December 2021 – Gifts

I Love Christmas. As a family, we gather to celebrate the birth of Jesus. Also, we enjoy giving gifts to one another. And God has given each one of us a gift to help and serve others (1Peter 4:10).

Gifts from God
Romans 12:6-8 lists gifts from God that enable us to do things well and help others. The list includes Prophecy—reading and interpreting God’s Word; Service—giving practical help to those who have needs; Teaching—explaining the application of God’s Word in the hearer’s life; Encouragement—inspiring confidence and emboldening others; Contributing—doing a good job with our administrative abilities; Giving Aid—sharing our time and money to help others; Leadership—using our leadership skills to serve God and others; Acts of Mercy—showing acts of kindness to others.

Spiritual Gifts
In addition to the above gifts, the Holy Spirit gives us one or more spiritual gifts. A spiritual gift is a talent or ability given by the Holy Spirit and empowered by him for the common good. God’s Word lists those gifts in 1 Corinthians 12:8-11. The list includes Wisdom, Knowledge, Faith, Healing, Miracles-performing them, Prophecy-making known the truth of God, Discernment-knowing the truth of God’s Word versus false doctrine, and Tongues-speaking in tongues and interpreting tongues.

Finding our gifts
Do you know what your gifts are? If not, a good place to start is to ask God for help.  You can also ask yourself what you enjoy doing and what you are good at doing. In addition, you can help identify your gifts by Googling articles, videos, and books that explain how to find and use your gifts.

Using our gifts
God created us to do good works for others (Ephesians 2:10). He did not create us to simply consume resources and only serve ourselves. Therefore, identify your gifts and start using them to serve, help, and encourage others.

November 2021 – Faith

Let’s start with what faith isn’t, and then define what faith is, where it comes from, what’s the object of our faith, why faith is important, and then conclude with a few examples of people who lived by faith.

Faith isn’t …

Faith isn’t a belief in someone or something you know isn’t true. Faith isn’t wishful thinking or believing in yourself. And faith isn’t a formula to persuade God to do what you want him to do.

Faith is…

Faith is a confident assurance that what we hope for is going to happen.

Faith is a belief and trust in God, His promises, and His Word. God’s Word even defines faith as confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see (Hebrews 11:1 NIV).

Personally, I like to think of faith as a decision-making process based on evidence and the Word of God. Then we act on that faith to drive our life. And there is plenty of evidence to support our faith. Just two examples—read about all the evidence in the two books titled The Case for Faith and The Case for Christ by Lee Strobel.

Don’t be fooled by an argument that in order to believe in someone like Jesus, you have to see him. As Billy Graham once said, he had never seen the wind, but he had seen its effects. Likewise, he may never have seen Jesus, but he continually saw the effects of Jesus in the lives of people.

Where faith comes from

God’s Word says, “So faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes by the preaching of Christ” (Romans 10:17). Moreover, faith is a spiritual gift from God (1Corinthians 12:9).

What is the object of our faith?

The object of our faith is Jesus Christ. God’s Word tells us to live by faith in the son of God (Galatians 2:20). Billy Graham once said, “Your faith may be just a little thread. It may be small and weak, but act on that faith. It does not matter how big your faith is, but rather, where your faith is.” Like Billy Graham, our faith needs to rest in Jesus Christ.

Why faith is important

God’s Word answers the question. Without faith, it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6). And faith saves us (Ephesians 2:8,9). Furthermore, we are justified by faith in Jesus (Galatians 2:16). Because we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 5:1).

God’s Word tells us to walk by faith, not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7). Faith is one of the weapons we can use to fight our battles and destroy strongholds (2 Corinthians 10: 3,4). In addition, God’s Word says, “We destroy arguments and every proud obstacle to the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5).

Finally, remember that the shield of faith is part of the armor of God that enables us to stand against the evil one and to “quench all the flaming darts” he hurls at us (Ephesians 6:16).

Examples of faith

Shadrack, Meshack, Abednego
God’s Word tells us that a Babylonian king named Nebuchadnezzar ordered his guards to throw three men—Shadrach, Meshack, and Abednego—into a “burning fiery furnace” because they refused to bow down to his image. The men had faith that God was able to save them.  And they told the king that even if God chose not to save them, they had faith that God would be with them in the burning furnace (Daniel 3:1-30). Not only was Jesus visibly with these three men in the burning furnace, but also he saved them because of their faith.

Friends of a paralytic
God’s Word also tells us about a paralytic who wanted to be able to walk again. His friends had faith that Jesus could heal their friend so they carried him on a pallet to a house where Jesus was preaching and healing people. But a large crowd blocked the entrance to the house. This obstacle did not stop the men. They dug a hole in the roof and lowered their friend down. When Jesus saw the faith of the paralytic’s friends, he healed the paralytic so he was able to walk again (Mark 2:1-12).

Many people who lived their lives in faith
Hebrews 11 is called the faith chapter. I recommend that you read it. In there, God’s Word gives us many examples of people who lived by faith.

If my wife Mary lived back then, I believe her name would also appear in Hebrews 11. Faith drives her life. Mary knows that God is in control, and she trusts Him. She trusts God when her life is going well and also when it is not going as well. Mary’s faith affects the decisions she makes, the actions she takes, and how she responds to life. Mary’s character is developed by her faith. Her values stem from her faith. It forms the basis for how she relates to others. And Mary relies on her faith to help her withstand common everyday trials.

October 2021 – What the Holy Spirit Does

Last month, we discussed the Holy Spirit’s power that enables us to do what we can’t do in our own power.

Here are some other things that the Holy Spirit does:

  • Divine Counselor (John 14:17)
  • Teaches what Jesus said (John 14:26)
  • Bears witness to Jesus (John 15:26)
  • Convicts the world of sin and teaches us about righteousness and judgement.(John 16:8)
  • Guides us in all the truth (John 16:13)

  •  Teaches us what is to come (John 16:13
  • Gives us power to be a witness for Jesus (Acts 1:8)
  • Gives us the ability to prophesy (Acts 2:18)
  • Gives us boldness to speak God’s Word (Acts 4:31)
  • Gives us personal instruction (Acts 8:29)

  • Encourages and comforts us (Acts 9:31)
  • Tells us where we are not to go (Acts 16:6,7)
  • Frees us from the power of sin (Romans 8:2)
  • Bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God (Romans 8:16)
  • Leads and guides us as sons of God (Romans 8:14)

  • Intercedes for us in our prayer life (Romans 8:26)
  • Confirms the person who speaks the truth (Romans 9:1)
  • Searches all things even the depths of God (1 Corinthians 2:10)
  • Helps us understand the gifts God gives to us (1 Corinthians 2:12)
  • Lives inside us (1 Corinthians 3:16; 6:19)

  • Gives us spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 12:4-11)
  • Provides continuous revelation to benefit us and others (1 Corinthians 12:7)
  • Brings us freedom (2 Corinthians 3:17)
  • Transforms us into the image of Jesus (2 Corinthians 3:18)
  • Produces fruit in our life (Galatians 5:22-23

September 2021 – Power

Where do you get your power? Do you get it from your job, bank account, motivational principles, your own “muscle”, or from some other source?

For me, I tried to “muscle” my way through life. I read multiple books on motivation, and I personally attended many motivational seminars. Even though the writers and speakers provided some good information on what to do and how to do it to become successful, they were unable to provide the daily power necessary to apply what I  had learned. Soon, the “hyped” motivation from the books and seminars wore off. And I became discouraged.

Because I was discouraged, I called my mentor for advice. He told me that he too tried to “muscle” his way through life until he read a few pertinent verses from God’s Word. After reading these verses, he realized that we need the enabling power of the Holy Spirit to do what we can’t do on our own power. And that power available to us is the same power from the Holy Spirit who raised Christ from the dead. (Romans 8:11).

Here are the verses my mentor read: The Holy Spirit lives inside each believer (1 Corinthians 3:16; 6:19) and provides the enabling power to do much more than we could ever ask or think (Ephesians 3:20). In fact, God’s Word tells us “…Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit says the Lord of hosts.” (Zechariah 4:6).

The question now becomes how do we get the Holy Spirit’s power? God answers that question with these verses:   “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you…” (Acts 1:8). “…Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 2:38). And, “…the heavenly father give(s) the Holy Spirit to those who ask him.” (Luke 11:13).

The next question is how do we use the Holy Spirit’s power? In the morning, ask God to fill you with the Holy Spirit. (Ephesians 5:18). Then ask the Holy Spirit to “fuel” your day. Ask the Holy Spirit to take control of your life including your thoughts. Ask Him for His wisdom, guidance, and insight. Ask Him to equip you, energize you, and empower you to do what you need to do at work and in your personal life. Ask Him for His fruits of “… love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control…” (Galatians 5:22). Finally, address your weaknesses. We all have them. Admit your weaknesses to the Holy Spirit and ask for His power to conquer them and anything else that holds you in bondage.

Next month, I will list other things that the Holy Spirit does for us.

August 2021 – The Lord’s Prayer

Because God’s Word tells us that “all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” are found in Jesus (Colossians 2:2,3), we need to pay close attention to what he tells us.

In Matthew 6:9-13, Jesus tells us how to pray and also tells us the priorities for our prayer life. God comes first—his name, his kingdom, and his will. Our needs come second—help, forgiveness, and protection.

Let’s break down the prayer, now known as The Lord’s Prayer.

Our Father

We have an earthly father, and we have an eternal father. Even if our earthly father was not good, our eternal father is good (Psalm 107:1; 145:9). He even gives us power to become his children if we choose to receive Jesus and believe in his name (John 1:12; 3:16).

who art in heaven,

Jesus confirms there is a heaven, and we pray to our eternal Father who lives there (Acts 17:24-25; Ephesians 2:6; 1Timothy 6:16).

Hallowed be thy name.

We are to honor his name. His name is holy, and greatly to be glorified and praised (Psalm 72:19; 86:12; 99:5; 1 Peter 1:16).

Thy kingdom come,

God’s kingdom is a place where the focus of life is 100% on him, his agenda, and his will.

And His kingdom is a place “ that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:10-11).

Also, God’s Word tells us, “For the kingdom of God is not food and drink but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit;” (Romans 14:17).

Thy will be done, On earth as it is in heaven.

Below are just a few examples of God’s will.

Rejoice always, pray constantly, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).

“Thy word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105). Therefore, if we pray according to God’s Word, our prayers are according to his will. For example, if we pray for someone’s salvation we know that it is in God’s will because he “…desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:4).

“Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may prove what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect” (Romans 12:2).

Fulfill God’s purpose for your life.  Read my July 2021 Blog.

Love and serve others. Read my July 2020 Blog.

Carry out God’s five purposes and five calls discussed at pages 26-32 in my book titled Created For Greatness Living Your Best Life Through God’s Word.

Give us this day our daily bread,

Bread represents our basic needs such as food, water, clothing, and shelter. In addition, Jesus said that he is the bread of life (John 6:35, 48, 51), and he satisfies our spiritual, emotional, and physical needs.

Note that Jesus did not say we should ask for enough bread to last for one month or even for one week. Instead, Jesus uses the word daily because he wants to provide for our needs on a daily basis. Why? The answer is that he wants us to depend on him every day, and he wants us to have a daily relationship with him.

And we too should want a daily relationship with Jesus. Why? Because in him are found  “all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Colossians 2:2,3). Also, we want to maintain a daily relationship with Jesus because we do not want him to tell us, depart from me because I never knew you (Matthew 7:23).

And forgive us our debts, As we also have forgiven our debtors;

If we are not willing to forgive others, God will not forgive us. As God’s Word says, “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father also will forgive you (Matthew 6:14), but if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses” (Matthew 6:15). Also, read Mark 11:25; Luke 6:37; Ephesians 4:32; and Colossians 3:13.

Ask God to help you forgive and then turn the offender over to God and let him deal with the person. As God’s Word says, “Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God; for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord”’ (Romans12:19).

And lead us not into temptation, But deliver us from evil (the evil one-emphasis supplied)

Our battles against temptation arise out of our own desires. As God’s Word says “…for God cannot be tempted with evil and he himself tempts no one; but each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire” (James 1:13, 14).

You know where you are vulnerable, and that is where you can expect the attack from your adversary the devil. God’s Word says, “Be sober, be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour” (1Peter 5:8).

Therefore, God tells us to “Watch and pray that you may not enter temptation; the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak” (Matthew 26:41).

But if we find our self in a tempting situation, we need to look for God’s escape plan. His Word is clear: “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your strength, but with the temptation will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it” (1 Corinthians 10:13).

Here is another thing to consider: Some health-treatment centers use the acronym HALT to warn against making potential life-changing decisions when we are hungry, angry, lonely, and tired. And when it comes to temptation, we can use the same acronym to warn us when our adversary is likely to attack.

We need to be on guard during the following vulnerable times: When we are hungry. Hunger includes when we are hungry for food, love, affection, appreciation and attention; When we are angry at something or someone; When we are lonely, ignored, or feel as if we are taken for granted; or When we are tired. This is when your adversary is likely to direct your attention to someone or something that entices you to sin. Ask the Holy Spirit to protect you and deliver you from Satan’s enticement to sin.

July 2021 – Our Purpose

Regarding our purpose, Mark Twain once said, “The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why.”

We know that the purpose of Jesus was to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10). And Paul’s purpose was to defend the gospel (Philippians 1:16). Do you know what your purpose is?

For me, because I had an inner feeling that I wanted to make my life count for something, I felt that my purpose was something more than merely consuming resources. In searching for my purpose, I reasoned that it may somehow be tied to my talents and passions. Therefore, I wrote down a couple of my talents and passions. Next, I dug into God’s Word and began to pray for wisdom (James 1:5) and to ask God for his help.

During my search, I read that God’s Word tells us “…be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:58). So I asked myself what is the work of the Lord? I learned that the work of the Lord is to live a lifestyle that pleases him together with a lifestyle that loves and serves others. Also, the work of the Lord involves sharing the gospel message by the way that we live.  In addition, it involves sharing the gospel message verbally or in written form when appropriate (1 Thessalonians 2:8). In order to always “abound in his work”, I discovered five ways to do that, and I list and discuss them at pages 25-30 in my book.

Furthermore, I found four verses that tell us what the Lord requires us to do. The Lord requires us “…to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all  his ways, to love him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to keep the commandments and statutes of the Lord, which I command you this day for your good” (Deuteronomy 10:12-13). And he requires us “…to do justice and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8); and “…to lead a life worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God” (Colossians 1:10).

Next, I found a verse that specifically tells us our purpose—why God created us. In Ephesians 2:10, God’s Word says he created us to do good works which means to love and serve him and others. Then I read a verse that tells us how God equips us to do good works. And he equips us to do good works by giving everyone at least one gift to love and serve him and others (1 Peter 4:10).

In order to do good works to love and serve God and others, do you know what your gift or gifts are? If not, read Romans 12:6-8 and Ephesians 4:11,12 where God’s Word lists some gifts. In addition, God gives us a spiritual gift that is a talent or an ability empowered by the Holy Spirit to love and serve one another, and God’s Word lists them in 1 Corinthians 12: 7-10, 27-31.

After you read these verses and identify your gift or gifts, start using them to fulfill your purpose to do good works. For example, every morning after you wake up, ask God to reveal one thing that you can do today to love and serve him more and to love and serve others more. Also during the week, commit to encourage just one person or commit to make life easier for just one person. Finally, remember to ask the Holy Spirit to give you power every day to use your gift or gifts to love and serve God and others.

June 2021 – World View or God View

God’s Word tells us that every person lives in one of two camps. We either live according to the flesh and set our minds on the things of the flesh, or we live according to the Spirit and set our minds on the things of the Spirit (Romans 8:5). In which camp do you currently reside?

To help us decide why we need to abide in the camp that sets our mind on the things of the Spirit (lives according to the Spirit), we need to look at God’s Word.
And God’s Word tells us, “To set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace” (Romans 8:6).

Years ago, I met a man on a flight to Chicago who shared his knowledge about a World View verses a God View. He drew and filled out a separate diagram for both views each containing one small circle within one large circle. At pages 62-64 of my book, I include both diagrams and a separate discussion for each.

Below is what the man told me:

The World View basis for happiness—wealth, power, and position compared with the God View basis for happiness—relationship with God, daily spiritual food, and loving and serving others.

The World View lifestyle—self-centered and ego-driven compared with the God View lifestyle—motivate, encourage, comfort others, and integrity.

The World View small circle in the center of the large circle—self and job compared with the God View small circle in the center—The Holy Trinity. The businessman told me that whatever is at the center of your life is where you find your self-image, security, and power.

Right above the small circle in the World View—position, power, influence, and wealth compared with the God View—family.

Working around the inner part of the World View large circle in a clockwise direction—title and prestige compared with the God View—friends-current and new, and teamwork.

Continuing on in a clockwise direction for the World View—money and possessions compared with the God View—relationship with God

Next for the World View—recreation, most expensive compared with the God View—recreation, but not the most expensive.

Bottom line World View—what’s in it for me compared with the bottom line God View—love, serve, and obey God.

The World View focus—He who dies with the most toys wins compared with the God View focus—love, serve, and comfort others.

World View result—burnout, unhappy, and unfulfilled compared with the God View result—abundant joyful living.

If we want life, peace, and abundant joyful living, God’s Word makes it clear that we must set our mind on the things of the Spirit (live according to the Spirit) and follow a God View model.

May 2021 – Peace: Living Above the Frazzle

When faced with the same circumstances, why do some people have peace while others don’t?

I have a friend who is able to keep his peace regardless of the circumstances that confront him. Below, I state what he learned and applied to his life until it became a habit. And we can do the same.

God’s Word tells us that Jesus left his peace with us, and it is a peace that is unlike what the world offers. John 14:27. The peace Jesus gives is independent of circumstances.

Peace does not come from having more of everything such as more assets and insurance. Instead, peace comes from allowing God’s Word to fill our heart by loving it. Psalm 119:165. Peace comes as a result of praying for peace to rule in our heart. Peace comes from trusting Jesus and keeping our focus on him. Isaiah 26:3. And peace comes from setting our mind on the Spirit because that is life and peace. Romans 8:6. In fact, allowing the Holy Spirit to control our mind produces peace. Galatians 5:22.

Peace is a gift from Jesus, and God’s Word tells us to let the peace of God rule in our heart. Colossians 3:15. What do you allow to rule in your heart? We have a choice. We can continue to feel frazzled without peace by allowing circumstances to rule in our heart. Or, we can let the peace of God rule in our heart by obeying God’s Word, praying for peace, trusting Jesus, remaining quietly in his presence, and allowing the Holy Spirit to control our mind.

My friend keeps Jesus at his right hand and so it not shaken. Psalm 16:8. Even during his busiest, most stressful times, he continually talks with Jesus about whatever is on his mind. He does not allow fear or anxiety to rule in his heart. But if he starts to experience anxiety creeping in to try and rob him of peace, he follows God’s Word that tells him: “Have no anxiety about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6,7.  Consequently, he comes to Jesus by prayer and supplication ( a humble request to God for something such as peace) with thanksgiving (he thanks Jesus for the gift of his peace and asks Jesus to restore his peace) and as a result, peace soon replaces anxiety.

April 2021 – Unstoppable

“I keep the Lord always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved” (Psalm 16:8).

“But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; …” (Acts 1:8).

When Ellie, our granddaughter, turned 10, the family held a “virtual” birthday party. Before we called Ellie, everyone wrote down words that best described her. Some family members wrote words such as determined, strong, bold, and perseverance. I wrote down the word unstoppable. Regardless of the obstacles, Ellie won’t quit until she gets the job done. Because she trusts God that he is in control of her life, and because she receives her sustaining power from the Holy Spirit, Ellie is unstoppable.

In the Bible, God provides examples of several people who were unstoppable. One such person was the Apostle Paul. Even though Paul was beaten and stoned multiple times, spent many nights without sleep and food, and was in constant danger, he remained unstoppable.

Paul had many qualities that helped him remain unstoppable. Among them, he had desire, dedication, discipline, perseverance, and a commitment to excellence. But Paul was not unstoppable based on calculating what he could or could not do based on his own qualities and strength.

Paul knew that God does not want us to try and muscle our way through life on our own strength. And God’s Word makes this clear when it states, “…Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts” (Zechariah 4:6).

Paul knew that without the power of the Holy Spirit, he would not have the sustaining power that he needed. Therefore, he relied on power from the Holy Spirit who lives in every believer (1 Corinthians 6:19). And talk about power that is available to us! God’s Word says that the same Holy Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead lives in us. (Romans 8:11).

ACTION ITEM

When you wake up, ask God to fill you completely with the Holy Spirit. (Ephesians 5:18)

Then ask the Holy Spirit to take control of your life including your mind and thoughts. Next, ask the Holy Spirit to equip, energize, and empower you to be unstoppable.

And if for some reason we should stumble, God’s Word assures us that we will not fall headlong because the Lord holds our hand. (Psalm 37:24)

March 2021 – Strongholds

Even though a stronghold can be good such as a place of peace and security with the Lord (Psalm 9:9; 27:1), this month’s blog will focus on a stronghold as being some harmful behavior, activity, thought, or addiction that grips you so strongly that you can’t destroy it on your own power.

Do you struggle with a harmful stronghold such as anger, alcohol, drugs, pornography, jealously, bitterness, or any other behavior, activity, or addiction? Have you tried to destroy it on your own power, but failed?

My mentor told me that we can’t destroy harmful strongholds on our own power because they are spiritual strongholds and only spiritual weapons such as prayer and God’s Word can destroy them.

My mentor told me that God’s Word says, “For though we live in the world we are not carrying on a worldly war, for the weapons of our warfare are not worldly but have divine power to destroy strongholds”(2 Corinthians 10:3.4).

“Is not my word like fire, says the Lord, and like a hammer which breaks the rock (stronghold) in pieces”? (Jeremiah 23:29, emphasis supplied).

For ideas on spiritual weapons that will prevent strongholds from gaining a grip on you, or for ideas on how to destroy strongholds that already have a grip on you, read my August 2020 blog titled Battle for Control of our Mind.

To win the battle against any harmful stronghold, here are four things that you can do:

  1. Ask God to give you a new and clean heart and a new and right spirit (Psalm 51:10) (Ezekiel 36:26, 27).
  2. Ask the Holy Spirit to activate the mind of Christ that is in you (2 Corinthians 10:5).
  3. Take captive any thought that does not obey Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5).
  4. Pray constantly (1 Thessalonians 5:17).

Now, is there a stronghold you need to destroy? For example, let’s say it is anger.

You could pray something like this: Dear God, as you know, I struggle with anger. I repent of my anger and ask for your forgiveness. Please remove any anger or thoughts of anger from my current heart and give me a new and clean heart and a new and right spirit. I am now filled with the Lord’s peace and declare that anything is possible with God.

I renounce the anger stronghold and dismantle it in the name of Jesus. I bind the anger stronghold to the foot of the cross covered by the blood of Jesus. Lord, I believe that you have destroyed the anger stronghold and it is never to return. Now, please fill me with the Holy Spirit.

Dear Holy Spirit, activate the mind of Christ that is in me so I can think only his thoughts. Finally, control my thoughts, and give me the power to take captive any thought that does not obey Christ as well as the power to permanently destroy it.

Amen.

You may have to repeat this prayer more than once during any given day until the stronghold is destroyed. You may even have to simply cry out—Jesus, help me! Holy Spirit, transform me by renewing my mind! Control my thoughts! Give me the power to resist!

February 2021 – The Heart

When I attended Colorado College, I could look out my window and see Cheyenne Mountain. Located two thousand feet below the mountain’s solid-granite structure was the northern defense command center for the United States. For us, the heart is our command center. Our heart drives our behavior. Everything that we say or do flows from our heart. In short, what drives our heart will drive our life.

God’s Word tells us that “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately corrupt; who can understand it?” (Jeremiah 17:9). Accordingly, God’s Word tells us, “Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life” (Proverbs 4:23 NIV). Society often tells us to just follow our heart. But God’s Word tells us that we can’t trust our heart. And if we follow a deceitful heart, the result could be disastrous.

A reoccurring question for us is this: What is the status of our heart today? Is our heart right so that the words and actions that flow from it show such things as love, joy, peace, and kindness? (Galatians 5: 22,23). Or is our heart deceitful or corrupt so that our words and actions show such things as anger, enmity, and strife? (Galatians 5:19-21).

Because our actions and what comes out of our mouth reveal what is in our heart (Matthew 15:18,19), we need to understand what our true heart is, how to guard it, and one thing we can do each morning to ensure that our heart is right before God.

The Heart

Society looks at the outward appearance of the heart and defines it as a muscle that pumps blood to our body. But God does not look at the outward appearance. Instead, he looks inside our heart (1 Samuel 16:7) to see our true inner-self. God knows that what flows from our heart determines the outcome of our life. Therefore, he tells us that our number one priority is to guard our heart. (Proverbs 4:23 NIV).

How to Guard Our Heart

Here are four ways to guard our heart:

  1. Continually fill our heart with truth.
    What is truth? God’s Word is truth (John 17:17), and Jesus is the truth (John 14:6). God tells us to read his Word and keep it in our heart. Therefore, we need to continually study and apply God’s Word to our life (Colossians 3:16). And we need to read Proverbs 2:1-10 to find out what we must do in order to have wisdom come into our heart in order to guard it.. Not only is Jesus the truth but also God’s Word tells us that Jesus is the wisdom of God (1 Corinthians 1:24). Furthermore, God made Jesus our wisdom (1 Corinthians1:30). In fact, God’s Word tells us that “all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” are found in Christ (Colossians 2: 2, 3). Therefore, we need to know Jesus better by reading what he said and did as recorded in the Bible. Also, we need to know Jesus better by spending time with him every day in prayer.
  2. Take control over what we think.
    Remember the old saying, garbage in-garbage out. If we allow garbage thoughts to enter our heart, then garbage thoughts and actions will come out. So replace garbage thoughts with “…whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence,  if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things” (Philippians 4:8).
  3. Take any garbage thought captive.
    If a garbage thought enters our mind, we must take it captive to obey Christ. In fact, God’s Word says,”…take every thought captive to obey Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5). Consequently, we need to turn over any garbage thought to Christ before it causes a problem.
  4. Prayer and supplication with thanksgiving.
    God’s Word tells us, “Have no anxiety about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will keep your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Emphasis supplied Philippians 4:6,7). Consequently, if we want to keep (guard) our heart, God’s Word tells us to act through prayer, supplication ( a humble request for help), and thanksgiving.

The One Thing

Every morning before we get out of bed, the one thing we can do is ask God to give us a new and clean heart and a new and right spirit (Psalm 51:10; Ezekiel 36:26. 27). A friend told me that his life changed for the better when he added one thing to his daily routine. Upon awakening each morning, he asks God to give him a new and clean heart and a new and right spirit.

January 2021 – Wisdom

What is wisdom?
The world often defines wisdom as having insight to understand and discern something. But God’s Word tells us not to rely on our own insight. Specifically, God’s Word says, “Trust in the Lord with all of your heart, and do not rely on your own insight. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your path” (Proverbs 3:5,6).

Therefore, in God’s eyes, wisdom comes from receiving his insight that provides the ability to understand what behavior he desires for every situation. Stated another way, wisdom is hearing and/or reading God’s Word and applying it to our life (Matthew 7:24-27). In short, wisdom comes from God and his Word.

Also, his Word tells us that, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight” (Proverbs 9:10). His Word even tells us what we need to do in order to understand the fear of the Lord. Read (Proverbs 2:1-5).

How do we obtain wisdom?
We can obtain wisdom from our parents, family, friends, teachers, and from our past experiences. But if we want Godly wisdom, we need to ask God to give it to us. (James 1:5). In addition, we gain wisdom by reading and obeying his Word and Commandments (Psalm 19:7 and Psalm 119:98). And if we want to obtain the treasures of wisdom, we need to spend daily time with Jesus. We can do that by reading and meditating on God’s Word and by praying.

Why is spending daily time with Jesus so important?  The answer is because wisdom is found in Jesus. God’s Word tells us that Jesus is the wisdom of God (1 Corinthians 1:24) and God made Jesus our wisdom (1 Corinthians 1:30). In fact, God’s Word tells us that “all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” are found in Christ (Colossians 2:2,3).

Finally, God’s Word tells us that he even gives supernatural wisdom as a gift to some people (1 Corinthians 12:8).

What are a few benefits from obtaining Godly wisdom?
In addition to making better decisions, God’s Word tells us that Godly wisdom will make us happy (Proverbs 3:13); We will have a long life and riches and honor (Proverbs 3:16); It is sweet to our soul and also provides a Hope-filled future (Proverbs 24: 13,14).

Application
Before you get out of bed in the morning, ask God for wisdom (James 1:5). Then read and meditate on his Word (Proverbs 2:6). You can start each day by reading one Proverb and one Psalm. After you finish reading the Proverbs and Psalms, you can read the book of Ecclesiastes. Then you can read the books of the New Testament starting with the book of Matthew and reading one chapter a day.

For each day’s reading, ask yourself what did I learn that will help me obtain and apply Godly wisdom.

December 2020 – My Friend

After reading the poem below by D.J. Higgins, I felt compelled to include the story about how I became a believer and how you too can become one. (See pages 13-18 in my book).

My Friend
by D. J. Higgins

My friend, I stand in judgment now
And feel that you’re to blame somehow

While on this earth I walked with you day by day
And never did you point the way

You knew the Lord in truth and glory
But never did you tell the story

My knowledge then was very dim
You could have led me safe to him

Though we lived together here on earth
You never told me of your second birth

And now I stand this day condemned
Because you failed to mention Him

You taught me many things, that’s true
I called you friend and trusted you

But now I learned, now it’s too late
You could have kept me from this fate

We walked by day and talked by night
And yet you showed me not the light

You let me live, love and die
And all the while you knew I’d never live on high

Yes, I called you friend in life
And trusted you in joy and strife

Yet in coming to this end
I see you really weren’t my friend

November 2020 – The Dash

Recently, I re-read the poem below titled The Dash — by Linda Ellis. It reminded me of two things:

1. The importance of living the way God created us to live. I discuss the subject at pages 25-32 of my book and in my July 2020 blog on Love.

2. The importance of leaving a positive legacy. At the bottom of page 78 and the top of page 79 of my book, I suggest that when considering what type of legacy you want to leave, think about who will attend your funeral and what you want each person to say about you.

For example, what do you want your spouse, children, grandchildren, siblings, extended family, friends, employers, coworkers, and pastor or priest to say? After you write down what you would like each person to say, make it your goal to start living that way.

If you live the way that God created you to live, and if you live the way that you want your family and friends to remember you by, then at your funeral you would be proud of the things they say about how you lived your dash.

THE DASH — by Linda Ellis

I read of a man who stood to speak at a funeral of a friend.
He referred to the dates on the tombstone from the beginning…to the end.

He noted that first came the date of birth and spoke of the following date with tears,
but said what mattered most of all was the dash between those years.

For that dash represents all the time they spent alive on earth
and now only those who loved them know what that little line is worth.

For it matters not, how much we own, the cars…the house…the cash.
What matters is how we lived and loved and how we spend our dash.

So think about this long and hard; are there things you’d like to change?
For you never know how much time is left that still can be rearranged.

To be less quick to anger and show appreciation more
and love the people in our lives like we’ve never loved before.

If we treat each other with respect and more often wear a smile…
remembering that this special dash might only last a little while.

So when your eulogy is being read, with your life’s actions to rehash,
would you be proud of the things they say about how you lived your dash?

Copyright © 1996-2020 Inspire Kindness, the dashpoem.com

October 2020 – Accomplish More in Less Time

Before I became a believer, I questioned whether any time spent reading the Bible could produce benefits. But even if there were benefits, my daily schedule was already overbooked.

Then one of my believing friends told me that if I spent just 15 minutes every day reading God’s Word and applying it to my life, I could accomplish more in less time. He said that God’s resources would empower me. God’s resources include:

  1. Wisdom – (James 1:5)
  2. Insight and Guidance – (Proverbs 3:5,6 and Isaiah 58:11 and Psalm 25:12)
  3. The Lord’s Blessing – (Jeremiah 17:7,8 and Numbers 6:24-26)
  4. Fruits of the Spirit – (Galatians 5:22)
  5. Supernatural Power – (Acts 1:8 and Ephesians 3:20 and Romans 8:11)
  6. Strength – (Isaiah 40:31 and Isaiah 41:10)
  7. Joy – (John 15:11)
  8. Peace – (Isaiah 26:3)
  9. Stability – (Psalm 16:8,9)
  10. Protection – (Psalm 91:11)
  11. Mercy and Grace – (Hebrews 4:16)
  12. Prosperity and Success – (Joshua 1:8 and Psalm 1:1-3)

He opened his Bible and read (Psalm 84:10), which in effect tells us that a day spent with God is more profitable than spending a thousand days elsewhere. I reminded him, however, that my time was already overbooked.

His reply made me reconsider my position. He told me that every day God gives us 96 fifteen-minute segments of time to spend as we choose. Next, he showed me a circle that contained 96 fifteen-minute segments of time. (I inserted the circle at page 129 of my book titled Created For Greatness—Living Your Best Life Through God’s Word).

I had to admit that looking at the circle with 96 fifteen-minute segments helped me realize how much time God gives us every day. To further clarify the point, he said that the 96 fifteen-minute segments translate into 1,440 minutes. So my friend recommended I spend just 15 minutes of those 1,440 minutes every day to read God’s Word and apply it to my life. He continued by telling me that I should not use the excuse that my life was so busy that I could not find 15 minutes. Furthermore, when he said that we always find time to do the things we want to do, I had to agree.

He finished by telling me that if we extrapolate on (Psalm 84:10), we could argue that spending one fifteen-minute segment with God every day, is more beneficial than spending a thousand fifteen-minute segments on our own. And if we do the math, one thousand fifteen-minute segments equals 250 hours. In other words, spending fifteen minutes with God every day is better (a more profitable use of our time) than spending 250 hours without God’s help.

Because my friend knew that R.O.I. (return on investment) was important to me, he concluded by saying that spending 15 minutes every day reading God’s Word and applying it to my life would provide a miraculous R.O.I on the use of my time. And I would be able to accomplish more in less time. My friend was right back then. And today, he is still right.

September 2020 – The One Thing

Back in June 1991, I remember watching a movie called City Slickers. At one point in the movie, cowboy Curly asks city-slicker Mitch this question: Do you know what the secret of life is? Curly followed his question by stating that it is just one thing. Mitch then asked Curly, what is the one thing?  And Curly said that is what you need to figure out.

Have you figured it out? If you could pick only one thing to stay focused on, what would it be?

Apostle Paul
Paul concluded that the one thing is Jesus Christ. Specifically, Paul said, “Indeed I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord…” (Philippians 3:8).

Jesus Christ
What did Jesus himself say was the one thing? For His answer, we need to read the account of Jesus visiting Mary and Martha (Luke 10:38-42). We discover that Martha was anxious and troubled about many things, but Jesus told her that one thing is needed. And then Jesus tells Martha that Mary chose the one thing—spending time with Him.

Here are three additional reasons why Jesus is the one thing:

1. His seven I AM statements.
His statements tell us He is the one thing. Jesus does not say He is one of many things. Instead, in each of His I AM statements, Jesus tells us that He is the one thing.

  • I am the bread of life (John 6:35, 48, 51)
  • I am the light of the world (John 8:12; 9:5)
  • I am the door (John 10:7,9)
  • I am the good shepherd (John 10:11,14)
  • I am the resurrection and the life (John 11:25)
  • I am the way, the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but by me (John 14:6). (Note: we have salvation only in Jesus. God’s Word tells us, “And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).
  • I am the vine (John 15:1, 5). (Note: Jesus doesn’t say that he is one of many vines. No. He is the vine from where we as the branches obtain our nourishment to produce fruit. Therefore, Jesus is the “one thing” that we need to plug into every day. And we need to ensure that we remain plugged in). Jesus says it best when He said, “…Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in me, and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:4-5).

2. Our advocate and mediator.
Jesus is our one and only advocate and mediator who pleads our case before God, The Father (1 John 2:1) (1Timothy 2:5).

3. Treasures of Wisdom and Knowledge.
Regarding Jesus, God’s Word tells us “…in whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Colossians 2:3). Consequently, the only way to discover all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge is to make Jesus your one thing. And you make Jesus your one thing by spending time with Him throughout each day by involving Him in your life, praying, reading God’s Word, meditating on His Word, and loving and serving people.

August 2020 – Battle for Control of our Mind

Many voices battle to control our mind. Because our thoughts control our life, God tells us to guard our mind (Proverbs 4:23; 23:7). And He tells us, “Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewal of your mind…” (Romans 12:2).

We can either be conformed to this world by allowing our mind to follow what society tells us is truth, or we can allow our mind to follow what God’s Word tells us is truth. And God tells us that His Word is truth (John 17:17).

Therefore, if we want to know the truth, we need to spend time throughout the day in God’s Word. A place to start is in the book of Psalms written by King David. He talks with God and invites Him to test his mind and heart (Psalm 26:2) (Psalm 139:23). In order to discover the things that David thought about and prayed about, read one Psalm a day. Also by reading the Psalms, you will understand why God called David a man after His own heart (Acts 13:22).

As the chart on page 39 of my book shows, our thoughts start the progression that leads to our performance. So it is important that we start with the right thoughts. If we don’t purposefully choose to set our mind on the thoughts God wants, then someone else or something else will set our mind for us.

Remember the old saying: garbage in, garbage out. What thoughts do you allow to enter your mind? Do you suffer from “stinkin-thinkin”? Do problems, issues, and negative circumstances dominate your thoughts? Or do God’s Word and The Holy Trinity—God, Jesus, and The Holy Spirit—dominate your thoughts?

The good news is that we can choose what we think. Also, our mind can only think about one thing at a time. Consequently, when we set our mind on one thing, we can’t think about something else at the same time. So the question becomes what is the one thing that you think about most often? Do you think about God’s Word and The Holy Trinity, or do you think about something else?

And don’t simply try to get rid of your “stinkin-thinkin”. Instead, choose to give Christ control of your mind and allow Him to change your mind-set from focusing on your “stinkin-thinkin” to focusing on God’s Word and Christ in you. Now that you have given control to Him, He will provide the power to re-set your mind to focus on things that He wants you to think about.

Here are some ways to renew our mind:

Set our mind on things that are above, namely eternal things.
God’s Word tells us, “Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on the earth” (Colossians 3:2). Do you set your mind on eternal things—God’s Word and The Holy Trinity? Are they a constant part of your daily thought life? If not, ask God to make them a constant part.

Saturate our mind with God’s Word.
We can continue being conformed to this world by focusing on toxic thoughts, or we can re-direct our thoughts and be transformed by choosing to focus on God’s Word.

Set our mind on God.
If we focus our mind on God, He will give us perfect peace (Isaiah 26:3).

Set our mind on Christ
Hebrews 3:1 tells us to consider (set our mind on) Christ. Why set our mind on Christ?  The answer is to get to know him better. And why should we want to get to know Him better?  God’s Word provides the reason. It tells us “…in whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.”(Colossians 2:3). So if you want to learn all the treasures of wisdom and Knowledge, spend time with Jesus.

Set our mind on The Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit provides us with power to think what God wants us to think. Talk about power! God’s Word tells that the same Holy Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead lives in us, (Romans 8:11) and “… is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think,” (Ephesians 3:20).

God gives us a choice on what to set our mind on. We can either set our mind on the things of the flesh or on the things of the Spirit. His Word says, “For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit” (Romans 8:5). “To set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.” (Romans 8:6).

When we set our mind on the things of the Spirit, The Holy Spirit controls our life and produces the kind of fruit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—that allows us to live life to the fullest. (Galatians 5:22,23).

Take our thoughts captive.
God’s Word tells us to “…take every thought captive to obey Christ,” (2 Corinthians 10:5 emphasis supplied). Therefore, whenever a thought enters our mind that does not obey Christ, we need to ask Him to capture it, lock it up, and throw away the key. Then we need to ask the Holy Spirit for the power to change our thought so it becomes aligned with Christ’s thought to obey Him.

And remember that God’s Word says, “…we have the mind of Christ” (1 Corinthians 2:16). Therefore, when you wake up in the morning, ask The Holy Spirit to give you the mind of Christ. Then you will be able to think His thoughts and win the battle for control of your mind.

July 2020 – Love

During these volatile times, our daughter-in-law recently said, “What we need is more love.” And I said, “Amen!”

What does God’s Word say about love?

Here are some verses:

  • “Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all offenses.” (Proverbs 10:12)
  • “Make love your aim… (1 Corinthians 14:1)
  • “…for God is love.” (1 John 4:8)
  • “…the fruit of the Spirit is love,..” (Galatians 5:22)
  • “So faith, hope, love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” (1  Corinthians 13:13)
  • “And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.” (1 Corinthians 13:2)
  • “Let all that you do be done in love.” (1 Corinthians 16:14)
  • “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.” (John 15:12,17)
  • “…You shall love your neighbor as yourself…” (Mark 12: 31)
  • “And above all these put on love which binds everything together in perfect harmony.” (Colossians 3:14)
  • “And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us…” (Ephesians 5:2)
  • “If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them.” (Luke 6:32)
  • “Little children, let us not love in word or speech but in deed and in truth.” (1  John 3:18)

Just imagine what our country would be like if everyone followed Christ’s command to love one another as He loves us? God knows what it would be like, and that is why His Word tells us to make love our aim.

And love is so important that He even commands us to love one another. Before reading further, slowly reread each verse. Then ask God to make the verses come alive during your daily life.

We know that hatred stirs up strife and love is the antidote. We also know that love binds everything in perfect harmony. So we need to ask ourselves three questions:

  1. What is this type of love?
  2. How can we get it?
  3. How can we show it to others?

What is this type of love?

God’s Word says, “Love is patient and kind; love is not jealous or boastful; it is not arrogant or rude. Love does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrong, but rejoices in the right. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things.” (1 Corinthians 13:4-7)

Do your daily actions show this type of love?

How can we get it?

God is the one who gives this type of love. God’s Word tells us that He is love. Because God is love, we need to spend time each day getting to know God better, so we can learn more about love. And we can do this by reading His Word and praying.

Here are a few additional steps to take at the start of each day:

  • Ask God to search your heart to see if there is any “wicked way in you” (Psalm 139:23, 24).
  • Ask God to give you a clean heart and new and right spirit. (Ezekiel 36:26; Psalm 51:10).
  • Ask God to fill you with His Spirit. Love is the first fruit of the Spirit, and the Spirit provides the ability and power to love one another.
  • Ask God to fill your heart with love and give you the desire, capacity, ability, and power to love one another.

How can we show it to others?

Remember that love is a choice and not merely a feeling. Also, remember that love is an action verb. God’s Word tells us not to merely love with words, but with actions (1 John 3:18). And because God looks at us through lenses of love, ask Him for the ability to look at others through His eyes. Ask God to show you how to love others as He loves you.

Each day, God calls us to:

  • Treat everyone with respect.
  • Treat others the way you want to be treated. (Matthew 7: 12—The Golden Rule).
  • Show compassion to others even if you have not experienced the way they live.
  • Be willing to listen to people in order to acknowledge that you hear what they say even if you disagree with their views.

And we can pray for:

  • family, relatives, and friends.
  • a specific neighbor when you walk by their house.
  • someone you see while you are out walking, shopping, or eating.

And we can send an encouraging word to:

  • a family member.
  • a friend.
  • a neighbor.
  • a co-worker
  • a person you are thankful for and tell them why.

And we can do acts of kindness, such as:

  • volunteer for a non-profit that serves the community.
  • participate in a food drive.
  • invite a neighbor over for dinner.
  • pay for someone’s coffee, lunch, or groceries.
  • run an errand for someone.
  • send flowers to someone.
  • donate clothes to a charity.
  • ask your neighbor if there is anything you can do to help.

And every morning after you wake up, ask God to reveal one thing that you can do today to show love to another person!

June 2020 – Jesus—His Seven I AM Declarations

Recently, our son and I watched a live-stream titled, “Arise with the Guys.” Sport’s commentator, author, and former Super Bowl Coach Tony Dungy along with Kirk Cousins, the Minnesota Viking’s QB, shared their belief and faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.

Near the end of the program, a pastor encouraged the audience to take a 21 day challenge in the book of John by reading one chapter a day for 21 days. After the program ended, our son asked me whether I wanted to take the challenge with him. And I said, yes.

While reading the book of John, we observed that Jesus made seven I am declarations-I am the bread of life; I am the light of the world; l am the door; I am the good shepherd; I am the resurrection and the life; I am the way, and the truth, and the life; and I am the true vine.

Here are the specific verses:

  1. I am the bread of life (John 6:35, 48, 51). Note. Jesus does not say that he is one of many breads of life. Jesus says that he is the bread of life.
  2. I am the light of the world (John 8:12; 9:5). Again, Jesus does not say he is simply one of many lights of the word. He says that he is the light of the world.
  3. I am the door (John 10:7, 9). God’s Word does not provide alternative doors to enter heaven. Jesus says that if we want to enter heaven, we need to enter by the one and only door—Jesus.
  4. I am the good shepherd (John 10:11, 14).
  5. I am the resurrection and the life (John 11:25).
  6. I am the way, the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but by me (John 14:6). Even though there may be many ways to come to Jesus, there is only one way to come to God the Father, and that is through Jesus. As God’s Word says, “There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).
  7. I am the vine (John 15:1, 5).

My Challenge to You

The book of John has twenty-one chapters. Find a family member or friend who will read each of the chapters with you.

And if you would like a “study guide”, both of you can answer the following two questions for each chapter:

  1. What are two points that are significant for you?
  2. What is the one point that would have the greatest impact on your life if tomorrow you…?

May 2020 – Christian Mentors

Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another (Proverbs 27:17, RSV).

With all the trials, problems, pressures, and temptations, here is a potential issue we could face: Too many hours of unaccountable independence can lead to a stumble or fall – spiritually, ethically, morally, or financially.

And if you are a man or woman who wants to avoid this potential pitfall and live above the level of the so-called “good life”, find a Godly mentor, or current Godly friend, to meet with on a regular basis to “sharpen” each other.

Just as my mentor does, your mentor can share his/her knowledge and experience with God’s Word and how to apply it to your life.  Your mentor will also listen and when appropriate provide Godly guidance, support, encouragement, and motivation.

In addition, he or she will help you:

  1. Spot and avoid unwise decisions and blind spots, traps, and road mines, which if you stepped on one – kaa-boom – your Christian witness at home or work is maimed or destroyed. Or kaa-boom – your reputation is maimed or destroyed. Or- kaa-boom – your marriage, or one of your friendships, is maimed or destroyed.
  2. Return your focus to Jesus during those times when you find yourself focusing only on you and your issues.
  3. Pray during times when, quite frankly, you just do not feel like praying.
  4. Keep balanced and focused on what is really important in life.

Be Pro-Active
Pray for wisdom and guidance for who your mentor should be. After prayer, maybe God will encourage you to call one of your current Christian friends. If God does, you could start your conversation by saying that you are considering taking a 21 day challenge by reading one chapter in the book of John each day for 21 days. And you would like them to take the challenge with you.

One possible way to implement the challenge is for both of you to answer these two questions:

  1. What are two points in this chapter that are significant to you?
  2. What is the one point in this chapter that you think would have the greatest impact on your life if tomorrow you…..?

After you complete the 21 day challenge, maybe both of you will agree to talk on a regular basis to “sharpen” each other.