But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever. Amen. 2 Peter 3:18 (KJV)

Every Christian is commanded to grow. There must be spiritual progress. Jesus taught that every branch (person) in Him is expected to produce fruit. This is a sign of growth. Spiritual growth is challenging process, but has eternal rewards. In striving for personal development, the Christian has to overcome faulty self-perception, the opinions of others, and the lies that the enemy may bring to the mind. Therefore, we want to offer four keys that Christians can employ to stimulate personal growth in their lives and in their walk with Christ.

Respect the Lord – If you do not respect the Lord, you will not follow His commands, frustrating your growth. Wisdom precedes growth and wisdom is achieved through the fear of the Lord. If you want to grow, you have to have a respect and reverence for God, His Word, and His Standards. Without these, you will not have the proper perspective and passion for personal growth.

Rely on the Bible – The Bible reveals God’s eternal plans and purposes. As we rely on it as our standard for living, growth is a direct by-product. If you want to grow, it has to be done through applying the principles of scripture to daily living.

Rehearse Your Needs in Prayer – Personal growth will not be achieved without consistency in prayer. In prayer, you can express to Christ your concerns and areas of weakness. In prayer, you can receive strength to overcome obstacles; including self-imposed obstacles. Prayer raises your sensitivity to Christ. Hence, your heart will be open to change which leads to growth. Jesus said that men should always pray and not faint. Do not give up on prayer because you do not see immediate results, for it will have eternal rewards.

Redirect Your Desires – When we hear the word “desires,” we usually think of fleshly lusts. Though it is a part of desire, desires also include wanting things to go a certain way or feeling we are right in our opinions. If your desires are not redirected, you will not be open to correction and discipline. Every Christian has to be disciplined in their lifestyle and manner. In doing so, you will overcome the desire to please yourself. In turn, your desires will be redirected towards pleasing God. This will definitely lead to growth.

Personal growth does require persistence. However, it can be a consistent element in your life because we can do all things through Jesus. God wants the Christian to mature in Him. So, if you want to grow, you will receive strength and support. He will help you. Understand you have no excuse: be determined – Don’t Stop Growing.

Well there you have it. Until next time, continue in Him who is faithful. If you would like more inspirational materials, this and more is included in my book, “Is there a Word from the Lord? (Book II),” which can be found at Kingdom Builders Publishing.

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Everything created has a beginning and an end. We expect things at some point in time to stop. However, as Christians, there is something that we cannot ever stop doing; that is, we cannot stop believing in our God. Foundational to the Christian life is the ability to have faith; that is, believe. Without a belief in the work of God through Jesus Christ, one cannot enter into salvation. Moreover, the obtained salvation cannot be maintained without an ever growing faith, hope, and belief in God.

Our belief in God has to go beyond a general belief in His existence. It has to expand to a solid belief in His power and ability to move on our behalf. Why do Christians stop believing that God is willing to move on their behalf? Even after He has done so many things apparently, it can still be difficult to trust Him. Many are double-minded: they swing between believing and not believing. Yet, it is time now to strengthen our faith in Christ again. We have to have a daily, active faith in our Christian walk.

Christians may not wrestle with belief in His existence, but they do wrestle with belief in His willingness to intervene in their life affairs. In this state, spiritual development is frustrated. This type of erroneous thinking frustrates many. Causes for this thinking vary from individual to individual. Some do not believe because they do not think they deserve anything from God. Others feel that they have done so much wrong that God could not possibly hear their requests. Yet, others feel that if they are not a “called” person then God is not concerned about them. All of these thoughts are inconsistent with sound biblical doctrine. Here are 3 reasons why a Christian must not stop believing in God (through prayers) who will walk with them daily:

1. We are instructed to pray. Jesus taught on numerous occasions concerning prayer. He said that we are to always pray and not faint. The parable He used demonstrated that even though we may have to pray about a situation more than once, it does not mean we will not get our request. We should come to Him in prayer, again, because He said so. He gives an open invitation. Why not receive it?

2. We are instructed to pray in expectation. He told us to ask in faith, believing we will receive from Him. Though there are times when our requests are rejected (for our benefit nonetheless), we can never stop believing that He will give us what we have asked for. He said that everyone that asks will receive. Jesus said that if our earthly fathers knew how to give good things, how much more our heavenly Father. If you are bold enough to make the supplication, He is God enough to perform it.

3. We are instructed to pray so that God would receive glory. When we pray and God answers accordingly, He receives glory. How? We bring glory to His name personally and as tell others of His good works towards us. God receives no glory in unanswered prayers. Trust that He will do it for you. Develop your times of prayer before Christ. Do not doubt His presence and power to perform your requests. If it is not in His will, He will give you peace in the midst of it. Remember, never accept defeat in faith: Don’t Stop Believing.

Well there you have it. Until next time, continue in Him who is faithful.

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Well, the verdict is in! God is still holy and expects those that draw nigh unto Him by faith in Christ to be holy. I know, I know: individuals throughout the ages have placed different stances on the holiness and what it means to be holy. However, one thing is established, God is holy. Holiness can be defined as morality according to Christ. Both Testaments affirm that God is Holy. Also, both Testaments agree that there is a requirement on those who serve Him to be holy; that is, demonstrated His definition of morality as revealed in the scriptures. In this post, we want to briefly examine three reasons for holiness in the Christian life.  Let’s get to it.

1) God EXPECTS those that come to Him to be holy. Jesus Christ freed men from the law, but not from living morally upright before God. As Peter wrote to the believers, he reminded them of God’s command to His people.

But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.1 Peter 1:15-16 (KJV)

Remember, God sets the parameters of holiness. It is not defined by what we are comfortable with or what we agree with. He identifies Himself as holy. This clearly demonstrates that our actions should reflect who He is.

2) One has to be holy to ESCAPE the coming judgment. Understand, faith in Christ is what saves men from their sin. However, after coming to Him, we still must live a life theat clearly reflects the faith and our relationship with Him.

Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness…? 2 Peter 3:11 (KJV)

3) The Christian who is holy serves as an EXAMPLE of the faith. The Christian’s lifestyle of holiness is a visible manifestation of the work of Christ. Paul reveals this in his exhortation to Timothy,

Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.1 Tim 4:12 (KJV)

Christ died for man’s forgiveness and freedom from sins. When others see a changed life, they come face-to-face with the power of Christ’s death and resurrection.

Well there you have it! Holiness is not a religion or belief system, it is the defining quality of God that is to be reflected in His people. Until next time, continue in Him whose eyes are upon those who wait for Him.

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There are many ways that the Christian submits to God. One of the chief ways to learn submission to God is through the word of God. It has to be authority in the life of the believer. Its authority has to reach the very conscience of the Christian. The word of God teaches us how to submit to God when we submit to it.

Submitting to the Word not only entails quoting it, but consistent application of the Word in daily living. In order to do this, one has to believe that the scriptures, as recorded, are the final authority on righteousness, religion, and relationship with God. Paul states,

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. (II Timothy 3:16-17)

One cannot submit to the authority of the Word, if there is no belief in the Word. The Word of God contains the answers to life’s problems and gives us the tools needed to succeed in our walk with the Lord. The Word causes us to know who we are in Christ and shows how we can overcome the flesh and its desires. It is only through following what is written, will we be able to die to ourselves.

We can only overcome sin, through obeying the Word. If we obey the Word, we will not obey the lusts and desires of the flesh. Our way is cleansed by giving heed to the Word of God. It will transform our thoughts and conscience. We, thus, are secured in our salvation. Submission to the authority of the Word of God aids us in our endeavor to please God in three ways: It assures us of our salvation, instructs us in righteousness, and gives us tools necessary for victorious living.

The Word has to be the final authority in our lives. It challenges the hearts and minds of Christians to walk in righteousness. The Word exposes the inner thoughts and intents of the heart.

For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Heb 4:12 (KJV)

Without it, we will deceive ourselves and not be able to overcome the battlefield of “self.” But, if we receive the word of God with gladness, we will learn how to submit to God with ease.

But unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell. Gen 4:5 (KJV)

The story of Cain and Abel is a clear representation of this phenomenon. Abel brought God his best and it was received. Conversely, Cain brought whatever he wanted and it was not received; Cain got upset. Today, examine your walk with Christ. Are you upset at other Christians who seem to be successful in their walk with God? It is probably because they are bringing God their best. But the “best” does not reside only in the quality of service, but in the character behind the service. Cain lacked both.

Remember, in the story of Cain and Abel, they each did bring an offering. So, our best is not revealed in performing religious activities and devotion, but in our attitude and approach. To bring God your best is to do it with the right motives and a sincere heart. Cain did not bring his best offering due to his attitude, while Abel’s proper attitude was revealed in him bringing the best.

The Christian, today, has to be honest. When you pray, read, serve, minister, and attend services, are you bringing God your best? Again, this is revealed in your attitude and approach. These are affected by your level of spiritual growth and development. Your character as a Christian will directly influence whether your are bringing God your best.

Do you do render service and faithful to God out of necessity and fear or from a pure heart with gladness. Gladness of heart comes from a place of mature character. David encouraged the worshippers to “serve the Lord with gladness.”

Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing. Psalms 100:2 (KJV)

If not your service is not in gladness, ask for help and forgiveness because He will bless, heal, and restore. As you continue to develop your character, you can only “Bring God Your Best.”

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A question that every Christian must ask himself is, “Why do I serve Christ?” In addition, the Christian must ask, “What is the expected end of my relationship with Him?” Without a hope and an expectation, the Christian life can become mundane, lifeless, and even frustrating. As there is a shifting in the Church by the Holy Spirit, Christians have to know how to respond to it.

Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. 1 Cor 9:24 (KJV)

Paul likened the Christian walk unto a race. He reminded the saints at Corinth that they have to live as if they are after a prize. No good athlete enters a race with a hope to lose, but to win. If we are going to possess what the Lord has for us in these days, we have to adopt this mindset. The scriptures give us seven ways to “run” in the Christian race:

Run to obtain (I Cor. 9:24) – We have to run with the mindset that I am going to obtain eternal life. Our focus in service has to go beyond the temporary to the eternal. The hope of our salvation is heaven. Without this hope, many will quit and fail to prepare for His coming.

Run in holiness (Hebrews 12:1) – We have to run this race in holiness. Sin has to be repented of and let go of. If not, we will run in vain. We will serve, minister, and the like, and have no reward waiting for us, only His judgment.

Run in freedom (Hebrews 12:1) – We have to run in holiness and without weights. Weights are defined as anything in your life that is unnecessary and unedifying to your Christian walk. Be humble in this area, judge in yourself whether that person, place, or thing needs to be a notable part of your life. No, it is not sin, but it can occupy your thoughts and time which makes it a weight.

Run in faith (Hebrews 11:6) – Without faith, your run in the faith is unacceptable to God. In addition, without faith, you will lose hope in the time of testing and trial. Faith gives resolve to serve the Lord in the direst situations.

Run with others (Hebrews 10:25) – We are a part of the Body of Christ. By design, God has set it up that we need one another. Therefore, we are to run this race strengthening and being strengthened by one another.

Run in the Spirit (Galatians 5:16) – We are instructed to walk in the Spirit. It is the only way to run without stumbling into the desires of the flesh. Without the Spirit of the Lord, the believer will fail in his pursuit of holiness and his ministry before the Lord and unto others in the Church.

Run in the Word (Psalm 119:105) – The word of God is to govern our run in this race. It provides direction and clarity to our Christian race. Without the word of God, the Christian will be blind and “lost” as he lives for the Lord. The word also provides stability to the Christian walk.

Run, Run, Run! But, make sure you run in accordance with respect unto the Christian faith which is built upon the work of Christ, the word of God, and the working of the Holy Spirit. It is time to Run and Don’t Look Back. Do not look back to the world, to sin, and to old attitudes. But, as it is written, “Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.” Maintain your fervor to progress.

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God is the author of life. His very words contain creative power. When He created the earth, He did it through the power of His famous words, “Let there be…” Until this present day, all things that were set in motion remain by the power of His word. From other scriptures, we discover that aside from the power of His words, God’s thoughts and intents will certainly happen. In the book of Isaiah, God declares,

The Lord of hosts hath sworn, saying, Surely as I have thought, so shall it come to pass; and as I have purposed, so shall it stand (Isaiah 14:24)

Whatever the will of the Lord is shall surely happen. Without even speaking, if God thinks or purposes to do something, it will happen. Thus, we understand that God possesses all power.

Because of the awesome power of God, He can turn around the unclean things of our lives. The Book of Job asks, “Who can bring a clean out of an unclean?” – God can. God brings impossible things to fruition. The Bible abounds with accounts of God doing the impossible in the midst of man’s impossible situations. Jesus reminded the disciples that with God, all things are possible.

But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible. (Matthew 19:26)

Though men readily accept the awesomeness of God’s power, some do not believe that this power is available in times of personal failures. If God is able to do all things, then our failures in life do not frustrate His work.  He is able to turn them around. This is assured if we desire His will for our lives.

Whatever God has purposed for your life will come to pass if you continue to follow Him. However, many members in the Body of Christ become complacent in their relationship with the Lord because they believe they have made too many mistakes. This leads to self-doubt, regrets, depression, and frustration. These things will bring death to one’s relationship with Christ.

The Bible is full of stories describing man’s failure and God’s restoration. Even God’s choicest servants failed. Yet, they were able to recover and receive what God had for them in their lives. From Genesis to Revelation, the cycle of failure to redemption to destiny is repeated. This cycle is repeated in the lives of believers today. However, understand that God is willing to restore and renew.

Allow Him to turn around the past contraventions, your present’s contentions, and your future concerns. Develop fervor in allowing Him to transform your life. God can turn it around.

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Excuses! Excuses! Excuses! Have you ever met someone who had nothing but excuses? After a while, it becomes evident that excuses become covers for some internal weakness or hindrance. Many are afraid to try and then fail. Is that you? Others are afraid of responsibility and accountability that comes from promotion and success? Is that you? Others are just plain lazy. They love personal comfort. They want maximum results with little effort. Is that you? It is time for no more excuses. It is time to redirect your focus.

Excuses, however, is the shield that many Christians use to justify their lack of growth and maturity in the walk with Christ. Many say that the Church is not right. This is an excuse for non attendance. Others say that they were hurt or disappointed by those in the Church. This becomes an excuse not to fellowship. Then, there are those who say the Bible is hard to understand and their prayer time does not seem spiritual. This serves as an excuse not develop a relationship through the study of the scriptures and personal prayer and devotion. In this lesson, we want to deal with a chief excuse among Christians as to the lack of service, devotion, and development of their relationship with God. It is four powerful letters – L-I-F-E.

There are numerous things in life that cannot and will not change. For reasons unknown, God does allow Christians to experience many hard and challenging situations. Because of the intensity, stress, and difficulty that life brings, many are in a holding pattern in the walk with God. They are waiting for life to slow down; that is, become easier. When this happens, then they will develop their relationship with Christ. This is not a good posture to take with one’s personal salvation and spiritual growth.

The Bible tells us that Christians will suffer and David’s words are true where he states that many are the affliction of the righteous. However, the trials, tests, and tribulations that come are no excuse to stop pursuing Him and developing our relationship with Him. If you never get the job you want, pursue Him. If you never get married, pursue Him. If members of your family do not receive Him, pursue Him. Do not allow things that you cannot change to become excuses for your lack of personal growth and maturity.

Does this mean that I should not pray and stand in expectation? NO! However, it does mean that if God sees fit to allow the situation to continue, do not lose your faith in Him. He knows all things. The Bible is full of stories of people who served God, but had to experience very, very, hard times. Just know this that if we suffer with Him, we will reign in the life that is to come. Some feel that because their lives are not going how they would like, there is no real reason to continue to serve Him. Do not allow this mindset to grip you. Remember, our salvation not only has promise in this life, but the one that is to come. In that Day, you will not remember and the difficulties of this life will not come into mind. There will be rejoicing and reward.

Lose the excuses. Allow God to continue to develop you. Allow His light to shine even in hard situations. If you have lasted this long, it is only because He has been with you. Go on to maturity in Him that in the middle of your worst situations, you can maintain joy, peace, strength, and an ever increasing faith in Him. It is only in losing personal excuses that the Christian is able to focus on Christ and His plan and purpose for his/her life.

Well, there you have it! Until next time, continue to be steadfast and unmoveable in your walk with the Lord. If you would like more lessons and exhortations for Christian living,  I have included them in detail in my book, “Is there a Word from the Lord? (Book IV): Lessons for Redirecting the Focus, the Fears, and the Fervor of the Christian,” which can be found at Kingdom Builders Publishing and Amazon.com.

Insomnia, for varying reasons, can have numerous negative effects on the quality of life of the sufferer. It can affect one’s relationships, physical health, and emotional well-being. In spite of these, insomnia can still be of benefit, depending on one’s outlook and management. Though some people have serious causes for their insomnia (health and mental), many people who suffer from insomnia are basically healthy, but still contend with it. So, I have compiled a short list of insomnia’s benefits (yes, I said benefits!) for those who choose to employ them. These can be used as part of an Insomniac’s Survival Kit.

Now, let us examine three beneficial aspects of insomnia that I discovered through necessity and survival. If you adopt these outlook and practices, you, too, can survive its negative effects.

I. Insomnia can stimulate Productivity. When I first began to deal with sleepless nights, I spent most of the time lamenting the fact that I was tired and could not sleep. This made the nights even more unbearable and unending. So, I decided that I had to do something or I would unravel emotionally from the misery. I began to use the night time to complete work related tasks (especially writing) and other household chores and responsibilities. In this way, if I had to stay up at least something got accomplished. I started to leave certain things unattended to, so that I would have something to do until my body allowed me to sleep.

II. Insomnia can stimulate Personal Growth. I know it sounds hokey, but it is true. Because insomnia leaves you feeling vulnerable and alone (since others are asleep), you can have time to consider your life and its direction. You have time to consider relationships and family, which could prove to be of great benefit.

III. Insomnia can stimulate Pleasure and Appreciation. Simply put, you will find a greater pleasure and appreciation for times of rest, especially the glorious sleep that others take for granted. Personally, when I am able to rest and sleep well, those are some of the best times of my day. It may sound simple, but it does provide some comfort in spite of the many of nights of sleeplessness and restlessness.

There you have it! These may not be for everyone. But I have discovered a way to look beyond the misery and discomfort and improve my quality of living. Can insomnia be a pain? The answer is a resounding, “YES!” However, if you make efforts to change your outlook, you, too, can discover some beneficial aspects to insomnia.

If this does not help, there is always the emergency survival kit: DONUTS, DRUGS (legal, of course), and sheer DETERMINATION. LOL!