1. Restoration is Available

First, if we have lost our strength due to some weight or sin, there is restoration. God strengthened Samson, and He will do the same for the believer today. Many doubt God’s willingness to forgive and restore. God sent Christ into the world to give men the opportunity to come to Him. This continues even after one receives Christ. The believer, who will cry out to God, even after failure, can expect God’s full restoration. God will cleanse the believer and ensure their proper relationship and connection with Him.

2. Failure is not Final

Second, God can turn our failure to victory. Samson killed more in his death than life. God transformed Samson’s failure into victory over the enemies of Israel. Samson’s end resulted in a great victory for the people of the Lord. God is able to bring good things out of bad situations. When there is purpose, God will have a plan in place to perform it. A Christian’s failure is not final. God knows how to enable the believer to redeem the time. If we learn from our mistakes, it can turn into ministry to others for their success in Christ.

3. God Remove Shames

Third, God will not allow us to live with the shame of our failure. Some think that Samson’s death was not a good end for him. But He was blind and if he live, he would have to depend on others. Therefore, it is our belief that God had compassion on him, not allowing him to live the rest of his life as a blind man. Not only will God forgive us, but also ensure that we will not have to live in shame because of our doings. He is longsuffering and full of mercy. He will be compassionate to those who recognize and turn from their wrong doings.

God is ready, willing, and able to restore. Christ came to give us life. He is not willing that any should perish. Trust that you can move forward even after setbacks.

Well, there you have it. Until next time. Continue to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord.

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.

Image by MSO Clipart

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.

Image by MSO Clipart

As Christians, we can get sidetracked from the core of our faith, focusing on the externals of religion and secondary doctrinal issues. Because of the internal conflicts and contentions in the Christian community, we may forget that our main objective is to present Christ to the world and not our varying Christian religious preferences or persuasions. We have to get back to the basic requirements (if you will) for salvation which was presented to the world by Christ and His disciples.

Now, I want to be clear: religion can be beneficial and has its proper place as long as it establishes the adherents to what Jesus taught. Religion can never be a substitute for relationship, but it should bring order and a sense of order and stability to a vibrant, living faith in Christ. With that being said, what basic truths should the Christian community promote to see others get on the road to salvation.

1. The Call to Christ – The world accuses Christians of arrogance and ignorance when we state that there is only ONE way to God, Jesus Christ. God provided one way so that there would be no confusion as to how to enter into salvation. Christ stated, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me (John 14:6). We have to stand, unwavering without compromise, that the road to salvation begins and ends with Jesus Christ.

2. The Call to Repentance – Christ preached repentance. It is written, “From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand (Matthew 4:17). We come to Him by faith through repentance of sins. Many say that they serve Christ, but have not confessed and repented of sins. Hence, they do not know Him. He came for sin to deliver men from sins. We partake of His work of salvation as we confess our need for Him and repent of sins. Repentance brings the individual to a place to live a Christ-like lifestyle as they serve Him.

3. The Call to Community – We know that division, racism, and sexism have been dark blemishes on the gatherings of the Christian community. However, we cannot believe that coming together as Christ followers is not necessary. Jesus did not teach this, nor did the apostles. The writer of Hebrews urged the Christians to not stop gathering together, “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching (Hebrews 10:25). Coming to Christ involves fellowship with others who are a part of His body.

Well, there you have it. These are foundational for all that will travel on the road to salvation.

Image by MSO Clipart

The classic hymn begins, “Time is filled with swift transition, naught of earth unmoved can stand.” It reveals that life comes with prospects of change which even seemingly sure things can be affected. In biblical language, the writer of Ecclesiastes writes, “…time and chance (unpredictable events) happeneth to all (Ecclesiastes 9:11). Though Christ has promised to never leave us nor forsake us, Christians are not exempt from the unpredictable, unfavorable, and unfortunate occurrences of life. How are we then to maintain faith when uncertain times arise? Here are three keys (among others) to perseverance.

1. Draw close to Christ in prayer. Consistency in prayer will keep your relationship with Christ vibrate and lively in spite of negative conditions. It will provide a time of rest and refreshing as you all His presence to supply the needed grace and comfort for perseverance. Prayer will help you to avoid feelings of anger and bitterness with life and towards Christ.

2. Develop patience and hope through the scriptures. The scriptures are an excellent source of encouragement. When you read of how others who served Christ were allowed to suffer, it helps you not to feel as if you are being mistreated by the Savior. Through the scriptures, you can read of how He helped His followers and gave them strength to endure their difficulties. This can provide the necessary foundation for developing patience and hope which is a requirement to perseverance.

3. Share with others whom you trust. Some Christians experience faith “breakdowns” because they feel no one cares, no one understands what they are facing, and no one is there for them. Loneliness and isolation can solidify causing the strength to persevere to be absent. Some try to handle things on their own for various reasons; such as, personal ego, embarrassment, and past hurts. However, if one allows others in the community of faith to help bear their burdens of difficulties through prayer and godly counsel, it will be easier to endure uncertain times through the cumulative support of others.

Difficulties, hardships, sometimes unfair treatment, and uncertain times will come. However, the Christian will be able to come through with faith in tact as he maintains faith in Christ and draw strength and support from the community of faith.

Image by MSO Clipart

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 ]]>

Photo by MSO Clip Art

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.

Photo by MSO Clip Art

In Christianity and the Christian Church, there are many beliefs, practices, and of course ministers who serve in them all. They all claim that they are true ministers of God and that their ministry and message can be trusted. Yet, daily we see Christian ministers who deviate from traditional Christian thought and practice all in the name of God. The result is many people have been hurt, abused, and damaged. So, it then becomes necessary to be able to distinguish between true and false Christian ministers for personal and spiritual protection.

Recognizing a false prophet or minister can be daunting at times. However, there are some clear warning signs that one can look for when deciding if someone is false or true in ministry. Though we could list many, we have narrowed it down to the following seven. Ministers who are false will clearly demonstrate some, if not all, of the following characteristics as they preach or serve in ministry.

1. They preach that you can measure your standing with God by how much you have. A relationship with God to false ministers means prosperity. They seldom teach that anything is wrong. They promote serving God for what you can get. They only teach that you belong to God and should have the best. They promote the concept that God only wants you blessed, without declaring that God also wants character, integrity, and morality in His people. Their doctrine focuses on the miraculous work of God and His blessings, exclusively.

2. They preach for money. False ministers will always include money in their ministry. No matter the topic or subject, it will end up on money. They will twist scriptures to manipulate the people into giving to them. Remember: NO APOSTLE OR PROPHET OR MINISTER OF SCRIPTURE EVER ASKED FOR MONEY OR REWARD TO GIVE A PROPHETIC WORD. We should give to ministers and the Church out of our own free will, never by compulsion and manipulation.

3. They use witchcraft. The prophets and ministers of the Bible never used rituals and spells to relay God’s message. Prophets sometimes “acted” or demonstrated the prophetic word as the Lord directed. Beware of ministers that warn you about objects and things without any spiritual basis or insight. When they begin to tell you to use certain oils, water, or cloths to receive a blessing, it is a sign of falsehood in ministry.

4. They operate in false authority. False ministers do not operate in proper authority. They establish their own authority in the Body of Christ. They disguise their falsehood by first appearing as true servants of God. However, once they have gained some respect, they will attack other leaders. The false apostles and leaders of the Bible would defame true leaders in order to establish their own authority in the churches. False ministers use this tactic today. Through the defamation of others, they exalt their personal ministries.

5. They misinterpret the scriptures for personal benefit. Another sign of a false minister is misinterpretation of scripture to establish authority. They find scriptures that refer to ministerial authority and claim it for themselves. They scare Christians into thinking that because they are ministers, they are superior to others. True ministers will be humble men and women. The authority that they operate in is recognized in the Church.

6. They have a controlling and manipulative attitude. False ministers will use manipulation to gain followers. Once people begin to follow them, they scare the individuals into staying with them. They tell individuals that if they leave them, God will not be pleased and the like. In addition, false ministers will try to control the people’s personal lives. By using false authority, they will tell people whom they can marry and where to work. False ministers operate in a similar fashion to cult leaders.

7. They are separatists. False ministers will separate themselves from other Christians. However, Christians are encouraged to stand in unity and gather together. They will say that God called them out of the Church. They sometimes will say that no one in the Church understands them or their ministry and message. False ministers will say they have a revelation of God that no one else has.

Though there may be others ways to identify false ministers, these seven will aid as we strive to identify true ministers of God. Also, these will help us not to be deceived or taken in by them.

Well, there you have it! Until next time, stand in the faith. Please leave comments.

I have addressed this topic in detail in my publication “Angels of Deception: Recognizing False Ministers” which can found at Amazon.

Regardless of the company, they have an expectation that those who endorse their product will lead a life that is reflective of the advertiser. However, we have seen individuals throughout the years who lost their positions as product endorsers because of misdeeds in their personal lives.

What does this have to do with the Christian? It is simple. When we receive Christ, we instantly become spokespersons for God’s timeless product of salvation. Thus, God expects us to be representatives of this salvation even when we are not in front of the camera; that is, involved in religious activities or among other Christians.

As Christians, we have to abstain from worldly lusts and demonstrate love, integrity, and character in our lives. This is how we remain respected kingdom endorsers of the work of Christ.

I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. John 15:1-3 (KJV)

If we continually disobey the Word and choose our own ways and thoughts, we can be removed from service. If we are unfruitful in our Christian walk, Christ taught that one could be removed; that is, from effectual service in Him.

The Christian’s desire must be to please God, that He may use his/her life in any manner. In all that is said and done, let it represent God’s plan of salvation through Jesus Christ. The Christian’s life has to be a solid Kingdom Endorser.

Hence, the question remains, Are you a qualified endorser of the gospel message? Does your lifestyle misrepresent the gospel message? Just know that you can make a difference as your life reflects the Christian faith.

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 I),” which can be found at Kingdom Builders Publishing.