Living the Life – 3 C’s of a Kingdom Lifestyle – REPOST

December 5, 2011 — Roderick

Though many do not like to talk about it, death is a part of man’s existence. As Christians, we should be dead to the old man and alive to God and Kingdom Living. Anyway, Death is something that everyone will have to face, naturally speaking. Yet, the Christian has hope in Christ that when we depart from this life, we will live again forever with Him. However, numerous individuals live without any regard for their eternal destination.  The Christian has to be on the watch. This is demonstrated in paying attention your lifestyle, manner, and conduct.

There are Christians who live as if there is no standard of living for them after they have received Christ. Each of these groups of people are not prepared for their date with destiny; that is, the moment that they will stand before the judgment seat of God and of Christ.

Because of the sure promises of scripture, we must all prepare (watch) to meet Christ at His return or at our departure from this life. Therefore, we want to give three things that we can do to be prepared for our entrance into eternity.

1. Clothe Ourselves - In the scriptures, righteousness and good morals are likened unto clothing. We must make sure we are clothed with the attributes of proper Christian character and conduct.

For he put on righteousness as a breastplate, and an helmet of salvation upon his head; and he put on the garments of vengeance for clothing, and was clad with zeal as a cloke. Isaiah 59:17 (KJV)

2. Clean Ourselves – We must make sure that we are open with God about our weakness so that He can forgive us and cleanse us. Then, with His help, we must turn from thoughts and deeds that do not please Him.

Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil. Isaiah 1:16 (KJV)

3. Clock Ourselves - To clock means to keep track of time. In order for us to be prepared for our eternal destination, we must be aware of the times that we are living in. In addition, we must know that we will only live for a specified length of time on this earth. Therefore, we must live with this in mind, which should help us to prepare ourselves continually.

And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. Romans 13:11 (KJV)

The Christian can be assured of His eternal salvation, but he must not take it for granted. Christ came to save us from our sins, which enables us to overcome them while we live. This prepares us for eternal life in the kingdom. Live  in expectation of the kingdom. Are you watching?

Well, there you have it. For more topics of interest, I have included this and more information in my inspirational series entitled, “Is There A Word From the Lord? – Book III” which is available at Kingdom Builders Publishing.

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Daily Faith and the Christian: Three Reasons to Stand in Faith

October 3, 2011 — Roderick

Image by MSO Clipart

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.

Posted in Bible Study, Christian Walk, Daily Living, General Christianity. Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . 1 Comment »

Overcoming Frustration: Allowing Christ to Comfort

August 29, 2011 — Roderick

Image by MSO Clipart

In the world, there are diseases which are called “silent killers.” In Christianity, there is a silent killer which one must be aware of; that is, FRUSTRATION. Frustration surfaces because life does not stop. It just keeps coming, coming, and coming. If it is not one thing, it is another. Many can relate to these sentiments. Life seems more of a curse than a blessing. It can bring so many trials, tests, and troubles that death seems like the only escape. Even those that have faith in God can sometimes sink into this pit of discouragement, depression, and despair. The words of David become the hallmark of existence,

My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? why art thou so far from helping me, and from the words of my roaring? Psalms 22:1 (KJV)

Some reading this post know this scripture oh so well. It forms the basis of thoughts and prayers. Why does God allow us to experience so many hard things? Why does it seem as if He is unresponsive to our prayers and requests? It feels as if He does not care about what we are going through. We know from David’s words and the words of Christ on the cross that it happens in the life of those who possess faith in God. We may not always understand why or receive an answer from Him about why we have to go through so many bad things. Yet, we must maintain our faith, hope, and trust in Him. To survive the My God, My God moments your life, there are three things you have to remember.

1. The Promise of God. Though it may seem as if God has forsaken you and left you alone, He gave a promise saying that He will never leave you, nor forsake you. What this reveals is that even when it seems like He is not there. He is. His presence is the only reason you have not quit or had a breakdown. He is constantly giving strength, so that when you think you will not make it, you do somehow.

2. The Plan of God. It does seem insensitive when someone says to us that God has a plan when we are experiencing devastating situations such as death, sickness, loss of job, and other life changing events. It seems this way because we associate God’s plan with just events and circumstances, not understanding that God’s plan revolves around the souls of men and their salvation. We may not always agree, but God does have our best interest in mind. Negative circumstances can either draw us closer to Him or we can allow them to push us away from Him. In addition, God’s plan may be that others see your faith in the midst of your trials and troubles which brings glory to Him.

3. The Peace of God. Jesus promised His disciples that His peace would be left them after He was gone. He told them that they would have troubles and tribulations, but His peace and joy would be with them. This is the part that we sometimes forget about. God gives peace and joy because we would experience hardships and difficulties. The problem is that we focus on God changing the situation, rather than on the fact that He can give peace, joy, grace, and strength while we go through it. The peace of God is available, but we have to ask for it, receive it, and walk in it.

Our cry sometimes may be, “My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?” However, we can trust His character that He knows what is best and offers strength when we face difficulties. The truth is He will not abandon you. Continue to believe, hope, and trust knowing that it will be worth it all when we see Him when this present life is over and we enter into our eternal rest. Do not let life’s frustrations be the downfall of your spiritual walk and growth.

Well, there you have it. Until next time, walk worthy of Him who has called you by His name.

Posted in Christian Walk, Daily Living, General Christianity. Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . Leave a Comment »
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