Are you struggling with your past? Are you wondering if God cares about you or if He can use you after all the “bad” things you have done? Maybe this will help....
If anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel of HONORABLE use, SET APART for what is HOLY, USEFUL to the MASTER of the house, ready for EVERY GOOD WORK! So….Flee youthful passions!(II Timothy 2:21-23)
Hope this helps. God has a plan for you. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you a hope and a future. (Jeremiah 29:11)
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Set the Spirit Free
Last Sunday morning was as normal as any Sunday worship service. There was excitement, there was energy, and there was anticipation. We finished the message and during the response time, a member told me that God had given her "a word." She had written down what she felt God had spoken to her and asked me to pray about whether she could share it or not.
I must admit, when she asked if she could share it, I was a bit nervous….more than reluctant. I wanted to say no.
Against my will and out of my comfort zone, I gave her the freedom to speak. She did. It was no big deal, at least for most. After the service, a woman approached her and said, “That word was just for me.” I don’t know all the circumstances, but I do know when we yield to the Spirit of God, He speaks and works in spontaneous and mysterious ways!
When we allow the Holy Spirit to move freely, we will see mighty works of God in our churches. Pastor, give up control and set the Spirit free!
I must admit, when she asked if she could share it, I was a bit nervous….more than reluctant. I wanted to say no.
Against my will and out of my comfort zone, I gave her the freedom to speak. She did. It was no big deal, at least for most. After the service, a woman approached her and said, “That word was just for me.” I don’t know all the circumstances, but I do know when we yield to the Spirit of God, He speaks and works in spontaneous and mysterious ways!
When we allow the Holy Spirit to move freely, we will see mighty works of God in our churches. Pastor, give up control and set the Spirit free!
Monday, March 21, 2011
Six Practices to Help Overcome a Judgmental & Critical Spirit
Criticism is part of life. As a leader, it comes with the territory. We may be the target of criticism and condemnation, but the fact is, we're all guilty of being judgmental...well, at least I am. It's a well-known fact that Christians are perceived to be some of the most critical, judgmental people in the world.
In Matthew 7:1-5, Jesus teaches a lesson on criticism. The beliefs of the Scribes and Pharisees had set the pace for the "religious" and it's against the backdrop of their practices that Jesus says, "Judge not that you be not judged."
Jesus’ desire for us as his followers is that we will love others...even those who are our greatest critics.
Six Practices to Help you overcome a critical and judgmental spirit:
1. Study God’s Word:
Scripture is the key to changing hearts and attitudes toward other people
All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. (2Ti 3:16-1 NKJ)
For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. (Heb 4:12 NKJ)
2. Serve and minister to others:
I believe when we judge and criticize others it’s because we are desperately trying to justify our own flaws and insecurities. Get outside yourself! Jesus modeled it.
Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. (Phi 2:4 ESV)
3. Build relationships
Get to know people. Ask questions. Listen to their stories.
Strong, healthy relationships don’t just happen. Intentionality and transparency are the secrets to meaningful relationships.
Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. (Eccl. 4:9)
4. Pray
Ask God to change your heart, attitude and reactions toward other people.
The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. (Jam 5:16 NKJ)
5. Model love, care & encouragement for your children
If your kids are like mine, they will hold you to a high level of accountability. Remember, more is caught than taught. Kids are products of their environment. If you want to raise kids who are loving, caring and encouraging, model it!
…bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. (Eph 6:4 KJV)
Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. (Pro 22:6 KJV)
6. Look for the good in others
We look for the good in others, because we want others to see the good in us.
Do to others as you would like them to do to you. (Luk 6:31 NLT)
Here’s the key: Desire a heart like HIS!
What else matters…..really?
In Matthew 7:1-5, Jesus teaches a lesson on criticism. The beliefs of the Scribes and Pharisees had set the pace for the "religious" and it's against the backdrop of their practices that Jesus says, "Judge not that you be not judged."
Jesus’ desire for us as his followers is that we will love others...even those who are our greatest critics.
Six Practices to Help you overcome a critical and judgmental spirit:
1. Study God’s Word:
Scripture is the key to changing hearts and attitudes toward other people
All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. (2Ti 3:16-1 NKJ)
For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. (Heb 4:12 NKJ)
2. Serve and minister to others:
I believe when we judge and criticize others it’s because we are desperately trying to justify our own flaws and insecurities. Get outside yourself! Jesus modeled it.
Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. (Phi 2:4 ESV)
3. Build relationships
Get to know people. Ask questions. Listen to their stories.
Strong, healthy relationships don’t just happen. Intentionality and transparency are the secrets to meaningful relationships.
Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. (Eccl. 4:9)
4. Pray
Ask God to change your heart, attitude and reactions toward other people.
The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. (Jam 5:16 NKJ)
5. Model love, care & encouragement for your children
If your kids are like mine, they will hold you to a high level of accountability. Remember, more is caught than taught. Kids are products of their environment. If you want to raise kids who are loving, caring and encouraging, model it!
…bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. (Eph 6:4 KJV)
Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. (Pro 22:6 KJV)
6. Look for the good in others
We look for the good in others, because we want others to see the good in us.
Do to others as you would like them to do to you. (Luk 6:31 NLT)
Here’s the key: Desire a heart like HIS!
What else matters…..really?
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