Christian Living
Article: 10 Ways
Photo courtesy of Stock.XCHNG.com/geri-jean 5 Ways We Honor God #1: Make the two greatest commandments your life's pursuit. #2: Do not be ashamed to live as a child of God among the world. #3: Find joy in obeying God's Word by meditating on it day AND night. #4: Represent God as His ambassador in all situations. #5: Pray throughout the day.
Article: 5Grows
Photo courtesy of Photo courtesy of Stock.XCHNG.com/Leonardini 1. Grow in Intimacy. This is the most important for us as believers. Our connection with the Lord must be strong and sound...where He is our first source and not people. Learn how to have an intimate relationship with Him. Meditate on the Psalms to witness lives that were dependent upon the Lord (in the good and tough times). 2. Grow in the Word. Allow the Word of God to become your source for all aspects of your life...it is the most important 'book' you will ever read. Understand the entire message of the Bible and how each inspired writing...
Article: Active Engagement
Photo courtesy of Stock.XCHNG.com/dyet One of the reasons we're unsuccessful against temptation and sin is we don't take an active stance against it. 1 Peter 5:8-10 (KJV) - Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen,...
Article: Am I Enough?
Photo courtesy of Stock.XCHNG.com/mjamesno Am I enough? When you consider the grandeur, majesty, grace, and love of God, this question should rest upon your thoughts and heart. When you think about the many things that stand in the way of you and the Lord, is He enough? In the midst of temptation, is He enough? Is He worth more than money and status? Is the Lord enough for you to turn from sin and live for Him. That's it. It's just that simple. Am I enough?
Article: Car Confessions
Photo courtesy of Photo courtesy of Stock.XCHNG.com/flitcroft There was a man that owned a very nice car. This car was fully loaded and built to his specifications. It was a one-of-a-kind car that had everyone's head turning. With such a car, this man felt compelled to keep it clean and detail it on a regular basis. Even though he tried to keep the car clean (rain or shine), he found little problems with the car. Many of the problems were not major, but cosmetic issues that seemed to irk him - which kept him a bit humble. In time, the Lord shared with the man that he was like the car in many...
Article: Citizens of Roam
Photo courtesy of Photo courtesy of Stock.XCHNG.com/lesid We are all citizens of a country. Whether we are natural-born citizens or become citizens by other means, we each maintain citizenship with a nation. Each country is identified by the attributes of the country, its landscape and people. However, within this post, we’re addressing those that are citizens of a different type of country - the country of Roam. Roam is a ‘place’ where its citizens are identified by the improper use of their eyes, ears, mouth, hands, and feet. They use their eyes to roam up and down people for sexual pleasure (Matthew 5:27-...
Article: Eat for Fuel
Photo courtesy of CreationSwap/StephenHay Food is fuel for the body. A car needs fuel to run. You can't put any type of fuel in it. It has to be the one specifically made for the car. If you put the wrong fuel into it or any other foreign substance (i.e. sugar), the car will cease to run properly or stop running altogether. Just as a car needs fuel to run properly, we do as well. Our bodies are made to run efficiently, but without the right nutrients, we will not function the way we were designed and will not perform well. Sadly, within America and some places around the world, people eat for...
Article: Enter Through the Narrow Door
Photo courtesy of Photo courtesy of Stock.XCHNG.com/sumeja Luke 13:22-30 (KJV) - And he went through the cities and villages, teaching, and journeying toward Jerusalem. Then said one unto him, Lord, are there few that be saved? And he said unto them, Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able. When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us; and he shall answer and say unto you, I know you not whence ye...
Article: Entertain Me?!
Photo courtesy of Stock.XCHNG.com/romexico There are many movies we would like to see because they provide an outlet of entertainment and fellowship. But as you seek movies for your enjoyment, you must consider the content and message of each. Many of the movies today contain images and messages that are ungodly. Cursing, sexual messages, nudity, senseless killing, blasphemy, etc. fill the box offices looking for our hard-earned dollars. As children of God, we must be careful of the movies we support. The movies described above do not support or provide the godly lifestyle our Father desires us to live. It only...
Article: Everything You Say May Be Held Against You
Photo courtesy of Stock.XCHNG.com/BJN Matthew 12:36-37 (KJV) - But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned. In Matthew 12:22-37, Jesus healed a demon-possessed man and the Pharisees accused Jesus of casting out devil through the power of Beelzebub (read Matthew 12:22-37 for context). Through this dialogue, Jesus illustrates what the blasphemy of the Holy Spirit is, and how we will be give...
Article: Faith Comes by Hearing
Romans 10:17 (KJV) - So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Faith in the Lord begins with hearing His Word. More often, we receive the hearing of the Word though preachers that are sent by God (as described in Romans 10:11-15). Within this context, many are given the opportunity and priviledge of receiving God's purpose of love through His Son Jesus. In most societies today, people would only come in contact with their church preacher once or twice per week (Bible Study and Sunday Service). These same individuals would probably agree that 2.5-3 hours per week of the...
Article: Finding the Right Church
Photo courtesy of Stock.XCHNG.com/svilen001 Many people are looking for a good church home. They want to find a church that has... specific ministries good preaching/teaching (at the least the style they like) good location friendly people loving atmosphere great service to every one of your needs As they travel throughout their city, they will may find a church with 4 out of their 6 desires and they will move to the next church...and the next one...However, there is one one requirement for finding a church home:
Article: Glory Train
Photo courtesy of Stock.XCHNG.com/bjearwicke 1 Corinthians 10:31 (KJV) - Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. 1. There are many compartments in our lives. Many Christians live their lives like train compartments. One compartment may represent their home life; another compartment is for work; and another for church, etc. Each compartment carries its own set of rules, standards, and customs. In the compartment of our home life (for example), we may act, lead, and love according to our upbringing and our position in the...
Article: Going the Distance
Photo courtesy of Stock.XCHNG.com/LotusHead Matthew 5:39-48 (KJV) - Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth: But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloak also. And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain. Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away. Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate...
Article: How Do I Live Out of Lust?
In 2004 we wrote Living Out of Lust, a beautiful book that engaged the very issue of sexual addictions, its devastating effects, and how we can live without the stains of sexual sins. Over the years, we’ve learned that there is a larger encompassing scope beyond the principles of Living Out of Lust. The key message for us that struggle with sexual sin (or any sin for that matter) is the closer we draw to the Lord, the further we draw from sin and the world.
Article: How to Be Blessed
Photo courtesy of CreationSwap/joecavazos Psalm 1:1-5 (KJV) - Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away. The first Psalm begins with how a man...
Article: Lemons for Lemonade
Photo courtesy of Stock.XCHNG.com/blary54 Philippians 4:10-13 (KJV) - But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity. Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. Throughout our lives we find...
Article: Making Time
Photo courtesy of Photo courtesy of Stock.XCHNG.com/ColinAdamson Each day has events, programs, and processes that demand our attention. We prioritize our events and tasks by the most important (or most interesting to fulfill our personal desires). In the midst of the busy day we must ask ourselves where do we fit God? In the morning? During the day? In the evening? It is in God that we have our existence. We should continuously seek Him, reach out to Him, and find Him. He is not far from us (Isaiah 59:1). Serving God should not be an afterthought. It is also not about what we can receive from Him. We...
Article: Maximizing Minutes
Photo courtesy of Stock.XCHNG.com/iotdfi Ephesians 5:16 (KJV) - Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. In our lives before God, many of us would find that we're not good at managing our time. Not only that, but we spend much of our day doing things that draw us further away from our purposes in the Lord. We consider free time as time to do nothing but watch TV and weekends and holidays as the same. After some time (or even at the end of a year), we look back and wonder where all the time went...only to repeat the same course of action the following year.
Article: Nine Blessings
Photo courtesy of CreationSwap/joecavazos Matthew 5:1-12 (KJV) - And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him: And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying, Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God....
Article: Pure Religion
Photo courtesy of Stock.XCHNG.com/bentedder James 1:27 (KJV) - Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world. The word religion above is translated from the Greek as religious worship; especially external, that which consists of ceremonies (religious discipline).1 When the word 'religion' comes up in much of our society today, it comes of thoughts of a rules-based life that does not lead one closer to God. At first glance, we would feel our initial thoughts were...
Article: Refresh
Photo courtesy of Stock.XCHNG.com/lfpilz The F5 button on a computer keyboard gives a refresh to a webpage or screen. It resets things to its original purpose/design. If things were changed, the F5 button will reset them. In like fashion, there are times when our lives need a refresh. We may look over our lives and feel things are a hot mess. Nothing is right...everything is wrong and there seems to be no way out. We become so discouraged that we don't want to even try to get things right. We don't even know where to begin even if we want to get our lives in order. As our lives may be stained and filthy by sin, there's still hope....
Article: Rehab of the Holy Spirit
Photo courtesy of istockphoto.com/tipografico Why do I always have to go through trials and temptation? I don't want to continue facing the same things over and over and over AND OVER again! I just want to be free. Have you ever felt like that? Have you ever felt like the Apostle Paul when he said that when he wants to do right, sin is right there (Romans 7:21)? OR the things you want to do you don't do, but the things you don't want to do, THAT you find yourself doing (Romans 7:15)? Many of us can relate to Paul's statements of temptation and sin, but we often stop there...
Article: Right Thing vs. Good Part
Photo courtesy of Stock.XCHNG.com/valerio Luke 10:38-42 (KJV) - Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word. But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and...
Article: Sacred Trust
Photo courtesy of Photo courtesy of Stock.XCHNG.com/nem_youth Within each of our lives, we are given various responsibilities. Regardless of the type or size, we are entrusted with their upkeep, maintenance, and growth. If you were the oldest child, you may be given responsibilities to watch over your younger siblings. If you are the manager of a specific office or section, you are given responsibility over those that work under you. If you are a parent, you have the responsibility to build and grow your children while tending to their specific needs. If you are a husband or wife, you have responsibilities to the...
Article: Staying Level
Photo courtesy of Stock.XCHNG.com/iwd Proverbs 30:8-9 (KJV) - Remove far from me vanity and lies: give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me: Lest I be full, and deny thee, and say, Who is the LORD? or lest I be poor, and steal, and take the name of my God in vain. Here are the words of Agur...a prayer unto the Lord to live with integrity (and balance) in His presence. When many people are asking God for more success, money, and power, Agur prayed that he have neither poverty nor riches and to be fed with food that's convenient for him. When many people are waiting...
Article: Stealing God's Thunder
Photo courtesy of Stock.XCHNG.com/bluesideup Matthew 5:14-16 (KJV) - Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
Article: Superhero Series
Photo courtesy of Stock.xchng/ebdot HIDDEN IDENTITY As children, most of us watched superhero cartoons. We would witness people with superhuman strength and abilities entrusted to stop evil and create a safer environment for city. Many of the superheroes had a separate identity among the public. (I never understood why the animators would do this because it would be a lot easier to for the superhero to remain ‘super’ all day, but I guess superheroes have to make a living too.) They could easier conceal their identity and no one could figure out who they were. As Chr...
Article: Taste Tests
Photo courtesy of Stock.XCHNG.com/zasvedogov Psalm 34:8 (KJV) - O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him. There are times when we are offered sample foods or want to try (or taste) what someone else has. When we try (or taste) the particular item, we make a determination on whether we want more for ourselves. The same occurrence happens for those in the Lord. Taste and See When a person is first introduced to the Lord, they enter into a ‘trial period.’ They may wonder what Christianity is about and desire to learn mor...
Article: Temptation TKO
Photo courtesy of Stock.XCHNG.com/vierdrie For those fighting to stand righteously for the Lord, they will find that temptation (the flesh, Satan, lust) comes back. Like a boomerang returning to its owner, a tempting thought, gesture, or situation comes to face us again and again. Now, if we're not careful, we will fall for its subtle tricks to give in, but in Christ Jesus, there is victory because HE is the great overcomer - and we can be too...in Jesus' name! 1. Being tempted does not mean you sinned. Jesus was born and lived without sin and was tempted by Satan (see Matthew 4:1-11). He overcame without being...
Article: The Body IN Christ
Photo courtesy of CreationSwap/JacobAbshire Within your body, you are composed of various 'members' that will help you live a life pleasing to God. Many of the decisions you make are based upon what is introduced into your life and what is already within you. The things that are presented to you are introduced to the (1) mind, (2) eyes, and (3) ears. These are the 'gates' that give access into your (4) heart (your character), soul (mind, will, and emotions), and your spirit (intuition and conscious). Based upon your decision(s), the actions of your (5) mouth, (6)...
Article: The Discipline of Self
Photo courtesy of CreationSwap/paulcarlson 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 (KJV) - Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway. Many of us do not overcome in certain...
Article: The Greatest Investment
Photo courtesy of Photo courtesy of Stock.XCHNG.com/miamiamia Time is a precious gift. Each person receives the same 1,440 minutes each day. Some people have made great use of their time, and others...not so much. There are no returns on time, once it's spent, it's spent, but we don't give it much thought until it's gone. Many times we regret the time we lost because we didn't make the best use of it. We invest much of our time in things that will never give us a great return, but we continue to do them out of habit or desire. Then we feel like we let ourselves (and others) down because we knew better...only to do...
Article: The House of Mourning
Photo courtesy of Stock.XCHNG.com/kendoll007 Ecclesiastes 7:2 (KJV) - It is better to go to the house of mourning, than to go to the house of feasting: for that is the end of all men; and the living will lay it to his heart. When death comes to a family or friends, even those we hear about but didn't know, thoughts of the condition of our own lives come into thought. We think about how short life may be and how we are living it. Though many of us want to be in a house of great joy and look for ways to please ourselves, death brings things into perspective. Solomon states that...
Article: The Ratchet
Photo courtesy of Stock.XCHNG.com/vierdrie Many people are talking about reaching new levels or being elevated in the Lord. They're waiting for their season of blessing, joy, peace, overflow, and abundance. Little thought goes into their current season - besides wanting out of it. However, the Lord uses seasons of trials and tribulations to mold us into mature disciples that resemble His Son (Romans 8:29). Many people will find that when they complete one 'test' of life, another is right around the corner. Then, when they finish that one, another one awaits (but maybe not right away). Our lives are filled with various situations...
Article: The Shadow of Sin
Photo courtesy of Stock.XCHNG.com/RasmusA In our lives exists a shadow. This shadow can be compared to our own shadow, but it has different intentions. The shadows from the sun reflect our image unto another object. However, the shadow of sin seeks to reflect its own image within our own lives. The intention of the shadow of sin is to control the object in which it follows. It wants nothing more than to control the life that it tracks. It wants to be in control and will wait for its moment. It often seems like at every moment, turn, and direction of our day,...
Article: Two Delights
Photo courtesy of Stock.XCHNG.com/Marcelo Gonzalez Psalm 37:4 (KJV) - Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. To delight in something is to be happy about it; take exquisite delight; to make merry over, or make sport of.1 Within this writing, we take notice to the delight that is in the Lord, but there is another 'delight' that affects the hearts and souls of men as well. There are but two delights a person can place their hearts upon. To witness the first delight, we can go to the beginning with Adam and Eve. The Lord...
Article: Walk it Out
Photo courtesy of Photo courtesy of Stock.XCHNG.com/vierdrie,/p> People want to see an example of righteousness. Throughout our history, there has been many men and women of great faith. Through their trials, they have faced their situations with the assured trust and confidence in the promises of God. They displayed a level of faith we aspire to achieve. We want to see someone taking a stand against the financial corruption in the church. We want to see someone that strives to teach people the full and correct Word of God. We want to see someone that will encourage us to...
Article: When to Keep Your Mouth Shut
Photo courtesy of Stock.XCHNG.com/Avolore Don't open your mouth when: 1. In the heat of anger- Proverbs 14:17, [He that is] soon angry dealeth foolishly: and a man of wicked devices is hated. 2. When you don't have all the facts- Proverbs 18:13, He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him. 3. When you haven't verified the story- Deuteronomy 17:6, At the mouth of two witnesses, or three witnesses, shall he that is worthy of death be put to death; [but] at the mouth of one witness he shall not be put to death.
Article: You Got a Little More Fight in You!
Photo courtesy of CreationSwap/courtneycroxdale Job issues. Money problems. Bad situations with family and friends. Kids. Car Problems. Home at risk. There's so many things going on in our lives each day that seem to pull us in several directions at once. At times we just want a little peace and quiet to get away from the day, but we're welcomed with another issue. Then, on top of all this, we have to live right before God...then temptation shows up. Many times temptation seems like the straw that breaks our back and we want to give up and give in. It may seem that giving into our...
