Spiritual Growth

What is your Cross?

In my parenting class last week we didn’t get to our parenting topic because their where life issues to address. We discussed the storms that come to all those who believe. Sometimes as Christians we wonder why a loving God would allow His children to suffer because we wouldn’t do this with our own children. We wouldn’t and don’t do this with our own children because we don’t have the strength nor understanding of the benefit of allowing our children to make mistakes and suffer. One person in class brought back to memory James 1:2-4 – Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. 4Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

Instead of looking at the problem, we should look to God. Instead of praying to get out of the storm; we should be asking God what is it we can learn in the storm. Instead of thinking woe is me; you should be thinking thank God it is me. As James tells us, trials bring about perseverance and perseverance brings about maturity in Christ.

It amazes me that Christians feel like they do not deserve trials but what makes us think that we are better than Christ. Unlike Christ, we deserve whatever happens to us because it is to make us more like Him. He didn’t deserve to die a horrible death on the cross. Based on Christ’s crucifixion, we know that God allows things to only happen for a good reason. Christ’s was to save us all; I wonder what your trial is for?

As you go through your trial, it is okay to ask God to take you out of it because Jesus did this as well. He asked God if there is another way for this to happened then please consider it but He also told God, “Let your will be and not mine.” So as we pray to be delivered, we must remember to ask God for His will not ours.

As I close, I want to share that all of us have our crosses to bear. Christ cross was the death for all of our sins. Your cross maybe, a bad marriage, a husband that doesn’t love you, unemployment, sickness, death of a love one, a wife that is demanding or nagging, a bad relationship with a family member, a child or spouse on drugs or alcohol. No matter what it is, remember this is your cross and only you can carry it. As a friend of mine told me, “I am thankful for my cross because I am familiar with it and would not want anyone else’s cross. So I say this to say, that we all have our cross so don’t assume that others have it better than you because in many cases you don’t know what their cross is or will be in the future.

Thank God that He loves us enough to perfect us! Praise God in the middle of your storm and show others that you have greater power living in you that overshadows your flesh and causes you to have joy even in the midst of the storm. What an awesome testimony to someone who doesn’t know Christ to see you having joy despite your circumstance.
God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptations per James 1:12 so don’t miss out on your blessing!

God selected preaching to save and edify man (I Cor. 1: 18-21). Hence, throughout the history book of the New Testament (Acts), we read of the preachers “speaking” and the audience “hearing” (cp. Acts 2: 7, 14; 37). The “seed of the kingdom” is the word and the word is truth (Lk. 8: 11; Jn. 17: 17). With these matters in mind, please consider Paul’s statement to the Christians at Ephesus:

“But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ” (Eph. 4: 15).

In verses eleven through sixteen, Paul presents the means of spiritual growth. The early church in the absence of the complete word (New Testament) had miraculous gifts (vs. 10, 11). These gifts had a uniform goal, “For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ…” (vs. 12). The word that was directly supplied in connection with these gifts was to stabilize the early Christians and guard them against error (vs. 14). There was anticipation regarding the coming of the “unity of the faith,” which was the totality of God’s revealed will for man, the New Testament (I Cor. 13: 8-10, Jas. 1: 25). When the full word was delivered and made available to man, these miraculous influences would cease (vs. 13). “Speaking the truth in love” is part of God’s plan and provision for spiritual growth (vs. 15). Notice that “truth” is objective and “in love” is subjective. Truth, then, is tangible while the motive for speaking the truth, love, is not as apparent. Let us now turn our attention to examining the matter of “speaking the truth in love.”

What speaking the truth in love is not. There is no small amount of confusion as to what constitutes speaking the truth in love. In fact, there are so many misunderstandings that in some situations it is impossible to speak the truth in love.

Speaking the truth in love, first of all, is not holding back parts of the truth. Paul said, “For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God” (Acts 20: 27). Paul appreciated the truth to the point of allowing it to make those whom he loved his enemies (Gal. 4: 16). Notwithstanding, I have had people say to me, “Don, you do not have to teach on all matters, in fact, if you love people, you will spare them the truth on especially painful subjects.” One man who is today a preacher himself once told me relative to his parents who were members where I preached, “If you have love, you will not teach on divorce and remarriage because you know my parents have both been married to others!” Therefore, he demanded that part of the truth be withheld and used “speaking the truth in love” as his authority (see Matthew 19: 9). Love rather than causing one to withhold what is needed and applicable will actually precipitate “declaring the whole counsel of God” (cp. Prov. 13: 24).

Speaking the truth in love is not watering down the truth. Some seek to dilute and weaken the truth (I Pet. 2: 1, 2). “Preacher, tone down your preaching,” we hear and, “Do not rock the boat.” The same writer who penned, “…speaking the truth in love” also wrote, “Preach the word: be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine” (2 Tim. 4: 2).

Speaking the truth in love is not being so obscure that the hearers do not understand. Some preachers are skilled in circumlocution. After patiently listening to them, you realize that what they have said cannot really be decisively understood. Spirit led preachers who spoke the truth in love were clear and precise in their preaching (cp. Acts 2: 37, 38-41).

What speaking the truth in love is. The way to determine what speaking the truth in love constitutes is by considering approved examples.

The examples of speaking the truth in love clearly exemplify boldness. Jesus’ teaching was “open” and “plain” (Mk. 8: 32; Jn. 10: 24, 11). One descriptive word used by the Holy Spirit to describe the preaching of the apostles is the Greek parresia, which is often translated “boldness” (Acts 4: 13, 29, 31). To the same people to whom Paul wrote “…speaking the truth in love,” he later wrote in soliciting their prayers, “And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel” (Eph. 6: 19).

Speaking the truth in love necessitates the use of both the positive and negative. Modern man in his education has often come to believe that preaching must be positive. The Positive Movement even in some churches of Christ has precluded New Testament preaching and actually speaking the truth in love. The New Testament is replete with what to do (positive) and what not to do (negative). The word encourages good (positive) and exposes and condemns evil (negative, 3 Jn. 5-12).

Speaking the truth in love entails the presentation of all that God has said. What some do not realize who hold views that circumvent and prevent speaking the truth in love is that the truth sets free and saves (Jn. 8: 32, Jas. 1: 18ff.). Therefore, if one truly loves others, he will deliver the “whole counsel of God” (Acts 20: 27). Also, the word is designed to often be punitive in order that correction and repentance will follow (2 Tim. 4: 2, Heb. 12: 5ff.).

What to expect when there exists speaking the truth in love. First, spiritual growth should be expected and realized (Eph. 4: 15, see context). Christians should increase in spirituality and vitality and the lost should come to a knowledge of the truth. The church is God’s arrangement to effect spiritual growth and spiritual increase is predicated on the presentation and reception of the truth.

One should also expect some adverse reactions to the matter of speaking the truth in love. Jesus’ speaking the truth in love caused some of his disciples to “…walked no more with him” and even resulted in division among his Jewish brethren (Jn. 6: 66; 7: 43). Speaking the truth in love resulted in Stephen being murdered by a mad mob (Acts 7).

In closing our examination of “…speaking the truth in love,” I might point out that the hearer should primarily focus attention on the word being spoken, whether it is the truth (cp. Acts 17: 11). This is what John called “…trying the spirits whether they are of God” (I Jn. 4: 1). I say this because the hearer cannot immediately ascertain the subjective part of Ephesians 4: 15, “in love.” It behooves all preachers to speak the truth and to speak it in love. Hence, there is the constant need not only for making sure what is taught is the truth (book, chapter, and verse, I Thes. 5: 21), but also that the motivation for speaking it is love. Still, there will usually be those present who do not agree with the truth and seek to find fault with the speaker by charging, “…you are not speaking the truth in love!” By thus charging, they think that they have avoided the consequences of opposing the truth and have shifted guilt to the presenter of the truth. Paul spoke the truth in love, yet, he was relevant, cogent, plain, and often rebuking (cp. 2 Cor. 12: 20, 21). Speaking the truth in love, this is the constant challenge and worth while goal that is before us.

Todd E. Linaman, Ph.D

Many Americans are now struggling with the emotional aftermath of our recent national tragedies. Of all the normal emotional, psychological and physical responses we experience in times like these, anger is perhaps the most challenging to process and manage effectively.

How you choose to respond to your anger in the days, weeks and months ahead will make a difference in the quality of your relationships, your physical and emotional well being and your effectiveness in bringing about positive and constructive change. Here are some practical tips you can use to help you manage your anger more effectively.

1. Understand What Anger Is

Anger is not sin, but rather a natural, God-given physiological response to hurt, fear and frustration. When we believe that we have been mistreated or when we experience disappointment related to an unmet need or want our bodies prepare for action. It is this physiological response that we call anger. Anger has the potential to help us protect others and ourselves and can serve as a catalyst to bring about needed change, however, its relative value is largely determined by what we decide to do with it.

2. Control Your Initial Response

The emotional and physical numbness triggered by a traumatic event typically gives way to feelings of anger that can range from mild agitation to violent rage. The greater the sense of hurt, fear and frustration, the greater the intensity of our anger. It is always important to remember that our initial or “automatic” response to anger may not be the most constructive. We need to watch our words and our actions so that they do not become a damaging expression of our pain.

It is important to note that recent research challenges the once widely held belief concerning the value of letting one’s anger out through the

release of physical energy, e.g., hitting a pillow. It is now believed that this form of “catharsis” can actually reinforce the expression of hostility and aggression, which may increase the likelihood of a similar and even more intense response in the future.

3. Acknowledge Your Anger and Its Source

Go ahead and say it: “I am very angry at all those responsible for hurting and killing innocent people and for violating our freedoms and sense of security as a nation.”

Admitting to yourself, and to those around you, that you are experiencing anger as a result of feeling afraid, hurt or frustrated is key to managing your response. Simply saying out loud that you are angry can help decrease the intensity of your feelings. When we fail to acknowledge our anger we run the risk of holding it in until it overflows or begins to destroy us physically, spiritually and emotionally. Remember, feelings that are buried alive do not die!

4. Tell Yourself the Truth

Here are some objective facts:

• “I, along with my family, friends and country have been seriously and unjustly hurt. To feel angry about that is normal.”

• “To respond to my anger irrationally or aggressively will not serve any positive purpose.”

• “It is good to express my anger in a healthy, God honoring fashion.”

• “Ultimately, God is in control and His judgment will prevail.”

Through you we push back our enemies; through your name we trample our foes. I do not trust in my bow, my sword does not bring me victory; but you give us victory over our enemies, you put our adversaries to shame. Psalm 44:5-7

5. Limit Your Exposure to the Things That Trigger Your Anger

Repeated exposure to stressful images and information can intensify your emotional response. If you find that your anger intensifies when

you watch the news, read the newspaper or talk about the tragedy with a friend or co-worker, then you may need to significantly reduce or eliminate these activities. Find alternative activities to engage in like exercising, reading a book, playing with your children, working around the house, community volunteer work or watching a funny movie. Give yourself a break to help you keep your perspective.

6. Take Constructive Action

Effective anger management often includes engaging in constructive and creative forms of expression. Here are some examples of how you may want to respond to your anger.

• Write letters of condolences to the families of victims

• Write letters of appreciation to those involved in the rescue efforts

• Talk openly and honestly with friends, family and co-workers

• Join in local community relief efforts by donating money, blood or other needed items

• Write a poem, song or letter that expresses how you feel

• Write a letter to those who have attacked our nation and tell them what you think

• Identify ways to help eliminate hate and violence in your community

• Meditate on God’s promises found in Scripture

• Call or write to your government representatives and express support of their efforts

• Participate in community based memorial and prayer services

• Wave the American flag

• Pray without ceasing!

7. Forgive the Offenders

Most importantly, we must come to the place where we are willing to model Christ’s example of forgiveness. Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” Luke 23:34

“In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.”

Ephesians 4:26-27

by Patty Wysong
6/19/2008 / Devotionals

Not too far from my house a man has a pair of mules and they’re fun to see as we shoot past on our way to town. We’ve seen them scratching each other’s backs, whispering sweet nothings in each other’s ears and even just resting companionably in the sunshine.

This time past I noticed one was lying down, resting, and the other was nearby grazing, and I saw the evidence of their consistency. Where they lie down is worn down to bare dirt in an almost perfect circle, but beyond that circle all is green. I really wanted to stop and scratch their ears and tell them that if they would move their resting area over just ten feet they’d have nice soft, green grass to lie on. Do you think they’d listen to me and move? No, probably not. In that I’m just like those mules. I’m so stuck in my rut that I don’t want to move even just a few feet to a nicer place.

God has provided me, and has offered me, a beautiful place to rest, but I stubbornly insist on staying in the same place I’ve aways been. I have a lot of mule in me and it’s not how God meant me to be. He has green pastures and still waters for me, not just a small, hard packed circle of dirt. Maybe it’s time for me to stop acting like a mule and remember that I’m a sheep listening to my Shepherd’s voice and enjoy the good He has for me.

“The Lord is my shepherd,
I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside quiet waters.
He restores my soul;
He guides me in the paths of righteousness
For His name’s sake.”
~Psalm 23:1-3 (NASB)

Patty Wysong is a wife and homeschool mom of 5 who is passionate about wrapping lessons in pretty packages that will point others to God.

Blog: http://pattywysong.blogspot.com/

Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com-CHRISTIAN WRITERS

Ok, so last week I came home from work and pulled up in the driveway. Many times I find that I can deal with little annoyances and things that are frustrating easily, but this day I guess I had reached my threshold.

You see we live in a metropolitan neighborhood where our houses are pretty close together, but not too close where you can’t tell where your yard separates from your neighbor’s yard. So, when I pulled up and seen their trash sitting on our freshly mowed grass next to their driveway I about flipped out. I thought my head was going to start spinning in circles or something. I was ranting and raving like the old guy in grumpy old men. After I reached our front door I started laughing at myself out loud. I thought to myself “Gee wiz what kind of witness am I?”

A few days later my husband had been working a lot of overtime and people on our street tend to have the inability to park in their driveways. Unfortunately this makes it very difficult to back out of our driveway without having to back in and out ninety times to avoid a collision with a parked car. Being a little sleepier than normal my out of character cutie gets up walking around the house mumbling this that and the other rubbing his eyes. I said, “Honey what’s up?” He stopped at the counter and looked at me and said, “You know I would like to get a tank and just drive down the street nailing every car that is sitting out there one day.” I was like, “Whatever you are tripping.” I giggled and told him about the episode I had with the trash earlier that week.

What made this ever funnier to me was that evening on my way home from work I had heard a teacher on the radio that I listen to a lot talking about how we are all seed planters and not only do our mouths plant seeds but our actions do so even more. He said when you are a Christian and a neighbor parks somewhere you don’t like, to make sure that you wave to them the next morning with a smile. He said if your neighbors trash somehow winds up in your yard don’t shun them because of their inconsideration instead offer them a hand next time before the trash runs and help them take it out to the correct spot. That way you have a window of opportunity to speak to them about the Lord as well as showing them the correct spot to put their trash without saying a word about it.

You see when it comes down to it, in the end the trash gets picked up anyways. Not only that but when you keep showing someone how to do something the right way, eventually they catch on. I told my husband about the sermon and he started laughing.

You see each week we pay others to come by and pick up the trash that builds up in our houses each week. We put it in bags close them up and set them out at the edge of the curb and a truck drives by and picks up all our garbage. Have you ever wondered what would happen if no one was paid to pick up our trash? What would happen if there were no landfills? What would happen if no one ever invented trash bags? What would happen if all that garbage was scattered around everywhere? Our cities would look awful and our houses would be filthy.

I Corinthians 7:23

“Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men.”

You see when God sent His son Jesus to die on the cross He became our trash man. Fortunately for us, the debt was not one that we have to pay each week. God paid it once in full! However as Christians we still have trash that we have to take to the curb of the cross. We have to bag all that crap up that gets into our lives and comes between the cross and our neighbor. You see the Word of God instructs us to be walking epistles and a light that shines forth in a dark place. If we approach situations the same way others who don’t know the Lord do, are we not false witnesses? Claiming to know the Son of God and yet being “far from Him” in our hearts though we speak of Him from our mouth? (Isaiah 29:13; Matthew 15:18; Mark 7:6)

I Peter 3:4

“But [let it be] the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, [even the ornament] of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.”

You see Christ was a meek and quiet spirit who was a great price that God paid so that our trash might be taken out of sight each time we take it the curb. Problem is a lot of times our bags are like the ones that you buy at the dollar store. They are made of the strength that we try to muster to rid ourselves of the garbage in our spirits and they always get tears and holes in them causing things to fall out and stuff to drip through the bottom. God wants us to surrender that stuff in hefty bags and make sure that there are no openings at the top so that nothing can get out. He wants our hearts to be hidden in that ornament of Christ so that our spirits will be incorruptible. The Bible mentions in Acts 5:15 that people used to take the sick into the streets on beds and couches in hopes that simply the shadow of Peter passing by would overshadow them. I find it amazing that someone carried the ornament of Christ so strongly that his faith radiated from him. If we could catch a glimpse of that faith in our lives today can you imagine the impact for Christ we would have in our society today?

I Peter 3: 8

“Finally, [be ye] all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, [be] pitiful, [be] courteous:”

If we as Christians could grasp the mentality that God wants us to possess people would be longing to find what it is that we have. Instead a lot of times people are pushed off from Christ because of those who claim to know Him as Lord and Savoir. You see there is so much trash in our home spiritually that it’s cluttering up the space in our hearts for that priceless ornament to shine forth. It is especially difficult to speak of the love of God to a lost and bickering world, when the body of Christ seems to be so lost and bickering itself. We must love one another despite our differences and love each other regardless of disagreements or doctrinal issues. The Bible instructs us to seek out one’s own salvation with fear and trembling. The only time we should address our brethren is out of love when we see him falling into the snares of the enemy. If his salvation is not threatened than we are called to be courteous and compassionate and directed to stay away from disputing of the Word. However, discernment is of utmost importance here because we must be sensitive to the spirit of God and how He leads us to minister to others. We cannot allow others to be misled but at the same time we must know how to minister to others so that the seed is planted in a way that it will be prosperous. Though many will say that God says His Word will not return void, I have heard many people trying to witness to others who are not speaking “His Word” but they are speaking their own thoughts and when that happens you can push people away from the truth of salvation and a relationship with God out of your own selfish ambition.

I Peter 3:9

“Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.”

It’s funny as God has been dealing with me about this issue, it has taken some time to get me to actually sit down and begin to write it. I guess because it is such a difficult subject to talk about. Nobody wants to face their own shortcomings especially when it comes to serving God because we all have so many. As I pulled up in my driveway today guess what tomorrow is? It’s my neighbor’s trash day, so lo and behold there sat their trash cans in our yard again. As I put my car in park I looked at my step daughter and I said, “Look, there they did it again..argh.” At that moment in the back of my mind, ok so not so far back in mind.I decided come our trash day I am going to put our trash in their yard, and see how they like it! Unfortunately if I do that I will be putting up a fence or a barrier within’ myself and I will be unable to hear the spirit of God in regards to my neighbor because I will be acting in a disobedient manner to the instruction of the Word. However, if I don’t act of the nature of man I will inherit the blessing of a relationship where the opportunity will arise for me to witness to them on a level that will be in friendly conversation.

Isn’t that just like all of us though? We want to get back at those who despitefully hurt us and use and abuse us. We want to get even somehow with all the stuff they have done to us even though we try to help everyone as much as we can and we try to be a person’s friend. The Bible says in Matthew 5:44 that we are supposed to love one another and pray for our enemies and those who persecute us. Now my neighbors are not purposefully trying to upset me so that situation is a bit different but I was just trying to use that as an example.

I Peter 3:10-11

“For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile: Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it.”

I have read this scripture many times often amused by it, but tonight I am looking at it with a different perspective and it no longer amuses me, it breaks my heart. I think about the leaders of our country and the leaders of our businesses in America and the Hollywood movie stars and our military government and I think to myself it is no wonder America is not at peace. It is no wonder gas prices are so high. It is no wonder kids are killing kids. It is no wonder parents are killing their children and vice versa. It is no wonder poverty exists in the same plain as Donald Trump does. How many Americans love life? How many Americans actually refuse to speak evil and speak truth at all times? How many Americans truly seek peace and follow it? It is burdensome for me to watch presidential debates and million dollar funding because a man or a woman that can openly bash others choices or lifestyles in the land of the free and home of the brave is a hypocrite. They stand up there degrading the very essence of another persons’ life instead of telling us what they are going to do and how they have arrived where they are.

I can only scratch the surface of this iceberg in a blog but think about it. How can we consciously promote degradation of character as being the trademark of the winner of the nomination as who we will choose to run our nation? In my opinion I would love to see someone humble and sincere who will not promise something to our nation that will never be possible by mans precepts, which is peace. The only way our nation will ever achieve peace is if Gods people turn from their wicked ways and humble themselves and pray and seek His face then He will hear from Heaven and heal thier land.

I Peter 3:11

“For the eyes of the Lord [are] over the righteous, and his ears [are open] unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord [is] against them that do evil.”

The Lord has the ability to watch over the righteous and those who are called according to His purpose. His Word says that many are the afflictions of the righteous but that He would deliver us out of them all. I don’t know about any of you but since I have surrendered my life to the Lord, regardless of my shortcomings and my mistakes I have faced many difficult times. Many times these trials and heartaches are caused by the actions of others.

I think the hardest part of these tests are not being able to respond to the situations and circumstances the way we used to before we got saved. There have been so many times where if Christ was not my core someone would have gotten a mouth full and/or a fist full from the person I used to be. Temperance has been a big part of my transformation and it has been very difficult for me to allow certain scriptures to sink into my spirit and allow those scriptures to control my actions more so than my feelings and attitude. A few of those scriptures are

Romans 12:20

” Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.”

Deuteronomy 32:41

“If I whet my glittering sword, and mine hand take hold on judgment; I will render vengeance to mine enemies, and will reward them that hate me.” (I wrote a blog last year sometime called “Glittering Sword” off of this scripture.)

Psalm 40:14

“Let them be ashamed and confounded together that seek after my soul to destroy it; let them be driven backward and put to shame that wish me evil.”

Romans 12:19

“Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but [rather] give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance [is] mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.

I Peter 3:12-16

“And who [is] he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good? But and if ye suffer for righteousness’ sake, happy [are ye]: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled; But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and [be] ready always to [give] an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.”

Why do so many people misunderstand Christ? In the past I have often wondered why it was always so difficult to talk to people about Christ. I often questioned God about different tests and trials that I would face after I surrendered my life to Him. Many times I would get angry and argue with God. I often would search myself and try to see if there was something wrong with what I was doing or how I was living my life. I used to be very critical of myself to the point where I was almost “super spiritual”. I don’t know if you have ever heard the term “Too spiritual to be any worldly good” well I defined that with my life for awhile. But I think that as new Christians many go through that phase on their way to maturity. It’s a growing process.

So today I started thinking about why I gripe so much about my neighbor’s trash. I mean I should be thankful that they are throwing it away right? How much more upset would I be if they let it set next to their house and my driveway if they just kept letting it stock pile and build up? What would happen if I had company over and the stench was so bad it began to make the inside of our house smell? That is when I realized why God had used this to minister to me.

You see, on that cross God sent the “trash collector”. Many people continue to claim to be Christians yet they never take their trash out. They continue drinking and carousing and fornicating and cussing and carrying on in a sinful nature that does not glorify God in any way at all. They misrepresent the body of Christ and the stench an odor of their sin has carried over into the “house of God”. The aroma of false witnesses has lingered through the churches, into the homes of professing believers and even into the Pastoral calling and Evangelical “profession”.

You see God doesn’t care what corner of the cross you kneel at as long as you take your trash with you. He doesn’t care if it is on the right or the left or directly in front. He also doesn’t require you pay a monthly fee, because the service has already been paid in full. Think of your sin as trash because if it never gets taken out it begins to stink up “your house” and “your house” is the dwelling place of God. Maybe that is why our “righteousness stinks in the nostrils of God”.

Isaiah 64:6

“But we are all as an unclean [thing], and all our righteousnesses [are] as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.”

Don’t forget we are all a work in progress and I don’t think we should be concerned with where our neighbor or brethren is in ridding themselves of sin, when we have enough of our own trash to worry about. However, it doesn’t hurt to have a relationship and learn from each other and grow from the insight we gain from that relationship maybe you can help them take their trash out..or maybe they don’t even know where they are supposed to put it.

Remember the Bible tells us we are to crucify our flesh daily and to renew our minds with the transforming power of Christ. Continually at least once a week after reviewing your personality and your actions through the week take your trash out. There is always something remaining in us no matter how large or small that is not glorifying to the Lord. From now on when you are taking your garbage to the curb don’t forget to analyze your spiritual garbage.

My name is Tina Leonard. I have been writing my entire life, but it wasn’t until I accepted Christ in 1998 that I began to write for the edification of the body and to bring the rightful Glory to His Kingdom. Feel free to visit my website at www.myspace.com/christisking2.

Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com-CHRISTIAN WRITERS

by Julie Arduini
8/03/2008 / Devotionals

We have a daughter who is counting the days until she is five. This child made a “best friend” at VBS this week. Yesterday the teacher (the child’s daughter) reported that her child and mine were inseparable. They did everything together, right down to holding hands on their way to the activities. What a great thing to hear!

On the way to the car I asked my child, “What’s your best friend’s name?”

She shrugged.

“I forget.”

Seems odd to forget a best friend’s name, isn’t it? But I’m guilty of the very same thing.

Jesus Christ is my best friend.

But I don’t just forget His name, I often forget Him.

I run ahead starting my day and I never look back. I make decisions without talking to my best friend. I don’t keep in touch. I don’t read His letters or listen to His Words. An hour becomes a day. A day turns into a week. A week melts into a month. Then some crisis hits and I remember.

I have a best friend.

And I forgot His name.

Do you know your best friend’s name?

When is the last time you two spent time together?

Julie Arduini, http://thesurrenderedscribe.blogspot.com/, is devoted to writing for Christ in ways that encourage and inspire. A graduate of the Christian Writer’s Guild, her writing resume is on her blog’s sidebar. Happily married to Tom, they have two children.

@2008 by Julie Arduini

Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com-CHRISTIAN WRITERS

by Ivan Venter
7/30/2008 / Christian Living

It seems to me that the world is getting busier by the second. Everyone is running around trying to get a million things done by yesterday. This rat race as some has come to call it, has become a convenient excuse to neglect everything that is worthwhile and to spend more time on the things that has no real value in our lives.

It’s gotten to the point that kids has grown estranged to their parents, Spouses speak about five minutes a week in real conversation to each other, and children of God think that it’s normal to go through a whole week having spent less that fifteen minutes in prayer before God.

Keeping this in mind, we have to as God’s children and light to this world call a time out in our lives. There is simply too much at stake to let this hold on our lives grow and and grow to the point of no return.

The question ‘how?’ does however arise: ‘How do I get free form this rat race, that’s robbing me of my marriage, children and relationship with God?’

The answer to this can be found in Ephesians 5: 15 – 16 “See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.”

In other words, this verse simply says that we cannot let time walk by us unchecked and out of control. To understand it better, we can see time as a gift, given to every person by God to worship Him. We do however have a choice to let that gift slip through our fingers like dust in the air, or to take hold of it redeeming it by using it to glorify God.

To do this we have to nurture a no nonsense relationship with time, not letting one moment slip away into the abyss of things and acts that mean nothing, attributing to a life spent on the temporary and not on the eternal.

But to nurture this relationship with time in our lives we have to go to the source of every relationship and activity in our lives our minds. Our minds hold the key, and if we can manage to change our minds we will be able to redeem the time as Paul puts it.

We read in Philippians 4: 8 “Finally, my brothers, whatever things are true, whatever things are honest, whatever things are right, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report; if there is any virtue and if there is any praise, think on these things.”

Thus by turning our minds to God we start nurturing the no nonsense attitude with time that release us to do the things that holds the treasure’s that makes this life worth-while.

Hi I’m Ivan Venter and live in Potchefstroom South-Africa. I am currently doing my practical year to become a full time Pastor in the ministry. I love the Lord with all my heart and also want to serve Him in everything that I do.

Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com-CHRISTIAN WRITERS

by Patty Wysong
7/30/2008 / Devotionals

My teenage son walked in the door and asked what smelled so good. Knowing this child of mine, I told him his sister had made a birthday cake, thinking that would make him lick his chops, but his response surprised me. “Oh. I thought I smelled something fruity, maybe peachy.” He was less then happy when I told him that was just the liquid potpourri and there were no peaches in the house, let alone in the oven.

I rather smugly thought to myself, “Yes! Mission accomplished. It no longer smells like a closed up house with a hint of his smelly socks.” When I glanced at his face I saw a different message, it said, “All smell and no substance stinks!”

Sometimes I get so caught up in the smell good part that I don’t even think about substance. But that’s the most important part of the equation. I want to be more than just a pleasing aromamore than just potpourri. I want to make sure I have a pie sitting on the counter ready to serve to my family and friendsanyone that comes to my door and into my life.

Life is about more than just knowing the right words to say, doing the right things at the right time, wearing the right clothing for the occasion. It’s about walking the talk. Living out what I say I believe. It’s about having more than a smoke screen to hold on to when the going gets rough, and more than just meaningless platitudes when my friends need a lifeline.

How can I do that?
*By spending time in, and meditating on God’s Word.
*By being in constant communion with Christtime in prayer, talking with Him, but also listening for His voice.
*By abiding in Jesus.

“Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you, unless you abide in Me. I am the vine you are the branches; he who abides in Me, and I in him, he bears much fruit; for apart from Me you can do nothing.” John 15:4-5

Lord, help me to bear fruit for You and not be just a fruity potpourri that smells good but has no substance to it.

Patty Wysong is a Christian wife and homeschool mom of 5 who is passionate about wrapping lessons in pretty packages that will point others to God.

Blog: http://pattywysong.blogspot.com/

Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com-CHRISTIAN WRITERS

How to Become a Christian

1. Recognize that you are a sinner.

Romans 3:23 All have sinned and fall short of the Glory of God.

1 John 1:8 If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.

2. Recognize that sin separates us from God

Isaiah 59:2 Your sins have made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you.

Romans 6:23 The wages of sin is death.

Don’t panic, this death is not a physical death but a spiritual death. When we die, our souls will live on forever. This death is an eternal separation from God. The question is whether your soul will live with God or in hell with Satan? As Christians, we will live eternity with God.

3. Recognize that God has a plan to restore us back to Him
The bad news is that we are sinners and separated from God but the good news is that He loves us despite our sinful nature and wants to have a relationship with us.

John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his only son that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

4. Understand God’s gift to us
Salvation then, is a gift from God. He offers the gift through Jesus, his Son. By laying down his life on the cross, Christ took our place and paid the ultimate price, the penalty for our sin — death. Jesus is our only way to God.

Romans 4:25 He died for our sins and rose again to make us right with God.

It is in the death of Christ that we really see God’s love for the world, or what is known to Christians as “grace.” The Bible tells us that God gives us the gift of grace for free, and it is His grace that allows us to find salvation. It is our faith in Jesus that guides us into accepting Jesus as our Lord and Savior. There is nothing that we can do to save ourselves.

Romans 5:8 God shows his love for us in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us.

5. Accept God’s gift of Salvation

a. Admit you are a sinner and turn away from your sin.

1 John 1:8 If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.

b. Confess and Repent of your sins
Acts 3:19 “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.”

Confess means to:

A: Admit that your sin is wrong and that it is not pleasing to God.

Repent means to:

A. Turn away from your sin.
B. To be sorry for what you have done.
C. To promise not to do it again.

C. Believe Jesus Christ died on the cross to save you from your sins and to give you eternal life.

Romans 10:9-10 “So you will be saved, if you honestly say, “Jesus is Lord,” and if you believe with all your heart that God raised him from death. God will accept you and save you, if you truly believe this and tell it to others” The word ‘believe’ means to trust, to hold a firm conviction about. When God’s says believe with all of your heart, He is saying that it is our heart that needs to change when we accept Jesus as Savior. Our heart’s desire is to please follow and please God.

Acts 4:12 Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.”

D. Make Jesus Lord over your life.

The word Lord means one who has absolute power, absolute authority; the one who is the owner and master. When we surrender, we are no longer in control of our lives. We must remember that we are crucified with Christ. And the life that we live is not ours to live anymore. Walking with God is not a hard walk; you just have to let go and let Him lead you. Ask Him to fill you with His Spirit each day and walk in the reality that He will lead you, He will sustain you, and He will be there with and for you when all other fail. Take His hand and let go of this world (Matthew 6:24) and live your life for Him each day (Romans 12:1) Stop living for the flesh. Stop living for this world and start living for His glory. It is then and only then can we truly call Jesus Christ our Lord and Master. He is either Lord of all or not Lord at all.

Matthew 7:22-23 On the Day of Judgment many will call me their Lord. They will say, “We preached in your name, and in your name we forced out demons and worked many miracles.” But I will tell them, “I will have nothing to do with you! Get out of my sight, you evil people!”

Many times we look to a certain event or specifications that we go through as evidence that we are saved. We use church membership, water baptism, and other activities as reason for our being saved. Many people have been tricked into the fact that just saying a prayer is all that they need to be saved when the real evidence lies in your heart.

We can go through the motions and still not be saved. It is when we truly repent of our sins and accept Jesus as Savior into our hearts and lives and we turn from our past sinful ways and head in the direction that the Lord leads us in.

1 Timothy 4:12 Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe.

John 10:27-30 My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.”

So as you see, obtaining eternal life is more than just saying that you believe but actually turning your life over to God and doing His will.

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Progressive Christians are gifted with powers of critical thought, a passion for social justice, and a respect for people who hold views that differ from their own. They tend to favor the separation of church and state, support a woman’s right to choose an abortion, and are eager to learn from people of other world religions. Progressive Christians tend to emphasize what people of different religious traditions can do in cooperation with each other to create a better world. Rather than seeing contemporary culture as being hopelessly depraved, progressive Christians seek to reform it on the basic of ethical norms derived from Old Testament prophets and the teachings of Jesus.
Moderate Christians are usually comfortable in denominational churches (i.e. Presbyterian, Episcopalian, Lutheran). While embracing Christianity, they also respect those who may be less committed, and tend to be skeptical of religious hype. Moderates are in a good position to mediate between those who hold views that are more extreme than their own, whether liberal or conservative. They can play an important role as peacemakers and mediators where there is conflict in churches. The Second Coming of Christ is not normally emphasized by moderates, most of whom share the progressive’s desire to see progress in the here and now.

Traditional Christians appreciate dignity, familiarity and beauty both in public worship and in their private life of prayer. Comfortable with the venerable language of Scripture, creeds, and the great hymns of the church, they regard those who seek change for change’s sake as being too willing to toss aside the tried and the true for something less substantial. Given their respect for what Christianity has received from those who have gone before, their style of faith can provide a sense of continuity and stability in troubled times. Traditional Christians generally accept the church’s teaching about the coming kingdom of God, but like moderates, this is not a subject frequently talked about or discussed.

Evangelical Christians seek out churches where the gospel is boldly preached and people are not afraid to express their faith with strong emotion. They tend to find the worship of many denominational churches lifeless and the preaching shallow. Evangelical and fundamentalist Christians may have difficulty accepting those whose views seem less settled than their own. With their faith strongly rooted in the Bible, evangelicals have a special calling in helping others stay in touch with the life giving Spirit of a living God. Some evangelical Christians are highly critical of popular culture, to the point of thinking the “end-times” are near and look forward to Christ’s Second Coming, an event they expect to happen very soon. Among evangelicals, biblical prophecy and the rapture are a focal point for conversation and study.