Tag: hope

  • What should a Christian lifestyle look like?

    Luxury car parked in front of mansion

    There is a school of Christian thought out there that teaches that  being a Christian is a guaranteed path to health, wealth, happiness, and success. They use a variety of proof texts (often out of context) to “prove” their points and pass the blame on to you for not having enough faith if it does not work. 

    This is unbiblical teaching. It is a lie straight from the pit of hell, and it smells like smoke.

    For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. 2 Timothy 4:3-4 ESV

    Now, do not misunderstand me. God still heals today when it is in accordance with his will. There is joy in being a Christian (although not always what the world calls “happiness). For some people, God’s plan includes wealth and what the world would consider success. Yet none of that is guaranteed, and the fact that you may or may not have those things is not a measure of your faith.

    Being a Christian may bring trials. There will be times of walking in the desert. 

    Believers are called to give sacrificially and love people they do not like. We are called to be bearers of truth even when the truth is unpopular. It is a counter-cultural lifestyle that has little to do with “self” and self-aggrandizement. It has everything to do with our relationship with God and others.

    What should a Christian’s walk be like? To what aims should they be aspiring?

    Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all.If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.  Romans 12:9-21 ESV

    That kind of life will bring a deeper joy than the superficial happiness of financial wealth and worldly success.

    Being a Christian is not a plan for ease. It is a plan for personal and spiritual growth. It is a way of life that puts others ahead of you.

    If it is not all ease and prosperity, why do we pursue it? Simply put, a personal relationship with Jesus is better than everything the world offers. That relationship will continue even beyond death. It will still be there when this earth is long gone. 

    Ironically, in pursuing a life of meeting the needs of others through Christ, you will come to your full potential and have your own needs met in ways you cannot imagine.

    Until next time, may you pursue the love of Christ and allow Him to envelop you.

    Hallelu Yah / Praise God 

    Kevin

    Never let the enemy tell you that you are worthless or insignificant. Your value in God’s eyes is so great that it was worth dying for. You are a blessing to the world. You are so precious to God that his plan for heaven will not be complete without you.

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  • Reflections

    Created in the image of God

    rainbow

    This weekend, we tried a new walking spot. We headed to the Cheam Wetlands Park, due east of Chilliwack and north of Bridal Veil Falls. We had the grandkids and only a short window of time, so it was a quick exploration to see if we would return and check it out more thoroughly at another time.

    There is a shallow lake and plenty of little streams. A boardwalk connects two small islands. Over 150 species of birds have been spotted there, although we saw only some waterfowl.

    It was a pretty little spot, and we will go again another day.

    We were pleasantly surprised to see a rainbow clearly reflected in one of the channels. I couldn’t help but video it. Check it out here:

    It’s almost impossible to tell the sky side from the water side. It’s a delightful reflection.

    You and I are created in the image of God.

    So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. Genesis 1:27 ESV

    He knew from before time began which of us would be even further refined into the image of Christ.

    For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. Romans 8:29 ESV

    Oftentimes, when I look at myself in the mirror, I don’t see a lot of Jesus reflected back. Sometimes, there might be some of the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) reflected. I can be as rebellious and self-centered as the most vile of sinners.

    I remember Paul’s words and relate too well.

    For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. Now if I do what I do not want, I agree with the law, that it is good. So now it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. Romans 7:15-20 ESV

    It can be very discouraging.

    Then, I remember else that Paul wrote,

    And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:6 ESV

    I’m not where I want to be yet. Still, in small ways, I’m more Christ-like than I was before. He loves me. He sealed me, The Spirit indwells me. I have the Word to guide me.

    I might not be the perfect reflection yet, but I can hold fast to the truth that He isn’t finished with me yet.

    Hold on my dear friends. He isn’t finished with us yet. One day we will be all He created us to be.

    Kevin

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