Growth

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: Give Thanks

Photo courtesy of iStockPhoto/Travis Silva 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (KJV) - In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. Our society (and flesh) has taught us to focus on the negative and the worst of situations, keeping us in a constant pattern of misery and negativity. This pattern affects our decisions, outlook on humanity, and our lives as disciples of Jesus Christ.

Article: Importance of Prayer

Photo courtesy of Stock.XCHNG.com/porah The Importance of Prayer - Dr. Young Hoon Lee (Yoido Full Gospel Church) {audio}/media/prayer-importance.mp3{/audio} Prayer is ABSOLUTELY important to the life of a disciple! Prayer is the conduit that we commune with the Lord. Through prayer we intercede for others and ask for the Lord's will to be accomplished upon the earth. Prayer is not something we should only do before eating, going to bed, or starting a church service. Prayer should be our life and breath before God - where our eyes are opened and our hearts are torn...

Article: Public Success, Private Failure

Photo courtesy of Stock.XCHNG.com/Mart1n Many people today lead different lives. They have different sets of behavior while at home and in public. Though this can be broken down even further, there are specific behaviors for the public and private life. People have a desire to be liked, understood, appreciated, and successful within their professional and personal life. To achieve these, people may adjust their conduct or character. (This doesn't mean the person will commit illegal acts.) Though someone may achieve success in their professional and personal life, they may experience the exact opposite in their...

Article: The Candy Lady

Photo courtesy of Photo courtesy of Stock.XCHNG.com/jconejo Growing up, most of us can remember a Candy Lady being in our neighborhood. In the heat of the summer months and after school, we would look forward to homemade snacks, Chili Fritos, fruity ice cups, Jolly Ranchers, Now-a-Laters (as we called them), and Grab Bags. Somehow as adults, many of us desire some of the same 'sweets' within our homes, workplaces, and ministry. We want the best of sweetest of what life has to offer without any of the bad. We want to be told that we're the best, great things are on their way, and we can have it all.

Article: The Influence of Music: Part 1

Photo courtesy of CreationSwap/JeffBoriss Music has a powerful influence upon people. The beat of a song can usher us into joy, deep reflection, inappropriate behavior, and others make us feel invincible. The beat has a powerful draw upon us, often something we can't explain, but we feel it running through our soul. Now, secular music (secular means separate from religion) we can imagine all the influences of sin, flesh, and the devil, but can such music infiltrate Christian borders? It sure can...and has.

Article: The Influence of Music: Part 2

Photo courtesy of CreationSwap/JeffBoriss When being told certain genres of Christian music are not appropriate for our lives before God, many questions arise: What am I suppose to listen to? What about the youth? What do you give them? How do I distinguish between songs and artists? To answer these questions, let's review our greatest commandment: Matthew 22:36-38 (KJV) - Master, which is the great commandment in the law? Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all...

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...