Articles
Galatians 6:1 – Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.
It is no light matter to be called of God to restore people in the faith. Jesus says blessed are the peacemakers for they will be called the children of God (Matthew 5:9). It is a humbling sight to witness the return and growth of those that had been overtaken by a fault. However, there are a few things they must consider:
1. They must be spiritual. Paul states makes a distinction for those that are to assist those overtaken in a fault – the spiritual (spirit-filled, spirit-led). The person desiring to assist them cannot be in flesh-filled and flesh-led. If the person trying to restore someone operates in the flesh, the person in the fault will only be further trapped and bound to their sin (and possibly other spirits as well).
2. Those overtaken in sin must be restored in a spirit of meekness. One of the definitions of meekness is the ability to be patient and long suffering. Some folks will not want to ‘do right’ because you said a few words, and busting down the doors of sin in someone’s life is not always a 1,2,3 process. Those that are not meek, patient, or willing to ‘suffer long’ with others will abort the process of restoration before it comes to fruition. In today’s society, many people want to say a few words and if it doesn’t work, they’ll leave them alone because they don’t want to waste their time. But not so for those that are spiritual. Just as the Lord is patient (and gracious and merciful) with us, we should exercise just as much patience toward those we desire to see restored.
3. Consider thyself, lest thou also be tempted. Know your own spiritual/physical/mental/emotional temperament. Stay on your guard to protect you from allowing temptation into your life. There are several things you should consider:
- If you’re not considering your own life, you become tempted to sexual relationship with that individual. The person may seek affirmation (from you) through physical touch.
- You may become angry with something the person says and speak harshly to them. Your words or actions would cut more than heal. This may be especially evident if the person is speaking about a subject that is emotional for you. If you are unable to properly contain your emotions, you want to consider whether you are the proper person they should speak with.
- You must also watch out for pride to rise up in you as you see the manifestation of restoration in the lives of others, something you may desire for your own life. Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep (Romans 12:15).
- You must protect yourself any spirits you encounter while counseling. You may counsel someone and find the same circumstances manifesting in your life and home within days of the counseling. After counseling sessions, be sure to pray (to bind the spirits), anoint yourself (and home), pray in the Spirit, and remain watchful for anything that could remotely sprout.
As one who restores others, you are in a position of trust to hold the fragile pieces of someone’s life. Consider your temperament at all times so you will not see their weakness as an advantage for you.
Restoration is not on a timetable. Just because one person doesn’t repent in the amount of time you think it should take, it doesn’t mean they’re lost forever. This is why it’s important to be spiritual and meek. You must be willing to go the distance and not become angry or impatient because ‘change’ does not occur by your timetable.
Don’t play around with this!!! You must be on your guard. Remain watchful and consider yourself!
Photo courtesy of Photo courtesy of Stock.XCHNG.com/JauresVillani
Many pastors feel their day of ministry are long, the to-do list is never ending, and they need 27 hours each day. With so much going on, pastors have the desire to place people in leadership positions to support them and the ministry. The desire for help should not be for warm bodies as oppose to the right people called by the Lord.
There are many churches overfilled with people that are placed prematurely (and inadequately) in positions of leadership and authority. Oftentimes leaders have the intention of having help in support their ministry, but one person ill-prepared for the responsibility can greatly injure the flock of God.
Proverbs 23:23 – Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding.
People are selling a lot of stuff today. What we find for sale is not just what is found in stores or online shops, but ideas, opinions, and beliefs. Many people have opinions and they want you to buy into what they’re selling. They present their messages with passion, props, and videos and if we’re not careful, we buy into the message without first considering its merit of truth.
When tragic situations occur near and far away, we often want to help, but we’re unsure how. Caring for the less fortunate is in line with living as a child of God (Matthew 25:31-46; Luke 10:25-37; and James 1:19-27), and we wonder how we can provide the greatest assistance.
1. Pray. There’s never a waking moment that someone in the world is without the need of prayer. Pray without ceasing throughout the day and as often as the situation or person(s) are brought to your remembrance (1 Thessalonians 5:17).
2. Connect with local organizations. Check the local newspaper, television, or radio stations for support and relief opportunities already taking place. Oftentimes, it’s easier to support organizations with ties already in the affected area than trying to make your own. However, you may discover that new ‘connections’ are needed as you pray and seek the Lord’s guidance.
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.
2 Timothy 4:3 – For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.
As we mature in Christ, we must grow beyond wanting the delicate ‘candies’ of life. We must grow past wanting people to tell us what we want to hear rather than what we need to hear. We must live above tendencies that are a detriment to our health.
Many people want to live a better life. They can visualize themselves as a loving parent, a faithful friend, and committed to serving the Lord with all their heart. However, what they see in reality is far from what they imagine in their mind.
What’s going wrong?! How can I get my life on the right track?!
There may be a number of things you must specifically accomplish to live the life the Lord desires for you to live. However, they cannot begin without a new way of thinking.
Genesis 3:1-7 – Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden? And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden: But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die. And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil. And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat. And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons.
When the serpent came to Eve, he wanted to create within her a desire she had never experienced. He wanted her to see what was being withheld from her. All he needed to do was plant a seed and allow her mind (and flesh) to do the rest. Does that sound familiar?
Satan and our own flesh (lust) will take the opportunity to present us with something that we do not have (1 Peter 5:8-9; James 1:13-15). Not only will it be something that we do not have, but it will be something they believe you must have as your own. (Now this is concerning temptations that lead to sinful acts.) However, there are some problems:
Many of us are strapped for time and we’re trying to find ways to get the most out of our 24 hours. Since you can’t add a 25th hour to your day, it’s important you make the greatest use of your time.
With so many things on your agenda, one of the things you might often neglect to do is to continually educate yourself (if you’re not already going to school). Lifelong learning is an important aspect to growing in your position and further shaping your perspective and understanding.
One of the ways you might incorporate lifelong learning is by using your travel (bus/car/walking) and/or exercise time as your own Mobile University (Mobile U). At Mobile U, you have the opportunity to read the bible or a good book, listen to an audio bible, or receive great church leadership teachings via podcasts or online videos.
There’s a great wealth of information within your reach for free (or a small fee) and with a little effort, you can start your own Mobile U!
Photo courtesy of Stock.XCHNG.com/ugaldew
Many people strive to find a comfortable ‘place’ in their lives. They want to enjoy the fruits of their labor while living comfortable and secure. However, as ‘life’ can be, many experience hardships, trials, and pain instead of peace. As much as we try, the ‘sweet spot’ we desire seems so far away. We run from our trials as fast as we can to find our ‘sweet spot’ of peace – often without thought or regard to those around us.
Have you ever considered that the Lord uses our life circumstances to help us reach a different type of ‘sweet spot?’
Philippians 4:6-7 – Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
1. Be careful for nothing. This would be a call not to worry about anything, NOTHING. As Jesus said, each day is filled with enough trouble on its own (Matthew 6:34) and we should not worry. One of the reasons why we should not worry is because if we do, we will place ourselves in a continual holding pattern of worry.
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