Do not be misled: "Bad company corrupts good character." -1Cor 15:33 (NIV)
By far, one of the greatest parts of watching the Super Bowl is always the commercials. Although as Christians we should not promote habits such as drinking and whatnot, a good variety of humor with good messages can be portrayed, even during the game. I must say, however, this past year was by far one of the most disgusting displays of our culture's perception of the world that I have ever seen. Follow me on this: My fiancee' and I were over at some friends' house with our children. We were all enjoying a great game, eating tons of food, and enjoying good fellowship. The children that were present were between the ages of nine and fourteen. If you remember correctly, the variety of commercials that played that day ranged from showing disgusting horror images, to Eminem saying "D--m" on TV, and of course- several commercials with sexual innuendo. The latter included the (unfortunately) infamous GoDaddy commercials, a florist business with a term referring to a woman's anatomy, and a pointless and tasteless appearing of Kim Kardashian in a shoe commercial. All of this was not only being poured into our children's heads- but hundreds of thousands worldwide!
As fathers, it is one of our greatest responsibilities to build a strong and deep foundation in our children when it comes to God's statutes and to ensure that they will not be swayed by such shallow influences. If and when situations arise that our children are exposed to media or examples of worldly influence, it is our responsibility as fathers to immediately identify the foul and correct the moment in a godly way. Possibly you could make a comment such as, "I wish they wouldn't play commercials like that."- thus sparking an opportunity to witness to your child; or immediately back it up with Scripture or a fun experience. Whatever the choice, make sure that YOUR impression is the one that sticks in your kid's mind- not the destructive one.
The greatest impact will come, however, when our children see that we actually model the behavior that we promote. Credibility can be lost in a heartbeat should we slip by swearing in front of our children, watching something racy or gory without them (but have them catch us), or laughing at crude humor. We must constantly keep our eyes on the cross and the world to our backs. Only then, will we continue to die to self and have the light of Jesus shine from the inside out through us. Dad, let your light shine! (Luke 11:33-36)
"Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord." -Eph 6:4 (NASB)
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Who you are in Christ
When I first became a father and then a Christian, my whole world had just been turned upside down. You see, for about 99% of my life I had lived the typical "worldly" and "bachelor" life. Money, women, and partying were at the top of my list every week- with no thoughts to repercussions or consequences. However, that all began to change from 2006 and on.
Today I consider myself a disciple of Christ and a godly father. I have nailed my old ways to the cross and strive daily to improve myself as a child of God. So how did I get there? I needed to learn (and continue to do so) who I am in Jesus Christ.
KNOW YOUR BLOODLINE
The bible tells us that Adam and Eve were the first humans created by God. We were created in His image, and Adam even walked with the Lord in the cool of the evening in the Garden of Eden. We were created for fellowship with God! But then sin entered in the world and perverted the whole thing. Later down the line, the Lord made a covenant with Abraham and told him that he would become the father of many nations. Eventually, through the lineage of David, Jesus was born in order to bring the world back to God's original plan of fellowship. Through the power of the Holy Spirit and a dying of the flesh, Jesus rose and took His rightful place as the Savior of the world. (Romans 1:3-5) We, too, must die to the flesh in order to receive our true bloodline and be brought back into fellowship with God! (Matt 16:24-26)
KNOW YOUR FAMILY
I was born into a dysfunctional family, and my guess I am not the only one, right? However, I soon learned after giving my life to Jesus, that I am not defined by my earthly family, and that a new family lineage can begin with me! One of the scriptures that I hold on to constantly is 1Peter 1:23, "for you have been born again not of a seed which is perishable but imperishable, that is, through the living and enduring word of God." What that means is even though we are born of earthly family lineage, that all changes when we give our lives to the Lord. Jesus confirms who His (our) true family is in Matthew 12:46-50. We are NOT defined by our earthly families, surroundings, social status, addictions, our pasts, and by the world! We ARE defined as children of the living God- heirs to the Kingdom of God!
KNOW YOUR INHERITANCE!
"So that being justified by His grace we would be made heirs according to the hope in eternal life." -Titus 3:7 (NASB)
Our God is the best Father we could ever pray for, and like every good Dad, he leaves an inheritance to His children. Only this time, the inheritance has eternal blessings. Once we step into the Kingdom of God, our eternal future changes for good. We are given crowns of righteousness (2Tim 4:8) and our validation/protection comes from the Lord Himself (Isaiah 54:17). We are sealed from anything this world can do to harm us, and in so- we can ensure the same for our children. Dad, if you haven't made the decision to follow Christ with all of your heart, today is the day. Thank Him for being the Father that He is; know where your true family lineage lies; accept His grace and forgiveness; and be ready to receive your inheritance! Once you've accepted Jesus fully as your Lord and Savior, understand that our job is to steward our kids in the same way- for God's purposes. Lead them the way they should be led, and show them that not only are you a great daddy, but their Father loves them more than they could ever comprehend!
God bless you all.
Today I consider myself a disciple of Christ and a godly father. I have nailed my old ways to the cross and strive daily to improve myself as a child of God. So how did I get there? I needed to learn (and continue to do so) who I am in Jesus Christ.
KNOW YOUR BLOODLINE
The bible tells us that Adam and Eve were the first humans created by God. We were created in His image, and Adam even walked with the Lord in the cool of the evening in the Garden of Eden. We were created for fellowship with God! But then sin entered in the world and perverted the whole thing. Later down the line, the Lord made a covenant with Abraham and told him that he would become the father of many nations. Eventually, through the lineage of David, Jesus was born in order to bring the world back to God's original plan of fellowship. Through the power of the Holy Spirit and a dying of the flesh, Jesus rose and took His rightful place as the Savior of the world. (Romans 1:3-5) We, too, must die to the flesh in order to receive our true bloodline and be brought back into fellowship with God! (Matt 16:24-26)
KNOW YOUR FAMILY
I was born into a dysfunctional family, and my guess I am not the only one, right? However, I soon learned after giving my life to Jesus, that I am not defined by my earthly family, and that a new family lineage can begin with me! One of the scriptures that I hold on to constantly is 1Peter 1:23, "for you have been born again not of a seed which is perishable but imperishable, that is, through the living and enduring word of God." What that means is even though we are born of earthly family lineage, that all changes when we give our lives to the Lord. Jesus confirms who His (our) true family is in Matthew 12:46-50. We are NOT defined by our earthly families, surroundings, social status, addictions, our pasts, and by the world! We ARE defined as children of the living God- heirs to the Kingdom of God!
KNOW YOUR INHERITANCE!
"So that being justified by His grace we would be made heirs according to the hope in eternal life." -Titus 3:7 (NASB)
Our God is the best Father we could ever pray for, and like every good Dad, he leaves an inheritance to His children. Only this time, the inheritance has eternal blessings. Once we step into the Kingdom of God, our eternal future changes for good. We are given crowns of righteousness (2Tim 4:8) and our validation/protection comes from the Lord Himself (Isaiah 54:17). We are sealed from anything this world can do to harm us, and in so- we can ensure the same for our children. Dad, if you haven't made the decision to follow Christ with all of your heart, today is the day. Thank Him for being the Father that He is; know where your true family lineage lies; accept His grace and forgiveness; and be ready to receive your inheritance! Once you've accepted Jesus fully as your Lord and Savior, understand that our job is to steward our kids in the same way- for God's purposes. Lead them the way they should be led, and show them that not only are you a great daddy, but their Father loves them more than they could ever comprehend!
God bless you all.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
True Rest
“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and YOU WILL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS. For My yoke is easy and my burden is light.” –Matt 11:28-30 (NASB)
I have a close friend that I work with who recently lost his sister, Michelle, at the tender age of 47 after a long battle with diabetes. Now, I did not know Michelle personally, but after a great memorial service, I felt that I had a much better understanding of what a wonderful person she truly was. Michelle was a very upbeat person- the kind of woman that made everyone else around her better when she was near. Although she never had any kids of her own, Michelle also took on a motherly or mentoring personality over several individuals. She was strong in her faith and walked in a matter worthy of a Christ follower.
Eventually Michelle was struck with type 1 diabetes. Her body began to shut down, even to the point that she had to have one of her legs removed. Michelle would not let something like the loss of a leg slow her down, she even made jokes like, “I’m a foot shorter now.” She was a strong woman of faith and courage, and she passed in the winter of 2011.
My friend and I talked about Michelle’s life and passing at work; we prayed and thanked the Lord for the miracle of her life; and even though it is always hard losing a loved one- my buddy told me where he found the greatest peace in all of this. You see, near the end of her time here on earth, Michelle was living at home with her family. She would always fall asleep in the living room chair, but one day when her father went to wake her- she was gone. As he recalled the final day of Michelle’s life, my friend shared with me that Michelle had died with a smile on her face. She knew it was time to leave this world and a dying body. It was a time to rejoice as she was about to enter into the arms of her Savior, to a place where there is no more pain and no more tears, but only a love and comfort that we will all know one day. Michelle died with a smile on her face because she had finally found that eternal rest for her soul.
I have a close friend that I work with who recently lost his sister, Michelle, at the tender age of 47 after a long battle with diabetes. Now, I did not know Michelle personally, but after a great memorial service, I felt that I had a much better understanding of what a wonderful person she truly was. Michelle was a very upbeat person- the kind of woman that made everyone else around her better when she was near. Although she never had any kids of her own, Michelle also took on a motherly or mentoring personality over several individuals. She was strong in her faith and walked in a matter worthy of a Christ follower.
Eventually Michelle was struck with type 1 diabetes. Her body began to shut down, even to the point that she had to have one of her legs removed. Michelle would not let something like the loss of a leg slow her down, she even made jokes like, “I’m a foot shorter now.” She was a strong woman of faith and courage, and she passed in the winter of 2011.
My friend and I talked about Michelle’s life and passing at work; we prayed and thanked the Lord for the miracle of her life; and even though it is always hard losing a loved one- my buddy told me where he found the greatest peace in all of this. You see, near the end of her time here on earth, Michelle was living at home with her family. She would always fall asleep in the living room chair, but one day when her father went to wake her- she was gone. As he recalled the final day of Michelle’s life, my friend shared with me that Michelle had died with a smile on her face. She knew it was time to leave this world and a dying body. It was a time to rejoice as she was about to enter into the arms of her Savior, to a place where there is no more pain and no more tears, but only a love and comfort that we will all know one day. Michelle died with a smile on her face because she had finally found that eternal rest for her soul.
A Father's Love
“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)
I chose to open with the most well known scripture for one reason in particular: that as fathers, we must know how loved we are so that we can then love our children the same. God our Father loved EVERY SINGLE ONE of us so much, that He sent Christ to die in our place once and for all. Our debt was paid in full on Calvary, now we must accept His love with our hearts wide open. For some of us, that may be hard. Although single dads yourselves, many of you (myself included) came from a home without a father. It's hard to grasp the concept of an “Abba” Father- one who loves us unconditionally, and will never leave or abandon us. (Deut. 31:8; Josh 1:5) Once we've accepted the fact God loves us enough to send Jesus to die in our place, we move onto another level- laying our lives down for our children. “We know love by this, that He laid down His life for us; and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.” (1John 3:16) As followers of Christ, and as fathers- our children are relying on us nowadays more than ever. Kids are screaming for attention in so many ways, and often the cries go unheard. They are acting out through a variety of disastrous methods, sometimes hurting themselves or others. A loving word, hug, or act from dad will mean more to a child than we could ever know. Even at 34 years old, I would absolutely be floored with emotions to hear the words “I love you” or “I'm proud of you” come from my dad. It's never too late dad- tell your kids what they mean to you. Get involved in their lives. Find out where their interests are and where their dreams can take them. If you do these things and keep Jesus as your ultimate example, love God with everything you got, and listen to what your kids are saying- you will become more of a father than you ever thought you were capable of. I know, because that's what happened to me.
I chose to open with the most well known scripture for one reason in particular: that as fathers, we must know how loved we are so that we can then love our children the same. God our Father loved EVERY SINGLE ONE of us so much, that He sent Christ to die in our place once and for all. Our debt was paid in full on Calvary, now we must accept His love with our hearts wide open. For some of us, that may be hard. Although single dads yourselves, many of you (myself included) came from a home without a father. It's hard to grasp the concept of an “Abba” Father- one who loves us unconditionally, and will never leave or abandon us. (Deut. 31:8; Josh 1:5) Once we've accepted the fact God loves us enough to send Jesus to die in our place, we move onto another level- laying our lives down for our children. “We know love by this, that He laid down His life for us; and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.” (1John 3:16) As followers of Christ, and as fathers- our children are relying on us nowadays more than ever. Kids are screaming for attention in so many ways, and often the cries go unheard. They are acting out through a variety of disastrous methods, sometimes hurting themselves or others. A loving word, hug, or act from dad will mean more to a child than we could ever know. Even at 34 years old, I would absolutely be floored with emotions to hear the words “I love you” or “I'm proud of you” come from my dad. It's never too late dad- tell your kids what they mean to you. Get involved in their lives. Find out where their interests are and where their dreams can take them. If you do these things and keep Jesus as your ultimate example, love God with everything you got, and listen to what your kids are saying- you will become more of a father than you ever thought you were capable of. I know, because that's what happened to me.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Take Up Your Cross
Then Jesus said to His disciples, "If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul?" (Matthew 16:24-26)
So here we are in the middle of the holiest of weeks. Palm Sunday has passed, and 2000+ years ago at this time, Jesus was just about to be captured in the Garden of Gethsemane. He has sat down for one last meal with His closest of friends, and vowed He would not eat or drink again until he was seated at the right hand of the Father. Jesus is praying to God in the garden that this cup may pass Him, but has submitted His will to His Father. (Matt 26:39, Mark 14:36) We know the story- Jesus is captured, tried, beaten, and eventually crucified on the cross. This is where our modern day history begins.
We all fall short of God's glory- period. (Romans 3:23, Ecc. 7:20) But that's not the point- it's what we do with our lives that honors God. The day of Resurrection freed us from the seperation of God once and for all- it never needs to be repeated, ever. (Rom. 5:19) Jesus tells us that we must lay our lives down, often putting earthly pleasures to death. We are to "take up our cross" and follow Him. I once heard it said that the Christian life isn't a playground- it's a battleground. How true that is. Taking up our cross means laying our lives down and often doing things we don't want to do. But if we keep our eyes on Christ, God WILL glorify us! (1Peter 5:10) Ultimately, it's our salvation- the submission of our lives, bodies, and hearts to Christ that guarantees our eternal home in Heaven. By losing our lives, we will find a life in Christ that this world can never provide- just read my testimony for an example. I laid down a life of pride and immorality to receive one of true agape love and forgiveness.
Read the gospel(s) this weekend. Watch "The Passion of the Christ". Really focus on what this week is all about, and remember, no matter what you're going through right now- "It may be Friday, but Sunday's coming!" Have a blessed week.
So here we are in the middle of the holiest of weeks. Palm Sunday has passed, and 2000+ years ago at this time, Jesus was just about to be captured in the Garden of Gethsemane. He has sat down for one last meal with His closest of friends, and vowed He would not eat or drink again until he was seated at the right hand of the Father. Jesus is praying to God in the garden that this cup may pass Him, but has submitted His will to His Father. (Matt 26:39, Mark 14:36) We know the story- Jesus is captured, tried, beaten, and eventually crucified on the cross. This is where our modern day history begins.
We all fall short of God's glory- period. (Romans 3:23, Ecc. 7:20) But that's not the point- it's what we do with our lives that honors God. The day of Resurrection freed us from the seperation of God once and for all- it never needs to be repeated, ever. (Rom. 5:19) Jesus tells us that we must lay our lives down, often putting earthly pleasures to death. We are to "take up our cross" and follow Him. I once heard it said that the Christian life isn't a playground- it's a battleground. How true that is. Taking up our cross means laying our lives down and often doing things we don't want to do. But if we keep our eyes on Christ, God WILL glorify us! (1Peter 5:10) Ultimately, it's our salvation- the submission of our lives, bodies, and hearts to Christ that guarantees our eternal home in Heaven. By losing our lives, we will find a life in Christ that this world can never provide- just read my testimony for an example. I laid down a life of pride and immorality to receive one of true agape love and forgiveness.
Read the gospel(s) this weekend. Watch "The Passion of the Christ". Really focus on what this week is all about, and remember, no matter what you're going through right now- "It may be Friday, but Sunday's coming!" Have a blessed week.
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Accountability
Hey everyone, today I'm going to talk to you about what I believe is one of the most important (and most over looked) aspects of every believer's walk- accountability. I can just hear the sighs and "ugh's" now- but stay with me. It is an extremely important topic, and a vital part to staying connected with God. Webster's defines accountability as "an obligation or willingness to accept responsibility or to account for one's actions." So why do we need accountability? How will it help us? Let's look at what God's Word says about that...
1. Importance of Accountability
"Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor. For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. But woe to the one who falls when there is not another to lift him up." (Ecc. 4:9-10) Everyone needs a support system- as it was explained to me, someone to hold my "feet to the fire." There are two main reasons for this. The first is because if there is no accountability, we don't have to answer to anyone. Yes, we know God is always present- but don't we have a habit as humans to pretend we're behind closed doors- keeping our sin hidden? It is MUCH harder to have to answer to someone face to face consistently than it is to hide in shame. Ever heard of the "definition of integrity"? It's "Doing the right things when no one else is looking." Ouch. The second reason we need to be held accountable is because as the above verse says- if we fall, we need someone there to catch us. Because chances are, once we fall- it could lead to falling further and further. Before we know it, Satan has us completely bound in our sin. However, if we have an accountability partner, this self destructive pattern could be stopped. Listen to what James says: "My brethren, if any among you strays from the truth and one turns him back, let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins." (James 5:19-20)
2. Issues of Accountability
"But encourage one another day after day, as long as it is still called 'Today', so that none of you will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin." (Hebrews 3:13) Let's face it- we ALL have something that needs to be brought into the light. For some, it may be a dark and ugly sin that we do not want exposed. For others, it may be something that we over look on an every day basis, but it is slowly chipping away at our hearts. Now in reference to the latter, I am speaking of topics such as anger, bitterness, gossip, and slander. These may be something we say, "Well, I'm not addicted to anything, and I'm not hurting anyone." Wrong. The truth is, our words can be far more devastating than our actions, and by the way- as a child of God, we are called to pure holiness. (See my previous blog "On the Fence") As far as the dark and ugly goes- just remember, once you except Jesus into your life, you are free once and for all. There may still be strongholds over your life, but they can be broken. God loves you no matter what, but it is His desire to see every single one of His children flourish. And- as we all know, darkness can NOT survive once it's exposed to the light! It may be painful at first, but I promise if you stick with it- Jesus will free you from the bondage and strongholds!
3. Increasing of Accountability
"Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed." (James 5:16) So where do we go from here? My first suggestion would be to pray and fast- asking God what sins need to be brought to the surface. The second would to be for Him to place someone in your life as an accountability partner. This should be someone with whom you can have regular contact (men with men; women with women- no exceptions), and can ask/tell them absolutely anything. You are giving them the green light to ask the tough questions, but all in the Name of Jesus- to help each other increase your walks. Try to get together on a regular basis- once a week is great. If for some reason you can't get together in person that week, do it over the phone or through email. Once again, it may be hard at first, but stick with it. You are a sitting duck if Satan can get you alone, but if "two or more" have gathered in Jesus' Name- Satan will be crushed! (Matt 18:18-20)
In His Name,
Matt
1. Importance of Accountability
"Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor. For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. But woe to the one who falls when there is not another to lift him up." (Ecc. 4:9-10) Everyone needs a support system- as it was explained to me, someone to hold my "feet to the fire." There are two main reasons for this. The first is because if there is no accountability, we don't have to answer to anyone. Yes, we know God is always present- but don't we have a habit as humans to pretend we're behind closed doors- keeping our sin hidden? It is MUCH harder to have to answer to someone face to face consistently than it is to hide in shame. Ever heard of the "definition of integrity"? It's "Doing the right things when no one else is looking." Ouch. The second reason we need to be held accountable is because as the above verse says- if we fall, we need someone there to catch us. Because chances are, once we fall- it could lead to falling further and further. Before we know it, Satan has us completely bound in our sin. However, if we have an accountability partner, this self destructive pattern could be stopped. Listen to what James says: "My brethren, if any among you strays from the truth and one turns him back, let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins." (James 5:19-20)
2. Issues of Accountability
"But encourage one another day after day, as long as it is still called 'Today', so that none of you will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin." (Hebrews 3:13) Let's face it- we ALL have something that needs to be brought into the light. For some, it may be a dark and ugly sin that we do not want exposed. For others, it may be something that we over look on an every day basis, but it is slowly chipping away at our hearts. Now in reference to the latter, I am speaking of topics such as anger, bitterness, gossip, and slander. These may be something we say, "Well, I'm not addicted to anything, and I'm not hurting anyone." Wrong. The truth is, our words can be far more devastating than our actions, and by the way- as a child of God, we are called to pure holiness. (See my previous blog "On the Fence") As far as the dark and ugly goes- just remember, once you except Jesus into your life, you are free once and for all. There may still be strongholds over your life, but they can be broken. God loves you no matter what, but it is His desire to see every single one of His children flourish. And- as we all know, darkness can NOT survive once it's exposed to the light! It may be painful at first, but I promise if you stick with it- Jesus will free you from the bondage and strongholds!
3. Increasing of Accountability
"Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed." (James 5:16) So where do we go from here? My first suggestion would be to pray and fast- asking God what sins need to be brought to the surface. The second would to be for Him to place someone in your life as an accountability partner. This should be someone with whom you can have regular contact (men with men; women with women- no exceptions), and can ask/tell them absolutely anything. You are giving them the green light to ask the tough questions, but all in the Name of Jesus- to help each other increase your walks. Try to get together on a regular basis- once a week is great. If for some reason you can't get together in person that week, do it over the phone or through email. Once again, it may be hard at first, but stick with it. You are a sitting duck if Satan can get you alone, but if "two or more" have gathered in Jesus' Name- Satan will be crushed! (Matt 18:18-20)
In His Name,
Matt
Saturday, March 6, 2010
On the Fence
"If we say that we have fellowship with Him and yet walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth" (1John 1:6)
I'm in the middle of reading the book "Extraordinary- The Life You're Meant to Live" by John Bevere right now. So far, I have found it to be one of the most moving, motivational, and convicting books I have read in a long time. A good portion of the book Bevere refers to the power we have inside of us once we come to Christ- a power that completely smashes every bondage and stronghold Satan has over us. However, many of us Christians continue to practice our old ways- even once we've been set free. The bottom line is, once Jesus sets us free, we no longer have any excuses to continue to live in sin.
"The one who says he abides in Him ought himself to walk in the same manner as He walked." (1John 2:6) As Christians and as fathers, we need to learn how to tap into that power and walk the way we were created to do so. God created us for His pleasure and His enjoyment- not to take advantage of His grace and Jesus' death on the cross. God is holy, and through our salvation- so are we. (1Peter 1:14-16) We need to decide if we are going to do the bare minimum in our walk, and therefore, receive the bare minimum rewards once we reach Heaven; or are we going to dive in feet first- Christ as our Leader and take on anything and all that this world dishes out to us? I believe in the latter, you know why? Because if any of you guys who are single fathers (and anyone else for that matter) are reading this- you have already been through a tremendous amount of struggle. I for one am a fighter- God saved me not only from physical death, but from eternal hell as well- and I choose to live my life for His glory!
"For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God with your body." (1Cor. 6:20)
Don't straddle the fence anymore. Stop doing the bare minimum, or making excuses. I know the fight is tough- and the enemy loves to toy with our minds. But guess what?!? That's all he has- just tricks. Once you are a child of God through Jesus Christ, sin is no longer your master. Stand up and fight back, put on the full armor of God. When you choose to follow God with everything you have (Matthew 22:37), He will unlock greater blessings than we could have ever known! We are holy. We are righteous. "...however, let us keep living by the same standard to which we have attained." (Phil. 3:16) I pray that we all continue to seek our Lord constantly and achieve our FULL potential in Christ. We all have a God- given ministry deep inside of us, let's unlock it and help expand God's Kingdom here on earth. (John 15:16)
"So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed!" (John 8:36)
I'm in the middle of reading the book "Extraordinary- The Life You're Meant to Live" by John Bevere right now. So far, I have found it to be one of the most moving, motivational, and convicting books I have read in a long time. A good portion of the book Bevere refers to the power we have inside of us once we come to Christ- a power that completely smashes every bondage and stronghold Satan has over us. However, many of us Christians continue to practice our old ways- even once we've been set free. The bottom line is, once Jesus sets us free, we no longer have any excuses to continue to live in sin.
"The one who says he abides in Him ought himself to walk in the same manner as He walked." (1John 2:6) As Christians and as fathers, we need to learn how to tap into that power and walk the way we were created to do so. God created us for His pleasure and His enjoyment- not to take advantage of His grace and Jesus' death on the cross. God is holy, and through our salvation- so are we. (1Peter 1:14-16) We need to decide if we are going to do the bare minimum in our walk, and therefore, receive the bare minimum rewards once we reach Heaven; or are we going to dive in feet first- Christ as our Leader and take on anything and all that this world dishes out to us? I believe in the latter, you know why? Because if any of you guys who are single fathers (and anyone else for that matter) are reading this- you have already been through a tremendous amount of struggle. I for one am a fighter- God saved me not only from physical death, but from eternal hell as well- and I choose to live my life for His glory!
"For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God with your body." (1Cor. 6:20)
Don't straddle the fence anymore. Stop doing the bare minimum, or making excuses. I know the fight is tough- and the enemy loves to toy with our minds. But guess what?!? That's all he has- just tricks. Once you are a child of God through Jesus Christ, sin is no longer your master. Stand up and fight back, put on the full armor of God. When you choose to follow God with everything you have (Matthew 22:37), He will unlock greater blessings than we could have ever known! We are holy. We are righteous. "...however, let us keep living by the same standard to which we have attained." (Phil. 3:16) I pray that we all continue to seek our Lord constantly and achieve our FULL potential in Christ. We all have a God- given ministry deep inside of us, let's unlock it and help expand God's Kingdom here on earth. (John 15:16)
"So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed!" (John 8:36)
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