Discipline – Do not expect to become a best-selling author if you have no discipline. You cannot expect to develop your craft and skill if you are lazy. You have to set aside time daily to write; even if it is to only write down ideas and review materials that you have written. During this time, you can development your writing style and technique. No discipline means No development. In addition, discipline is a stabilizing force when one has to write under the pressures of a deadline. It will help you to learn the act of controlled creativity. You will be able to produce your best within certain time constraints.

Dedication – If you do not think like a writer, live like a writer, and have a writer’s worldview, you will only have mild to moderate success. You have to be dedicated to writing and the writer’s life; this includes being informed and educated. Attend writing seminars and conferences. These can broaden your thinking and challenge your current writing level. Always be update with the past and present world events and news, which is especially important for bloggers, analysts, and novelists. If you possess this level of dedication, you place yourself in position to be noted among the ‘greats.’

Determination – Finally, to become successful, you have to have an unwavering determination. Without it, you will not overcome the obstacles that writers face. The biggest obstacle is that of rejection. Rejection shatters the dreams of some, while fortifying the resolves of others. When you are determined, you will submit your work to as many publishers as necessary. Even if you cannot make it mainstream, determination will cause you to enter into areas that you never thought you would. Many best –selling authors resorted to self-publishing. They never would have done it without determination in the face of opposition.

Do you want to become a successful writer? It may take years of hard work with little recognition before any notoriety. Some say success is “10 percent inspiration and 90 percent perspiration.” The successful writer understands that this is not true. The successful writer discovers that “Success is 100 percent inspiration (you need it in order to write) and 100 percent perspiration (you are always working even when you are not published) and the unseen factor of timing and chance (marketing and publicity never hurts either).” However, with discipline, dedication, and determination, you will achieve success.

Well, there you have it. Write for success. Write for your health. Write from your heart. Until next time, take every opportunity to help others.

1. Deadlines – Professional and personal deadlines can be the bane of the writer’s existence. Most writers have experienced the torment of having a deadline over the head while a blank screen, page, and notebook is before the eyes. A deadline means that there is work, but it also comes with learning the art of controlled creativity. You have to produce your ‘finest’ within a certain time.

2. Debts – Some view a writing career as a ticket to financial security. While the plain truth is that even established writers are not made wealthy from their endeavors. They live like other ‘working’ individuals. Writers, frequently, suffer indignities and hardships for choosing to pursue their goals. Debts are a part of life, while work can sometimes be infrequent for writers. This is one of the major worries of a writer.

3. Disappointments – No one truly likes rejection. Rejection can be beneficial because it can produce self-examination and increased determination. Yet, in an industry that is very subjective to culture and personal preferences, writers have to face this consistently. There is great pain in producing what you consider your ‘best’ only for someone to reject it for varying reasons. This disappointment can rob the writer of his courage and confidence.

Though deadlines, debts, and disappointments await the writer, the one who believes in himself and his work will persevere into success. So, do not allow this deadly trio to stop you from pursuing your passion to write. Stay committed knowing that every successful author had to contend with the same obstacles. If they overcame and achieved success, you can too.

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A common expression is, “It is Time for some R & R.” We understand that the R’s in this statement refer to rest and relaxation. Anyone who has an active and busy life, know that without rest and relaxation, burnout may not be far away. The same holds true for the Christian life and experience.

As we struggle to maintain faith in desparate situations, maintain love when other hurt and reject us, and maintain balanced and fruitful relationships with Christ and others, if we do not have some type of R and R  in place, we will not be able to remain consistent in our Christian walk. In this post, I want to offer a little spiritual R and R that we need to retain a fruitful and lively walk with Christ.

1. Remember – David said in the Psalms, “Bless the Lord, oh my soul, and forget not all his benefits (Psalm 103:2 KJV).” Life’s difficulties can come hard, fast, and without warning. Time may arise where the gravity of the situation may cause one to wonder whether Christ will be with them and deliver them. If in the middle of difficult times, we pause to remember previous times where Christ proved faithful, it will help us to maintain consistency.

2. Raise – Isaiah declared, “They raise their voices, they shout for joy (Isaiah 24:14 NASB)” This prophetic declaration is made after revealing future calamities, that in the middle of it, those who know God would lift up their voices in praises. As we see the troubled times we are in,  the Christian can become troubled and concerned with the cares of life and their personal futures. However, as we raise our voices to Christ in praise, prayer, and worship, it will bring a refreshing to our lives, giving us peace and strength to endure.

Well, there you have it, a little R and R every Christian can use when life and circumstances become wearisome and woe-some. Take a little time and experience some spiritual R and R.

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It’s interesting. I’ve noticed numerous blogs and posts across the internet giving defenses and explanations of how to handle the difficulties in the Christian life. Posts abound concerning why we suffer and how to maintain a proper view of God when we are disappointed, discouraged, and devastated through life’s events. However, I have found few posts extolling the virtues of God and how to maintain a proper view of God when He answers; that is, give us favorable responses to our prayers.

Those who have come into a relationship with God by Jesus Christ can testify that though difficulties and disappointments are many; there are as many (and certainly more I suppose) occasions when God answered on time and exactly as we requested of Him. We do have a human tendency to focus on times when God’s wisdom and purpose prevails over what we thought should happen or what we thought we needed at a certain time. So, the question remains, “What should be the proper response to answered prayer?”

1. Be Grateful – We should not think answered prayer comes because of our goodness or greatness. Our righteous acts do not add to God, nor do our wrong doings take away from His being (Job 35:7-8). In His goodness, He takes notice of us and answers us because of His loving kindness, faithfulness, and mercy.

2. Be Prayer – Though every favorable response in prayer may not have lasting, spiritual implications in our Christian walk, others do. When God grants doors of employment, financial gain, and ministry opportunities, usually there is responsibility attached to them. God blesses us to put us into a place where His will can be fulfilled and we can impact the lives of others.

3. Be Expressive – What I mean by “be expressive” is to tell others. When God does not give us what we ask for; we, at times, will talk about it, complain about it, and seek some sort of vindication of God. Hence, when we get what we ask for, we should have the same intensity in declaring His goodness, extolling His faithfulness, and admonishing others to trust Him.

As we continue to walk with Christ, trials and tests are certain; however, answered prayers and undeserved favor will also be prevalent. When prayer works, remember to give thanks and tell of His goodness.

Filed under: Christian Walk, Daily Living, General Christianity, Life Lessons Tagged: answered, blog, builders, evans, kingdom, prayer, response, roderick ]]> http://roderickevans.net/2012/01/02/when-prayers-prevail/feed/ 1 roderickevans minister http://roderickevans.net/2011/12/26/overcoming-temptation/ http://roderickevans.net/2011/12/26/overcoming-temptation/#comments Mon, 26 Dec 2011 05:12:04 +0000 Roderick http://roderickevans.net/?p=426 ]]>

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Trials, Tests, and especially Temptations are key features of the Christian life and experience. Though some may not want to deal with it, temptations will come to every Christian. No one is exempt: priests, pastors, and parishioners will face things that will challenge their walks with Christ. We have to learn how to engage in spiritual warfare and fight to overcome personal temptations. From Jesus’ temptation or testing in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11), we learn valuable truths to overcoming temptation regardless of its source and content. So, we want to present 5 things that every Christian must KNOW in order to consistently overcome personal temptations.

Know Yourself –You need to be honest with “who” you are and “how” you are. More importantly, you need to know who you are in Christ. The tempter challenged Jesus’ identity to make Him act outside of God’s will when he said, “If thou be the Son…” When we know who we are, it will set boundaries on our activities and actions.

Know Your Weakness/Vulnerabilities – There is an old expression that states “to thine own self be true.” The psalmist said it better “thou desiredst truth in the inward parts.” You have to be brutally honest about what tempts you regardless of what it is. Everyone is not tempted by the same things, but you cannot be in denial or you will not overcome temptations when they are presented to you. Jesus never denied His hunger, but He stood on the word to govern His response to the adversary’s challenge.

Know Your Adversary – Paul stated that we are not ignorant of Satan’s devices. We know that every time someone yields to temptation, it is not always because it is presented by the adversary. People sometimes do what they do just because they want to. However, we must understand that there is an enemy of every Christian, who will use temptations and distractions to frustrate their growth and walk with Christ.

Know Your God – To overcome temptations, you must know God and His power. Jesus responded to the adversary by stating, “you shall not tempt God” and “you must worship God only.” He revealed the nature of God and what God expects. When you understand your God, that He is holy and that He is to worshipped in the beauty of holiness, it will strengthen your resolve not to yield to temptation.

Know Your Bible – Jesus responded to the temptation of the adversary by properly using the word of God. If we are to overcome, we must know what is written and how to effectively appropriate the scriptures when facing the trials, tests, and temptations of life.

Well, there you have it. Until next time, remain faithful to Him who has called you, who will bring all things to pass. He will help you to overcome every trial and test to stand before Him in holiness and righteousness. If you would like other resources for your Christian life and experience, please visit me at Amazon or 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.

1. Worship is Sacrifice. The worship of God finds its roots in sacrifice. Abraham was willing to sacrifice someone that was dear to him in order to worship. He described the potential sacrifice of his son as worship. If we want to enter into true worship, we have to have this mindset. I will enter into His presence, even if it costs me.

And Abraham said unto his young men, Abide ye here with the ass; and I and the lad will go yonder and worship, and come again to you. (Genesis 22:5)

Before we can enter into God’s presence fully via worship, we have to willing to give up everything first.  If we are to experience true worship, our love for God has to supersede our love of anyone and anything else.

2. Worship is Subsistence. Worship is to characterize the believer’s life and existence. The believer is worship. It is to be his condition or state of being. The believer recognizes that it is through the Lord that he exists and does all things.

Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God. (I Corinthians 10:31-32)

His life should be a living demonstration of worship. While eating, sleeping, working, and relaxing, the Lord’s glory and honor should not be diminished.Our daily activities should bring glory and not offence to God. Our lives are to be subject to His righteousness.

3. Worship is Selfless. Worship is not designed for man, but it is reserved for God alone. There is a tendency (especially seen among Pentecostal and Charismatic Christians) to believe worship is for their benefit. Though worship blesses believers, its sole purpose is to exalt and magnify the personality and power of the true and living God. Isaiah prophetically reveals this truth,

I am the Lord: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images. (Isaiah 42:8)

The Christian is to worship in appreciation and honor of God. He is not to worship with the selfish motive of receiving a blessing. God blesses us daily. Therefore, believers should regard the opportunity to worship God as a privilege. This is because only His people are able to approach Him in worship.

Remember, worship is built upon three truths: it is sacrifice, it is subsistence, and it is selfless. Without these, the worship experience will be a religious exercise rather than communion with God. Well, there you have it. Until next time, trust in Him who cannot lie.

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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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Having a good reputation is important to many. Some live their lives trying to impress others that their perception of them may be favorable. Even if we do not admit it openly, many of our activities and conversations are motivated by the desire to be accepted and well thought of. Much time is spent wondering, “What do people think of me?”

Though we should strive to have a good reputation as Christians, it cannot dominate our motivation for how we live. The opinion of others will change according to circumstance, situation, and other invariables. Thus, their perception of you cannot always be trusted. This shows us that the Christian has to judge his lifestyle by this question, “What does God think of Me?” God’s view of us should challenge the Christian’s character development.

And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? Job 1:8 (KJV)

We find in the scriptures that God thought and spoke well of Job. Have you ever thought that if God held a conversation about you, what would it consist of? From the Job account, we discover four things that God thought and spoke of with Job. The desire of the Christian should be that God could say the same of us.

None like him – God said that there was none like Job in the earth. This speaks to the Christians individuality. Are you a person who goes with the crowd? Can you only function by feeling accepted? Job stood out from everyone else. In your walk with Christ, you should strive to stand out, not for personal glory, but that all may be able to behold His presence in your life.

Perfect and Upright – God said that Job was perfect and upright. This speaks to the Christian’s maturity and integrity. Like Job, one should strive to grow and mature in the faith. Your life should be an example to others of the conduct of those who know Christ.

Fears God – Job feared God. This implies Job’s reverence and respect for God. He understood that God was good, gracious, and all powerful. His conduct reflected his fear of God. Do you respect and appreciate God? Does your lifestyle reflect His goodness, graciousness, and awesome power?

Eschews evil – Job shunned evil. This demonstrates Job’s zeal for righteous living that he actively avoid sinful practices. Christ came to save us from sin. As Christians, we should, like Job, avoid the very appearance of evil that the testimony of Christ be not hindered.

What does God think of You? This is the question that every Christian should ask. In doing so, the Christian’s character can be perfected in Him.