As Christians, we are constantly faced with a battle between the natural world we live in and the spiritual life we are called to. In fact, we at times allow societal/cultural norms and values to invade and interface with our faith. Usually over time, these worldly views become confused with true Godly principles. In John 17 Jesus states that we are not of this world because He is not of this world. Jesus continues to say in John 18, during his conversation with Pilate, that His Kingdom is not of this world. There is a clear distinction between the kingdom(s) of the Earth and the Kingdom of God. We have to be cognizant of God’s truth and not allow muddling with worldly standards or beliefs.
God has called a people who are committed to His purpose and destiny. A warrior’s heart is one that is founded on passion, tenacity, character and has a never-quit attitude. But a warrior’s heart established in Christ, provides victory over this fallen world and the ability to walk in truth. In Romans 5, we are instructed to glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character. As fire is used to clean and shape fine metal, so can tribulations be used to shape our heart. A warrior's heart, founded in Christ, gives us the courage, strength and faith to put on the armor of God and to stand, and not run. Let’s discover how Christ can change our hearts forever.
In life, we are faced with many challenges and decisions. Some easy, some difficult. How we approach those moments is a reflection of our character and faith. Sometimes we may chose the wide (comfortable) road (choice), because it is easier and requires nothing. But as we know with God, "just getting by" is not His way. He wants us to change, and with change there is a process. Let's embrace God's driven process of transformation and become extraordinary!
God has placed a gift in each of us, and His desire is to see us tap into that gift. However, there is a process that takes time to cultivate and prepare us for the birthing of that gift. Travailing is to engage in painful or laborious effort. Just as Christ birthed salvation in the garden, it is our job to birth the gift that Christ has placed in us.
Happy Father's Day to all the dads! Because of God's immense love and grace for His children, we are able to celebrate together as families. Let's discover how our Father in Heaven saved us and continues to transform us. It is all Because of the one true Father!
In John 3:16 it states "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, so that whoever believeth in Him will have eternal life." In Luke 6:46 “But why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do the things which I say?" In the Book of John we see that Salvation comes from God as a gift to humanity, but in Luke, it points out that obedience to God is a choice each person has to make. Through salvation we have become a new creation in Christ, but our obedience to God should be fruit of this transformation. Let's discover together how our obedience is not dependent on us but God in us.
Life is full of so many moving parts, so many situations, so many people, so many tragedies, so many victories, so many _________ (you can fill in the blank). But, through it all, God has a plan and a purpose. In Romans 8:28, it states - all things work together for good to those who love God. Lets see how God gets to work in our lives.
Israel had a brick quota they had to meet as slaves, and if they did not meet it, they would face harsh consequences from the Egyptians. In Exodus, we discovered the Egyptians withheld straw from Israel, which hindered their ability to make bricks. However, Israel realized God did not forsake them, but He had a perfect plan to take care of them. Yes sometimes walking out God's plan can be tough, and MAY appear hopeless. We have to allow those difficult times to mature our character and cultivate a deep unyielding hope. How do you respond when your straw has been taken away?
Two key components of Christianity are faith and the church. This week, we will look at how these two facets are closely entwined and vital in the lives of Christians.
Happy Mother's Day! Today is a day we have set aside to honor and recognize our moms and all they have done in our lives. Let's discover together how the role of moms fit into the perfect plan God has for mankind.
In Revelation 12, it states, "they overcame him (Satan) by the Blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony." This made me reflect on the value and the power of our testimony. Our testimony, in a nutshell, is our lives. How we lived, what we lived for, who we lived for; choices, trials, blessings, victories, failures, the list goes on. Life is not easy, nor is our testimony easy. But in Christ, regardless of the difficulty or suffering we may have endured, through Christ our testimony will always say - "they overcame!"
