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I Can Recover – 3 Facts of the Christian’s Restoration

Posted by Roderick on May 21, 2012
Posted in: Bible Study, Christian Walk, Daily Living, Life Lessons, Uncategorized. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . 2 comments

Picture1Christians can learn much from the life of Samson. God used Him and he did get off track, but God still brought him redemption. If God was able to redeem Samson’s life and give him victory, He will do the same for the believer today. Samson’s story reveals three facts concerning the believer’s fall and recovery in these days.

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.

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

Posted by Roderick on December 5, 2011
Posted in: Daily Living. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . Leave a Comment

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.

Kingdom Growth – Four Keys to Spiritual Progress – REPOST

Posted by Roderick on November 28, 2011
Posted in: Bible Study, Christian Walk, Daily Living, General Christianity. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . Leave a Comment

uparrowEvery child that enters into the world is expected to grow. When a child does not grow, it is a sign of a developmental problem. Many Christians are suffering from spiritual developmental problems because they stop growing in the faith. We enter into the Kingdom as children, but we are not to remain children. As Christians, we cannot afford to stop growing. We are instructed through the writings of the apostles to grow…

But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever. Amen. 2 Peter 3:18 (KJV)

Every Christian is commanded to grow. There must be spiritual progress. Jesus taught that every branch (person) in Him is expected to produce fruit. This is a sign of growth. Spiritual growth is challenging process, but has eternal rewards. In striving for personal development, the Christian has to overcome faulty self-perception, the opinions of others, and the lies that the enemy may bring to the mind. Therefore, we want to offer four keys that Christians can employ to stimulate personal growth in their lives and in their walk with Christ.

Respect the Lord – If you do not respect the Lord, you will not follow His commands, frustrating your growth. Wisdom precedes growth and wisdom is achieved through the fear of the Lord. If you want to grow, you have to have a respect and reverence for God, His Word, and His Standards. Without these, you will not have the proper perspective and passion for personal growth.

Rely on the Bible – The Bible reveals God’s eternal plans and purposes. As we rely on it as our standard for living, growth is a direct by-product. If you want to grow, it has to be done through applying the principles of scripture to daily living.

Rehearse Your Needs in Prayer – Personal growth will not be achieved without consistency in prayer. In prayer, you can express to Christ your concerns and areas of weakness. In prayer, you can receive strength to overcome obstacles; including self-imposed obstacles. Prayer raises your sensitivity to Christ. Hence, your heart will be open to change which leads to growth. Jesus said that men should always pray and not faint. Do not give up on prayer because you do not see immediate results, for it will have eternal rewards.

Redirect Your Desires – When we hear the word “desires,” we usually think of fleshly lusts. Though it is a part of desire, desires also include wanting things to go a certain way or feeling we are right in our opinions. If your desires are not redirected, you will not be open to correction and discipline. Every Christian has to be disciplined in their lifestyle and manner. In doing so, you will overcome the desire to please yourself. In turn, your desires will be redirected towards pleasing God. This will definitely lead to growth.

Personal growth does require persistence. However, it can be a consistent element in your life because we can do all things through Jesus. God wants the Christian to mature in Him. So, if you want to grow, you will receive strength and support. He will help you. Understand you have no excuse: be determined – Don’t Stop Growing.

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.