Image by MSO Clipart

Success is the goal of many men and women. Regardless of the venue (work, sports, relationships, hobbies, etc.), people desire to achieve. The world is full of driven men and women who set their eyes on success and did not allow anything to stop them. Some of the most powerful companies began with individuals who had nothing but success on their minds.

This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success. Josh 1:8 (KJV)

As Christians, we have to evaluate our motivation in this life. Though we should strive for success in as many areas of life as possible, we should have the greatest ambition to be successful in our Christian walk. After we have gone back to school, acquired substantial occupations, and managing family relationship and endeavors, we have to remember that the ultimate quest is to become a successful Christian. How can this be done?

And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him. Col 3:10 (KJV)

It can be done through an inner transformation. The very conscience of the Christian has to be renewed in the knowledge of God. This can be achieved by adhering to His Word. The Christian is cleansed as he takes heed to the Word.

Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word. Psalms 119:9 (KJV)

In our beginning verses, God speaks to Joshua and gives him keys to success. The main key is to remember the Law or the word of God. If we are to have success as Christians, we have to allow the word of God to govern our lives, perspectives, and consciences. In doing so, we can maintain a vibrant relationship with Christ while we accomplish certain tasks and goals. God is not opposed to the Christian’s success in life, but desires that one does without sacrificing their relationship with Him.

Image by MSO Clipart

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.

Image by MSO Clipart

Life does not stop. As long as one lives, there will always be things to do, places to go, and people to see. Aside from fulfilling the demands that come with living, Christians yet have to maintain their personal relationships with the Lord. In addition, they have to fulfill any religious functions, obligations, and attend services. However, in the midst of all of these things, Christians have to be able to take time to rest.

And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made. Gen 2:2 (KJV)

We know that God rested upon the seventh day as a sign to us that we should take time to rest. Rest has to become a part of your daily schedule. It will help with stress reduction and improve your quality of living so that you will be able to be effective even in your walk with the Lord.

Rest from your labors. You cannot do everything all time. You must take time to give your body the rest that it needs to regenerate and recuperate. Oftentimes, we would read of Jesus separating from His disciples in order to rest and pray.

And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone. Matt 14:23 (KJV)

Rest from your responsibilities. You cannot process and figure out everything at once. In addition, you cannot solve everyone’s problems either. You need to step back from the many cares of this life so you can get a proper perspective.

Do not allow anything, including religious service to send you into a place of burnout. Force yourself to turn off phones and computers. Remember, God rested to show us that we should rest. Take time to rest. Make it a priority. It will bless your life. Do not allow your fervor for personal purity and progress cause spiritual burnout. The scriptures declare that we must be temperate in all things, let us remember to rest.

Photo by MSO Clipart

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.

Image from MSO Clipart

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.

Image by MSO Clipart

Most people struggle with their personal histories. It is a known fact. Many live in regret wishing they could go back and change the past or relive the past. Neither of these are beneficial or practical if one wants to progress in life. In the book of Joshua, God was ready for Israel to go into their land of promise. However, they were too busy mourning over Moses. So, He sent His word to Joshua for he and the people to arise; that is, get over it.

Moses my servant is dead; now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, thou, and all this people, unto the land which I do give to them, even to the children of Israel. Josh 1:2 (KJV)

In our lives, there are situations that consistently stunt us from progressing in our relationship with Christ. Yet, the time is now to get over them. Regardless of the source of your frustration, it is not the intent of God for you to be frustrated and restrained by them. There are two areas that many need to get over.

Get over Past Hurts. No one likes to be hurt, rejected, and ridiculed. However, they are a part of life. Individuals have been hurt by family, friends, and members of the church. Though it is painful, one must forgive, develop “amnesia,” and move on. When Peter asked Jesus about forgiveness, Jesus challenged his sensibilities in His response.

Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven. Matt 18:21-22 (KJV)

Jesus said this in light of the magnitude of offenses that can occur in life. In many instances, the offenders have moved on, so why don’t you. Allow God to heal those areas so you can be free.

Get over Past Failures. Everyone fails and makes mistakes. It is no reason to give up on yourself. God will never leave you, even if you have failed in your walk with Him. Many need to forgive themselves. Understand that you cannot change what has been done, but you can affect what shall be done. As Paul wrote to the Philippians, he penned these famous words,

Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Phil 3:13-14 (KJV)

We are reminded that everyone is striving. Therefore, we must forget things in the past that can hinder and frustrate us. We cannot allow fear of the past or future to stop us from pushing and moving forward in Christ.

Get up from your dead situations. Get over things you cannot change, including  things about yourself. And, pursue Christ and His will for your life. Remember, Christ came to give you life and that to the fullest.

Image by MSO Clipart

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.

1. The Christian has to walk by faith like Enoch. If we are to walk the walk, we must live by faith.

Every Christian should have an unmovable faith in God and Christ. Without an unwavering faith in God, we will not be able to please Him. 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)

2. The Christian has to walk with God like Enoch. Enoch’s record stated that he walked with the Lord. One cannot walk with God except there is relationship. In addition, one’s walk with God has to be characterized by holiness. The Christian’s life has to be one of holiness.

Without holiness, the Christian will not see the full manifestation of God in this life, or be a partaker of the life that is to come. Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord. (Hebrews 12:14)

3. The Christian has to walk in obedience like Enoch. The Old Testament passages give us no extensive record of Enoch’s ministry. Yet, in order for him to receive and report a prophecy as recorded in Jude’s epistle, we know that he had to be faithful to God in service.

The Christian has to walk the walk and talk the talk in order to fulfill his task, ministry, and function in obedience to the will of God. Enoch’s obedience to God was rewarded and so will ours. For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak. (John 12:49)

It is our hope that every Christian follows Enoch’s legacy and example. May our testimony be the same as his – We Pleased the Lord!

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 information on this subject and the life of Enoch, I have addressed it in detail in my book, “Enoch, the Righteous: A Brief Expository of the Man who Pleased God,” which can be found at Kingdom Builders Publishing and Amazon.com.

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. 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 and Amazon.com.

Image MSO Clipart

Salvation is God’s greatest gift to man which was provided to us by Christ Jesus. God sent Christ so that men would be saved from their sins and live in peace. The peace that comes with salvation is knowing that your salvation is assured and it will hold until the Day of Judgment.

ASSURANCE – confidence of mind or manner : easy freedom from self-doubt or uncertainty; also : excessive self-confidence.

Christians need to remain confident, understanding that they can walk free from doubt or uncertainty in their walk with Christ. The word of God helps us to maintain assurance in our salvation. As the Christian lives accordingly, he never has to doubt his eternal destiny. In this post, we want to give seven signs and/or assurances (by the scriptures) of a Christian’s salvation.

1. Those who believe on Him are promised eternal life. Though one has to live a Christ-like life, it is his initial faith that places him on the path to eternal life.

And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. John 10:28 (KJV)

2. Those who believe on Him become sons (and daughters) of God. In doing so, they become heirs of eternal life with Jesus Christ.

But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name. John 1:12 (KJV)

3.Those who believe on Him are forgiven of their sins. We come to Christ through confession of sins and reception of His forgiveness and grace. This forgiveness and grace remains available to Christians in their walks with Christ.

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9 (KJV)

As long as the believer strives for godly living, God continually offer forgiveness to those who are sorrowful and will turn from them.

4. Those who receive Him are given the Holy Spirit as a sign of their eternal inheritance. The presence of the Holy Spirit is comparable to a down payment. God gives Christians a ‘deposit’ on the life that is to come.

And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. Eph 4:30 (KJV)

5. Those who receive Him are able to live in godliness and not in the sins of their old nature. You can know that you are saved by your ability to recognize and resist sin in your life. In addition, you will see changes in your lifestyle.

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. 2 Cor 5:17 (KJV)

6. Those who receive Him can expect to escape judgment as they respond to His work in their lives. It is true that Christians can sin. But, when one sins, he has to respond to correction and discipline. If he does this, he will not have to stand in fear of God’s judgment in the end.

For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged. But when we are judged, we are chastened (corrected) of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world. 1 Cor 11:31-32 (KJV)

7. Those that receive Him will be presented to God as faultless. We are made righteous by faith. In turn, we are to live in righteousness. However, we understand that our righteousness before God is as of nothing. This is why we receive Christ’s righteousness through faith in Him.

Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, to the only wise God our Savior, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen. Jude 1:24-25 (KJV)

Well, there you have it. Continue to love Christ, who gave His life for us. If you would like more information on this subject, I have addressed it in my book, “The Once Saved Always Saved Controversy” at Amazon.