Category: Encouragement

Let's Test Ourselves

3/22/2011

Examine yourselves,
whether ye be in the faith;
prove your own selves...
2 Corinthians 13:5

We check ourselves out in the mirror before heading off to work. Hair looks good, no broccoli in the teeth, etc., Thank God for mirrors! They're helpful, but they don't go below the surface. That takes some deeper introspection and honesty. Have I even thought about the Lord today? Have I sought him once about my plans for the week? Good questions.

One of the things I hope to accomplish in an entertaining way with my Christian Fiction novel, Parting Ways, is to challenge readers to examine their walk with God. Do we really live what we believe? Do we even know what we believe and why? Have we ever disagreed with a church teaching? If so, what did we do about it?

I've heard some things preached that completely contradicted the very scriptures the preacher was referencing. What??? Unfortunately, most church gatherings are not designed for discussions. It's all one way. God forbid anyone question the pastor! But that's what we should do. If anyone preaches or teaches openly, they should be accountable for it openly. I can guarantee you this: There would be less bad doctrine taught if a preacher knew he was going to face questioning from knowledgeable elders.

We should all have a working knowledge of the scriptures. Paul wrote to Timothy, "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." (2 Timothy 2:15)

In Parting Ways, I tell a story about an ambitious young pastor whose unique talents bring him before huge crowds in his denomination. He quickly rises through the church ranks, but the more he studies the Word and gets closer to God, the more he clashes with church leadership. On the edge of being promoted to his dream position in front of a global audience, he's forced to make a difficult choice - a choice that could end his ministry for good.

The story is fictional, but denominational doctrines not squaring with the Bible is all too real. Jesus chided the Pharisees because they taught for doctrine the commandments of men. Let's not be guilty of doing that. Let's be guilty of hearing and doing what Christ and the apostles taught even if we must part ways with traditions. It's the truth that makes us free - if we know it - not the denominational handbooks or Rev. Blackwell's Commentaries.

Examining ourselves starts with the word. Can we find our way in the scriptures? Are we walking by the light of the Word or by the light of the world? Here's a thought, let's read over this scripture the next time we get in front of the mirror...

Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.(1 John 2:15-17)

Are we in the faith? Can we prove it?

UPDATE: The cover for Parting Ways has been selected and the book is getting formatted now. Lord willing it will be ready for release Monday, April 18th, 2011. Please visit PatrickSipperly.com for the latest news and updates.

Thanks for helping me spread the word out about Parting Ways and ChristianHomeChurch.com

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Earthquakes In The Last Days

3/13/2011

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Earthquakes have this way of putting everything into perspective, don't they? In a mere moment, mighty man and all of his inventions and knowledge are brought to rubble. Thousands of lives are forever altered by a single, devastating event. Makes one stop and think about what's important...

Jesus prophesied of great earthquakes as a sign of the end times. The disciples asked, “Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?”

And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. All these are the beginning of sorrows. (Matthew 24:4-8)

Jesus didn't answer the question about the end times with how to reinforce our houses, how to position ourselves to make gains in the stock market or to where to move to avoid these last days earthquakes. Rather, Jesus addresses our soul starting with, “Take heed that no man deceive you...”

We should be ready always at all times to meet our maker, because our personal world could change in the blink of an eye by simply driving to work. Here is a dose of perspective:

Reports from Toyko say that the death toll from the March 11, 2001
magnitude-8.9 earthquake in Japan could exceed 10,000.

According to Car-Accidents.com, between 2002 – 2005,
the average number of deaths from automobile accidents
EVERY YEAR in the United States: 42,698.

Interesting things...

Now back to our every day world... Can we see a little bit of ourselves in this parable?

And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully: And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits? And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods. And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry. But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided? So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God. (Luke 12:16-21)

Biblical earthquakes and other world events grab our attention and remind us that we are living in the last days. The Lord's return is closer now than ever before and we should be ready to meet him. How can we be ready? Remember how Jesus said, “Take heed that no man deceive you?” How do we avoid deception? By taking responsibility for our own faith. Have a real relationship with Christ. Don't just hear the word - do it!

But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
(James 1:22)

If we don't know the scriptures, we won't know our God! We won't know truth or a lie when we hear it. His word will save us if we'll read it and obey it!

Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it. (Matthew 7:24-7)

Let's not wait until tragedy strikes before we seek the Lord and serve him with all of our hearts.

Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. (Matthew 7:21-23)

Let's be ready to meet our God no matter what happens tomorrow.

Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh. (Matthew 25:13)

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Christian Reputation Building

3/8/2011

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At the time of this writing, one name is dominating the news: Charlie Sheen. The highest paid sitcom actor with several movies to his credit is making a spectacle of himself on TV news shows and online. I don't know Charlie or understand his bizarre behavior, but it appears to me that his career and reputation are circling the drain.

The tiger's blood must be wearing off.

Here's another observation: except for the mercy of God...I could be the next whacked-out 6:00 o'clock news story.

I was doing some research for the upcoming release of my novel, and came upon a great article by Joanna Penn about author branding. In it she asks, “How do you want to be known? What words do you want people to associate with you? What are your goals for the next 3 years? What words are associated with that?”

Great questions for all of us – not just writers - because we do choose our reputations.

We all have character traits and reputations; our own unique branding. We know others by what they say and do, which is exactly how they know us too. Will people think of us as Christians because that's what we say we are...or how they see we are? If we have to remind people that we're living for God, something is wrong.

It's interesting to note that we don't know each other by how we meant to act.

Dead flies cause the ointment of the apothecary to send forth a stinking savour: so doth a little folly him that is in reputation for wisdom and honour. (Ecclesiastes 10:1)

How do we want to be known by our own family? How do we want your neighbors to view us? What keywords would we want people to use to find us online?

A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold. (Proverbs 22:1)

Audiences used to laugh with Charlie Sheen. Today they're laughing at him. If he suddenly passed on from this life, how would he be remembered now? He could certainly use our prayers, but is there anything we can learn from his example?

How about O.J. Simpson's example?

King Saul?

King David?

We will be known tomorrow for our actions today. A Christ-like character and an honorable reputation are built deliberately, not accidentally.

See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. (Ephesians 5:15-16)

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Marriage and the Bible – Be Not Unequally Yoked

3/3/2011

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What does the Bible say about marriage, you ask? It says a lot! Like many of God's plans for us, marriage is simple to understand, but not necessarily easy to live out. However, since God created the marriage relationship, and this important decision will forever impact our lives for better or worse, doing things his way is still the best.

Here's a portion of what Jesus had to say to the Pharisees about marriage and divorce...

But from the beginning of the creation God made them male and female. For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and cleave to his wife; And they twain shall be one flesh: so then they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder. (Mark 10:6-9)

One man, one woman. Man cleaves to his wife. They become one flesh. That's a pretty simple plan to follow. But now we need to add an eternal perspective. Some people serve God and some don't. That's not a little thing especially since many important decisions we'll make will be based on what we believe. God knew that and commanded his people to not marry unbelievers.

What happened to Solomon thousands of years ago happens all too frequently to Christians today...

But king Solomon loved many strange women...Of the nations concerning which the LORD said unto the children of Israel, Ye shall not go in to them, neither shall they come in unto you: for surely they will turn away your heart after their gods: Solomon clave unto these in love.... and his wives turned away his heart. For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect with the LORD his God, as was the heart of David his father.
(1 Kings 11:1-4)

Those are some haunting words. “for surely they will turn away your heart after their gods.” If you're in a relationship with an unbeliever now, have you already made compromises in your walk with God? If you have, it's only the tip of the iceberg.

I remember talking with a young couple who were planning to get married. They were both brought up with very different beliefs, but at the time, neither was living their faith. I asked them point blank about that. They really didn't have a well thought out answer. I strongly cautioned them to talk that out because eventually that would become important.

They got married and guess what? The lenses of real life have replaced the rosy glasses and faith is a major issue. Several months have passed now, and they're expecting their first child. How much more important will faith become in raising children? Off the charts is about right.

Marriage is wonderful! It's also wonderfully difficult even under the best of circumstances. Two people heading in opposite directions spiritually is asking for trouble, arguments, and many tears. What's even worse – much worse – is that some believers will compromise their faith to appease their mate and eventually lose their soul. They'll put their spouse above the Lord.

Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. (2 Corinthians 6:14-18)

Some lovely Christian women will spend more time picking out their gown then they will examining the depth of their fiancee's commitment to Christ. Ladies, the man you marry will become your head and spiritual authority that God will expect you to submit to. Have you thought that through? I write this not only to the twenty-somethings, but to you mature women of God too. Loneliness is difficult for sure, but being disobedient isn't the cure. Guard your witness and your ministry. Don't leave your first love. I know of a woman who, despite warnings from others, married the wrong man. She realized it almost immediately after the short honeymoon was over. Then, just a few months later, the right man appeared. Ouch.

Men, sex is great, but it's not everything. Underneath the curvy figure of your bride to be, are you confident there's a heart devoted to Jesus? Would you bet eternity on it? Or will prayer and Bible reading interfere with more worldly things to do? Be wise and don't set yourself up for failure. Unequally yoked marriages are more costly than you can possibly imagine especially when children become part of the picture.

I'm writing a novel that not only involves a unique approach to church fellowship, but also the interesting perils of an unequally yoked marriage. See more about that here.

Marriage and the Bible go together like a hand in glove. God's Word is full of advice and promises for a fulfilling and peaceful relationship to those who read and obey. That helpful advice actually begins before you get married.

Choose wisely.

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Church Ideas – Fun Church Activities

2/27/2011

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Fellowship Should Be A Total Blast!

A friend of mine recently emailed a YouTube video to me that is as informative as it is entertaining. Kudos to Volkswagen for putting this together. It serves as the foundation of this post and a great reminder to us about life in general. Have a look:

The goal of this video project wasn't to get people to make noise or learn how to play the piano with their feet. They wanted to see if they could get more people to take the stairs by making it fun to do. As you saw in the video, they accomplished their mission. They concluded that, “Fun can obviously change behavior for the better.”

This idea should be applied to more areas of our life!

Not sure if taking out the trash will ever be fun...but I'll keep thinking about that one.

If you read the last post about An Interactive Church, then you had a chance to read 1 Cor. 14:26, which is what I like to use as the blueprint for what should happen when we come together as a church:

How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying. (1 Corinthians 14:26)

Having fun isn't the goal of the church coming together, but isn't it a reasonable question to ask if there is room for more spice and variety when we gather as a church?

“Fun” is obviously going to vary from one person to another, but I think it's a worthy topic of discussion. Coming together shouldn't be a chore or something to get through. If we have an attitude of expectation and look forward to what God has in store for us, then the stage is set for wonderful things!

Thou Shalt Not Freak Out!

NOTE:
If you're freaking out reading this because all you
can see is one more thing to add to your already
overloaded schedule, then stop.
This isn't supposed to be more work to do.

In the latter part of Acts 2, here's what we read:

And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. And all that believed were together, and had all things common; And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved. (Acts 2:42-47)

I don't know about you, but that sounds like a good time to me!

Allow me to throw some ideas out there to make a church gathering more fun:

Have a potluck or meet at a restaurant (church should be a spiritual potluck!)
Fellowship at the park, beach, top of a mountain, etc.,
Join forces on needs within the church
Church Fellowship Road Trip to some neat location (everyone in an RV?)
Progressive lunch or dinner with a spiritual topic
Prayer hike
Creative short story writing and sharing
Make a short movie and put it on YouTube

Okay, some of those are more like group projects rather than fellowship enhancements, but a little out of the box thinking now and then doesn't hurt. I'm sure you've got better ideas!

So, enough of me. I'd love to hear your comments. What church ideas have you come up with to make things more exciting and interesting? What works for you just might be exactly what another home church group is looking for!

Fun shouldn't just be limited to childhood, should it? Solomon wrote,

To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven... A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance... (Ecc. 3:1-4)

So long as we're living according to the Word, let's really enjoy our moments with each other. In between our time of weeping and mourning, let's be sure to take time to laugh and to dance!

I think we could all use more wholesome excitement in our lives. Please take a moment to share your comments below on how you creatively season your fellowship with fun!

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An Interactive Church

2/22/2011

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Let's imagine we're going to the movies or a concert. What usually takes place? We drive to a particular location, pay to get in, find our seats, perhaps say hello to those around us, then, we'll watch the visuals or listen to the performance. Afterward, we'll head for the exit and go home.

Is that an accurate summary - minus the popcorn? That's what is expected for those kinds of activities, right? We're supposed to be quiet spectators.

Now, let's take a look at our church experience. Notice any similarities? Is it so similar, that one could conclude that, in practice, church appears to be something we observe?

Over the years, I've found that most of us do what we've been taught to do - especially when it comes to church. We've been taught that church is a weekly event centered around listening to a pastor. Outside of singing a few songs, there's very little participation.

Now contrast this experience with how the Bible describes the gathering of the church:

How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying. (1 Corinthians 14:26)

Is that verse way different then what you're used to? Let me put it this way: If you're a mature saint of God, when was the last time you taught, spoke in tongues or interpreted? Shared a word of wisdom with the church lately?

Look at Paul's words again. How many people should participate? A few or every one? Does Paul describe a spectator church or a participatory church?

Since the church is the body of Christ, let's consider our own bodies for a moment. We have eyes, ears, hands, legs, feet, etc., Do we enjoy having all of our members? Do we like using all of our members? I'll bet we do.

Is it possible that Jesus Christ – as head of his body, the church – likes to have and wants to use all of his members too? I think so. Not only does he want to use each of us, he has gifted each of us to edify (instruct, benefit, uplift) each other. The whole church is to minister to itself.

We've been taught for generations to sit and listen to a singular person preach week after week. But according to the scriptures, all of us should be participating in each other's growth, encouraging and edifying one another.

Unfortunately, the church has become more like a program to watch. Many great teachers have been sidelined by denominational rules. Hundreds of prophets have never been encouraged to speak out what they hear from God. Exhorters have been silenced because they "didn't go to Bible school," and the Holy Ghost has been barred from entrance so there won't be any tongues and therefore no interpretation of tongues.

May I be so bold as to say that part of the reason why America is in the condition it's in spiritually is because of an atrophied church that's become a collection of spectators listening to sermons, rather than the vibrant, interactive body of Christ? Teachers should teach; Evangelists should preach; Exhorters should exhort; Words of wisdom should flow from the wise, workers of miracles should work, tongues should be spoken and interpreters should interpret!

Does that sound like a foreign language? It shouldn't; it's in the Bible. Have a look for yourself in the book of Acts, Rom. 12, I Cor. 12-14, and Eph. 4.

“But Pat, participation like that would never work in our church of over 300 people!”

You're probably right. So, what we need to to is repent and return to scriptures. Did you know that churches meeting in houses is spoken of no less than four times in the New Testament? Believers meeting in small groups was the primary way the church came together, and everyone took part under the oversight of multiple elders.

“Fellowship” has a two-part meaning: Partnership and Participation. Every one of us should be actively involved - not passively listening week and week. But we keep doing it because that's what we've been taught...by people who were taught the same thing. Many leaders today were taught that church is something to run rather than a family to be a part of.

The church Jesus came to build is more exciting than a movie, and more instrumental to society than a concert! It's supposed to be the interactive and dynamic body of Christ the gates of hell won't prevail against! More than ever before, we should act like it.

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Women In The Ministry

2/20/2011

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Wives Submitting To Husbands and The Role of Women In The Ministry...

Won't this be an interesting post!

I was asked recently on whether woman can teach in church or not, so I decided to write out my thoughts. As with all my writings, thank you for reading, but I hope you'll do your own research with an open heart and mind. We should all be searching for the truth – not just the validation of our opinions.

From my perspective, I believe we have multiple topics here that should be addressed individually:

Ministry – This isn't some lofty position, but rather, any act of service to another. Giving a glass of water to someone who's thirsty is ministry at that moment.

Culture and Society – Some believe that certain parts of the Bible aren't relevant to us because of cultural differences. Is that what God said? Or did he say, Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away. (Matthew 24:35) His Word trumps culture everywhere, every time.

Wives Submitting To Husbands – Back in Genesis, God made man from the dust of the earth. Then he saw that it wasn't good idea for man to be alone, so he made women from the man and for the man. Whether you like how God did things isn't the point; That's how he did it. If you have a problem with that, you have a problem with God.

Now, before you ladies roll your eyes and leave, please hear me out and read this entire post because you may not have heard what I'm about to say before.

Because of disobedience back in the garden of Eden, God cursed the ground, the serpent, women and men. Here's what every woman has Eve to thank for:

Unto the woman he said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee. (Genesis 3:16)

You've probably noticed that the pain in childbearing hasn't changed...well...neither has that other pain. Now here are the specific verses dealing with women teaching in the church:

1 Corinthians 14:34-35 Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law. And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church.

1 Timothy 2:11-14 Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection. But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence. For Adam was first formed, then Eve. And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression.

Remember, culture isn't the point. The curses fell upon men and women long before our unique cultures developed. So what are the real issues here in these verses?

Obedience. Learning. Subjection. Usurping Authority.

Notice how Paul puts it in the second verse. He says, “But I suffer not a woman to teach...” He didn't allow it. That's not the same as “Thus saith the Lord...”

Anyway, here's my take on things: According to the scriptures woman are to be subject to their husbands. If a husband doesn't want their wife to speak or teach in church, they shouldn't. Period. But what does that say about the husband...?

Some of the greatest spiritual truths I've learned have come from women. God has used wonderful women to pray with me, give me godly advice, and to tell me what I've needed to hear - not just in private conversation, but in the church.

Treating others the way I want to be treated should start with my marriage. If I want to be used of God, shouldn't I allow for my wife be used of God too? If obedience and subjection are the key issues, how does that change if a husband gives all the liberty to his wife he allows for himself and others? It changes everything. I'm not talking about asking endless questions - like some of us men can do - but if a woman has the gift of prophecy, teaching or exhortation, why not give her room to edify the church?

"But Pat, you don't know my husband. He's a obstinate jerk."

Then why did you marry him?

If submission to your husband seems difficult, then consider how the Creator of the Universe took on the form of a servant, and humbled himself to his own creation. He submitted to Joseph and Mary, the laws of God and man and even the butchery of crucifixion. He's the example we need to follow.

Wives submitting to husbands is absolutely biblical. So is the command for men to love their wives. I think a man can show great love to both his wife and to the church by allowing her to teach and preach if he sees that God is with her.

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Praying In The Holy Ghost

2/10/2011

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My heart goes out to anyone who's ever been told that receiving the Holy Ghost as described in the Book of Acts is not for them today. Speaking in tongues or praying in tongues is a decisive topic today and it shouldn't be! The blessings that come with being filled and renewed with the Holy Ghost are so numerous it defies description. Speaking in tongues is not only biblical, it's encouraged for both personal edification and in specific situations when the church comes together. If you don't believe in the need to be filled with the Spirit, fine. This post isn't for you.

This post is for those who understand the power of the Holy Ghost, and more specifically, for those who know what “praying through” means. In my time of much needed prayer this morning, I was reminded of a few things about praying in the Holy Ghost I'd to share with you here. Perhaps you can relate.

First, if you haven't noticed, God's ways don't always make sense to our mind, do they? The Bible is filled with situations that defy the intellect. But when a person obeys the Lord, no matter how odd his ways seem, the Lord God blesses! If we try to live with our minds first, we are going to miss God. That's not to say that God's people shouldn't be thinkers – on the contrary! Rather, we should be smart enough to know that there's more to life than what we can see, hear or calculate. It's important to understand the limits of our natural minds...

For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. (Romans 8:5-8)

Praying in the Spirit transforms our thinking because it bypasses the mind and edifies the spirit. With a renewed spirit, our priorities change, our blurry vision is cleared and a whole new dimension to life is opened up.

But you already knew that.

Secondly, praying in the Holy Ghost isn't something we do for God – it's what we need for ourselves! The unburdening of the heart, the transforming of our mind, and the clearing of the soul are amazing. Yet, too often we'll forfeit this holy resource. We'll tightly pack our day with things to do and wonder what happened to the peace we used to have. Jesus cried way back when and still cries out to us today...

If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive...) (John 7:37-39)

Couldn't we all use a drink of that?

Finally, praying in the Holy Ghost gives us something else: rest.

For with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to this people. To whom he said, This is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest; and this is the refreshing: yet they would not hear. (Isaiah 28:11-12)

If someone has told you that the Holy Ghost isn't for you, may I encourage you to talk directly to God about that yourself? I'll take the promises of God in the Bible over man's word any day! Paul prayed with the spirit (1 Cor. 14:15) and even commanded that we be filled with the Spirit (Eph. 5:18). He even boasted that he spoke with tongues more than others. He knew the value of spiritual refreshing and what it can do for us.

Jude put it this way: But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. (Jude 1:20-21)

Don't let another day slip away without praying in the Spirit. You'll find a clarity and a peace that you've been missing and wonder why in the world you've gone so long without it!

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Update On The Book...

2/6/2011

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Some have asked me how my book is progressing. If you don't know, I'm writing a fictional story about a young man's pursuit of God that leads to making a difficult choice between mega-church glory or truth and righteousness far away from the spot light. I just finished writing out the high point of the story, and now I'm starting to wrap everything up. It's been an interesting journey so far, and there's plenty more to come.

Some might argue whether we have to make a choice like this or not. Are mega-churches bad and something to shy away from? My answer is the same no matter what the church size is: Is truth according to the scriptures taught? Is the same gospel the apostles taught in Acts preached? And is the church encouraged to edify itself according to the outline given to us in 1 Corinthians 14? If these key elements are in place, things are probably good. If not...well...that's between you and God. Paul wrote to the church at Philppi...
Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. (Philippians 2:12)
That's not me being wishy-washy; that's me not being your conscience. When I started on this lengthy journey toward church in my home, the Lord didn't just flash me sign telling me what to do. In fact, he said, "I'm not going to just give the answers. I want you to look it up. I want you to be able to show others why you're doing what you're doing." Whatever your church direction, can you find where you are on the map of the scriptures? Are you in the Word or are you doing your own thing? By the way, you can be doing your own thing surrounded by hundreds of others...I'll keep you posted to the progress of the book!

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Positive Words That Speak Life

1/10/2011

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My wife and I were conversing the other day about a particular situation in our lives we'd like to see change. Because the signs around this situation don't look very positive, it's easy to conclude that things won't be improving any time soon. We spoke as though things are not going to change. But as people of faith, is that how we should live?

It's true that things may not change soon. On the other hand, it's also true that God is bigger than any situation. The question is, on which side will we put our faith?

While listening to my wife, I thought about the power of our words and how those words reveal where our hearts are. I felt to remind us both to speak life.

If I pray for someone to be healed, but speak as though they never will be, what does that say about my faith? What does it say about my confidence in the power of God? If I truly believe that my Lord can do anything, then my speech should back up that belief. I should speak positive words of faith.

If I'm looking for a job in a tough economy, instead of telling myself, "Man, no one is hiring," I could say, "Thank you Jesus for the doors you're opening and for the opportunities your're leading me to!" Yes that can be easier said than done. But does God take notice of our faith and attitude? Have a look...

But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. (Hebrews 11:6)

By speaking life, I don't mean we should just spout empty words to sound like we have faith. Faith is something we get by the Word of God and experience.

A politician we know of ran on a platform of “Hope and Change.” He didn't have much experience, nor did he have any specifics about what “Hope and Change” meant, but regardless, he won his campaign. Before long however, his inexperience caught up to him, and his words have fallen flat. Without real world experience and a track record of accomplishment, words are just words. The phrase, “Hope and Change” is a joke today.

By contrast, a young shepherd boy told a king he could defeat a giant and bring victory to his people. It sounded pretty far fetched. A shepherd in his youth going up against a giant who's been a warrior from his youth? Are you kidding? But keep reading...

And David said unto Saul, Thy servant kept his father's sheep, and there came a lion, and a bear, and took a lamb out of the flock: And I went out after him, and smote him, and delivered it out of his mouth: and when he arose against me, I caught him by his beard, and smote him, and slew him. Thy servant slew both the lion and the bear: and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be as one of them, seeing he hath defied the armies of the living God. (1 Samuel 17:34-36)

David's hope was founded on his past experiences with God. He spoke life and faith to this challenge because he knew his God was able. It's good to remind ourselves of our past victories and encourage ourselves in our God!

We should speak life and positive words of faith because our God is Mighty! He is Powerful! He is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us! His word is true and his track record is stunning.

If speaking positive words of faith is difficult, read Psalm 34 (KJV) out loud, once a day for the rest of the month. Let's brag about our God and remind ourselves of past victories, and even greater ones to come!

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