Tag: rejoice

  • 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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  • Gift of Fear – Fearing The Lord

    skydiver

     I moved from inside the aircraft cabin to the little step under the wing with great fear. It was my first jump from a plane, and while I had great confidence in my parachute, I still had some small nagging doubts.

    Then came the moment I had to let go. By then, my heart was pounding so loudly that I was sure they could hear it in the little Cessna I had just stepped out of. The jump went without major incident. The next time required a trip to the emergency room, but that’s a story for another day.

    Fear has many negative connotations in today’s world, and there are undoubtedly many unhealthy fears. Yet fear itself can be a gift from God.

    Physiologically, fear can start the body’s fight-or-flight reflex. This change in physiology can make us stronger and faster than we ever thought possible, all in a split second as the body automatically prepares to defend itself from danger. If you’ve ever been in a situation where that reflex was needed, you know it was a gift from God.

    Because of the negative connotations fear has and the incomplete picture of God that people hold, there are passages in the Bible that they struggle with. These passages tell us to fear God. Some random examples:

    Now this is the commandment—the statutes and the rules—that the Lord your God commanded me to teach you, that you may do them in the land to which you are going over, to possess it, that you may fear the Lord your God, you and your son and your son’s son, by keeping all his statutes and his commandments, which I command you, all the days of your life, and that your days may be long. Deuteronomy 6:1-2 

    So the church throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria had peace and was being built up. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it multiplied. Acts 9:31

    Therefore, knowing the fear of the Lord, we persuade others. But what we are is known to God, and I hope it is known also to your conscience. 2 Corinthians 5:11 

    Fear God? What’s up with that? Doesn’t God love us? Isn’t God our Father? I hear those kinds of questions often.

    YES! FEAR GOD! If you don’t know Him, you must fear His wrath and the consequences of your sin. The thought of eternal damnation ought to scare you. If it doesn’t, you need to shake your head. This kind of fear can be a gift from God as well. It ought to drive you into His arms, crying out for mercy. If it does, you’ll have salvation, which will be wonderful.

    Those of us who know Him should also fear Him, but it’s not the same. When you check out the dictionary, you’ll find that to fear also means to have deep and reverential awe of Him. Yes, He’s our Father, but He also created and controls everything in the universe. He brings life. That kind of awesome power deserves respect and awe.

    When it comes to fear, rejoice. Fear of danger produces a healthy bodily response. God will drive out unhealthy fear. Fear of His wrath sends us to His mercy. Knowing Him creates a healthy fear. 

    Ironically, fear is nothing to be afraid of.

    Until next time, may you know the deep reverence and awe from knowing God the Father.

    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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