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Writers, Worries, and Woes! – Three Challenges Every Writer Faces

Posted by Roderick on May 7, 2012
Posted in: Daily Living, writers unlimited. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , . Leave a Comment

Oh, to be a writer! Sounds like such a noble profession. This profession definitely has to be exciting, expressive, and creative. Or is it? Though the writing profession can be all of these things, it does come with certain worries and woes which are commonly experienced by writing professionals.

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.

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.

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

Posted by Roderick on October 3, 2011
Posted in: Bible Study, Christian Walk, Daily Living, General Christianity. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . 1 comment

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.