers, I want to pour into them. I want to be a good example. I want to encourage them and teach them lessons from the things that I have learned so far in my life. Having a younger brother, I hope that I can be the same person I am to him, to all other younger guys,
Treat older women as mothers. I love my mom so much and she is so full of wisdom in all areas of life. Women who are older then me are most likely to have that same amount of wisdom as my mom. A mother cares for her children. Think about all of the moms out there. They want to care, love, and nature everyone out there. Again when we begin to live with that perspective everything changes.
Everybody who has a little sister wants nothing bad to ever happen to them. I don't have a little sister but that is what I have heard from people who do. I know if I did have a little sister, I would be the most protective big brother that I could be. I would not want anything ever happening to her.
Men can avoid improper attitudes towards women by treating them as family members. If men see women as fellow members in God's family, they will protect them and help them grow spiritually. Coming from a guy, we have a tendency to have improper thoughts about women whether we want to or not. Even if we try as hard as we can to not, we still will get those thoughts. When I think of women being a part of God's family just like me, I don't want to ever have those thoughts and I am encouraged to pray that I don't get those. As members of one family we are to look out for each other, love each other, and have respect for each other. We are members of one family we can help each other grow.
I hope with the verse I shared today that you have a better idea of what proper treatment looks like. We are part of God's family and when we start looking and treating everyone like family everything changes. We become better people because of it. You love your family right? Love your family, love everyone. That is obedience to God and pleases him greatly.
I came across a verse in 1 Timothy today that beautifully illustrates how we should view other people.
"Do not rebuke an older man harshly, but exhort him as if he were your father. Treat younger men as brothers, older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters, with absolute purity." (1 Timothy 5:1-2)
The first thing you think about when you read that might not make much sense. We have one father and why would we treat any man who is older than us as a father? Treat younger men as brothers. Older women as mothers. Treat younger women as sisters. We have one mother, why treat all women like they're our mothers? Why would I want to treat younger women as sisters?
All of those questions may be a little rhetorical, but that was the best way to present this to you. This just seems like a weird verse when you read it the first time.
When you really think about it, the picture that is painted is clear. When you begin to treat older men like your father you begin to respect older men. When you begin to respect people more often your perceptive begins to change. You learn that you can take something away from these older men in your life. They aren't just older men. These are men who have lived longer than us young guys and these older men have gone through things that we haven't had to go through yet. Much like how fathers want to pour into their sons, these older men want to pour into you. Respect it and embrace it. I think of my dad and the love he shows me. There are so many things that come to mind when I think about how great of a dad he has been for me and I respect and love him so much. Older men are out there who want to love you and pour wisdom into you as well.
Treat younger men as brothers. When I think of guys who are younger than me and think of them like brothers, I want to pour into them. I want to be a good example. I want to encourage them and teach them lessons from the things that I have learned so far in my life. Having a younger brother, I hope that I can be the same person I am to him, to all other younger guys,
Treat older women as mothers. I love my mom so much and she is so full of wisdom in all areas of life. Women who are older then me are most likely to have that same amount of wisdom as my mom. A mother cares for her children. Think about all of the moms out there. They want to care, love, and nature everyone out there. Again when we begin to live with that perspective everything changes.
Everybody who has a little sister wants nothing bad to ever happen to them. I don't have a little sister but that is what I have heard from people who do. I know if I did have a little sister, I would be the most protective big brother that I could be. I would not want anything ever happening to her.
Men can avoid improper attitudes towards women by treating them as family members. If men see women as fellow members in God's family, they will protect them and help them grow spiritually. Coming from a guy, we have a tendency to have improper thoughts about women whether we want to or not. Even if we try as hard as we can to not, we still will get those thoughts. When I think of women being a part of God's family just like me, I don't want to ever have those thoughts and I am encouraged to pray that I don't get those. As members of one family we are to look out for each other, love each other, and have respect for each other. We are members of one family we can help each other grow.
I hope with the verse I shared today that you have a better idea of what proper treatment looks like. We are part of God's family and when we start looking and treating everyone like family everything changes. We become better people because of it. You love your family right? Love your family, love everyone. That is obedience to God and pleases him greatly.
Tuesday, January 22, 2019
godliness training
In 1 Timothy chapter 4 Paul writes to Timothy about instructions that should be in place for elders of the church. Those instructions for the elders don't only apply to the elders but to all believers. We can take note of these instructions and live by them.
There are a couple of verses from chapter 4 that stick out to me so I will share those verses and a little bit about each one. I hope this is a clear and concise way.
For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it received with thanksgiving, because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer. (1 Timothy 4:4)
It is very important to remember that everything that God created is good. Oftentimes we forget about the beauty and goodness of God's creation. One thing we need to do is ask for God's blessing on his created gifts that give us pleasure and thank him for them. That doesn't mean that we should abuse what God has made. Instead of abusing, we should enjoy these gifts by using them to serve and honor God. Have you thanked God for the good gifts he has given you? Are you using the gifts in ways that are pleasing to you and to God?
What if tomorrow, you were only given what you thanked God for today? Would that change the thankfulness you have for the gifts that God has given you? I know for me it does. When I write out a prayer every morning before I get into the word, I make sure to write down things that I am thankful for, and things that I hope come true in my life tomorrow, and the next day, and the next day, and the next day. Whatever it may be! It was - 8 degrees yesterday and I thanked God for it because that freezing cold temperature makes me more thankful for shelter and for heat.
Think about the gifts God has given you, are you using them in a way that is pleasing to you and God? If you have all of the talent in the world are you using that talent to glorify God or are you sitting on your butt and doing nothing about it? If you can sing, are you singing? If you can write are you writing? If you are an athlete are you bettering your craft every day or are you just coasting along because you're good enough?
Train yourselves to be godly. For Physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the lift to come. (1 Timothy 4:7-8)
This verse is one of my favorite verses because of the sheer importance and significance of it. Being that I am a basketball player and have been one for a very long time, I rely a ton of physical training. If I don't work on the physical side of things, I wouldn't be any good at all. One of the gifts God has given me is a sense of hard-work. From a young age I have known how to work hard in order to achieve what I strive to achieve. For years, I relied on my physical training more than godliness training. I finally figured out two summers ago that godliness training has value for all things, both now and for eternity. When God gave me the heart and mind to transform that hard word to my walk with him, everything changed. I wish I could clearly put into words how everything changed but it's hard because the change was so great. I put to great of an emphasis on my physical health, when spiritual health is what's most important. Our physical health is susceptible to disease and injury, but faith can sustain us through any tragedy. To train ourselves to be godly, we must develop our faith by using our God-given abilities to serve others. Are you developing your spiritual muscles?
Don't let anyone look down on your because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity. (1 Timothy 4:12)
This is a very encouraging verse to me as well. I am 22 so I am young still and I don't want anyone to look down on me because of that. I may be 22, but I want to set an example in the things I say, the things I do, in love, in faith, and in purity. I am not perfect. I know I say things I shouldn't and do things that I shouldn't but I am human, I am not perfect. I strive to set an example everyday. I don't do it to look good for other people, I do it as an act of obedience towards Christ. Striving to set an example to believers is an excellent way to train for godliness.
Timothy needed some encouragement, most likely there are people around you that need encouragement as well. Paul modeled six important principles to help us encourage others:
1. Begin with encouragement. People who know we will encourage them will be happy to work with us.
2. Expect of others only what you expect of yourself. People will resist being held to unfair standards.
3. Develop expectations of others with consideration for their skills, maturity, and experience. People will reject or fail to meet expectations that do not fit them.
4. Monitor your expectations of others. Changing circumstances sometimes require revised or reduced expectations.
5. Clarify your expectations with others. People are not likely to hit a target that no one has identified.
6. End with encouragement. People love to be thanked for a job well done.
I want to close with this.
Nothing you can do is more loving for those around you than positioning yourself to be all that God has called you to be. To truly love people means to love God first and foremost.
There are a couple of verses from chapter 4 that stick out to me so I will share those verses and a little bit about each one. I hope this is a clear and concise way.
For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it received with thanksgiving, because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer. (1 Timothy 4:4)
It is very important to remember that everything that God created is good. Oftentimes we forget about the beauty and goodness of God's creation. One thing we need to do is ask for God's blessing on his created gifts that give us pleasure and thank him for them. That doesn't mean that we should abuse what God has made. Instead of abusing, we should enjoy these gifts by using them to serve and honor God. Have you thanked God for the good gifts he has given you? Are you using the gifts in ways that are pleasing to you and to God?
What if tomorrow, you were only given what you thanked God for today? Would that change the thankfulness you have for the gifts that God has given you? I know for me it does. When I write out a prayer every morning before I get into the word, I make sure to write down things that I am thankful for, and things that I hope come true in my life tomorrow, and the next day, and the next day, and the next day. Whatever it may be! It was - 8 degrees yesterday and I thanked God for it because that freezing cold temperature makes me more thankful for shelter and for heat.
Think about the gifts God has given you, are you using them in a way that is pleasing to you and God? If you have all of the talent in the world are you using that talent to glorify God or are you sitting on your butt and doing nothing about it? If you can sing, are you singing? If you can write are you writing? If you are an athlete are you bettering your craft every day or are you just coasting along because you're good enough?
Train yourselves to be godly. For Physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the lift to come. (1 Timothy 4:7-8)
This verse is one of my favorite verses because of the sheer importance and significance of it. Being that I am a basketball player and have been one for a very long time, I rely a ton of physical training. If I don't work on the physical side of things, I wouldn't be any good at all. One of the gifts God has given me is a sense of hard-work. From a young age I have known how to work hard in order to achieve what I strive to achieve. For years, I relied on my physical training more than godliness training. I finally figured out two summers ago that godliness training has value for all things, both now and for eternity. When God gave me the heart and mind to transform that hard word to my walk with him, everything changed. I wish I could clearly put into words how everything changed but it's hard because the change was so great. I put to great of an emphasis on my physical health, when spiritual health is what's most important. Our physical health is susceptible to disease and injury, but faith can sustain us through any tragedy. To train ourselves to be godly, we must develop our faith by using our God-given abilities to serve others. Are you developing your spiritual muscles?
Don't let anyone look down on your because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity. (1 Timothy 4:12)
This is a very encouraging verse to me as well. I am 22 so I am young still and I don't want anyone to look down on me because of that. I may be 22, but I want to set an example in the things I say, the things I do, in love, in faith, and in purity. I am not perfect. I know I say things I shouldn't and do things that I shouldn't but I am human, I am not perfect. I strive to set an example everyday. I don't do it to look good for other people, I do it as an act of obedience towards Christ. Striving to set an example to believers is an excellent way to train for godliness.
Timothy needed some encouragement, most likely there are people around you that need encouragement as well. Paul modeled six important principles to help us encourage others:
1. Begin with encouragement. People who know we will encourage them will be happy to work with us.
2. Expect of others only what you expect of yourself. People will resist being held to unfair standards.
3. Develop expectations of others with consideration for their skills, maturity, and experience. People will reject or fail to meet expectations that do not fit them.
4. Monitor your expectations of others. Changing circumstances sometimes require revised or reduced expectations.
5. Clarify your expectations with others. People are not likely to hit a target that no one has identified.
6. End with encouragement. People love to be thanked for a job well done.
I want to close with this.
Nothing you can do is more loving for those around you than positioning yourself to be all that God has called you to be. To truly love people means to love God first and foremost.
Monday, January 21, 2019
Deacon: "one who serves"
I have come to learn that whenever I learn something new I desire to share it with you as quickly as possible. This morning, I learned something new and I hope that it can be of some sort of encouragement to you today.
How many of you have ever read or seen the passages in the bible that are about either instructions or qualifications for overseers and deacons in the church? I have read those passages for years and never really thought that they applied to me. I think it was fair to think that, I am not in a position of leadership in the church so why would I think those instructions and qualifications are for me and you?
While I was reading through 1 Timothy 3, (it was a passage about qualifications for overseers and deacons) I was thinking that these qualifications would be good for everybody, not just overseers and deacons. I was then trying to think about how we as believers should live and a lot of the two things related very well. Then I thought, why would we want to live in a way that is different than overseers and deacons?
Paul writes that whoever desires to be an overseer is to be above reproach, faithful to his wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him, and he must do so in a manner worthy of full respect. He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil. He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devils trap.
In the same way with deacons, they are to be worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain. They must keep hold up the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience. They must first be tested; and if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons.
Then with women, they are to be worth of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything.
Paul concludes those instructions with this: Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus.
These qualifications lead to some pretty high expectations but why would we expect any different? The creator of everything deserves our best efforts to serve and love others.
All believers even if we don't ever plan to be church leaders should strive to follow these guidelines because they are consistent with what God says is true and right. There are people out there who can effectively teach who never teach or lead at a church. Their lessons are then passed on to other people and those people become spiritual mentors. I am sure that you can think of some of those people in your lives. More is learned through living than through lectures. If you have been able to communicate your faith clearly to another person, you have demonstrated teaching at its best. In measuring our abilities to teach we should never base it on how many students we teach; instead ask how much truth you have passed to even one student.
That is the point I want to leave with you. That more is learned through living than through lectures. You spend more time during this life living than you do sitting through lectures. It's about the effectiveness of the way we live in our daily lives. Are we living as people who serve others or living to serve yourself?
Much like the qualifications for overseers and deacons, there are qualifications for you and I and those are the ways in which we need to live because those guidelines are consistent with what God says is true and right.
How many of you have ever read or seen the passages in the bible that are about either instructions or qualifications for overseers and deacons in the church? I have read those passages for years and never really thought that they applied to me. I think it was fair to think that, I am not in a position of leadership in the church so why would I think those instructions and qualifications are for me and you?
While I was reading through 1 Timothy 3, (it was a passage about qualifications for overseers and deacons) I was thinking that these qualifications would be good for everybody, not just overseers and deacons. I was then trying to think about how we as believers should live and a lot of the two things related very well. Then I thought, why would we want to live in a way that is different than overseers and deacons?
Paul writes that whoever desires to be an overseer is to be above reproach, faithful to his wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him, and he must do so in a manner worthy of full respect. He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil. He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devils trap.
In the same way with deacons, they are to be worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain. They must keep hold up the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience. They must first be tested; and if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons.
Then with women, they are to be worth of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything.
Paul concludes those instructions with this: Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus.
These qualifications lead to some pretty high expectations but why would we expect any different? The creator of everything deserves our best efforts to serve and love others.
All believers even if we don't ever plan to be church leaders should strive to follow these guidelines because they are consistent with what God says is true and right. There are people out there who can effectively teach who never teach or lead at a church. Their lessons are then passed on to other people and those people become spiritual mentors. I am sure that you can think of some of those people in your lives. More is learned through living than through lectures. If you have been able to communicate your faith clearly to another person, you have demonstrated teaching at its best. In measuring our abilities to teach we should never base it on how many students we teach; instead ask how much truth you have passed to even one student.
That is the point I want to leave with you. That more is learned through living than through lectures. You spend more time during this life living than you do sitting through lectures. It's about the effectiveness of the way we live in our daily lives. Are we living as people who serve others or living to serve yourself?
Much like the qualifications for overseers and deacons, there are qualifications for you and I and those are the ways in which we need to live because those guidelines are consistent with what God says is true and right.
Sunday, January 20, 2019
Men & Women
Digging into 1 Timothy a little more tonight I came across some scripture in chapter 2 that I couldn't help but want to share with you.
A reminder, 1 Timothy was written by Paul and it was written to Timothy.
Therefore, I want the men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or disputing. I also want the woman to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, adorning themselves, not with elaborate hairstyles or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, but with good deeds, appropriate for woman who profess to worship God. (1 Timothy 2:8-11)
I want to make this post short and to the point because there really isn't a ton to cover.
First thing I want to point out is what Paul is telling all men to do. He is instructing men everywhere to pray, and to lift of holy hands without anger or disputing. Men where are we at? We are supposed to be the spiritual leaders of the household and the church and too often it seems like we simply aren't. If we have some sort of ego it's time to let that go. If we have any sort of fear about not knowing how to simply lead the household, offer it up to God and he will help! As men we need to completely and wholly surrender ourselves to God. Not just 80% of ourselves or 50% but all 100%. We can't doing anything if we aren't all the way for it. If we aren't all in, how are we going to expect our family to be all in? It's a beautiful picture to think of men everywhere praying with their hands lifted up. I haven't been a part of anything like that or seen anything like that before but I can imagine it being powerful. Any time I am able to see other men willing to grow and striving to grow it's powerful because that is how it should be.
Besides displeasing God, anger and stiff make prayer difficult. That is why Jesus said that we should interrupt our prayers, if necessary, to make peace with others. Have you ever tried praying with other people when you had some sort of dispute with somebody who you were praying with? It's an awkward feeling because that prayer isn't very genuine. God wants us to obey him immediately and thoroughly. Our goal should be to have a right relationship with God and also with others.
Second is for all the women out there. Paul is instructing the woman to dress modestly, with decency and property, adorning themselves, not with elaborate hairstyles or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God. Paul believes that women should be clothed in their good deeds. Good deeds come from the inside where true inner beauty comes from. You can't go to your dresser and pick an elaborate outfit and say that you have good deeds. You don't have to dress fancy to show that you have good deeds and that you worship God. Dressing extra nice to make yourself look better than others because of what you do isn't right. It's totally fine to dress up and look cute for the right reasons.
It is not unscriptural for a woman to want to be attractive. Today, however, to what degree should women take this advice about fixing their hair or wearing gold, pearls, or expensive clothes? Paul wasn't prohibiting these things when he wrote about it. He was simply saying that women should not be drawing attention to themselves through these things. Modesty and decency are the key words. All women would do well to remember that beauty begins on the inside. A gentle, modest, loving character gives a light to the face that cannot be duplicated by even the best clothes, makeup, etc. If you ask me, any sort of outer beauty isn't beauty unless there is inner beauty is present.
In general, the rule for both men and women emphasizes that both behavior and dress must express submission to and respect for Jesus Christ.
I hope this most caught your attention and that you were either encouraged or convicted. A relationships with Christ requires complete submission. We can's just give a little of ourselves. We must give everything.
A reminder, 1 Timothy was written by Paul and it was written to Timothy.
Therefore, I want the men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or disputing. I also want the woman to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, adorning themselves, not with elaborate hairstyles or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, but with good deeds, appropriate for woman who profess to worship God. (1 Timothy 2:8-11)
I want to make this post short and to the point because there really isn't a ton to cover.
First thing I want to point out is what Paul is telling all men to do. He is instructing men everywhere to pray, and to lift of holy hands without anger or disputing. Men where are we at? We are supposed to be the spiritual leaders of the household and the church and too often it seems like we simply aren't. If we have some sort of ego it's time to let that go. If we have any sort of fear about not knowing how to simply lead the household, offer it up to God and he will help! As men we need to completely and wholly surrender ourselves to God. Not just 80% of ourselves or 50% but all 100%. We can't doing anything if we aren't all the way for it. If we aren't all in, how are we going to expect our family to be all in? It's a beautiful picture to think of men everywhere praying with their hands lifted up. I haven't been a part of anything like that or seen anything like that before but I can imagine it being powerful. Any time I am able to see other men willing to grow and striving to grow it's powerful because that is how it should be.
Besides displeasing God, anger and stiff make prayer difficult. That is why Jesus said that we should interrupt our prayers, if necessary, to make peace with others. Have you ever tried praying with other people when you had some sort of dispute with somebody who you were praying with? It's an awkward feeling because that prayer isn't very genuine. God wants us to obey him immediately and thoroughly. Our goal should be to have a right relationship with God and also with others.
Second is for all the women out there. Paul is instructing the woman to dress modestly, with decency and property, adorning themselves, not with elaborate hairstyles or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God. Paul believes that women should be clothed in their good deeds. Good deeds come from the inside where true inner beauty comes from. You can't go to your dresser and pick an elaborate outfit and say that you have good deeds. You don't have to dress fancy to show that you have good deeds and that you worship God. Dressing extra nice to make yourself look better than others because of what you do isn't right. It's totally fine to dress up and look cute for the right reasons.
It is not unscriptural for a woman to want to be attractive. Today, however, to what degree should women take this advice about fixing their hair or wearing gold, pearls, or expensive clothes? Paul wasn't prohibiting these things when he wrote about it. He was simply saying that women should not be drawing attention to themselves through these things. Modesty and decency are the key words. All women would do well to remember that beauty begins on the inside. A gentle, modest, loving character gives a light to the face that cannot be duplicated by even the best clothes, makeup, etc. If you ask me, any sort of outer beauty isn't beauty unless there is inner beauty is present.
In general, the rule for both men and women emphasizes that both behavior and dress must express submission to and respect for Jesus Christ.
I hope this most caught your attention and that you were either encouraged or convicted. A relationships with Christ requires complete submission. We can's just give a little of ourselves. We must give everything.
Friday, January 18, 2019
Free Friday
During my freshmen year at Bethel my New Testament professor would say something along the lines of "Free Friday" on every Friday when he would share something that was very knowledgeable with us. It's a simple yet funny saying. In his context, he would say that meaning he was giving us some pretty good advice that we didn't have to do any work for.
With this post there are three verses from 1 Timothy 1 that I want to share with you today and I hope that they make you think. Here is a little background on 1 Timothy. 1 Timothy was a letter that was written to Timothy from Paul. The main purpose of 1 Timothy is to give encouragement and instruction to Timothy. What makes 1 Timothy special is that it is a personal letter and handbook of church administration and disciple.
1. for the sexually immoral, for those practicing homosexuality, for slave traders and liars and perjures-and for whatever else is contrary to the sound doctrine. (1 Timothy 1:10)
Some people attempt to legitimize homosexuality as an acceptable alternative lifestyle. Even some Christians say people have a right to choose their sexual preference. But the entire Bible (both the Old and New Testaments) calls homosexual behavior a sin. (Leviticus 18:22; Romans 1:18-32; 1 Corinthians 6:9-11) We must be careful, however, to condemn only the practice, and not the people. People who live this lifestyle can be forgiven and their lives can be transformed. The church should be a heaven of forgiveness and healing for repentance against homosexual behavior.
2. Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners-of who I am the worst. (1 Timothy 1:15)
Paul was never interested in creating in image about himself and about how much of a stud he was. Paul was more about being an example. He never hesitated to share his past, because he knew that his failures would allow others to have hope. I don't have a bad past but sometimes I hesitate to share things with other people. I shouldn't think that way because that is a selfish way to think. My struggles and your struggles could help others and change lives. Paul demonstrated that lowering our guard can be an important step in communicating the gospel. People will not believe the gospel is important if they can't see that it is crucial in your life. How has Christ shown patience with you? Did he stay with you when you doubted and rebelled? Remember that his patience is unlimited for those who love him. Don't be afraid to let others know what Christ has done for you.
3. holding on to faith and a good conscience, which some have rejected and so have suffered shipwreck with regard to the faith. (1 Timothy 1:19)
What do you think of your conscience? What goes through your mind? Do you think God speaks to you through your conscience? That is what I believe. How can you hold onto a good conscience? Treasure your faith in Christ more than anything else and do what you know is right? Each time you deliberately ignore your conscience, you are hardening your heart. Over a period of time your capacity to tell right from wrong will diminish. As you walk with God, he will speak to you through your conscience, letting you know the difference between right and wrong. be sure to act on those inner tugs so that you do what is right-then your conscience will remain clear. Your conscience is a tricky thing to work with. Most of the time it's a quiet voice so it's hard to listen too. That is why practicing and growing your relationship with Christ is so important. The stronger your faith and relationship the louder your conscience becomes.
With this post there are three verses from 1 Timothy 1 that I want to share with you today and I hope that they make you think. Here is a little background on 1 Timothy. 1 Timothy was a letter that was written to Timothy from Paul. The main purpose of 1 Timothy is to give encouragement and instruction to Timothy. What makes 1 Timothy special is that it is a personal letter and handbook of church administration and disciple.
1. for the sexually immoral, for those practicing homosexuality, for slave traders and liars and perjures-and for whatever else is contrary to the sound doctrine. (1 Timothy 1:10)
Some people attempt to legitimize homosexuality as an acceptable alternative lifestyle. Even some Christians say people have a right to choose their sexual preference. But the entire Bible (both the Old and New Testaments) calls homosexual behavior a sin. (Leviticus 18:22; Romans 1:18-32; 1 Corinthians 6:9-11) We must be careful, however, to condemn only the practice, and not the people. People who live this lifestyle can be forgiven and their lives can be transformed. The church should be a heaven of forgiveness and healing for repentance against homosexual behavior.
2. Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners-of who I am the worst. (1 Timothy 1:15)
Paul was never interested in creating in image about himself and about how much of a stud he was. Paul was more about being an example. He never hesitated to share his past, because he knew that his failures would allow others to have hope. I don't have a bad past but sometimes I hesitate to share things with other people. I shouldn't think that way because that is a selfish way to think. My struggles and your struggles could help others and change lives. Paul demonstrated that lowering our guard can be an important step in communicating the gospel. People will not believe the gospel is important if they can't see that it is crucial in your life. How has Christ shown patience with you? Did he stay with you when you doubted and rebelled? Remember that his patience is unlimited for those who love him. Don't be afraid to let others know what Christ has done for you.
3. holding on to faith and a good conscience, which some have rejected and so have suffered shipwreck with regard to the faith. (1 Timothy 1:19)
What do you think of your conscience? What goes through your mind? Do you think God speaks to you through your conscience? That is what I believe. How can you hold onto a good conscience? Treasure your faith in Christ more than anything else and do what you know is right? Each time you deliberately ignore your conscience, you are hardening your heart. Over a period of time your capacity to tell right from wrong will diminish. As you walk with God, he will speak to you through your conscience, letting you know the difference between right and wrong. be sure to act on those inner tugs so that you do what is right-then your conscience will remain clear. Your conscience is a tricky thing to work with. Most of the time it's a quiet voice so it's hard to listen too. That is why practicing and growing your relationship with Christ is so important. The stronger your faith and relationship the louder your conscience becomes.
Thursday, January 17, 2019
The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat
"The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat," was a rule that was given to the Thessalonians by Paul in the end of 2 Thessalonians. In this context, Paul was simply saying that if you don't work, you won't eat. It makes sense right? Even today if we don't ever work we won't ever be able to eat because we won't be able to afford food. When we don't work for what we want we have to rely on others. If I never work for the things I want to achieve in this life than I will never get where I want to be and I will never be able to do what I want to do. I don't know about you but I really don't want to have to rely on other people my entire life.
Paul was writing to the Thessalonians warning them of idleness. Paul wrote: "In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we command you, brothers and sisters, to keep away from every believer who is idle and disruptive and does not live according to the teaching you received from us." (2 Thessalonians 3:6)
It's a little crazy to think that we are being instructed to keep away from the idleness and disruptiveness of other believers. I would make more sense if he was talking about the idleness and disruptiveness of nonbelievers, but that isn't the issue. Idleness is disruptiveness from other believers is toxic. We are a combination of the people we place ourselves around. If we place ourselves around those types of believers we will slowly begin to do the things they do, in other words we will begin to become idle and disruptive.
There is a need for each person to prepare for Christ's return by living rightly day-by-day. If we are ready, we won't have to be concerned about the preceding events or the timing of Christ's return. God controls all events. Our preparation is our hard work. The work we do now prepares us for Christ's return so what are you doing to prepare yourself? Are you learning the bible and all of the truths that are found in it? Are you expanding God's kingdom? Are you showing the love that Jesus showed?
I shared this the other day but it is fitting again for this post. "The imminent coming of Christ should never make us idle; we should be even more busy-living purely, using our time well, and working for his kingdom. We must work not only during easy times when it is convenient but also during difficult times. Christians must patiently watch for Christ's return and work for him while they wait."
The coming of Christ should never make us idle. We can't just stop what we are doing because Christ is about to return. When we aren't busy our minds begin to wonder. Idleness is the devil's workshop. When we aren't busy with what we are doing, think about the things that go through your mind in those times. Those things probably aren't the most pure.
It is a good thing that we don't know exactly then Christ will return. If we knew the precise date, we might be tempted to be lazy in or work for Christ. Worse yet, we might plan to keep sinning and then turn to God right at the end. Heaven is not our only goal; we have work to do here. Christians must keep on doing God's work until death or until we see the unmistakeable return of our savior.
Another thing that Paul writes is that we must never tire of doing what is good. We must never get so tired of going right that we quit. We can be persistent by making the most of or time and talents. Our endurance will be rewarded. How good do you feel when you do something that is good? I know for me I feel super good because Christ calls us to do those sorts of things.
I don't know how you look at the return of Christ...whether you are excited or scared. For me, I am so excited and I can't wait! Christ will return and bring total victory to all who trust in him. If we are ready, we need not be concerned about when he will return. We should stand firm, keep working, and wait for Christ. If you are scared or concerned than you probably just aren't ready yet? If you aren't ready, then the best way to get ready is to stand firm and keep working.
There is a different between working hard and being a busybody. A lack of activity can lead someone to sin. When we sin we can possibly become a burden to those around us. We end up wasting time that we could've used for helping others. That busybody feeling leads to the false thoughts of thinking that you become more spiritual when you are not working. A "busybody" is a gossip. An idle person who doesn't work ends up filling his or her time with less than helpful activities, like gossip. Rumors and hearsay are tantalizing, exciting to hear, and make us feel like insiders. But they tear people down. If you often find our nose in other people's business, you may be underemployed. Meaning, you aren't working but are just trying to find joy in other peoples minds and work. Look for a task to do for Christ or for your friends and family and get to work.
Being ready for Christ means obeying him in every area of your life. Because we know that Christ is coming, we must live in such a way that our faith and our daily practice will please him when he arrives.
Paul was writing to the Thessalonians warning them of idleness. Paul wrote: "In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we command you, brothers and sisters, to keep away from every believer who is idle and disruptive and does not live according to the teaching you received from us." (2 Thessalonians 3:6)
It's a little crazy to think that we are being instructed to keep away from the idleness and disruptiveness of other believers. I would make more sense if he was talking about the idleness and disruptiveness of nonbelievers, but that isn't the issue. Idleness is disruptiveness from other believers is toxic. We are a combination of the people we place ourselves around. If we place ourselves around those types of believers we will slowly begin to do the things they do, in other words we will begin to become idle and disruptive.
There is a need for each person to prepare for Christ's return by living rightly day-by-day. If we are ready, we won't have to be concerned about the preceding events or the timing of Christ's return. God controls all events. Our preparation is our hard work. The work we do now prepares us for Christ's return so what are you doing to prepare yourself? Are you learning the bible and all of the truths that are found in it? Are you expanding God's kingdom? Are you showing the love that Jesus showed?
I shared this the other day but it is fitting again for this post. "The imminent coming of Christ should never make us idle; we should be even more busy-living purely, using our time well, and working for his kingdom. We must work not only during easy times when it is convenient but also during difficult times. Christians must patiently watch for Christ's return and work for him while they wait."
The coming of Christ should never make us idle. We can't just stop what we are doing because Christ is about to return. When we aren't busy our minds begin to wonder. Idleness is the devil's workshop. When we aren't busy with what we are doing, think about the things that go through your mind in those times. Those things probably aren't the most pure.
It is a good thing that we don't know exactly then Christ will return. If we knew the precise date, we might be tempted to be lazy in or work for Christ. Worse yet, we might plan to keep sinning and then turn to God right at the end. Heaven is not our only goal; we have work to do here. Christians must keep on doing God's work until death or until we see the unmistakeable return of our savior.
Another thing that Paul writes is that we must never tire of doing what is good. We must never get so tired of going right that we quit. We can be persistent by making the most of or time and talents. Our endurance will be rewarded. How good do you feel when you do something that is good? I know for me I feel super good because Christ calls us to do those sorts of things.
I don't know how you look at the return of Christ...whether you are excited or scared. For me, I am so excited and I can't wait! Christ will return and bring total victory to all who trust in him. If we are ready, we need not be concerned about when he will return. We should stand firm, keep working, and wait for Christ. If you are scared or concerned than you probably just aren't ready yet? If you aren't ready, then the best way to get ready is to stand firm and keep working.
There is a different between working hard and being a busybody. A lack of activity can lead someone to sin. When we sin we can possibly become a burden to those around us. We end up wasting time that we could've used for helping others. That busybody feeling leads to the false thoughts of thinking that you become more spiritual when you are not working. A "busybody" is a gossip. An idle person who doesn't work ends up filling his or her time with less than helpful activities, like gossip. Rumors and hearsay are tantalizing, exciting to hear, and make us feel like insiders. But they tear people down. If you often find our nose in other people's business, you may be underemployed. Meaning, you aren't working but are just trying to find joy in other peoples minds and work. Look for a task to do for Christ or for your friends and family and get to work.
Being ready for Christ means obeying him in every area of your life. Because we know that Christ is coming, we must live in such a way that our faith and our daily practice will please him when he arrives.
Wednesday, January 16, 2019
The small things
I believe that I have learned a valuable lesson the past couple of weeks and that is to embrace love that others show you. I was put into situations where people around me showed a great deal of hospitality. I was meeting family members of important people in my life for the first time and I was overwhelmed by the love that I was showed and in my mind, I don't think I deserve to be treated like that.
In my mind was where I was wrong. We are called to love others just as Christ loved us and if we don't embrace that love we are showed what good does it do? We must accept the different ways that people show love to us because we all have a different love language and if we don't do that, we are turning down love.
I stayed at one of my roommates houses this past weekend for the first time and on Sunday, his family and some extended family all went to his grandparents for lunch and spent time together watching football and playing cards. I obviously wasn't part of the family but they made me feel like. Not only by their actions but also the things that were said to me. I was told at least 5 time that I was a part of the family.
When we are put into situations like that how are we acting. Shy? Afraid? Scared? Or do we embrace the love that is being showed. Normally I might shy away from it because of my personalty, but this past weekend I decided to embrace it and there was a certain feeling that I had that was just so refreshing. I was overjoyed with the love that was shown and fully felt God's love in my heart.
God puts people in our lives everyday to love us like he does. I encourage you and challenge you to be that person to others and to embrace the love that is shown to you. It's a win win every time.
Happiness isn't something that is scientifically verifiable. You can't measure it with a gauge or a number. Happiness isn't based on what you have or what you have compiled over your life time. Happiness is measured by your understanding of what makes others feel loved and cared for. Once you understand that you will become overjoyed by all of the small things.
My hope is that we can all learn to find joy in the small things. Find joy in the way that people show love to you. Find joy by loving others. Find joy in the simple and the complicated things. Joy and happiness can be found everywhere when we begin to look for it.
It's amazing how that works. Seek joy and you will find joy. Enjoy the small things and you will enjoy the big things. Embrace opportunities that are right in front of you. Don't shy away from anything. It's amazing what happens when you open your eyes to what is right in front of you.
This was a short post today and I hope it was applicable for you in your daily lives.
In my mind was where I was wrong. We are called to love others just as Christ loved us and if we don't embrace that love we are showed what good does it do? We must accept the different ways that people show love to us because we all have a different love language and if we don't do that, we are turning down love.
I stayed at one of my roommates houses this past weekend for the first time and on Sunday, his family and some extended family all went to his grandparents for lunch and spent time together watching football and playing cards. I obviously wasn't part of the family but they made me feel like. Not only by their actions but also the things that were said to me. I was told at least 5 time that I was a part of the family.
When we are put into situations like that how are we acting. Shy? Afraid? Scared? Or do we embrace the love that is being showed. Normally I might shy away from it because of my personalty, but this past weekend I decided to embrace it and there was a certain feeling that I had that was just so refreshing. I was overjoyed with the love that was shown and fully felt God's love in my heart.
God puts people in our lives everyday to love us like he does. I encourage you and challenge you to be that person to others and to embrace the love that is shown to you. It's a win win every time.
Happiness isn't something that is scientifically verifiable. You can't measure it with a gauge or a number. Happiness isn't based on what you have or what you have compiled over your life time. Happiness is measured by your understanding of what makes others feel loved and cared for. Once you understand that you will become overjoyed by all of the small things.
My hope is that we can all learn to find joy in the small things. Find joy in the way that people show love to you. Find joy by loving others. Find joy in the simple and the complicated things. Joy and happiness can be found everywhere when we begin to look for it.
It's amazing how that works. Seek joy and you will find joy. Enjoy the small things and you will enjoy the big things. Embrace opportunities that are right in front of you. Don't shy away from anything. It's amazing what happens when you open your eyes to what is right in front of you.
This was a short post today and I hope it was applicable for you in your daily lives.
Tuesday, January 15, 2019
Simply, thank you
Paul is one of my favorite people in the bible and favorite authors. Paul actually wrote 13 books of the bible. For those of you who don't know this, Paul actually used to be Saul and he persecuted Christians. He had a coming to God moment and his name was changed to Paul and he is one of the most encouraging and motivating characters from the bible.
Something I learned today is that Paul begins every letter he writes with a couple of verses about thanksgiving and prayer. It all makes sense now because there are a lot of books that I have read in the bible and I always wondered why the first chapters were always about thanksgiving and prayer.
Paul's trademark is a personal greeting and a statement of thanksgiving for believers. Regardless of the contents of Paul's letters, his style was affirming. Paul began most of his letters by stating what he most appreciated about his readers and the joy he felt because of their faith in God. We should always look for ways to encourage and build up other believers.
What do you do when you look up to someone? You try to do things just like they do. With me admiring the work of Paul I want to write you a little thank you letter.
From the bottom of my heart I want to thank you for reading the words I write in my posts. Like Paul, I am not perfect. I am a dirty rotten sinner, but God has given me a great sense of discipline to spend time in the word and than transforming what I learn in my heart and being able to relate it to what we go through on a daily basis. I am a normal person just like you. I make good decisions and I make bad ones every single day. I am no different because I write a blog. I am the same as you! I believe God has given me this gift of writing to encourage believers and nonbelievers. I don't even know if what I write is good. A lot of prayer and thought goes into everything I write and as soon as something is prompted on my heart that is what I am going with. Whether this is your first time reading a post I write or the 100th I am thankful for you. This blog isn't about me or to make me look good, it's for you. Ever since the day I got back into my bible and just wanted to share everything I was learning nothing has changed. I have that same fire in my heart to simply encourage you. My prayer and my hope is that if you were encouraged by anything that you were encouraged to get into the word. Everything starts with the word of God. It's changed my life and I hope it changes yours as well. Thank you again for sticking with me through this all and if your journey is just beginning keep on going. I have learned that the days you decide to read or learn when you don't want to are the days you might learn something totally new. If you don't want to read, just do it anyways and you will learn something, I am sure of it.
I also pray for you. I pray for the hearts of those who read this that they may be encouraged by the Holy Spirit. I pray God does work on your hearts every single day. Whether it's from a post I write, a song they hear or literally anything, I pray for your lives to be changed. Everyone matters.
Thank you again to all the readers out there. I believes that at least one person needs to read the words I write every day and that is enough for me.
When it comes down to it, these posts aren't even written by me. The Holy Spirit gives me the words and my fingers just type away like crazy. It's actually super cool and kinda weird, I will look back at a post I have written and I can hardly believe that I was the one who typed it.
I won't stop encouraging any time soon and I encourage you to do the same and to never stand idle in what you do. The imminent coming of Christ should never make us idle; we should be even more busy-living purely, using our time well, and working for his kingdom. We must work not only during easy times when it is convenient but also during difficult times. Christians must patiently watch for Christ's return and work for him while they wait.
Monday, January 14, 2019
Encouragement Checklist
Do you ever wonder how you can encourage others?
The command to "encourage" others is found throughout the Bible. In 1 Thessalonians 5:11-2, Paul gives many specific examples of how we can encourage others.
The best way to show this to you is to make an encouragement checklist. Looking at this list really helped me pick a part different ways that I can encourage others. The cool part about encouraging others is that everyone can do it. Encouragement is a spiritual gift of some people which makes some people better at it, but we can all do it.
Just because you aren't gifted in certain areas doesn't mean you can't do certain things.
1. Reference - 5:11
Example - Build each other up
Application - Point out to someone a quality you appreciate about him or her.
2. Reference - 5:12
Example - Respect leaders
Application - Look for ways to cooperate.
3. Reference - 5:13
Example - Hold leaders in highest regard
Application - Hold back your next critical comments about those in positions of responsibility. Say "thank you" to your leaders for their efforts.
4. Reference - 5:13
Example - Live in peace
Application - Search for ways to get along with others.
5. Reference - 5:14
Example - Warn the idle
Application - Challenge someone to join you in a project
5. Reference - 5:14
Example - Encourage the disheartened
Application - Encourage those who are disheartened by reminding them of God's promises.
6. Reference - 5:14
Example - Be patient
Application - Think of a situation that tries your patience, and plan ahead of time how you can stay calm.
7. Reference - 5:15
Example - Resist revenge
Application - Instead of planning to get even with those who mistreat you, do good to them.
8. Reference - 5:16
Example - Be joyful
Application - Remember that even in the midst of turmoil, God is in control.
9. Reference - 5:17
Example - Pray continually
Application - God is always with you - talk to him.
10. Reference - 5:18
Example - Give thanks
Application - Make a list of all of the gifts God has given you, giving thanks to God for each one.
11. Reference - 5:19
Example - Do not quench the Spirit
Application - Cooperate with the Spirit the next time he prompts you to participate in a Christian meeting.
12. Reference - 5:20
Example - Do not treat prophecies with contempt
Application - Receive God's word from those who speak for him.
13. Reference - 5:22
Example - Reject every kind of evil
Application - Avoid situations where you will be drawn into temptation
14. Reference - 5:23
Example - Count on God's constant help
Application - Realize that the Christian life is to be lived not in our own strength but through God's power.
If you made it through the entire list, I am sure you noticed that it was very detailed. My challenge to you for today or even this week is to try and do a couple of those. Maybe start with one. It's amazing what happens in your own heart when you encourage others. There is a feeling about it that makes you want to keep doing it over and over again. Just try it out! Before it is too late, just try doing it. Encouraging others is one of the best feelings and you don't want to miss out on that feeling, I can promise you that.
When you start doing a couple of the things on this list, you will begin to do more and more. It takes some time, but once you get it down, watch out!
God is pleased when we love others, and encouragement is one of the best ways to show Christ's love.
Sunday, January 13, 2019
The cure for distress
Because God is living, eternal, and unchanging, we can trust him to help his people in this generation just as he helped his people in past generations.
(A prayer of an afflicted person who has grown weak and pure out a lament before the Lord)
Hear my prayer, Lord;
let me cry for help come to you.
Do not hide your face from me
when I am in distress.
Turn your ear to me;
when I call, answer my quickly.
For my days vanish like smoke;
my bones burn like glowing embers.
My heart is blighted and withered like grass;
I forget to eat my food.
In my distress I groan aloud
and am reduced to skin and bones.
I am like a desert owl,
like an owl among the ruins.
I lie awake; I have become
like a bird alone on a roof.
All day long my enemies taunt me;
those who rail against me use my name as a curse.
For I eat ashes as my food
and mingle my drink with tears
because of your great wrath,
for you have taken my up and thrown my aside.
My days are like the evening shadow;
I wither away like grass.
But you, Lord, sit enthroned forever;
your renown endures through all generations.
You will arise and have compassion on Zion,
for it is tie to show favor to her;
the appointed time has come.
For her stones are dear to your servants;
her very dust moves them to pity.
The nations will fear the name of the Lord,
all the kings of the earth will revere your glory.
For the Lord will rebuild Zion
and appear in his glory.
He will respond to the prayer of the destitute;
he will not despise their plea.
Let this be written for a future generation,
that a people not yet created may praise the Lord:
"The Lord looked down from his sanctuary on high,
from heaven he viewed the earth,
to hear the groans of the prisoners
and release those condemned to death."
So the name of the Lord will be declared in Zion
and his praise in Jerusalem
when the peoples and the kingdoms
assemble to worship the Lord.
In the course of my life he broke my strength;
he cut short my days.
So I said:
"Do not take me away, my God, in the midst of my days;
your years go on through all generations.
In the beginning you laid the foundation of the earth,
and the heavens and the work of your hands.
They will perish, but you remain;
they will all wear out like a garment.
Like clothing you will change then
and they will be discarded.
But you remain the same,
and your years will never end.
The children of your servants will live in your presence;
there descendants will be established before you."
(Psalm 102)
(A prayer of an afflicted person who has grown weak and pure out a lament before the Lord)
Hear my prayer, Lord;
let me cry for help come to you.
Do not hide your face from me
when I am in distress.
Turn your ear to me;
when I call, answer my quickly.
For my days vanish like smoke;
my bones burn like glowing embers.
My heart is blighted and withered like grass;
I forget to eat my food.
In my distress I groan aloud
and am reduced to skin and bones.
I am like a desert owl,
like an owl among the ruins.
I lie awake; I have become
like a bird alone on a roof.
All day long my enemies taunt me;
those who rail against me use my name as a curse.
For I eat ashes as my food
and mingle my drink with tears
because of your great wrath,
for you have taken my up and thrown my aside.
My days are like the evening shadow;
I wither away like grass.
But you, Lord, sit enthroned forever;
your renown endures through all generations.
You will arise and have compassion on Zion,
for it is tie to show favor to her;
the appointed time has come.
For her stones are dear to your servants;
her very dust moves them to pity.
The nations will fear the name of the Lord,
all the kings of the earth will revere your glory.
For the Lord will rebuild Zion
and appear in his glory.
He will respond to the prayer of the destitute;
he will not despise their plea.
Let this be written for a future generation,
that a people not yet created may praise the Lord:
"The Lord looked down from his sanctuary on high,
from heaven he viewed the earth,
to hear the groans of the prisoners
and release those condemned to death."
So the name of the Lord will be declared in Zion
and his praise in Jerusalem
when the peoples and the kingdoms
assemble to worship the Lord.
In the course of my life he broke my strength;
he cut short my days.
So I said:
"Do not take me away, my God, in the midst of my days;
your years go on through all generations.
In the beginning you laid the foundation of the earth,
and the heavens and the work of your hands.
They will perish, but you remain;
they will all wear out like a garment.
Like clothing you will change then
and they will be discarded.
But you remain the same,
and your years will never end.
The children of your servants will live in your presence;
there descendants will be established before you."
(Psalm 102)
Friday, January 11, 2019
Increasing & Overflowing
We live this live trusting in God and having our own agenda at the same time. That usually does't work out to well because the God has the power to change our hearts and our agendas that we think we have.
Going through a passage in 1 Thessalonians this morning, I was reading about suffering, pressures and hardships we face and how to overcome those, and then a verse about love. When I am in the word and go through the passages I read it's so fun reading them and seeing which ones God wants me to use. I went through 1 Thessalonians 3 three times because new things stuck out to me every time. I was all set to write about suffering and the hardships we face until the Holy Spirit convinced me otherwise. The Holy Spirit changed the agenda that I had made.
Check out this verse:
May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you. (1 Thessalonians 3:12)
Paul isn't just saying that the Lord will fill us with love, he is asking the Lord to make our love increase and overflow. There is a lot of power in that. Love itself is powerful but when you think about increasing and overflowing love there is so much power in that.
If we are full of God's love it will overflow to others. It's not enough merely to be courteous to others; we must actively and persistently show love to them. Our love should be growing continually. If your capacity to love has remained unchanged for some time, ask God to fill you again with his never-ending supply. Then look for opportunities to express his love.
That really hit me this morning. I used to think that just being nice and courteous towards others was enough, but in reality it's not. You have to continually love others. It's not just when you feel like it or when it's most convenient.
Any person has a special place in my heart and this verse was convicting to me this morning and a good reminder all in one. I haven't been feeling that overflowing love for others in a quite some time. I have felt the feeling to love others, but not the overflowing love God wants from us. This verse was exactly what I needed to hear this morning and I hope that it was encouraging to you too.
The biggest reminder though was that when my capacity to love remains unchanged, all I need to simply do is ask God to fill me again with his never-ending supply.
My prayer is that we all can ask God today, at some point, to fill us with his never-ending supply of increasing and overflowing love.
Going through a passage in 1 Thessalonians this morning, I was reading about suffering, pressures and hardships we face and how to overcome those, and then a verse about love. When I am in the word and go through the passages I read it's so fun reading them and seeing which ones God wants me to use. I went through 1 Thessalonians 3 three times because new things stuck out to me every time. I was all set to write about suffering and the hardships we face until the Holy Spirit convinced me otherwise. The Holy Spirit changed the agenda that I had made.
Check out this verse:
May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you. (1 Thessalonians 3:12)
Paul isn't just saying that the Lord will fill us with love, he is asking the Lord to make our love increase and overflow. There is a lot of power in that. Love itself is powerful but when you think about increasing and overflowing love there is so much power in that.
If we are full of God's love it will overflow to others. It's not enough merely to be courteous to others; we must actively and persistently show love to them. Our love should be growing continually. If your capacity to love has remained unchanged for some time, ask God to fill you again with his never-ending supply. Then look for opportunities to express his love.
That really hit me this morning. I used to think that just being nice and courteous towards others was enough, but in reality it's not. You have to continually love others. It's not just when you feel like it or when it's most convenient.
Any person has a special place in my heart and this verse was convicting to me this morning and a good reminder all in one. I haven't been feeling that overflowing love for others in a quite some time. I have felt the feeling to love others, but not the overflowing love God wants from us. This verse was exactly what I needed to hear this morning and I hope that it was encouraging to you too.
The biggest reminder though was that when my capacity to love remains unchanged, all I need to simply do is ask God to fill me again with his never-ending supply.
My prayer is that we all can ask God today, at some point, to fill us with his never-ending supply of increasing and overflowing love.
Wednesday, January 9, 2019
A Joyful Invitation
I believe that we sometimes forget about the joy that God's presence can bring us. Too often it seems like the focus isn't on joy. A lot of the time we focus on growth, perseverance, and trusting God. None of that is bad at all. We just loose track of the joy.
I want to encourage you today to be content in the season that you are in. What do I mean by that?
For me, I try to read my bible, journal, and write a blog post nearly every day. When winter break hits, basketball picks up and I loose time to do those things that I love to do. I used to struggle and get down on myself when I didn't have the time to get those things done. I would let it bring me down and would almost be upset at myself. But I have learned that we go through seasons. Winter break is a season of my life, where nearly all my focus goes into basketball and I don't get to be in the word as much as I would like to. I could let that get me down or I could cherish the moments when I had time even more.
If you are in a place right now where you can be content but you know it's not where you want to be, I encourage you to be patient and to live in that moment. It's a choice you can make when you get out of bed every morning. Are you going to just focus on the future or live only in the moment and be upset with yourself?
I believe we can find joy in everything that we do because God is faithful. Our God never fails!
I came across Psalm 100 this evening and it was a perfect for what this post is about.
Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth.
Worship the Lord with gladness;
come before him with joyful songs.
Know that the Lord is God.
It is he who made us, and we are his;
we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.
Enter his gates with thanksgiving
and his courts with praise;
give thanks to him and praise his name.
For the Lord is good and his love endures forever;
his faithfulness continues through all generations. (Psalm 100)
We need to acknowledge that the Lord is God! How do we do this? We acknowledge him when we shout our praises, appreciate his status as our creator, accept his authority in every detail of life, enthusiastically agree with the guidance he gives us, and express our thanks for his unfailing love.
That is something that we can do no matter what season we are going through, whether you are where you want to be or getting to where you want to be.
God is also our creator; we did not create ourselves. Many people live as though they are the creator and center of their own little world. That mind-set leads to pride, greed, idolatry, and if everything should be taken away, a loss of hope itself. But when we realize that God created us and gives us all we have, we will want to give others as God has given to us. Then if all is lost, we still have God and all he gives us.
We can always have joy because of what God gives us. We could loose every materialistic thing that we own and we would still have God and what he has given us. We could loose every non-materialistic thing in our life and still have God. We will always have what God has given us. When you think that you don't have anything, you always have God.
Lastly, God alone is worthy of being worshipped. What is your attitude towards worship? Do you willingly and joyfully come into God's presence? Or do you go through the motions? This psalm tells us to remember God's goodness and dependability, and then to worship with thanksgiving and praise at all times.
The theme of this psalm is in invitation to enter joyfully into God's presence. His faithfulness extends to our generation and beyond.
Next time you are in a spot in your life where you feel stuck and like there really isn't anywhere to go and that you feel like you should be somewhere else, embrace where you are at. No matter who you are, where you come from, what you are going through, God is always there and is forever faithful. Trust in him and joyfully enter into his presence every single day.
Sunday, January 6, 2019
What are we waiting for?
Short, thought-provoking, challenging, and motivating. Those are some of the words that come to my mind when I think about the impact I hope that this post has. The main point is centered around what are we waiting for?
What are we waiting for to make Christ the single most important thing in our life? What are we waiting for to admit and recognize that we need Christ?
Most of what I am writing up is from the notes I took today during the sermon I heard at church. Just so there is some clarity there for anyone reading this.
1. Waiting is the unavoidable reality of the Christian life.
No matter what we always seem to wait. Whether good or bad things happen to us or others, we remind ourselves to wait for God. There really isn't too big of a problem with waiting for God to come back, the problem with waiting is when we wait on making that decision and commitment to God. Jesus fulfilled and obeyed all the promises that God ever made to us. God promised Jesus would come back and it's okay to wait for him!
2. Waiting builds anticipation for Jesus's second coming.
Are you saved right now? Have you accepted Jesus into your heart and confessed with your mouth that you believe he died for you sins? I hope so! If not, I hope the Holy Spirit works in your heart and you come to make the decision soon.
I believe that sometimes we think when we get saved that is the finish line. What I mean is that the day we make that commitment to the Lord, sometimes we might think that is all we have to do is to become a Christian. Well it really isn't the finish line to salvation. The day we make that decision is the starting point to our Christian walk. As a Christian we live between the starting point and the finish line of salvation every single day. Did you sin today? If you don't know ask those who are closet to you. If you did, you are saved by God. Forgiven of your sins. The finish line to salvation is when Jesus comes again.
I challenge you to think about what you are doing while you wait? Are we content with becoming a Christian and just waiting util Jesus comes back? Or are we doing something about it in-between. The life we live between the starting point and the finish line is so incredibly important and we cannot wait during that time.
One of the things we do during that time is gather. Think about what a lot of people do on Sunday mornings? They go to church and gather with believers. Sunday mornings is a great start but that isn't enough. What are we doing the other 6 days of the week? I used to just be a Sunday person and that is when I was going to give everything to Jesus but when the Holy Spirit worked on my heart and I learned Christ wants all of me every day my life changed.
3. Waiting has a way of revealing what you are really looking to for salvation.
The longer we wait the greater the chances of becoming more disappointed. The longer we wait the greater the chances we have at becoming more lost or distracted. Why do I say that? Waiting can be pretty boring sometimes and when we wait and wait and wait, our minds get caught up in other things.
I like to think about it like this. Think about a phone call you have set up with a future employer or just any super important phone call in general. There is a lot of mental preparation that you do before you receive that phone call. You get locked in because you understand how important this phone call is going to be. You're expecting the phone call at 1 o'clock and you get nothing. You wait 5 more minutes and still nothing. At that point in time it's easier to loose focus. At this point you think you are not going to get that phone call so what do we tend to do? Oh I will just hop on my social media pages since I really have nothing else to do. You spend 5 minutes scrolling through social media, taking in everything you see, loosing your focus and forgetting about the important phone call you were supposed to get. It's now 1:15 and you're getting a phone call. You pick it up and began to panic because while you were waiting you lost focus on what was important. And because you lost your focus while you were waiting, the phone call did not go as planned.
We need salvation because we are losers. In a way. Think about what happens to sports teams in they lose rather than win. They get put into a consolation bracket. We are in a consolation bracket as human beings. One thing that we need to do about that is accept it. We need to accept that fact that we are in that consolation bracket and that we need Christ to win. Consolation comes from Christ's love and compassion he has for us and nothing else
4. Waiting too long to receive Jesus is dangerous.
Are you allowing your expectations and anticipation to bring you to Christ?
I hate to break this news to you, but everyone dies. Not everyone dies at peace and the only way to die at peace is having Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior.
I want to ask you this: Do you feel you're a peace in heart to take your final breath right now?
You either fall or you rise. There is no middle ground here. What we are doing in our hearts right now echos in eternity. I promise you, you cannot wait any longer.
What are you waiting for?
What are we waiting for to make Christ the single most important thing in our life? What are we waiting for to admit and recognize that we need Christ?
Most of what I am writing up is from the notes I took today during the sermon I heard at church. Just so there is some clarity there for anyone reading this.
1. Waiting is the unavoidable reality of the Christian life.
No matter what we always seem to wait. Whether good or bad things happen to us or others, we remind ourselves to wait for God. There really isn't too big of a problem with waiting for God to come back, the problem with waiting is when we wait on making that decision and commitment to God. Jesus fulfilled and obeyed all the promises that God ever made to us. God promised Jesus would come back and it's okay to wait for him!
2. Waiting builds anticipation for Jesus's second coming.
Are you saved right now? Have you accepted Jesus into your heart and confessed with your mouth that you believe he died for you sins? I hope so! If not, I hope the Holy Spirit works in your heart and you come to make the decision soon.
I believe that sometimes we think when we get saved that is the finish line. What I mean is that the day we make that commitment to the Lord, sometimes we might think that is all we have to do is to become a Christian. Well it really isn't the finish line to salvation. The day we make that decision is the starting point to our Christian walk. As a Christian we live between the starting point and the finish line of salvation every single day. Did you sin today? If you don't know ask those who are closet to you. If you did, you are saved by God. Forgiven of your sins. The finish line to salvation is when Jesus comes again.
I challenge you to think about what you are doing while you wait? Are we content with becoming a Christian and just waiting util Jesus comes back? Or are we doing something about it in-between. The life we live between the starting point and the finish line is so incredibly important and we cannot wait during that time.
One of the things we do during that time is gather. Think about what a lot of people do on Sunday mornings? They go to church and gather with believers. Sunday mornings is a great start but that isn't enough. What are we doing the other 6 days of the week? I used to just be a Sunday person and that is when I was going to give everything to Jesus but when the Holy Spirit worked on my heart and I learned Christ wants all of me every day my life changed.
3. Waiting has a way of revealing what you are really looking to for salvation.
The longer we wait the greater the chances of becoming more disappointed. The longer we wait the greater the chances we have at becoming more lost or distracted. Why do I say that? Waiting can be pretty boring sometimes and when we wait and wait and wait, our minds get caught up in other things.
I like to think about it like this. Think about a phone call you have set up with a future employer or just any super important phone call in general. There is a lot of mental preparation that you do before you receive that phone call. You get locked in because you understand how important this phone call is going to be. You're expecting the phone call at 1 o'clock and you get nothing. You wait 5 more minutes and still nothing. At that point in time it's easier to loose focus. At this point you think you are not going to get that phone call so what do we tend to do? Oh I will just hop on my social media pages since I really have nothing else to do. You spend 5 minutes scrolling through social media, taking in everything you see, loosing your focus and forgetting about the important phone call you were supposed to get. It's now 1:15 and you're getting a phone call. You pick it up and began to panic because while you were waiting you lost focus on what was important. And because you lost your focus while you were waiting, the phone call did not go as planned.
We need salvation because we are losers. In a way. Think about what happens to sports teams in they lose rather than win. They get put into a consolation bracket. We are in a consolation bracket as human beings. One thing that we need to do about that is accept it. We need to accept that fact that we are in that consolation bracket and that we need Christ to win. Consolation comes from Christ's love and compassion he has for us and nothing else
4. Waiting too long to receive Jesus is dangerous.
Are you allowing your expectations and anticipation to bring you to Christ?
I hate to break this news to you, but everyone dies. Not everyone dies at peace and the only way to die at peace is having Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior.
I want to ask you this: Do you feel you're a peace in heart to take your final breath right now?
You either fall or you rise. There is no middle ground here. What we are doing in our hearts right now echos in eternity. I promise you, you cannot wait any longer.
What are you waiting for?
Thursday, January 3, 2019
Misrepresentation of power
I believe that we give a misrepresentation of power to words. This might just me by opinion but it is how I feel. After coming across this verse tonight:
...because our gospel came to you not simply with words but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake. (1 Thessalonians 1:5)
When you read that verse you see that the gospel came by more than just words. When I think of God's word, a lot of the time we just focus on the words rather than the power of the Holy Spirit and the power of God. Which there is nothing wrong with that. It's a great thing to read the word of God and to do what it says. Christ loves obedience. I just think we don't give the Holy Spirit enough credit. I hope what I am trying to say to you makes sense and is clear.
The one point I am trying to make with this post is that the gospel didn't come only by words but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction. The gospel came with power. How powerful is that sentence?
The gospel came "with power," it had a powerful effect on the Thessalonians. Whenever the bible is heard and obeyed, lives are changed! Christianity is more than a collection of interesting facts it is the power of God to everyone who believes. Again, I believe people get caught up in thinking our lives are one big rule book. Everything is so much more simple than what we make of it or how we even think about it. I wonder what has God's power done in your life since you first believed?
The Holy Sprit changes people when they believe the gospel. When we tell others about Christ, we must depend on the Holy Spirit to open their eyes and convince them that they need salvation. God's power changes people-not our cleverness or persuasion. Without the work of the Holy Spirt, our words are meaningless. The Holy Spirit not only convicts people of sin but also assures them of the truth of the gospel.
Without the Holy Spirit we are incapable. We think we have the power to change someones life and to make people feel better but that is the work of the Holy Spirit. We can play a role in helping others when we have the Holy Spirit in us. I love to encourage and to try and make people feel like they are loved, but nothing I ever say with my own words can do that. It is all the work of the Holy Spirit. Me writing this post is the work of the Holy Spirit. Every single time, day after day, post after post. It's never about me! The Holy Spirit is incredible. It's impossible to come up with the correct words to describe the power of the Holy Spirit.
Next time you know someone who is struggling with something and you want to help then out, really pray that the Holy Spirit will do work in their heart and in your heart. It'll work, I promise.
You might have noticed as well that the verse I shared above ends like this: "You know how we lived among you for your sake." The Thessalonians had seen that what Paul, Silas, and Timothy were preaching was true because these men had lived it.
I want to finish with this question for you:
Does your life confirm or contradict what you say you believe?
Tuesday, January 1, 2019
Sins vs. Signs of Love
One of the things Paul talks about in the book of Colossians that he writes is that as Christians, we should live as those who are made alive in Christ. We shouldn't live by the things of this world because when we do that, we won't get anywhere. We might get some short satisfaction, but that eternal feeling we look for and our hearts long for we will never feel with the ways of the world.
Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have out on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all and is in all.
Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds the all together in perfect unity. (Colossians 3:5-14)
There is a lot going on in that passage. If you are reading it for the first time you might think it seems like there are a lot of things that we need to get rid of in our lives and only a few things that we should add/consistently live by. It's almost like a rule book.
I think the best possible way to distinguish the sins and the signs of love that Paul talks about it to make three different lists.
1. Sins of Sexual Attitude and Behavior
- Sexual immorality
- Impurity
- Lust
- Evil desires
- Greed
2. Sins of Speech
- Anger/Rage
- Malice
- Slander
- Filthy language
- Lying
3. Signs of Love
- Compassion
- Kindness
- Humility
- Gentleness
- Patience
- Forgivness
In Colossians 3:5 Paul tells us to put to death the things found in list 1. In 3:8, 9 he tells us to rid ourselves of the things found in list 2. In 3:12, 13 we're told to clothe ourselves with the things found in list 3. List 1 deals with sins of sexual attitudes and behavior-they are particularly destructive because of what they do to destroy any group or church. List 2 deals with sins of speech-these are the relationship breakers. List 3 contains the relationship builders, which we are to express as members of Christ's body.
I hope this list made this passage in scripture more distinguishable for you and my challenge for you is to really rid yourself from things found in list 1 and list 2 and to clothe yourself in the things found in list 3. As Christians that is how we are supposed to live as members of Christ's body.
Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have out on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all and is in all.
Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds the all together in perfect unity. (Colossians 3:5-14)
There is a lot going on in that passage. If you are reading it for the first time you might think it seems like there are a lot of things that we need to get rid of in our lives and only a few things that we should add/consistently live by. It's almost like a rule book.
I think the best possible way to distinguish the sins and the signs of love that Paul talks about it to make three different lists.
1. Sins of Sexual Attitude and Behavior
- Sexual immorality
- Impurity
- Lust
- Evil desires
- Greed
2. Sins of Speech
- Anger/Rage
- Malice
- Slander
- Filthy language
- Lying
3. Signs of Love
- Compassion
- Kindness
- Humility
- Gentleness
- Patience
- Forgivness
In Colossians 3:5 Paul tells us to put to death the things found in list 1. In 3:8, 9 he tells us to rid ourselves of the things found in list 2. In 3:12, 13 we're told to clothe ourselves with the things found in list 3. List 1 deals with sins of sexual attitudes and behavior-they are particularly destructive because of what they do to destroy any group or church. List 2 deals with sins of speech-these are the relationship breakers. List 3 contains the relationship builders, which we are to express as members of Christ's body.
I hope this list made this passage in scripture more distinguishable for you and my challenge for you is to really rid yourself from things found in list 1 and list 2 and to clothe yourself in the things found in list 3. As Christians that is how we are supposed to live as members of Christ's body.
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