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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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.

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.

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Ministry and service is a part of the Christian life. Because of this, we must have the right motives as we serve in the Church. In this post, we want to look at three motives to avoid.

Though numerous motives exist in ministry, we will examine the wrong motives of price, people, and personal gain. These wrong motives are seen readily in many believers. We will explore a few scriptural examples of men operating in wrong motives, and the consequences. ***

1) Price. Men have been seduced for centuries by money. Many ministers today are using scriptures to justify their greed, lust, and love of money. The scriptures say that the love of money is the root of all evil.

For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. (I Timothy 6:10)

Never use your gift or ministry for financial gain. If you are called to preach, it has to be done without price. We receive gifts freely from God and God expects us to minister to one another freely. He offered salvation to us without price.

2) People.The praise of men can be intoxicating to the ego. It is easy to be seduced by the admiration and adulation of men. However, performing to receive the praises of men is detrimental to any ministry. Recognizing this motive in ministry can be difficult at times. It is common for people to speak of how we have blessed them, especially if our ministry to them came at a crucial moment.

And Samuel said, What hast thou done? And Saul said, Because I saw that the people were scattered from me, and that thou camest not within the days appointed, and that the Philistines gathered themselves together at Michmash. Therefore said I, The Philistines will come down now upon me to Gilgal, and I have not made supplication unto the Lord: I forced myself therefore, and offered a burnt offering. (I Samuel 13:11-12)

Individuals who have ministries that are on display (singing, preaching, prophesying, playing instruments, etc.) are vulnerable in particular. The praises and thanks of people can be addictive. Saul, Israel’s first king, ruined his ministry as king because of people.

3) Personal Gain. This final wrong motive is hard to detect. Personal gain is usually interpreted as money. However, personal gain is subjective to the individual. Some people use ministry as therapy for their own physical and emotional needs. There are individuals who have low self-esteem, never had many friends, never received love, and the like. Ministry to them becomes a form of establishing self-worth and identity for them. The Pharisees are examples of this type of motive in ministry.

And love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues, And greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi. (Matthew 23:7)

The Pharisees are examples of this type of motive in ministry. They loved to make themselves seem spiritual and important so that men would look up to them and respect them. They used religious service to establish their identities and self-worth. You have to be honest and recognize if you are vulnerable in this area. It can prove to be deadly to your ministry. Self-examination is the key to maintaining pure motives in ministry. If you learn to judge your own motives through the Word of God and by the Spirit, the flesh will not overtake you in this area.

Well, there you have it. Continue in the Faith, for Christ is faithful. If you would like more information concerning ministry, I have addressed it in my book, “Motives in Ministry: Defining the Proper Motives for Ministry and Service” which can be found at Amazon.com.

Distraction is a chief enemy of the Christian. If we are not careful, we will allow distractions to deter us from the object of our salvation, which is Jesus Christ. How do you know if something is a distraction? A distraction is anything or anyone that becomes the motivation for your life. With that said, we discover three common distractions among Christians:

Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith? Hebrews 12:1b-2a (KJV)

1. SIN – When you have an “issue” (as we like to call sin at times), you will live to satisfy it rather than the Lord. Sin brings your focus on yourself and your fleshly desires rather than the perfect law of liberty which is in Jesus. Don’t allow personal sins and desires to distract you from Christ. If you keep your eyes on Him, He will lead you into victory over any sin that frustrates you. In addition, do not allow the sins of others to become a distraction. If we are not careful, we will become “sin-patrol” and “righteousness-enforcers” rather than presenters of His truth, which includes rebuke, which has the power to set free.

2. SELF- Many believers are so preoccupied with themselves that they are distractions to themselves. If you are always worried about appearance, who likes and dislikes you, when will I get promoted, why they treated me in an unfavorable manner, and the like, you are distracted. Remember, the pride of life is an enemy to the love of God. We say it, but do we mean it: “It is not about us, it is about Jesus!” Don’t allow the enemy to distract you from Christ through subtlety. God will bless us and provide for us, but that is not to be our only use for the Word and Prayer. You will be distracted from the true power of God which results in a transformed, selfless life.

3. SERVICE - One of the biggest and deceptive distractions is our service and ministry in Christ. God calls and anoints us for His service. However, we are not to be like Martha who was too busy trying to serve Christ rather than sit at His feet to learn and commune with Him. Many believers are distracted by prophecies of future ministries not understanding that they will come to pass if you stay focused on Him. Do not allow ministry to be about you and who you are. All ministry is to point back to Christ and not the minister. Do not work for Him and then be lost in the end because you did not go on to know Him. Serve Him faithfully, but do not confuse ministry with relationship.

We have to endeavor to make sure that everything points to Him. All things are by Him. If we overcome, it is because He overcame. If we are prosperous, it is because He prospered in what the Father sent Him to do. Thus, we have to remain focused on Him, His life, and His legacy for success.

If you keep your eyes on Him, no sin, trial, or test will be able to stop you. Remember, if He overcame the world, you will overcome all things through faith in Him. Things may be exactly how you see it, but take your eyes off the situations and KEEP YOUR EYES ON JESUS!

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.