BACK TO SCHOOL

 It is that time of year in many parts of the country and perhaps the world. Children of all ages prepare for school. It is exciting for children to see friends again and meet new teachers.

We as Christians should be going to "spiritual school" every day and by that I mean reading and studying God's word. Don't make it a chore or obligation that you think is required to get into heaven, as it is not. Do it because you want to be closer to Christ. There is no way possible you can learn about the character of Christ unless you get into the Bible. Someone once said the word Bible could be turned into an acronym meaning " Basic Instruction Before Leaving Earth". Pretty good example of what it truly is!

I can imagine Satan loves it when the different denominations try to claim they are the "one" or the best. He probably also loves when a church goer identifies themselves by their particular denomination and not just say "I am a Christian". Another good one that keeps some away from the truth is when they are captivated by a denomination just because they were raised that way and may not even be growing in Christ but simply punching their weekly ticket for attendance. Christians are those who have asked Jesus into their hearts and follow His commands not just a person who goes to some particular church.

In John 14:6(NIV) it says 'I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'

Just as students in classrooms around the world strive to please their parents and learn what they need to succeed in life and in their future, by being "spiritually" trained we prepare ourselves to face hardships that will come on Earth and help us become more like Him. 2 Timothy 2:15(KJV) tells us to 'Study to show thyself approved unto God,a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of Truth.'

There are many false religions and counterfeits out there to attempt to lure believers away from the truth. There are many dead churches too.

If you have a loved one that has learned the truth as a child but perhaps strayed from the path he or she was taught, you can gain comfort from several verses one of which is Proverbs 22:6(NIV) which many may be familiar with. It says 'Train a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it.' There are deceptive spirits out there. Also in 2 Timothy 3:15(KJV) says 'And that from a child thou has known the Holy Scriptures which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Jesus Christ.'

2 Timothy 3:5-7(NKJV) gives us a warning. 'Having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away! For of this sort are those who creep into households and make captives of gullible women loaded down with sins, led away by various lusts,always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.'

Too many people are just "religious" and cling to a denomination and not to Jesus. Just because their granddaddy and his granddaddy went to a certain church so do they. Perhaps they just go through the motions and quite frankly feel bored. It is okay to change denominations as there will not be separate churches in heaven. If you are not getting fed the word of God and getting excited about Jesus and growing in Christ where you attend perhaps it is time to change churches. It is not about a denomination but about Christ.

Do you want to be a good spiritual student and get excited about learning His word. If you have not done so already ask Him into your heart today. Then go be a student for Jesus!!

PRAYER: Lord Jesus I want to be a "student" of the word and not be one who has to cram for tests some day. I know Lord you are sad when I treat my Bible like a table decoration but do not use it as a spiritual tool daily. Give me wisdom Lord about what church I should attend and keep me away from those who would not follow the truth. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Click link for a powerful worship song.

http://youtu.be/kGVazfjJPLo

LIONS, TAINTED LETTUCE, TSUNAMI'S, OH MY!

Being afraid of disasters and what "could happen" is probably pretty common with some people. Like in the classic movie "The Wizard of Oz" the late actress Judy Garland who played the main character Dorothy who was on her way to Emerald City going through a scary forest. She chanted "Lions and tigers and bears, oh my!" as a way to possibly take care of her fears. I have to admit when I was a child it was those flying monkeys that scared me.

Turn on your nightly news and no doubt you are inundated with news of murders, wars, rapes, floods, fires, recalled food, failing schools, sex scandals, financial ruin, drought, riots, and on and on the list goes. If a person feeds their mind with nothing besides bad news all the time then what do you suppose they will do? Probably worry and speculate when something is going to happen to them. Certainly they will have a difficult time having peace.

Then there is Hollywood, bless their sweet little hearts. When I was growing up all the television shows were mostly happy and family friendly. Bonanza, My Three Sons, Lassie, Lawrence Welk, The Ed Sullivan Show, No Time For Sergeants, The Lucy Show, Andy Griffith, Gun Smoke, Batman, Donna Reed, Flipper, Mickey Mouse Club, Leave it to Beaver, and The Monkees to name but a few of the choices on only three channels. Many of you reading have no idea what on earth I am talking about. I am talking about decent, wholesome television that taught values and didn't create fear. The movies were basically the same. The slippery slope we have gone down since the 60's continues. Today we have crime dramas, implied sex on television, alternative families, murders, lawyer shows, reality shows and on it goes. Most likely the best viewing will be not the mainstream channels with a very few exceptions.

What do we as a Christian do? We do not act holier than thou, but we really need to ask ourselves if what we are about to watch is suitable if Jesus were your guest. No one needs to have a steady diet of profanity and violence in their heads. The infamous F word has become like slang and some are not even phased by its' use.Even government officials have been caught on open mikes using it.

Do we purposely and intentionally go to things that scare us or do we practice discernment? Some say "It is only a movie". So what do we do?

Let me give you a few verses to ponder. The first is Romans 12:2(NIV) which says 'Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what is God's will-his good, pleasing, and perfect will.' Next is a verse found in Psalm 101:3(NIV) 'I will set before my eyes no vile thing. The deeds of faithless men I hate, they will not cling to me.' Finally Isaiah 41:10(NIV) says 'So do not fear, for I am with you.Do not be dismayed for I am your God.I will strengthen you and help you. I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.'

We are to be in this world but need to be different in our choices of things based on our walk with the Lord. The whole point is that it is the enemy who wants you fearful of things in your every day life. It is Jesus who brings peace. Turn off the bad news and fearful things around you and turn on to God instead.

PRAYER: Lord forgive me when I have intentionally gone to a movie knowing it was not going to be good for me to see. Convict me Lord when there are things around me that seem popular and I may want to fit in but these things I know deep down in my heart are not right. I want to be your witness and therefore keep me on the right path. In Jesus' name.Amen.

TRANSFORMED OR CONFORMED?

Sometimes in life, even though you say you love Jesus, you may find yourself angry at people, politicians abusing their power or just having bad thoughts you ought not to be feeling.

God will take care of those who do wrong by persecuting others. Our job is to show love, grace, forgiveness and mercy. Our job is not to judge others. Our job is to remain hopeful and not worried and fretful. Our main job is to always pray. Our job is to be transformed into image of Christ and not conformed to the world and popular culture around us. Our job is to be Christlike.

Romans 12:1-2(NIV) is one of my favorite verses and one of the first I ever memorized. It says '

Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conformed to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.' There it is. "Transform not conform". The world's mold of gossiping,lying, cursing,belittling others, judging, and hurting people is easy. But God shares in His word,The Bible,that to be hating and judging is indeed wrong and not becoming for a Christian. We need to do our best with God's help to be a shining light that others will come towards to get out of the "darkness" of their souls.

What is it going to be? Continue being "of the world" or be set apart and transformed for Him?

PRAYER: Lord Jesus it is so easy to slip up and get angry or show hatred. I want to be more and more like you each and everyday. I choose to live by the word of God. Bring conviction when I start to stray. In Jesus' name. Amen.

ARE YOU CONFORMED TO THIS WORLD?

Truly think about that question for a while. Do you let the world squeeze you into what is popular and cool? Do you often go against what you know to be right only to please a crowd or someone? Do you catch yourself doing something you know will not make you closer to the Lord? If Jesus were here to see you right now would what you are doing or believing make Him sad? Remember He is here. These are just some questions to ponder. 

We live in this world but if you name the name of Christ you are to be different and set apart for kingdom work. This does not mean you have to act and dress alike and get self righteous. 1 Peter 3:15(NIV) says 'But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to give a reason for  the hope that you have, but do this with gentleness and respect.'  Do you think people know you are "different" or do you pass by opportunities to speak out for Christ or set an example because of fear or embarrassment? Mark 8:38(NIV) says 'Anyone who is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his Father's glory with His Holy angels.' 

The following verse is good to end on. It was one of the first Bible verses I first  learned when i rededicated my life to Christ back in 1975. See if you can memorize it. Romans 12:2(NIV) 'Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind . Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is-His good, pleasing and perfect will.' 

PRAYER: Lord I daily need my mind renewed so I can recognize if I am slipping into the pattens of this world. I know I am sent here to be your ambassador. Give me discernment of right and wrong and good and evil. Help me shine your light and show love to others. In Jesus' name. Amen.