Every person on this earth has a story. Each story is different from the next and encompasses a lifetime of experiences, lessons, and testimonies. No story is less important than another. Some stories are filled with adventure; some have tragedy; and others are filled with joy, triumph, and peace.
Take time to listen to the stories of those you meet. People will appreciate someone taking the time to hear their message.
A world of experiences awaits!
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For many families, the Holiday Season (from Thanksgiving to Christmas) is the costliest of the year. Traditions of holiday sales and long wish lists have become staples of our country. DestinationCRM.com estimates that online spending in the U.S. will be $27 billion.1
Many families incur large amounts of debt to provide an ‘all-star’ holiday of expensive gifts. Long after the holiday season is over, many people will spend the year (or years) paying off credit cards and loans for less than one month of shopping. Where will these gifts be in one year: broken; stuffed in closets and drawers; forgotten; or thrown away?!
If you follow the spending ‘traditions’ of our country, please consider using this upcoming holiday season to enjoy your family and to give thanks to God. There are many ways you can show your appreciation and love besides purchasing expensive gifts that keep you bound to the chains of debt.
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1 – destinationCRM.com. “A 2006 Online Holiday Spending Projection.” destinationCRM.com. 2000-2006. 19 Nov 2006. http://www.destinationcrm.com/articles/default.asp?ArticleID=6459
Have you ever read a Christian tract where someone shares the gospel and they instantly decide to serve God or change their ways? Now this does happen in ‘real’ life, but there are many times when the recipient may walk away, say no, or hate us for trying to share the Gospel.
It is in these moments that we must exercise patience and empathy as the ‘truth’ they have depended upon for years is being challenged. (Think about something in your life you know you should change, but haven’t.) We can help them sort through their difficult questions, problems, and situations. It isn’t for us to constantly badger them to change, but to live what we preach, be available, and be a source of counsel and support.
We don’t want to turn people from the Gospel of Jesus Christ or any level of change that will enhance their lives. If people don’t change when we want, then let us love them anyway (Romans 13:8).
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As we follow the example of our Lord and Savior, we can glean some insights of discipleship through His interaction with people. There is so much we can learn from our Lord, but I would like to point out few ‘points’ within the context of our discussion.
Jesus allowed people to approach Him with the questions and concerns on their heart. Let’s look at a few examples:
(1) Nicodemus – John 3:1-11
(2) James and John – Mark 10:35-45
(3) The Rich Young Ruler – Mark 10:17-22
(4) The Disciples – Mark 10:23-30
Now, when you read these verses, there are some underlying themes. Jesus was (1) available, accessible, and approachable; (2) allowed others to ask just about any question and make any comment; and (3) responded to each question and concern and raising their level of understanding toward righteousness.
Many coaches look for players that are ‘teachable.’ Teachable players are desired because they accept and follow directions quickly.
Titus 2:11-14 – For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
The grace of God is available to teach us to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts, but we must be:
1. Willing to accept instructions. 2. Willing to change your behavior (ask God for help as well). 3. Able to execute those instructions.
Remain teachable to allow the Lord to be glorified through your life. He can use some good players on His team (Luke 10:2)!
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If God can do this, why can’t He do that?!
Many of us have personally experienced God’s deliverance, grace, mercy, and love. Yet, there are times when another situation arises where we fail to trust God to help us in our hour of need.
If God can deliver you from this, He can deliver you from that!
God has delivered you from so much already. Continue to place your trust in Him.
Isaiah 59:1 (KJV) – Behold, the LORD’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear
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2 Timothy 3:1-7– This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.
1. Learn what is truth and what is false (tradition). There will be many things that seem ‘right’ in your circles because everyone else is doing them, but you check them against the Word of God. What you see may not line up with what the Lord has taught. Stay with truth and not tradition.
Within some Christian music industry, some have incorporated a rating system on new music. For the Christian music industry and artists, the goal should be to glorify God through music; bring people closer to Him (through praise and worship); and instruct others toward godliness through music. With CD reviews, these reviews give the impression that Christian music is about good and bad production. Though there are Christian artists that might not provide as ‘polished’ as others (due to money or resources), each of them have the same goal…or at least they should.
As Christians, we must be careful not to allow our decisions or comparisons that equal that of the world. We must keep our focus on the context of glorifying Christ and not comparing products. We should celebrate the works of each person that seeks to proclaim God’s message to the world – whether it is a polished product or not.
God has given each of us a message to share and a light to shine. May we do so with the strength, grace, and anointing given to us through Christ. May we see the unity of the underlying message of Jesus Christ and not the differences among us.
Celebrate Christ!
Mark 9:40 – For he that is not against us is on our part.
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Matthew 7:6 – Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.
When some people think about dogs and swine, they may think of evil sinners and others that mistreat or hate Christians. However, Matthew 7:6 pertains to ANYONE that is unable to appreciate or accept holy and precious gifts of God (knowledge, wisdom, etc.), even if they profess to be a Christian. Just because someone professes to be a Christian, their fruit will prove if they are (Luke 6:43-45).
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Each day, you’ll encounter many different situations, problems, and people. Each one might require different actions, but it’s important to maintain a steady countenance. If you allow your circumstances to dictate your emotional state, you’ll ride a roller coaster of emotions that will keep you unpredictable, unapproachable, and eventually out of God’s will. Don’t allow circumstances to leave you an emotional wreck. It’ll only hurt you and those around you.
Ecclesiastes 7:9 – Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry: for anger resteth in the bosom of fools.
Proverbs 16:32 – He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.
Ephesians 4:31-32 – Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.
Proverbs 19:11 – The discretion of a man deferreth his anger; and it is his glory to pass over a transgression.
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