Christian In Training

Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.2 Timothy 2:15

My next door neighbors are putting in a invisible wireless fence for their dogs and there is a sign in front yard that says 'Dog In Training' to make people aware if they see these pooches running to not worry as the invisible fence will not allow them out. 

Should we have a sign posted around our neck that maybe says 'Christian in training' so when we screw up, say something wrong, or hurt someone,  people will know we are in training? Probably not, but the point is as you grow in Christ you are being trained unto righteous. There is a bumper sticker I have seen that reads 'Christians aren't perfect, just forgiven' and there is much truth to that. 

Just remember that each time trials come your way you learn more and can grow closer to the Lord if you don't rebel against Him during that time. Life is a training ground. Let your life shine each day wherever you are in the world around you. You might just be asked for the reason you are so joyful.

PRAYER: Thank you for opportunities to share your love with those around me. Help me be aware that others who know I am a Christian may be looking at me so help me stay on the right path. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Parents Are The Gatekeepers

I will not look with approval on anything that is vile. I hate what faithless people do; I will have no part in it. Psalm  101:3

A gatekeeper is a human who controls access to something. For any parents out there, one of your primary duties as a responsible parent is to be their gatekeeper as they grow up and learn right versus wrong. You guide them by helping them make healthy and wise choices for what is appropriate in their life, based on God's standards found in the Bible. I heard a television Christian pastor, Jimmy Evans, refer to the job of parents as a gatekeeper.

In this very important role, mom and dad decide ultimately what is good for the child. You would not allow pornographic posters on the wall of their bedroom although once I visited a home years ago where the pre teen boy had centerfolds on his wall. Another area is video games and choice of television programs.  Just because everyone is doing it does not make it right and parents it is your job to be the example. Music needs to be monitored due to questionable lyrics. 'Plugged In Online' is a great source for monitoring the content of Hollywood movies as to their morality and values.  

The modern culture tries to lure and trap our children into believing their ways are better than the parents or God's ways and that is why it is essential, while they are under our roofs, we do the best job possible training them in the ways of the Lord. Now this is no guarantee that college is not going to make every attempt to turn them the other way, but that is when prayer comes in and in a big way.  If you are not taking charge and giving your child discipline and guidance it is not too late, do not allow the world to mold your child. If you have an adult child who has gotten off course after you did your part in his youth, just keep praying as God is in control and hears the cries of a praying mom and a praying dad. 

PRAYER: Father I need your help daily to walk the walk you have set before me. Guide me as a parent and help me to do what is right and trust you for the outcome. In Jesus' name. Amen.

SHAPE UP FOR CHRIST

How is your spiritual fitness level? Just as a person who stays in shape has a physical fitness level and usually schedules their workouts if it is important to them, so too your spiritual side needs a work out too or it will become "flabby" in the sense it will go unused. Muscles need to be worked out with weights to stay toned and to keep trim. Your spiritual workout should include a good dose of scripture to set your mind thinking like Christ.

Many people probably neglect studying and reading the word of God because to them they are church members and go to church each Sunday. That is not enough my friend. Church is not a social club, although you can make friends there, but it is a place we go to recharge, renew, and refresh each Sunday. This "refreshment" needs to be a daily thing.

Let's say that government forces one day make owning a Holy Bible illegal as it is in many nations. Do not be fooled this could happen in the United States because already "religious rights" have been trampled on in several areas. Would you have enough in your "mental storage banks" to help you through tough times?

What do you normally fill your mind with? Secular television, novels, magazines, gossip, and other things that in the big scheme of things do not matter a whole lot. If you continue this practice and do not include daily training in God's word, the Bible, you risk being unprepared for the attacks and battles Satan is sure to throw your way. You have to defeat the devil and his demonic forces with the word of God. Quote scriptures to him and tell him to leave you alone because you are a child of God!

1 Peter 4:12(NIV) says 'Dear friends, not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test yours though something strange were happening to you.' When trouble comes your way or a trial it is good to know scripture and be able to know that God is with you. In 1 Peter 3:15 it reminds us 'sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asks you for the reason of hope that is in you, with meekness and fear.' Fear here meaning respect.

It is a good thing to set aside time daily for a walk or gym trip to keep your "temple of God" in good working order but it is equally or more important to work out with the Word of God, the Bible as well. Do you desire to be spiritually fit? It is a discipline all children of God who want to grow in Christ should put on their daily schedule.

PRAYER: Lord I know it is vitally important each and every day to spend time with you. Not just saying grace at meals but getting serious about growing in Christ. Forgive me Lord when I have allowed worldly things to squeeze out my time with you, I choose today to start anew and get into the Bible. I refuse to allow Satan to keep distracting me. In Jesus' name. Amen.

DON'T BE A FOOL!

Crazy world we are living in today. What is wrong is being called right and what is right is being called wrong. Speaking up against something in the Bible makes you "hateful". Since when did disagreeing with something imply that we hated a person? The enemy is alive and well on planet Earth my friends, doing some of his best work yet this time trying to distract Christians and have people called evil if they won't tolerate something they know is wrong. Even ministers of the gospel, rabbi's and priests may not publicly have the courage to say what is in God's word is true.

For those unaware this is occurring and think I am crazy, let me tell you, it is happening and many times endorsed by our own government. Very sad day indeed.

In an excerpt from Psalm 14:1(NIV) it says 'the fool says in his heart, there is no God.' Many movements are underway to try to get rid of "religion" or anything that has a cross or Bible verse on it. Philippians 3:18-19(ESV) says 'For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their end is destruction,their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things." Does that remotely sound like today? It is going to get to a point if a Christian speaks up against evil or something that is wrong in God's eyes they may be arrested for being "hateful and intolerant'.

We know the "end of the story" so it is not necessary to sit around fearful and in a panic. We do need to be studying and equipping ourselves with knowledge of God's word. What if one day it got so bad Bibles were banned? It has happened in other places so why are we any different? Our Constitution is great only when it is obeyed and followed. Do you have enough of God's word stored up in your heart to help you through hard times that may come?

Psalm 119:11(NIV) says 'I have hidden your word in my heart that I may not sin against you.' If you are a parent, even of a newborn, you need to start now getting scripture into their tiny hearts. Every day read a Bible verse. 2 Timothy 3:15(NIV) says 'And how from infancy you have known the Holy scriptures which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Jesus Christ.' Young moms and dads out there or grandmas and grandpas, let your children hear the word of God daily. Their life with God is more important than nursery rhymes or Sesame Street.

So do you want to be a fool or have great wisdom? I think the answer is evident. Start today and get serious about getting into the word of God.

PRAYER: Lord I thank you this day for all you have given me. Thank you for the privilege of worship and studying God's word. I pray for those who may be residing in countries where Christian radio, television, and expression is cause for arrest or even death. Lord Jesus use me as a light in the dark world around me and keep me from ever being a fool. In Jesus' name. Amen.

HOW IS YOUR HEALTH?

Are you as healthy person? When you go to your doctor and the person screening you asks what type physical condition  you consider yourself in how do you answer? Are you excellent, good, fair, or poor?

One other type  of health we should be more concerned about more than anything else is our spiritual health. How would you say yours is on a scale of one to ten, one being the worst? Ponder that for a moment or two. Do you read your Bible daily? Do you truly love the Lord? Is prayer second nature to you? Are you able to maintain peace or are you consistently worried about  something? Do you talk about church but not Jesus? Do you follow the Ten Commandments or at least try to? Are you irritated by some people or ever make the statement you hate someone? Do you have a heart for others or mainly think about yourself? If you were arrested for being a Christian would there be enough evidence to convict you? If you dropped over dead right now do you know for a FACT that you would be instantly in the arms of our Lord in heaven?

Philippians 1:27-30(NIV) says the following 'Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit,  striving together as one for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God. For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him, since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have.' 


Are you more conformed to this world or do you realize you're on a temporary journey down here and if a believer, then serving in the capacity of an ambassador for Him? You represent  the kingdom of God here on Earth. How are you doing with that position?

So how is your spiritual health? Do you need to work on it to improve it and become closer to God? A great place to start in scripture is to read the book of John in the New Testament. Through making a regular habit of getting into the word and studying scriptures as well as prayer and fellowship with others in the body of Christ you are on your way to improving your spiritual health, so run the race to win with your eyes on Jesus! 

John 3:30(ESV) says 'He must increase but I must decrease.' 

PRAYER: Lord Jesus I do love you and I want to more like you and less into worldly things or my own self. Direct my paths and help me resist the attempts of Satan to throw me off track. In Jesus' name. Amen.

TRYING TO STAY POSITIVE IN 2013

 

It seems as though the area of staying positive, uplifted and not

worried is a major issue with many people. There is plenty to despair
about if you turn on the evening news. To stay focused on good you
have to make a deliberate effort to remove distractions from your life
that tend to cause you to get upset, sad, worried and fretful.

What is stealing your peace? Bad news on TV, worry about your job, a
family situation? This is not to say we have to "stick our head in the
sand" but do not allow yourself to be agitated and upset with the
things of the world. Also sometimes when we try to control a person or
situation, it will bring on immense frustration. Give whatever it is
that is bothering you over to the Lord. You may recall the verse in 1
Peter 5:7(NIV) that reminds us to 'cast all your anxiety on Him for He
cares for you.'

On that New Years resolution list beside where you might have written
"get in shape" why not try to make it a point to be a "spiritual
fitness freak" and spend oodles of time alone with Jesus. This will
only occur when you purposely set time aside DAILY to get into His
word and pray. How important is having peace and joy to you? Try
giving God the first part of your day and not reading the newspaper
before the Bible or flipping on a morning show only to get upset and
stressed over world news. Tune into God instead!

PRAYER: A new year brings excitement for new ideas, new goals, new
ventures. Lord I know I need to give you more time and I need to dwell
on things that uplift and not tear down and destroy. With your help I
can achieve this goal. In Jesus' name. Amen.

TRAINING ROUTINE

With the Summer Olympics games just about behind  us I thought of the immense amount of training these athletes have to do to get to the games in the first place and then hopefully onto the medal podium. Each athlete has to be dedicated to getting up and not just running for one hour and hitting the gym but they do their workouts and training several hours a day. I love to figure skate and have not done it much lately but when we lived in Iowa the skating director there had been one of the 3 men on the US Winter Olympic Figure Skating Team in 1984 along with Scott Hamilton and Brian Boitano. His name is Mark Cockerell. He  had serious skaters coming to train with him. These young children were serious about trying to 'make it' and some even drove a few hours to train with him. The money, the time, the commitment, and the training are all important keys to having a chance at going further than your hometown. We have also visited the US Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs where athletes go to train. It is a former military base  now turned into a training center and is open for tours for the public. You can see the dedication of these athletes.



Just as an athlete has to be disciplined to get in shape by watching what they eat, getting rest, and working out so too if you expect to have a strong walk with the Lord you can not just go to church one hour on Sunday and open the Bible when the pastor says to and then leave it collecting dust on a table at home all week long. Why is it though than many seemingly do this? Loving Jesus and being moral takes more than one hour on Sunday. Similar to an athlete you too have to train yourself to godliness. The Bible even speaks of this.

2 Timothy 2:15 reminds us "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that need not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." Just like students in school have to study to pass their exams we as believers need to study the Bible to know how to cope with things that happen in life and how to be more like Jesus in what we say and do. Just imagine you get a board  game and have not a clue how to play it. If you do not read the directions you will not play it. You have to know what to do. In life we have to know how to resist the attacks of our enemy Satan. Satan loves the kind of believers who feel Sunday is enough. He has them in his corner in a way. There is no desire to learn about Jesus and they feel smug in their daily life of goodness without so much as cracking open a Bible but then problems and struggles arise and they have not a clue in how to gain strength to get through it. Your source of empowerment is the word of God. Do not wait til a tragedy to get into it. Start each day by opening the Bible and reading. If you don't know where to start begin in the book of John.

Run your race to win by keeping in the word of God. It takes daily discipline. Put it on your daily 'to do' calendar and put it at top of list. Make this serious time with God. Do not put him down on list if you have time left over. He should be your first priority. And speaking of discipline Hebrews 12:11 says "No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it." Titus 2:12 says "training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age." The Bible is our training manual. It is our guidebook. It should never be put on a shelf or you should never have to go search for it. 1 Corinthians 9:24 says "Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize."

So as the Olympics winds down and you have marvelled at the athletes feats of these athletes think about how powerful for God you could be if only you daily got into his work and trained for godliness.

PRAYER: Lord thank you for the Bible. We are blessed in America to open it freely without arrest as in some nations it is illegal. Evil does not like the goodness of God or his word and would like to snuff it out. Help me Lord to read and study it daily to strengthen my walk with you. In Jesus Name. Amen.

HOW IS YOUR OIL?

Do you do maintenance on your car you drive? Do you check your oil when you fill up with gas? Do you check fluid levels so car or truck does not overheat? There are little routine things you need to do to maintain your vehicle or it may decide to seize up on you and stop working. You can not just go every three or four months for an oil change and expect your car to be okay in between. The oil change is to get rid of dirty oil and replace it with clean fresh oil.

 In our spiritual life we need an 'oil change' and regular checkups as well. If you only pick up your Bible say 6 times a year you will become a weak, flabby Christian and be falling apart unable to cope with the storms of life that are sure to come about. When you do a 'spiritual oil change and maintenance' by getting into the word each day and praying your problems in life will diminish. Don't just run to God in problem times but make his word and Him part of your daily lifestyle. Excuses will come. Other things will seem more important. The enemy has many distractions. If you get into the word and start learning what it says you will have power to defeat Satan.

2 Timothy 2:15 says "Study to show thyself approved, a workman that need not be ashamed rightly dividing the word of truth."

PRAYER: I know that I need to 'maintain' my spiritual life and I know my 'spirit' can not be strong unless I read your word and study it. Help me Lord when I feel like I am too busy for you. I want to be strong to fight the spiritual battles that come my way. In Jesus name. Amen.

GROWING SPIRITUALLY

We welcomed in a New Year a little over a month ago. A new year is when many people start to think about New Years resolutions. Some people want to lose weight, some to focus on staying positive, some say to read the Bible more. What do you have for your New Years resolution? Did you even make one back on January 1st?

Why not resolve in your heart to grow spiritually and to become more spiritually fit? Not more religious, but closer to God. 'Religion' often turns people off to Jesus and His love. So many legalistic rules that some churches make up cause many people to want nothing to do with 'religion'. I have news for you! I am not talking about being religious but about being in love with Jesus and desiring to know Him better. Sometimes certain churches might scare us away from wanting to get closer to God, which is sad. If you are one of these people who has been turned off by a holier than thou 'churchy experience' that was more strict and condemning than full of grace and love perhaps it is time to find a new church home.

A suggestion would be to start on the casual non denominational level which usually has less man made restrictions that people dislike. If you are reading this and go to a denominational church I am not saying your church is bad but often times the more casual non denominational ones seem to make those seeking to know Christ better more at ease. Make sure they preach the uncompromising word of God and do not change it to fit societal changes and an unBiblical culture.

To grow spiritually you have to read God's word, there is no other way. To grow physically you have to have food and to grow spiritually you have to have God's 'meat' which is the word of God. The Bible is not boring nor is getting closer to God. Perhaps if you are disinterested you have not truly asked God into your heart. 1 Corinthians 1:18 says "the preaching of the cross is to those who are perishing foolishness but to us who are being saved it is the power of God."

You can get excited about Jesus and hunger and want to be closer to him in 2012. Stop what you are doing and ask Him to take the controls of your life and be Lord of your life. Once you do this you become a new creature. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says " therefore if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come, the old has gone and the new is here."

Start now by 'thinking' on God's word. Next try to find a good church home to fellowship in. Perhaps find a Bible study with other believers to help disciple you in your new walk. Spend some alone time with God praying or simply talking to Him.

If you are already a believer perhaps you have stagnated and need to be renewed in your mind. Romans 12:2 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 God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." You can not grow without spending time with God. How important is being close to Jesus to you?

Start today to grow spiritually. You will feel better for it, I guarantee it.

PRAYER: Lord I want to have you in my life and live for you. Forgive me when I have not spent time with you. I desire to grow spiritually so keep me on this path. In Jesus name. Amen.

 Click on link below to worship God in song:
http://youtu.be/b-oZbBS_OhM

SPIRITUALLY FLABBY?

Just like our physical muscles need to be exercised to stay strong and toned so we need to exercise our 'spiritual muscles' so we do not become spiritual weaklings. You can not expect to look good physically if you do not take care of yourself by eating right and proper exercise. You can not wish a good physique into being. In similar fashion we can not sleep on the Bible and expect to absorb its knowledge. It takes reading it and studying it to know what is inside. There is a saying that 'going into a church will not make you into a Christian anymore than going into a garage will make you into a car.' Just sitting there is nice. Check that block off for the week. But did you get anything from the message and do you have a desire to open up the Bible the other 6 days? Do you just open your Bible on Sunday when the minister,rabbi, or priest tells you what to read or do you make a quiet time alone with him each day a priority? This is the only way to strengthen those 'spiritual muscles'.

Jeremiah 15:16 says "When your words came, I ate them; they were my joy and my heart's delight, for I bear your name, O LORD God Almighty." Are God's words your delight? Would you rather read the newspaper, magazine, or a book instead of the Bible? You will never become spiritually strong by just attending church one hour per week. Just like you will not have a toned body without fat and flab, unless you make the effort to work out, run, or some other form of cardiovascular exercise. You can not just wish it into existence. It takes effort, time and a change of habits and lifestyle sometimes.

1 Peter 2:2 says "Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation." Do you crave the Bible? 1 Corinthians 3:2 says "I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready". Babes in Christ or spiritually unfit 'flabby Christians' are both conditions you need to improve upon to be strong in the Lord. 2 Timothy 2:15 says "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth."  1 Timothy 4:7 says "Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives' tales; rather, train yourself to be godly." There is that word 'train' indicating putting forth some effort. You will not know the truth until you open up the pages of the Bible.

1 Corinthians 9:24 tells us "Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize." Being a runner and one who has run in many races in the past I know you do have to train for the type of race you are going to run if you expect to do well and hope to not get injured. In similar fashion you must train to be strong spiritually by studying God's word, the Bible.

Ephesians 6:10 is a good verse to end on and it says "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power."

PRAYER: Lord I want to be a mature Christian and I want to desire to strengthen my 'spiritual muscles' each and every day. Many excuses may come my way as to why I do not have time for reading the Bible or a devotion but help me realize that the enemy does not want me to go to the 'spiritual gym' but he wants me to be weak and powerless. I with your help Lord will make this a priority in my life. In Jesus Name. Amen.

TRAINING CAMP

What does it mean to train for something? If you are any sort of athlete you have to prepare yourself for your competition. An Olympian does not just show up at the Olympics and think they have any chance of winning unless they have prepared by hours and hours of physical training. Running a race such as a 5 or 10K takes preparation. You have to get up and get out of bed and get going. Goals have to be set and you have to keep striving to do your best. Training for a new job takes discipline of learning the ropes even if it gets hard and not giving up. Training is a disciplinary tool to get you to achieve a goal and have victory.

We are training to be disciples and prayer warriors for the Lord. We do not want to lose heart and give up. The enemy will try to discourage us and put thoughts in our heads that what we are doing does not matter in the big scheme of things, but it does. The world we live in is not on our side. We constantly will be fighting against anti Christian forces trying to snuff out anything to do with growth in Christ or speaking the name of Jesus. We are in a hostile world.

That is why it is vitally important to stay in your training mode. Train your mind to think good positive godly thoughts. Confess good things from your mouth. Keep on your knees in prayer. Do not give up. Wake up and start the day right. For the battles you will fight you need to equip yourself by getting into the word of God and knowing what it says about certain struggles you will encounter.

False thinking and false ideas will even come through well meaning believers. If you do not know what the Bible says about certain subjects you will start believing a watered down worldly version that may compromise the truth. Know that the enemy loves this. He loves it when he can get believers to believe the worlds lies. We are not of this world and are not to get sucked into the thinking of the world. It is hard not to, unless you are daily reading your Bible.

2 Timothy 2:15 says "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth."  1 Timothy 4:8 says "For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come." Now this is not an excuse to get fat and not take care of temple of God but it is saying spiritual exercise is more important and has greater eternal value. 2 Timothy 3:15 says "and how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus." Seems like when our children leave the nest and head for college or wherever life takes them they start listening to other voices who get them to doubt God and question the Bible. Many leave the faith to the great despair of their parents. Keep in mind that you knew the truth and the enemy caused you to believe seducing spirits and lies. 1 Timothy 4:1-2 says just this "The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron." When you do not saturate your mind with truth and if you do not stay in fellowship in a good church or wake up and have devotions it is easy to get spiritually flabby and to not care anymore.


1 Corinthians 9:24 says "Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize." You will have temptations. Things will try to come get you off course. You might fall away for a while. But keep looking to Jesus and resisting the lies of the enemy, Satan.

When you  worry you need to instead start being a warrior and soldier for the Lord. When you feel like your prayers are not being answered just hang on. Keep fighting the battle, keep praying and keep looking to Jesus the source of your strength. Despairing parents and others who feel like quitting your training program just remember what it says in Luke 18:1 and that is "Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up."

PRAYER: Father I want to train to be in spiritual battle. There are days I wake up feeling no desire to open your word and study. Father I know this comes from the enemy as he does not want me equipped for the spiritual battles we face daily. Father help me to stay motivated and encouraged in my spiritual training program. If I am a parent help me release my children to you and ask that you guide them into all truth and keep them on the right path with a desire to love and serve you . Protect our minds from false teachers. In Jesus Name. Amen.

FURTHER READING: Romans 1:18-32

NOTE: When you have time listen to another wonderful praise and worship song I have included below. Click the link and worship the Lord.
http://youtu.be/IpzELELQ300