"Create in me a pure heart, God, and make my spirit right again." Psalm 51:10
I think this verse best describes my daily prayer. When you become a Christian, you aren't closed off from the rest of the world. Sin is all around. It's the basic philosophy of "garbage in, garbage out". If we allow ungodly things of this world to corrupt our minds and spirit, we will become hardened to the truth in God's world. Your views become clouded and you become more accepting of the things that God clearly says are not acceptable (adultery, a deceitful tongue, unforgiveness, anger, envy, selfish ambition, idolatry, jealousy...the list goes on) Think of what we see on TV, billboards, magazines, etc. Ask yourself if they are pleasing to God. Ask yourself if they could possibly affect the way you think, feel, and treat others.
My prayer is that my heart be changed so that others can see the love of Christ in me. As Christians, we are called to be a light in the world. If we are acting like the world, how we do that?
As Christ does a work in us, we should start to recognize some of our character traits change. Here's a few character traits God is working with me on right now:
Availability vs. Self-centeredness - Adjusting my personal responsibilities around the needs of those whom I am serving. (Philippians 2:20-21)
Compassion vs. Indifference - Investing whatever is necessary to heal the hurts of others. (1st John 3:17-18)
Endurance vs. Giving Up - The inward strength to withstand stress to accomplish God's best.(Galatians 6:9)
If you ask Christ to change your heart and truly want him to do a work in you, he will! Always remember, you have a new life in Christ and we are a reflection of him.
*The description and explanation of character traits was copied from "Couples in the Bible" by Sylvia Charles. VERY GOOD BOOK!
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Friday, August 8, 2008
Running From God???
"Don't you know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God? Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God." James 4:4
Ouch! This one really hurts! If you ever wondered what God thinks of you as you dibble in the things of the world, here's your answer.
God can only tolerate your behavior for so long. Many of us call ourselves Christians, but run into the arms of the world seeking guidance from unsaved friends, pleasure, numbness to pain, and selfish desires. The truth is...we should be running into the arms of Christ. He will give us the "replacements" we are searching from the world.
I know it may sound easy, but it's not. Nobody ever said that once you accept Christ as your Savior, you won't be tempted. Temptations are everywhere and Satan knows this. There are things I struggle with daily. The key is to overcome temptations by walking daily with Christ.
The first thing you should do is get in the word. If you don't have a Bible that you can understand and comprehend, get one. It makes a world of difference. I can honestly say I never read God's word and got it until the last few years. Part of the reason is because my heart is finally in the right place and ready to accept his directions for living. The other part is because I use 3 different Bibles to help me understand what God's word really means.
The next thing you should do is pray. Prayer is very important to Godly living. Talk to God like he is a friend, even if you think you don't make any sense. He knows your heart and longs to hear from you.
Praise and worship is equally important. It's more than just singing. It's an attitude that nurtures the spirit within to bear the fruits that God intends for you to share with others. Galatians 5 tells us that we are to have the fruits of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, and self-control.
When you run from God, you are causing destruction to yourself. In most cases, the damage is to the body, soul, and spirit. Recognize that Satan wants to destroy your new life in Christ. Stop running and start fighting the spiritual battle that rages inside you. Through Christ, you will always win!
"I can do all things though Christ because he gives me strength." Philippians 4:13.
LIVE IT...BELIEVE IT...CLING TO IT! There is always hope in Jesus Christ!
Ouch! This one really hurts! If you ever wondered what God thinks of you as you dibble in the things of the world, here's your answer.
God can only tolerate your behavior for so long. Many of us call ourselves Christians, but run into the arms of the world seeking guidance from unsaved friends, pleasure, numbness to pain, and selfish desires. The truth is...we should be running into the arms of Christ. He will give us the "replacements" we are searching from the world.
I know it may sound easy, but it's not. Nobody ever said that once you accept Christ as your Savior, you won't be tempted. Temptations are everywhere and Satan knows this. There are things I struggle with daily. The key is to overcome temptations by walking daily with Christ.
The first thing you should do is get in the word. If you don't have a Bible that you can understand and comprehend, get one. It makes a world of difference. I can honestly say I never read God's word and got it until the last few years. Part of the reason is because my heart is finally in the right place and ready to accept his directions for living. The other part is because I use 3 different Bibles to help me understand what God's word really means.
The next thing you should do is pray. Prayer is very important to Godly living. Talk to God like he is a friend, even if you think you don't make any sense. He knows your heart and longs to hear from you.
Praise and worship is equally important. It's more than just singing. It's an attitude that nurtures the spirit within to bear the fruits that God intends for you to share with others. Galatians 5 tells us that we are to have the fruits of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, and self-control.
When you run from God, you are causing destruction to yourself. In most cases, the damage is to the body, soul, and spirit. Recognize that Satan wants to destroy your new life in Christ. Stop running and start fighting the spiritual battle that rages inside you. Through Christ, you will always win!
"I can do all things though Christ because he gives me strength." Philippians 4:13.
LIVE IT...BELIEVE IT...CLING TO IT! There is always hope in Jesus Christ!
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
True Healing
"He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed." Isaiah 53:5
Nine Years ago yesterday would have been my mom's 61st birthday. Nine years ago today, my mom was healed of cancer. The Lord called her home on a Friday morning shortly after 7 a.m. There was no reluctance on her part. She willingly went. In fact, just days before slipping into a coma, I can remember her telling me how she was ready to see Jesus. How different the last nine years must have been for her.
While it's never easy to say goodbye to a loved one, it's much easier to accept when you know their pain has been replaced by peace and their suffering is over. More importantly though, death is always easier to accept when you know your loved one has confessed they are a sinner and that Jesus Christ is Lord. I can confidently tell you that my mom had assurance of her salvation and where she would spend eternity.
Anticipating the anniversary of her home going, the Lord has been reminding me of scripture and bringing to my memory the reality of death and the debt that he paid so that we would have eternal life. Isaiah 53 is the perfect example of what Christ did for you and me. He was beaten, humiliated, and rejected so that our sins would be forgiven and grace would be bestowed upon us, if we would confess him as Lord. What an incredible, awesome act of kindness and love. As unbelievers, we are self-absorbed and unworthy to be loved. As Christians, we are forgiven and healed from the sins that once consumed us. That's why Christ bore the pain and punishment. He wanted us to be healed from our past sin, awakened by his amazing love, and willing to serve a living Savior. By having faith, I know that Christ is alive today and that my mom has true healing and a new life with him.
Happy Birthday Mom! I miss you and love you with all of my heart!
Nine Years ago yesterday would have been my mom's 61st birthday. Nine years ago today, my mom was healed of cancer. The Lord called her home on a Friday morning shortly after 7 a.m. There was no reluctance on her part. She willingly went. In fact, just days before slipping into a coma, I can remember her telling me how she was ready to see Jesus. How different the last nine years must have been for her.
While it's never easy to say goodbye to a loved one, it's much easier to accept when you know their pain has been replaced by peace and their suffering is over. More importantly though, death is always easier to accept when you know your loved one has confessed they are a sinner and that Jesus Christ is Lord. I can confidently tell you that my mom had assurance of her salvation and where she would spend eternity.
Anticipating the anniversary of her home going, the Lord has been reminding me of scripture and bringing to my memory the reality of death and the debt that he paid so that we would have eternal life. Isaiah 53 is the perfect example of what Christ did for you and me. He was beaten, humiliated, and rejected so that our sins would be forgiven and grace would be bestowed upon us, if we would confess him as Lord. What an incredible, awesome act of kindness and love. As unbelievers, we are self-absorbed and unworthy to be loved. As Christians, we are forgiven and healed from the sins that once consumed us. That's why Christ bore the pain and punishment. He wanted us to be healed from our past sin, awakened by his amazing love, and willing to serve a living Savior. By having faith, I know that Christ is alive today and that my mom has true healing and a new life with him.
Happy Birthday Mom! I miss you and love you with all of my heart!
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