Tag: Christian

Christian usually refers to: Christians, adherents of Christianity. Anything associated withChristianity.

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Married to Their Smartphones (Oh, and to Each Other, Too)

Married to Their Smartphones (Oh, and to Each Other, Too)

Neither Joe or Willy are having an affair. But one of them has found a new object of affection, which has become a new companion and inspires a surprising amount of jealousy among her spouse – its the new relationship buster: the smartphone.  “It helps me wake up,” she said.

“Experts say that smartphone use is meddling in our marriages in ways that are sometimes benign, and often forcing couples to address an ever more important question: At what point are we choosing to spend more time with our smartphones than with our spouses? (Christian Marriages, Too)”

Slowly, almost imperceptibly, the warmth and intimacy of marriages are ebbing away  with a culture of dings, beeps and buzzes as most people manage everything from bank accounts to fantasy football teams on mobile phone devices.

It’s almost at pandemic levels now. Married or not, most of us sleep with our phones right next to us, pocket them as we go from place to place and think nothing of using them whether our partners are talking or not.

“Therapists say that when a marriage hits a rocky patch, they’ve seen one or both partners hide behind their phones.”

If you’re still reading this article  then we can safely assume you know what we’re talking about. The US divorce rate hovers at 40 per cent, but that’s not the whole story. Many sound relationships are on life support. According to a survey by the National Opinion Research Centre.

You’d think this problem would exist only outside the church, wrong.

Pope Francis says most marriages today are ‘invalid’ because couples don’t go into them with the right intentions. This is a disaster for the Church much less society as a whole.

“When a Christian marriage unravels, many questions rise to the surface.”

It’s a shame that most of our relationships are in shambles.  However, its time to put down the Smartphone and save your marriage.  But how?

1. The first year of marriage is hard”¦really hard.

In an increasingly individualistic, “me” culture, weddings create a potentially dangerous situation for a newlywed Christian couple. If you are empty, broken, or insecure, and you believe a spouse is the silver bullet to your a problems”¦buckle up. The marriage will be bumpy-ride.

Don’t buy the wedding day lie. Marriage is not about you. Take this as a warning”¦the first year of marriage is difficult and you will never be able to enjoy the beauty of marriage if your spouse’s job is to complete you.

In Saudi Arabia, a newlywed husband filied for divorce after his wife stopped his attempts at consummation to reply to wedding messages. Whiles this is simply over the top.  Yes, it can be partially about not texting on your wedding night!

We know marriage is hard, but walking away from it will have a lasting impact. Marry a  Christian, yes. But maybe go even further and marry somebody with similar passions and dreams.

2. Prioritize Your Partner Over Your Phone

“Marital bliss is fictional, but marital happiness can be a reality.”

This is an obvious point, but it’s still one that most people tend to disregard.  Sex is a gift from God. So explore It.  Make no mistake”¦God created sex. But through the years, God’s people allowed Satan to steal this gift. Without a fight.

God created sex. If your married, here’s a challenge. Explore sex. Explore the fullness of it and pray for  sexual intimacy with your spouse.

3. There is more than one person out there for you.

Marriage is a huge choice, and so is divorce. Soul mates are made”¦not born. We are not sure where this idea of a soul mate originated, but it is false. Maintaining a healthy relationship is more about commitment than perfection.  Marriages are complex –  they’re filled with compromise, balancing expectations and maintaining a foundation built on trust.  A successful marriage is one where you serve your spouse and both of you serve God. You see the closer you get to God the closer you will be to each other.

“The success of marriage comes not in finding the “right” person, but in the ability of both partners to adjust to the real person they inevitably realize they married ” – (John Fischer).

To God be the glory forever. Amen!
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Born Again Through the Living and Abiding Word

Born Again Through the Living and Abiding Word

We are born to make manifest the glory of God.  In a moment of grace, a man is changed.

“A transformed life is the greatest of all miracles. Every time a person is “born again” by repentance of sin and faith in Jesus Christ, the miracle of regeneration is performed.” ’- Billy Graham  

Through salvation our past has been forgiven, our present is given meaning, and our future is secured.  The change of heart by which we become children of God is compared to the germination of a good seed sown on good ground. God draws illustrations from nature to help us better to understand the mysterious truths of spiritual life.  With all Man’s wit and ingenious, we still can not give life.  It is only through the life which God Himself has imparted, that either plant or animal can live. So it is only through life from God that spiritual life is created in the hearts of men.

How Are We Born Again?

“Regeneration denotes a new birth. This new birth has two elements; it includes being born of water and of the Spirit.”

When truth becomes an abiding principle in the life, the soul is “born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and reigns forever and ever.” This new birth is the result of receiving Christ the word of God which became life. Then by the Holy Spirit, divine truths are impressed upon the heart, new conceptions are awakened, and the energies that lay dormant are aroused to cooperate with the creator of heaven and earth. Christ was the revealer of truth to the world. By Him the incorruptible seed—the Word of God—was sown in the hearts of men.

God’s Part in the New Birth—And Ours

When God speaks, His words are binding—they’re like an unbreakable contract. He always says exactly what He means, He never lies, and He never says, “Whoops, I’ve changed My mind.” The Word destroys the natural, earthly nature, and imparts a new life in Christ Jesus. The Holy Spirit comes to the soul as a Comforter. By the transforming agency of His grace, the image of God is reproduced in the disciple; he becomes a new creature. Love takes the place of hatred, and the person becomes like Jesus.  Henceforth you are not your own; you are bought with a price.

“Ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, but with the precious blood of Christ.” 1 Peter 1:18, 19.

Through this simple act of believing God, the Holy Spirit has created a new life in your heart. You are as a child born into the family of God, and He loves you as He loves His Son Jesus Christ

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God Gave Me Power and Authority

God Gave Me Power and Authority

A couple of weeks ago I wrote a blog on, “How to battle fear.”   I used the scripture, “For God has not given us a Spirit of Fear”¦” 2 Timothy 1:7. In that writing, I said, “Fear is the opposite of faith.”  

With every problem or crisis that we acquire, there are two choices; fear or faith, and we must choose one each time we face a crisis. We make the choice, fear or faith, almost immediately and most of the time we aren’t even aware that we are making a choice.

God also gives us amazing supernatural power because he wants us to be able to overcome anything that is thrown our way.    In 2 Timothy 1:7 you can find that we have already been equipped with tools to help us succeed in life, we just have to know what the tools are and how they apply to us.  

The first tool God gives us is power. God has given us the power to make a choice.  Knowing that we have a choice and we don’t have to choose fear is powerful. Even if we choose fear first, knowing that we can change our mind and choose to put all of our faith in God, is powerful.    

For me personally, God gave me the power to rise above a lifetime of suffering and torture. What should have made me a classic statistic, didn’t because God gave me the power to overcome.

I grew up in a negative and suppressive home as a child that set me up to fail.  I withdrew and felt  defeated.  I suffer from a number of illnesses. I had abusive parents, I went through the foster care system, but did not end up in a good foster home.

I then spent the last three years of my teen working two jobs to help support my mother and my three siblings and  as a result could not attend high school.

I got married at age 18 as I was looking for stability in my life.  My heart was broken, my body was weak, I carried a lot of emotional pain, but hid my pain from others. I felt like I was dying inside. I felt hopeless.  

When I was first diagnosed with Lupus it devastated my family’s financial stability because my income was a large part of our budget, however, God made a way.  God gave me the power to come out of a lifetime of built up hate, resentment, bitterness, and fear.  

Over the last four years, God has provided everything we needed.

I didn’t say it was easy, but all that we need is provided. God made a way for us to buy a house right after losing my job. He made a way when there seemed to be no way. He never ceases to amaze me.      

God gave me the power to trust Him even when I didn’t trust myself. He loved me before I loved him.  There is power in asking, power in believing and power in trusting.

God gave me the power to allow myself to take chances.  

I have power to cast down thoughts of the past, fears of the future and imaginations that do not line up with God.

There is power in knowing that I have control over my own thoughts.

I have power in knowing that when I call on Jesus nothing is impossible. From climbing mountains, losing weight, beating anxiety, facing illnesses.  I gain strength and solitude just knowing that he can and will work all things out for my good.  

I have Power in being able to share my life’s testimony.

I used to be ashamed of my life, it’s nothing to brag about for sure. God has taken my mess of a life and made a way for me to share my story with others in confidence.   Now, I am not ashamed of my life because I overcame, Satan didn’t win, God has received the victory.  

God is the only one that gives me peace. He gives the power to stand tall with confidence. I am not ashamed of who I am because I am the daughter of the Creator. God is the only one that gives me hope, even in the middle of what Satan hopes is going to bring me down. I stand tall in name of Jesus and rebuke Satan. I am not afraid because God has given me the power to overcome. In the name of Jesus Christ AMEN

 

 

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3 Ways God Speaks to You

3 Ways God Speaks to You

Does God talk to you? Does God communicate with people? On its February 13, 2018, broadcast, viewers heard Joy Behar, ABC daytime talk show co-host of “The View” say, “It’s one thing to talk to Jesus. It’s another thing when Jesus talks to you, that’s called mental illness if I’m not correct. Hearing voices.” During the episode, talks revolved around criticisms on U.S. Vice President Mike Pence’s Christian faith. Co-host Sunny Hostin said, “I don’t know that I want my vice president, um — speaking in tongues and having Jesus speak to him.”

It’s sad that communicating with God, which is a primary Christian truth, can be viewed as a mental illness. It’s sadder to think that like these well-known personalities, many think that way. They view God as inaccessible and silent. They believe that it’s not possible to hear Him speak. In refusing to accept this fact, the world loses out. They are missing a lot.

Hearing God speak is one great blessing every child of God enjoys. God’s Words bring life and joy. His messages bring direction and enlightenment; they bring healing.

God speaks through nature.

Engaging with nature is always a fruitful time. We feel serenity setting in and we find ourselves at rest. Marvellous scenes and amazing creatures amaze and baffle us. We feel humbled, we feel thankful. We see an awesome Creator who is all-powerful. We see a faithful God sustaining all He has created. Every time we come out of a nature experience we are recharged, we are repurposed.

Job articulates it beautifully in Job chapter 12, reminding us that the very creatures that exist around us testify of our creator God and in His hand is the breath and life of all creation. Psalm 19 talks of the skies and heavens proclaiming the greatness and praise of our God.

The child of God must make a habit of pausing and taking in the beauty of nature. There is a great benefit in sitting back in solitude around greenery or around tranquil waters. It is there we can still our hearts, see God afresh, and hear Him say, “Be still and know I am God.” (Psalm 46:10)

God speaks through the Written Word.

The Bible is God’s special blessing upon us. He selected believers of different background and experiences to put into writing His very words. Scriptures are ever alive. Its truths relate to people of any generation. The desiring heart will read it and experience its truths alive and active, insightful, cutting through the very core of one’s being. (Hebrews 4:12)

The child of God who seeks to know God and His plans will find direction for living within its pages. Through His Word God empowers us. Through His Word, God draws close to us, and makes Himself known to us.

The child of God must make a habit of opening God’s Word for one cannot begin to understand if one does not know. We can’t prove the truthfulness of God’s Word and promises if there is no knowledge to hold onto and prove. We must open the living Word and allow God’s voice to be heard. Open it and we will hear Him speak.

God speaks through music.

There is something in music that is very powerful. Research proves that it can influence behaviour and it can better one’s physical conditions. Music can change one’s mood and emotions. For instance, classical music can draw one’s mind out of chaos into calm and resoluteness.

There is something even more powerful in worship music. They can uplift your spirit and carry your mind towards greater heights and depths of learning and joy. God places in musicians the inspiration to pen biblical truths so beautifully. Through their meditations and personal journeys, we tap into the very heart of God. We get an overwhelming sense of His desire for our lives, what we need to change, what we need to surrender, and what we need to remember and be assured of.

The child of God must make a habit of listening to and singing Christian songs. It is a wonderful ingredient to private and corporate worship. From a multitude of worship songs, believers find spiritual growth. How many verses from the book of Psalms have taught you great things about God and man? How many verses from Psalms have caused you to understand yourself and others more? Those are Christian songs God uses to teach and encourage us.

Hearing God speak is a normal yet a special thing. God talks and He loves talking to you. He will speak lovingly and meaningfully if you only pose yourself to listen.

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Is Russell Brand A Christian?

Russell Brand is talking about Jesus.

On the heels of a denouncement by Pope Francis that journalists are peddling fake news, I was recently reading a feature article by a popular Christian magazine, intimating that Russell Brand had become a Christian. The language was subtle but the message seemed clear. Brand believes that Christ’s teaching is “more relevant now than they’ve ever been”.

Wow, that sounds really great!

Well, the vast majority of readers who responded thought so. Comments on that article were mostly other Christians offering an “Atta boy, Russell!” or “Welcome to the family, brother in Christ!” Hundreds of people left messages just like this, likely feeling warm fuzzies at the thought that Russell Brand is now eternally safe in the arms of Jesus.

But maybe we’re getting ahead of ourselves. Let’s take a closer look.

If you know anything about him, you know that Russell Brand was a hard-drinking, drug-doing, prostitute-purchasing party guy who was in the spotlight and the tabloids for years. Shock comedy and foul language were his own personal brand. The dirtier, the better.

Giving credit where it’s due, Brand has made significant changes in his life over the past decade or so. Crashing hard from his wild lifestyle, Brand accepted help through an intervention after he was found shooting heroin at a Christmas party. He credits a version of the 12-step program with assisting him on the road to recovery.

The fact that Brand has cleaned up his act and become a family man is a huge step forward. Really, he deserves kudos. There’s no question that his earthly life is now better and less destructive than it was before.

But being a person recovered from addiction doesn’t exactly equate him with being a Christian.

Now, I’m not saying that God isn’t powerful enough to save guys like Russell Brand. Of course, He is! And lest you start thinking I believe myself to be something I am not, I am fully aware that I’m not the eternal judge and only God knows a person’s heart. But I do believe (and the Bible teaches) that people show outward signs of their inward relationship with Jesus.

It’s true that in various interviews and speaking engagements, Russell Brand is a grand proponent of meditation, spirituality, and even the teachings of Jesus.

For instance, early in 2018 Brand published a YouTube video where he speaks (very graphically with much profane language) against addiction and the pleasures of this world. He promotes the idea that humans shouldn’t feel bad in life and happiness is resourced from within.

In the previous article I mentioned by the Christian magazine, Brand talks about the world being broken. He speaks of humanity desperately in need of the “message of Jesus”.

I deeply want to believe that Russell Brand has been saved by Jesus! Don’t you?

Sadly, after reading and listening to Brand speak about his “spirituality”, I think that he is probably a person who desperately needs, but has not yet found, a saving relationship with Jesus Christ.

But wait a minute—didn’t Brand just say he was a Christian?

Actually no, he didn’t.

What Brand did say is that the 12-step program encouraged him and his fellow recovering addicts to turn their will and their lives over to the care of God “as we understood Him.”

Although he really doesn’t like all of the religious talks, Brand now confesses to using some Christian language and practices. He attributes this to his upbringing in the Christian culture of the UK so that the “language of prayer” he uses is Christian. Specifically, he mentions the Lord’s Prayer.

Going a bit further, Brand notes that the Christian service and “values” make him feel at peace. The teachings of Jesus have helped him understand modern cultural addictions. He even seeks to find a level of “Christ-consciousness.”

So, to summarize, Brand considers spirituality to be important, sometimes uses Christian language and practices, embraces Christian values, agrees with some of the teachings of Jesus, and aims to find “Christ-consciousness.”

That should be good, right? Yes, except that he also dabbles in many other spiritual and religious realms.

Over the past couple of decades, in what seems to be an earnest search for relevance, Brand has been an avid seeker and supporter of various religious and spiritual things. He used to be a Buddhist and has previously talked of the Dalai Lama as the “living incarnation of Buddha”. His wedding ceremony to Katy Perry was of the Hindu persuasion and many of the spiritual tenants about which he still speaks follow along those lines. For years he regularly attended Hare Krishna services.

Brand now seems to consider the 12-steps as the answer to his religious needs. He recently wrote a book, Recovery: Freedom From Our Addictions, explaining the steps in his own unique way.

Even so, the spiritual buzz words Brand flings about might lead us to believe that he identifies with Christ. And I think maybe he does in the sense that he sees Jesus as a good teacher and a prophet. But we need to listen more carefully.

When I put all of his spiritual verbiage together, it paints a picture of a person who is certainly a seeker of spiritual and religious things but hasn’t directly identified Jesus as the Only Way to the Father. Brand talks of the teachings and the message of Jesus, without ever identifying with Jesus as the Son of God or Savior. Brand goes on about the “kingdom of heaven on earth” but sadly he does not currently claim a faith in the only King Jesus who can usher him into the kingdom.

We don’t get to pick and choose our beliefs from a smorgasbord of options. With Jesus, it’s all or nothing. And Brand’s words do not indicate that Jesus is all, through his words or through his actions.

Sure, he seems to be committed to his wife now and they have a lovely child. He wants to be a good father. He is trying to do good things and help people. And those are all great things! But he continues to be critical, loud-mouthed, and somewhat narcissistic, speaking with profanity that could make the angels of hell blush. His current standup comedy routine does not even show a hint of a person who loves Jesus. From his actions and his words, it seems he’s still missing the mark.

But maybe he’s closer than he used to be. Russell Brand is on a journey where he seems to be aware of some sort of spiritual need. Hopefully, that journey will lead him into a right relationship with Christ as his Savior. I desperately want that to be true and I believe God does too!

However, from what I can surmise from his media presence (and, shockingly, I do not know him personally) Brand is not quite there yet.

But from what I can see, Brand is on a journey and I can respect that. I deeply appreciate how far he’s come and I wouldn’t judge him for not having “arrived”. His story still inspires me. Overcoming addiction is no small thing.

What really gets me in this scenario is the fact that a corner of the Christian publishing world is touting Brand on the cover of their magazine and making it seem like he is a converted Christian. This is confusing in a couple of ways.

It could be misleading personally for Brand as the magazine’s blatant approval of him might make him think his theology is correct and he has found the right answers. I mean, they titled the article “The Second Coming of Russell Brand” for goodness sake”¦. If a Christian magazine approves of you, it must mean you’re eternally secure, right?

Even more disappointing and destructive, this type of sensationalism is misleading to the Christian readership and general public. Was it intentional? I don’t know. But we journalists (especially Christian journalists!) have the responsibility to make sure that we are reporting the truth and not twisting it into something even marginally deceptive — no matter how popular it is and how many clicks it gets.  

And that’s what Pope Francis was talking about recently when he asked journalists to stop engaging in disinformation and other “sins of the media”. I don’t always agree with the pope but, in this case, I think he has a point.

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Hungary’s nationalist Prime Minister says “Christianity is Europe’s last hope”

Hungary's nationalist Prime Minister says "Christianity is Europe's last hope"

BUDAPEST, Hungary, February 18, 2018  – We are living in a day in which most people have a general feeling of hopelessness regarding the future. Under the pall of terrorism and talk of biological, chemical, and nuclear warfare, fear has engulfed our planet.

However, against this pessimistic and fearful backdrop and brushing aside any semblance of political correctness, Hungary’s Prime Minister boldly  proclaimed in a national speech that, “Christianity is Europe’s last hope”.

Voters have responded favourably and Orban is a clear leader of all polls.

In a passionate speech, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán addressed his country and the world and warned that European nations which have encouraged migration have now, opened the way to the decline of Christian culture and the advancement of Islam.

Viktor Orban aged 54, stated that his government will reject efforts by the European Union and United Nations to ‘increase migration’ around the world.

Mr Orban claimed Islam would soon “knock on Central Europe’s door” from the west as well as the south.

Orbán started public life as a crusader against communism and attended Oxford University on a Soros scholarship. Soros, who expatriated from Hungary, also funded Orbán’s political organization, the Alliance for Young Democrats.

Although Viktor Orban is popular in Hungary, he is increasingly at battle with mainstream European Union politicians mostly centred on migration, since people fleeing war and poverty in the Middle East and Africa flooded into Europe in 2015.

Domestically, Orban has successfully reversed an economic slump in Hungary and has controlled its public finances. However, to achieve he has used methods that opposers have labelled authoritarian. However, Eastern leaders, most notably in Poland, have followed his lead.

Today, migration is the dominant theme of the prime minister’s agenda. ‘Absurd as it may sound the danger we face comes from the West, from politicians in Brussels, Berlin and Paris,’ Orban said to loud applause.

At the peak of the migrant crisis, he ordered a double razor wire fence to be built to keep people out of Hungary.

Orban has conflated the issue of immigration with the image of Soros, 87, whose name was used in a tough anti-migrant bill sent to Parliament on Wednesday 14th of February  2018. Soros, for his part, compared Orban unfavourably to both the Nazis and the Communists, saying his rule evoked dark memories from the 1930’s when Hungary was a partner with Nazi Germany.

However, Victor Orban remains firmly committed to his agenda, claiming that Soros and his supports of migration will lose the fight.

‘We don’t think the fight is hopeless, on the contrary, we are winning,’ Orban said. ‘The V4 is firm, Croatia has come around, Austria has turned in the patriotic direction, and in Bavaria, the CSU has created a resistance.’

Mr Orban will seek a third consecutive term in an April election.

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What We Can Learn From The Life Of Billy Graham

Billy Graham grew one of the largest ministries in history and avoided the scandals of other famous televangelists.

Well-known, well-received, and highly regarded, the evangelist Rev. Billy Graham passed away on Wednesday, February 21, 2018. He was 99 years old. The world clearly has taken note of this man’s life and has observed how he lived both his ordinary life and not-so-ordinary life as a faith practising Christian.

Besides all his admirable accomplishments, there are more things worth noting and learning from this man of God.

1. He was a non-exclusivist.

As Jesus was known to be a friend and minister to sinners so was Billy Graham known to be an “inclusive” minister. By checking print and online write-ups about Billy Graham, you will notice a large diversity of people commenting on their experience and personal regard for him. He wasn’t selective as to the types of people he interacted with. He opened himself up to people from different walks of life. He worked alongside people of both religious and non-religious sectors. When it came to faith-based projects, he was willing and did collaborate with Christians of different faith groups and associations. He was also willing to collaborate with non-believers if it presented opportunities to present the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

2. He had a positive thought on death.

Death and dying is a matter normally accompanied by bleakness, uncertainty, and dread. It’s not a topic everyone happily talks about. It’s not an experience welcomed by all. It brings sadness and suffering to all those who’ve been touched by death- both on the person who died and on the people he (or she) has left behind to experience the after-effects.

Billy Graham maintained a positive thought about death. He was at peace. For him, dying meant gaining access to the actual place and presence of God. Franklin Graham shared Billy Graham’s reply when asked about heaven and dying. Billy Graham answered, “Heaven is where Jesus is and I am going to Him soon!” At one time he also said, “Someday, you will read or hear that Billy Graham is dead. Don’t you believe a word of it. I shall be more alive than I am now. I will just have changed my address. I will have gone into the presence of God.

3. He had an undistracted view about performance and achievements.

One time Billy Graham was asked what he would want to hear people say about him when he died. He answered, “I want to hear one person say something nice about me and that’s the Lord, when I face him. I want him to say to me, ‘Well done, thou good and faithful servant.'” This desire of his showed in the way he conducted his life and ministry. He was never afraid to cross “man-made” boundaries and standards for faith and practice. Throughout Billy Graham’s life, differing views and criticisms on his conduct of life and work were reported and opposing viewpoints are still expressed today. But He maintained boldness in breaking new grounds for doing God’s work and propagating the Gospel.

4. He was honest about his failings.

Some common observations people had on Billy Graham were his honesty and unpretentiousness. People saw his readiness to admit error. Despite the great influence and the prestige he had achieved in life, he listened to what people had to say. He agreed when there was common ground. Where there was disagreement, he went on his way and focused on his ministry endeavours. He took correction and admitted faults. At one time he even said,   “Looking back I know I sometimes crossed the line, and I wouldn’t do that now.”

When confronted, we see a lot of renowned personalities and politicians evading issues that expose their wrongdoings. A lot deny to the very end. Many try to cover up. Many others just avoid dealing with the matter and simply wait for people to forget.   Billy Graham faced issues head-on. The most damaging issue that confronted him must have been the taped conversation he had in 1972 with then President Nixon. The recording released to the public showed Graham making anti-Jew remarks. Upon its release, Graham promptly owned up to his error and earnestly sought forgiveness from U.S. Jewish leaders. In a book, Grant Wacker retold the story. He mentioned how Billy Graham rightly dealt with the issue. Wacker said,   “He did not spin it. He did not try to justify it. He said repeatedly he had done wrong, and he was sorry.”

There are many more things we can learn from the life of Billy Graham. His life serves as a useful resource for ministers and laypeople alike. His life was an open book that shows leaders and workers how to do ministry, how not to do it, and how to just live life as a child of God.

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What Does ‘Put God’s Word First’ Really Mean?

Prioritizing God’s Word

Preoccupations are constant. Whether we keep schedules or not, time will always be spent. At the end of the day, it would have either been time well spent or time utterly wasted. It’s extremely helpful to keep a planner but for those who like it lose or not too rigid, keeping small paper (or digital) notes of the daily “Must-Dos” will suffice. If you’re gifted, you may only need mental notes and do just fine.

The priorities of life will take the top spots and most often, they will be done most frequently. For the Christian, the list of priorities may be long and may vary from person to person. But in everyone’s top list must be God’s Word. In talking about his regrets in life, the late Rev. Billy Graham mentioned regretting that he did not study more and preach less.

God’s Word deepens our understanding and wisdom.

God’s word promises to give understanding to the simple. (Psalm 119:30) The Bible offers a wealth of information and advice on approaching the issues and happenings of life. 2 Timothy 3:16 tells us that since “all Scripture is inspired by God, it is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.” As we go deep in God’s Word, we get a depth of character. Our viewpoint and understanding expand. We begin to see ourselves, others, and circumstances on a more enlightened and enlarged viewpoint. We move from narrow-mindedness to open-mindedness. We rely less on our own opinions and we begin to value the opinions of others and more importantly, of God’s Word.

God’s Word deepens our faith.

From 2 Timothy 3:15 we learn that knowledge of the Bible makes us understand everything about the salvation we enjoy through faith in Christ Jesus. The need for personal study is crucial. Preachers come and go and media would from time to time report on deceptions made by beguiling preachers to audiences who are uninformed. On another note, it’s indeed a blessing that God has given us messengers of impeccable skill and integrity. However, personal diligence in studying God’s truths is essential to maturity. Let us imitate the Berean believers who received God’s message with great eagerness yet examined the Scriptures every day to see for themselves if what the Apostle Paul preached was true. (Acts 17:11)

God’s Word causes persistence.

Romans 15 shares that “For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.” From God’s Word, we learn important principles we need to do life rightly and effectively. In times of hardships and failure, God’s Word comes to encourage us to persist and forbear the negatives of life because we know that our hope of overcoming and betterment will come at the end of whatever long and dreadful tunnel we go through.

God’s Word causes us to prosper and succeed.

Joshua was called to fulfill a seemingly heavy task. At the beginning of the Book of Joshua, we see God giving him an essential prerequisite to prosperity and success. God says in Joshua 1:8, “Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do.” Many personalities claim this verse for financial prosperity and business success. Indeed, financial and business success may well come upon a Christian who is devoted to the study of and obedience to God’s Word. But the verse means more. The verse teaches us that God’s Word is our book of instruction. As we ponder on the truths it contains and as we live out the principles we’ve learnt, we will experience prosperity and success. Prosperity denotes the meaning of “to flourish” and “to grow strong and healthy.” Success denotes the meaning of “to accomplish an aim or purpose.” The gain and accomplishment may be financial or not. In any case, we do know that God will prosper the works of our hands.

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What Does It Really Mean to Be a Child of God?

Child of God

Becoming  more  Christlike  is the result of freedom from sin.  The influence of grace is to soften the heart, to refine and purify the feelings, giving a heaven-born mindset and sense of property.

A Christian cannot be self-exalted, for this is not Christlike.

The world’s Redeemer, the sinner’s saviour says, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28)

But let us continually bear in mind that the meek and lowly Jesus has the spirit and the ambition of a conqueror. The vast dominions over which God holds sway form no adequate theater for the exercise of His grace, the expression of His love, and the manifestation of His glory.

He who loves the Lord Jesus Christ in truth and sincerity will love those whom Christ died to save, and will eagerly embrace every opportunity to minister of Christ to non believers.

We must look at our lives as sons and daughters of God, as laborers with Jesus Christ, living for a higher purpose. We are representatives of Jesus Christ in character and are to serve Him with our undivided affections. Not only will we reveal the fact that we love God in our actions, but will, in accordance with His holy character, live a pure and perfect life.

We must live in perfection because Jesus is the embodiment of perfection, and the great Center upon whom our hope of eternal life and happiness is centered will lead us to unity and harmony.

The life we now live must be by faith in Jesus Christ. If we are Christ’s followers our lives will not be moved by little actions according to circumstances, envious faultfindings, jealousy, and selfish vanity. These put us out of harmony with the life of Jesus Christ, and we cannot be overcomers if we retain these defects.

When exposed to the unfolding scenes in life, and words are spoken that are calculated to cut and bruise the soul, speak the following to yourself:

“I am a child of God, an heir with Jesus Christ, a co-laborer with God. I must not, therefore, have a cheap mind, easy to take offense, always thinking of myself, for this will naturally produce an inharmonious character. It is unworthy of my calling. The heavenly Father has given me my work to do; let me be worthy of the trust.” Amen

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How Much Credit Does Jesus Deserve for the Eagles’ Super Bowl LII Victory?

How Much Credit Does Jesus Deserve for the Eagles’ Super Bowl LII Victory?
On Sunday, February 5, 2018, the Philadelphia Eagles pulled off an unforgettable Super Bowl victory against the perennial contenders the New England Patriots.
Nick Foles said he gave ‘all the glory to God’ during the Super Bowl awards ceremony. However, many critics were surprised by the moment, with one Twitter user writing: ‘It’s just so rare for people to thank Jesus after they win. Amazing!!’

NBC spokesperson Tony Dungy was attacked for alleging that Philadelphia Eagles American quarterback football player Nick Foles would ‘play well because his Christian faith would allow him to play with confidence’.

“Eagles quarterback Nick Foles is outspoken about his faith and wants to become a minister after NFL.”
Last week Dungy said that Foles told him that he felt the Lord had him in Philadelphia for a special moment‘, and he played like it tonight.’
Nick Foles said he gave ‘all the glory to God’ during the Super Bowl awards ceremony. However, many critics were surprised by the moment, with one Twitter user writing: ‘It’s just so rare for people to thank Jesus after they win. Amazing!!’
Tony Dungy has always been a class act, but some people just don’t like the fact that he’s a strong Christian and  ripped into him on Twitter, accusing him of ‘preaching on air’.
‘Really think the LORD is into football? Get a grip,’ wrote one critic.
“You did a fine job expressing your opinion Coach Dungy so keep up the good work!, Wow, never saw someone take someone heat for what they believe in. Thank Coach for having faith in my eagles as well even when others did not!”  wrote another.
Dungy spent much of Monday replying to the abuse heaped upon him by social media critics.
Dungy, a strong Christian himself, responded in a tweet Tuesday saying, “NBC pays me to express my opinion. And it was my opinion that Nick Foles would play well because his Christian faith would allow him to play with confidence.  And that he’s a good QB. I think I was right on both counts.”

The above tweet has been retweeted more than 7,000 times and has received more than 45,000 likes on Twitter.

Dungy wrote,  “This was much bigger than the score of a football game,”   “How many young boys are going to look up to Nick Foles because of what he did in this moment? When they do they’ll see something about LIFE!”
 
Foles’ belief in God has almost certainly gained him a spotlight since he took over the Eagles, especially because he was considering retiring after the Rams cut him following the 2013 season, but he said prayer turned him back to football. However, Foles was not the only player to acknowledge  faith’s role in football, as Eagles head coach Doug Pederson and  Wide Receiver Zach Ertz both openly thanked God on the field for their Super Bowl victory directly after the game.

“I can only give the praise to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for giving me this opportunity,” Pederson said,  according to Townhall.

Who do you serve?  

It’s a simple question. Yet, if you are candid with yourself, the answer may be upsetting.
When you think of service and loyalty in life, everyone ascribes ultimate worth to something or someone – to some person, ideal or ideology. If it is not God, it may be sex, money or power. Or anything else. Fill in the blank. However, there is a little doubt from the events that unfolded in the story above that a segment of the sports press and the public would prefer that athletes with conservative and Christian beliefs keep their views to themselves (but secular and leftist views are fine).
Lets, however, stop shaming people for being transparent about their Christianity, for articulating publicly what they believe privately. And let’s start admiring them for putting their cards on the table, letting the rest of us see what it is that motivates them, and what makes all of us who we are.
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Show Me Your Friends and I’ll Show You Your Future

Show Me Your Friends and I’ll Show You Your Future

“Show me your friends and I’ll show you your future.” That’s not just some cool quote or a random idea from Google. It’s a Biblical concept.  You are surrounded by people, things, situations, and facilities that affect your thoughts and feelings. All these influences have the capacity to effect change in your character and behavior. Over time, the influences you allow in your life alter or shape your state of mind and direct you towards certain motivations and actions. That’s why it’s important to wisely deal with influences that hover in your life.

Refuse the mold.

Romans 12:2 reminds us not to “conform to the pattern [mold] of this world.” It doesn’t mean that we are to reject ideas and developments that better one’s life and personhood. It does mean that we are to “cast down imaginations and every high thing that exalts itself against God.” (2 Cor 10:5) We are to bring into submission “every thought to the obedience of Christ.”   The world is progressively sinking into self-exaltation. There is a deepening obsession for self-gratification. Everywhere, we see campaigns that push for the freedom to determine and live by one’s own values and beliefs. Truth and Rightness are becoming more and more subjective. It’s true and right if it works for you. And if it works for you, then people must respect that right.

There are preferences and activities people may act and feel differently about and it’s okay. But there is no gray area when it comes to matters that our Sovereign God has put His foot down on. The child of God knows that these truths and principles are absolute and He has the Word of God and the Spirit of God to reveal and lead him into all these truths. The Christian must refuse to be molded into worldly beliefs and ways that break the heart of our Father.

Watch the company you keep.

Social research constantly proves that one’s environment affects a person’s behavior overtime. No matter how grounded a Christian we may be, 1 Cor. 15:33 warns us not to be misled. Bad company will corrupt good character.  We need not cut ourselves off from the unbelieving for we need to reach out to the lost and share God’s message of love and salvation with them. But we must be careful not to expose ourselves to wrong influences for an extended period of time. The Book of Proverbs says that as iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.   The book further says that if we walk with the wise, we become wise and a companion of fools leads to harm. We must watch the company we keep.

Filter.

The phrase “Garbage In, Garbage Out” is considered to have originated as a Computer Science principle that believes incorrect or poor-quality input will always produce a faulty output. Taking point from this, the sensible Christian would understand the need to filter listening, reading, and viewing materials. The more sensible Christian will set standards to begin with and will avoid exposing himself to materials that can encourage wrong thinking in his life. Psalm 101 says, “I will set no vile thing before my eyes”.

There is danger in continually exposing yourselves to influences of questionable morals and thinking.  Soon, tolerance and acceptance will replace uneasiness. Later, wrong thoughts begin and you may find yourself engaging in the very wrong acts you once questioned in the past.

Remember, influences have the power to suggest ideas and sentiments towards good or bad. In a world that’s forever confused over what is right and wrong, you need to be selective about who and what you allow to linger in your presence. Most importantly, you must look to God’s consistent and reliable truths for guidance and standards. With God’s Word as your moral compass, you’ll never go wrong.

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Idle Words

Idle Words

A verse in Matthew 12:36 says that men shall give account of every idle word they speak.   Some may focus their thoughts on how God is keeping tabs on every word we speak. Others may wonder how our words will be played back before us on the day of judgment (2 Corinthians 5:10), that is, the Bema Seat for the redeemed, which is a day of rewarding. But one thing we ought to reflect on is how God desires us to act responsibly in the area of our speech life. God holds us accountable for what we say. Clearly, He does not want us to be thoughtless about the words that come out of our mouths.

The New International Version translates the original word used to “empty” instead of KJV’s “idle, while the ESV translates it as “careless”. The Amplified Bible explains the original word as “inoperative and nonworking.” From these translations we get a better understanding of what idle words are.

Idle words are careless words.

Careless words are spoken with little or [no] thought for avoiding error or harm. You may have the best intention but if you do not put your words together with care, you may end up causing more harm than good. If you speak carelessly, conflicts may deepen rather than become resolved. Avoid speaking idle words by considering how to better get your ideas and opinions across. Consider the feelings and the state of mind and heart of the person you are talking to. No matter how good your words are, if someone is not ready or prepared to listen, nothing good will come out of the conversation. Time your words and seek not only to impart truth but to impart understanding. Also, fact check first before forming opinions and drawing conclusions. Then, speak your mind.

Idle words are unprofitable words.

Some have the habit of speaking their mind constantly. Well, speaking one’s mind is a necessity. There’s nothing wrong with that. But to be on a constant, unrestrained habit of speaking your mind can be irresponsible. It is important to get things off of your chest, but you shouldn’t abuse your right to do that. A Christian who seeks to be responsible with his speech life must learn to choose words that benefit others, not just oneself. A growing Christian understands that even in talking, one should not be selfish nor self-centered. The thing you want to speak about must benefit both you and the person you are talking to, otherwise, it’s not a helpful matter to discuss. Information, correction, teaching; these are all profitable. How about gossip, plain criticism, shaming. Are the people involved in the conversation made better after talking and hearing these?

Idle words are meaningless words.

Fluff, fillers, exaggerations, and at times, flatteries; these types of speech are in danger of being meaningless. Meaningless words have no purpose, no reason, and no significance. Often, it’s only the foolish who like fluffy words, exaggerations, and flatteries. The thinkers, the no-nonsense non-time wasters, prefer the actualities all the time. Simple flatteries can boost esteem. They can fan the flame and encourage people to do better. But a mountain full of flatteries can weigh a person or a project down. When people fail to see where things really stand, needful changes are hard to discern. Growth slows down, nothing gets better.

There is a way to “not mince words” yet to speak your mind with tact, respect, and concern. There is a way to speak the truth in love and it’s not about honey coating your words. Speaking the truth in love is not having words made artificially sweet. There’s no need to do that. When you speak the truth in love, you come from a place where the intention is pure love; you come from a place where there is a careful consideration of the person’s feelings; you come from a place where the words chosen are most beneficial. Come from a place like that and your words will be naturally sweet and pleasant to a willing listener. What you say may even hurt, but to the right listener who knows and trust your character, what you say will bring fruit.

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Can A Christian Be Angry and Not Sin?

Jesus said, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments" (John 14:15). And one of his Scriptural commands is, “Be angry, and do not sin."

To get angry is normal. Like love, it is a human emotion. Like love, it is an emotion that God also feels. Scriptures share instances where God Himself got angry. Yes, God who cannot sin got angry. That means anger is not inherently wrong. That means that God’s anger is always rightly caused and rightly managed. God became angry with Solomon because his heart turned away from God. God got angry with Moses in the wilderness because he took the glory away from God.

A Christian can get angry for the right reasons.

It is normal to get angry when an offense is committed when boundaries are overstepped, and when principles are violated. It’s right to be angry when there’s disobedience or a breaking of trust. These are all valid reasons.

Scriptures tell us that getting angry easily and at the slightest of reasons is wrong. Ecclesiastes 7:9 tells us not to be eager in our heart to be angry, For anger resides in the bosom of fools.  Patience must be afforded when needed. Rebellion or repetitive abuse towards you rightly causes anger but first-time offenses may be unintentional and need only your loving rebuke and redirection.

You should also be careful not to get angry when your expectations aren’t met. There are reasonable expectations and there are unreasonable ones. Just because somebody doesn’t measure up to your standards doesn’t mean they are deserving of your anger.

Our Father is angry when we sin and do wrong because no good thing ever comes from a life of sin. But God never gets angry about our weakness or shortcomings. He never chides us or belittles us for our failings. No. He encourages us and empowers us towards betterment.

Right Anger is Anger Managed Rightly

Throughout Scriptures, we see a God who deals with sin yet loves the sinning. We see consequences but we also see mercy. We see broken fellowship but we also see restoration.

The Bible coaches us on how to rightly manage anger:

  1. Do not prolong your anger.

Ephesians 4:26 says, “In your anger do not sin. Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry.” We should never let our anger turn into something else. If we are able to deal with the issue then confront it. If there is no way to directly settle the problem, then we prayerfully wait and seek God’s help for an opportunity to right the wrong that has been committed against us.

  1. let anger control you.

Proverbs 29:11 says, “Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end”. No matter how valid your reason for anger is you must not allow it to dominate you and steer you into an uncontrollable outburst. Even if the hurt is too much, remember that a Spirit yielded life will exercise control.

  1. Do not let anger drive you to unwholesome talk.

In our anger, we must keep in mind the purpose of our rebuke; to point out wrong and to warn the offender not to repeat the same mistake again. Ephesians 4:29 tells us not to allow foul or polluting language, nor evil word nor unwholesome or worthless talk to come out of our mouths, but only what is helpful. The world lashes out in anger. The world curses belittle and shames. But we are not the world. We are the church. While some may even say it feels better to speak out like that, in the end, what profit does corrupt talk really bring? Does it better how people look at you? Does it solve your problem? Does it help the offender?

  1. Do not let anger make you bitter and vengeful.

Ephesians 4:27 warns us that prolonged anger gives the enemy a foothold. It gives him an opening for manipulating us into thinking and doing the wrong things. Anger is often prolonged when it remains unexpressed and undealt with. It is actually healthier to express and explain your anger early on. When matters are dealt with, resentment and bitterness will not creep in.

Some offenders may refuse to change. When someone hurts us repeatedly, anger may build up. So if we are able, we should remove ourselves from any situation that will allow the offender to do us wrong again. We should not allow wrong to continue.

Some offenses may be overwhelmingly hurtful and tragic and thus have no remedy. While a desire to hurt back may arise, settle your heart and mind onto praying for and seeking justice. Romans 12:19 reminds us not to take revenge but to allow God to work out justice for us. Wait on God to move and allow Him to heal you as you wait on Him.

  1. Do not let anger make you unforgiving.

In Matthew 18:21,22 Jesus tells us to forgive without taking count. Colossians 3:13 tells us to exercise a forgiving spirit just as we have been recipients of God’s forgiveness. Forgiving is not always easy, it is a supernatural act. It is something we allow the Holy Spirit to prepare and empower us for. We may not immediately be ready to forgive, but if we are willing; the readiness will always come.

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The Key to Breaking Habitual Sin

The Key to Breaking Habitual Sin

It is impossible for any human mind to exhaust one truth or promise of the Bible. One catches the glory from one point of view, another from another point; yet we can discern only gleamings. The full radiance is beyond our vision. As we contemplate the great things of God’s Word, we look into a fountain that broadens and deepens beneath our gaze. Its breadth and depth pass our knowledge. As we gaze, the vision widens; stretched out before us, we behold a boundless, shoreless sea. Such study has vivifying power.

The mind and heart acquire new strength and new life.

This experience is the highest evidence of the divine authorship of the Bible. We receive God’s Word as food for the soul through the same evidence by which we receive bread as food for the body. Bread supplies the need of our nature; we know by experience that it produces blood, bone, and brain.

Apply the same test to the Bible; when its principles have actually become the elements of character, what has been the result? what changes have been made in the life? —

“Old things are passed away; behold, all things have become new.”

In its power men and women have broken the chains of sinful habit. They have renounced selfishness. The profane have become reverent, the drunken sober, the profligate pure. Souls that have borne the likeness of Satan have been transformed into the image of God. The change is itself the miracle of miracles. A change wrought by the Word, it is one of the deepest mysteries of the Word.

We cannot understand it; we can only believe, that, as declared by the Scriptures, it is “Christ in you, the hope of glory.”

A knowledge of this mystery furnishes a key to every other. It opens to the soul the treasures of the universe, the possibilities of infinite development.

As we pursue freedom from the entanglements of sin, here are a few practical, plain-folk strategies that can help us get there.

1. Be willing to take radical steps.

Maybe you’re not as free as you thought. Recognise the behaviour as a problem that needs to be dealt with.

2. Recognize your triggers.

There are particular life events and circumstances that trigger your problem. The time, the way and the place are all to be cautiously considered and avoided if they lead to sinning.    State the behaviour as wrong. Consciously label it “wrong” in your mind

3. Believe you can change. We mean, really believe.

This is probably the most important point. If you don’t believe you are capable of change, you won’t change. Refuse to entertain – consciously decide not to give it any room in your thoughts any longer.

4. Take care of your body.

Stop watching Netflix until  2 am in the morning. It’s remarkable how much exercising, sleeping, and eating right affect your perception of the world. Fasting and abstinence are also important disciplines that train the will to say no to the body and yes to God.

Take care of your body. You will need it to break your habit.

5. Re-define normal”¦right now.  

“I must re-define normal.” The word “sin” is out of fashion these days. However, realise how this behaviour makes the heart of God sad and furious.  That’s powerful.  Bad habits, just like good ones, enjoy normalcy.  Your ultimate goal is to stop dipping out of the same toxic well.

We love you all. To God be the glory forever. Amen!

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The Greatest Christian Actors Aren’t Necessarily the Ones We See on TV

The Greatest Christian Actors Aren’t Necessarily the Ones We See on TV

She had many friends.   Many Facebook friends, too.   She had joined the biggest church and volunteered wherever they needed extra help.   Her family loved her cheerfulness and her grades were flawless!

However, for months, for years, she was only able to face things after her knees hit the bathroom floor.   This woman put on the mask, every day.   The mask so many of us wear,   consciously or subconsciously.   No one had any idea.   In fact, she was the one most came to for sound, biblical advice.  Inside, though, her Lord knew her ache.   He saw her pain. So, why the mask?

Can I   transparently come to you, confessing that I am giving up on my marriage and do not want another prayer to convince me otherwise, yet still  receive the same love and attention from you?

If I told you I struggled with abusing drugs, would you still want me to come to you and your family?  If I confessed to cheating, would the downfall of the relationship automatically become my fault?   If I confessed to beating on my wife and did not appear to seriously want any help, would I be rejected after a couple of attempts?

Would you see me in a different light?   Would you no longer see Jesus?   Would you no longer see my knees hitting the ground, asking for release?   Would a mask you can control, a mask that can be taken off at the end of the day, be a lot easier to wear than dealing with reactions you cannot control?

Sadly, masks are everywhere nowadays.   Photo filters, sound effects, therapy sessions, medicines, and vacations (just to name a few).   They can be anything.   But, if we are told to come as we are, what are we missing?

That woman could be missing a Friend. She needs to hear that she is not the only one struggling.   She needs to hear that some days you think about tossing the dirty dishes out the window, instead of washing them.   She needs to hear that you are on your last dollar and have no idea where your next meal is going to come from. She needs to hear that she is not alone. That the expectation is not for her to be perfect. That the expectation is to fall, knowing that the strength of the One who is perfect will catch her each time, even when we fail to.

Maybe, just maybe, she needs One that stands closer than a brother.   Maybe One that can bring her to the place where she can see the light; the huge dream that she let go of years ago.   That One Friend alone has the power to do so much more.

Are you wearing a spiritual mask? Understand that your masks prevent you from experiencing intimacy with God. Know that your masks prevent you from pleasing God. If we truly want the character of Christ, we must expose our weaknesses, shed our hypocrisy and stop pretending. God calls us to BE TRANSPARENT.    Now is the time to take off your mask and let the love of the Lord shine through.

 

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Who’s Pimping Who…?

Who’s Pimping Who…?

A man and a woman coo over each other. A bystander turns to another and says, “What does she see in him?” Or, conversely, “What does he see in her?”

She’s tall, he’s short, shes from the city, his from the country, she  talks a lot, he’s quiet, he likes Australia, but she likes New York, he’s a Hill-song gospel music fan, she’s a Marilyn Manson fan. She also loves the bright lights and big options, shes unholy, she’s not righteous, she’s impure, she’s been around the block. People know her by what she does, not by her name. There the ‘odd couple’.

Now it’s been said that “Men marry women  with the  hope they will never change. but that “Women marry men  with the  hope they will  change.”

But not in this case. God has told this holy man to marry an unholy woman, a woman which will not be faithful, a woman by her wicked nature is sure to commit adultery, a woman that will cause endless frustration and monumental grief.   Hosea is a prophet, his wife is a prostitute. He’s a man of God, she’s a woman of the night, he is faithful, she is unfaithful, he peaches the power of the living God, she provides ungodly considerations for cash. The story of Hosea puzzles even the devout and zealous Christian. There an ‘odd couple’.

Why did God ask his own prophet to marry a prostitute?

An immense allegory can be interpreted from the depths of Hosea’s life.  The prophet Hosea was commanded to marry an unfaithful wife, and this set up a model of our broken relationship with God.

Hosea’s wife: an allegory of God’s undying  love

The LORD is the husband of Israel, and Israel’s passionate, chronic attraction for idols was like the lust of an adulterer. His people were as unfaithful as a prostitute.  For the land had committed great whoredom by forsaking the LORD.

Could you imagine Hosea’s, groomsman – you’re respected, a wise man, but your decision making is in question? Your wife is a disgrace. Why on earth are you married to a woman like that?

The reply, why on earth is such an awesome, good and powerful God married to a people like you?

Young people and self-esteem

Self-respect is perhaps the most essential quality for young women, especially in our generation.

We live in an era where girls as young as middle school are posting provocative things online. It’s a cry for attention being sought from boys or anyone else who will listen.  The story is told of a young girl who had a male friend who came to her with an article  in the classified section of a newspaper. The proposal was, if you have sexual relations with a stranger for 1 million dollars there are three things you are guaranteed:

  1. Nobody will ever know
  2. No disease
  3. No baby

1 million dollars, no questions asked, out the door, he asked her, would you do it? She thought about it, like some people reading this article.

The girl the said, are you kidding me, nobody will ever know, no disease, no baby, sure i’ll do it. Well then he said, would you do the same for $10?

She replied, “What, do you think I’m a prostitute?” To which he replies,  “We’ve already established that — I’m just haggling over the price.”

However, young ladies, you don’t have to lower your standards or provide ungodly considerations for cash. Tell that young man, I’m not for sale and because you’re not for sale, take off all those for sale and on sale signs.  Hug appropriately, speak appropriately.  Text appropriately, stop posting  barely-clothed photos, sexual innuendos, and explicit language. Be honest in your motivations for being  in a relationship.

Young ladies, if he can’t take care of himself now,  how is he going to take care of you later.

So the question today is who’s Pimping you?

Sorry boo-boo”¦ hate to burst your bubble, but you have been bamboozled, conned, led astray , run amok, dupe, tricked, fooled, swindle, hoodwink; you have been deceived”¦

You see, Satan has been pimping from the third chapter of the Bible onward and is prowling around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. The pimp of all pimps and you want to hang out with him!

But he has no power in the life of a believer unless we give it to him. That’s right! Regardless of how you’ve been thrown out to the trash,  we want you to know that Jesus loves you.  Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made you free, and do not be entangled again with the yoke of bondage. (Gal. 5:1) Refuse to make deals with Satan, no matter how attractive the trinkets. Refuse to be a commodity that is for sale to the highest bidder.

 

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