Category: Character

Jehovah Nissi - The Lord is My Banner

6/27/2015

He is still Jehovah Nissi today. He fights battles on our behalf and provides the victories. What are you battling today? Drugs, sex, abuse, anger, unforgiveness, fear, a false sense of identity? Whatever it is, God will fight this battle with you and give you victory. Do you trust Him? Are you willing to surrender control of your out-of-control life, and place your battle into His hands?

I'm writing about the game Capture the Flag, Sgt. York, and Moses over at Laced With Grace. I invite you to join the conversation over there.

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Whose Is It Anyway? Thoughts on Stewardship

5/1/2015

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I didn't mean to eavesdrop in on a phone conversation between my husband and the person who called, but we were sitting in the same room making me privy to him kicking his Dave Ramsey financial counselor training into gear. That and hiking are his two passion areas and he's good at both. I could tell the person on the other end was listening intently. They know Mike's been out of work since mid October and we're not behind or starving because he's practiced what he's preached over the years about the importance of having an emergency fund for true emergencies, and also having a 'sinking fund' for saving towards larger purchases (i.e. a refrigerator, living room furniture, boat, car, travel, etc.).

One of the areas they talked about was getting out of car debt. I know this is a "sacred cow" for many people. But let me tell you from experience, what a blessing it is to have 2 fairly new cars that we were able to pay CASH for...and one of them is the one he bought for himself AFTER he lost his job. What wisdom and stewardship. I'm so thankful to be doing life with this man!

Anyway, this morning I'm going through my emails and this one from Dave Ramsey appears. I just have to share this with you. I firmly believe that ALL of life is a stewardship and that includes all things God has given us - our time here on earth, the talents He's equipped us with, and the treasures He's entrusted us with.

There seems to be 2 extremes in Christianity today regarding money, and both of them are in error.
1) The prosperity gospel - God's wants to bless us and give us lots of money, so serve Him and spend, spend, spend! He didn't raise any beggars.
2) I'm going to live by faith and not save or plan for the future, He's going to take care of my needs. Now that sounds right and spiritual, but there is error in that thinking as well. Saving for the future is wise. We can live by faith and STILL save and plan for the future as a good steward should. That's biblical - read The Parable of the Talents in Matthew 25:14-30; Luke 19:12-28.

The Ultimate Question

Stewardship defines our practical obedience in the administration of everything under our control, everything entrusted to us. It is the consecration of one’s self and possessions to God's service. Stewardship acknowledges in practice that we do not have the right of control over ourselves or our property—God has that control. It means as stewards of God we are managers of that which belongs to God, and we are under His constant authority as we administer His affairs. Faithful stewardship means that we fully acknowledge we are not our own but belong to Christ, the Lord, who gave Himself for us.

The ultimate question, then, is this: Am I the lord of my life, or is Christ the Lord of my life? In essence, stewardship expresses our total obedience to God and our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Oh, and PS... I HIGHLY recommend reading this Dave Ramsey article onHow to Eliminate Your Car Payment and Save for Retirement. EXCELLENT quick read!

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Hanging Our Christianity Out to Dry

4/15/2015

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There's at least two sides to every conflict. But seated deep within either side of the conflict is the actual heart of the conflict.

Have you ever said any of these phrases:
"I've got my rights!"
"I've been robbed!
That should've been mine!"
"I don't have to take that from you!"
"It's my way or the highway!"
"I'll sue!"

Overused words of our overkill, me-ism society. I'm not being naive or blind. I know that at times we need either the law to protect us or have reason to complain, and occasionally the wrong must be exposed. But the way we go about it, the spirit with which we handle our conflicts, the attitudes we exhibit while working through the process of reconciliation are crucial. That's where our Christianity is hung out to dry. And that is where we have an opportunity to exhibit the astounding grace of God.

When we understand our hearts, we see the cravings that are underneath every conflict.

"What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don't they come from your desires that battle within you? You want something but don't get it. You kill and covet, but you cannot have what you want. You quarrel and fight." ~ James 4:1,2

There's another way, that of a Peacemaker.

"Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called sons of God." ~ Matthew 5:9

Four Principles of Peacemaking

1. Go to Higher Ground - Glorify God (1 Corinthians 10:31) Remember what is most important during a conflict.See conflict as an opportunity to grow and serve others. Live out your highest values and beliefs in the midst of conflict. Christians should ask, "How can I please and honor God in this conflict?” and “How can I show the same love and mercy that God has shown me?”

2. Get Real About Yourself - Get the Log Out of Your Own Eye (Matthew 7:3-5) Take responsibility for your contribution to a conflict.Focus first on your own attitudes, words, and actions. Check your heart for any idols (desires turned into demands). Then confess your part humbly and thoroughly.

3. Gently Engage Others - Gently Restore (Galatians 6:1) Help others see how they have contributed to a conflict.It's important to overlook minor offenses. Everything doesn't need to be made out to be a conflict. But when you do go to the person, go with an attitude of love and concern for the other person. Talk privately first, and then if it's necessary, get help.

4. Get Together on Lasting Solutions - Go and Be Reconciled (Matthew 5:23,24) The goal is to strengthen relationships through genuine reconciliation and agreement.Look out for the interests of others. Forgive the same way you have been forgiven. Keep doing what is right, regardless of what the other person does.

Our neighbors, friends, family, and colleagues are watching and they're fast to criticize Christians. Sometimes rightfully so. Let's strive to demonstrate to the watching world the Gospel of Peace in action.

For more information on restoring relationships and resolving conflict, visit http://www.peacemaker.net

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CrISIS of Faith

2/19/2015

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Twenty-one Christian men, ISIS labeled them as "The people of the cross, the followers of the hostile Egyptian Church", beheaded. Martyred for their faith.

I would like to think we, the present day Church, are the Church Triumphant as the inspiring song by Bill and Gloria Gaither states. Sadly, many within the Church are asleep, have their heads in the sands of time, or are fearful and just don't know how to defend their faith and face the uncertain times in which we live. Is God in His sovereignty using the terrorist group ISIS and their savage attacks to awaken the lethargic, fearful, sleeping Church from our crISIS of faith? I've read the end of the book and I know that Jesus Christ and His bride the Church will be triumphant in the end, but many will lose their lives in the process for standing courageously as Christ's Church.

A message was sent by ISIS this week.
A message of intimidation and fear.

What will our message be in response?

Fear is a paralyzing emotion that robs us of our faith in the One who is our light, our salvation, and the strength of our lives. The Deceiver, the Accuser, the Intimidator, the Liar Satan himself knows this. And so he uses groups cloaked in hoods of darkness, wielding swords, and some carrying flames and gasoline, to immobilize and fill us with fear. Why do we give him such power over us? Christ already won the victory. We can face whatever trial comes our way with courage. Courage doesn't come from an absence of fear, but rather an abundance of faith. From a fleshly standpoint, it's not always easy to stand up to our fears with courage. But we can stand boldly knowing we're found in Him. Nothing touches us without first coming through Him.

The solution to this crisis of faith is to wield our own double-edged sword - the Word of God, not haphazardly hacking away at anyone who challenges us, but as a skilled warrior, for those days when we need to do hand-to-hand combat with the enemy. Allow the light of His word to penetrate your very soul, become intimately acquainted with Him. Be dressed and ready to defend your faith with courage. Put on the armor of God found in Ephesians 6:10-20.

The vast majority of us will never experience life-threatening persecution or martyrdom. But the voices of our brothers and sisters who are facing this are calling out. They're saying, "Pray for us!"

Intercessory prayer is our most powerful and strategic corporate weapon in spiritual warfare. Mark 9:29, Luke 22:31,32; Acts 1:14; Acts 2:42; Acts 3:1; Acts 4:24-35; Acts 6:4-8; Acts 8:14-16; Acts 9:40-42; and Acts 10:1-4 are just some of the places we read about the importance of intercessory prayer.

When we read Ephesians 6:18-20 we learn of the kind of prayer that brings God's deliverance and power in the midst of spiritual attack.

• Consistent Prayer (verse 18a)
• Intense Prayer (verse 18b)
• Strategic Prayer (verses 18c-20)

I've created a pdf file that will help us to pray for the persecuted church. Please feel free to download it and use it during your prayer time.

The LORD is my light and my salvation - whom shall I fear?
The LORD is the stronghold of my life -
of whom shall I be afraid? ~ Psalm 27:1

What is God's response?

To His Church, His response is:

He tells us that on this journey to the finish line, be brave, be strong, be courageous. Don't allow fear to freeze up our faith. Be the Church Triumphant, is His message to us.

I repeat, be strong and brave! Don't be afraid and don't panic, for I, the LORD your God, am with you in all you do. ~ Joshua 1:9 (NET Bible)

And to the watching world:

He may seem silent, but one day He will respond, and these will be His words:

Almighty God, I ask that you heal our land, strengthen our leaders with Godly wisdom, give us courage and increase our faith. Be with those who are living with persecution, and comfort the families of those who have given their lives for You. Come quickly, Lord Jesus!

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Jehovah Nissi - The Lord is My Banner

Whose Is It Anyway? Thoughts on Stewardship

The Ultimate Question

Hanging Our Christianity Out to Dry

There's another way, that of a Peacemaker.

Four Principles of Peacemaking

CrISIS of Faith

A message was sent by ISIS this week.
A message of intimidation and fear.

What will our message be in response?

What is God's response?

The Muser

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Have each new post to this specific blog page emailed to you, or use your own RSS Feed Reader.

Please Respect the Muser's Work

Jehovah Nissi - The Lord is My Banner

Whose Is It Anyway? Thoughts on Stewardship

The Ultimate Question

Hanging Our Christianity Out to Dry

There's another way, that of a Peacemaker.

Four Principles of Peacemaking

CrISIS of Faith

A message was sent by ISIS this week. A message of intimidation and fear.

What will our message be in response?

What is God's response?

The Muser

Categories

Archives

Have each new post to this specific blog page emailed to you, or use your own RSS Feed Reader.

Please Respect the Muser's Work

A message was sent by ISIS this week.
A message of intimidation and fear.