Be Strong in the Lord

Be Strong in the Lord

by | Mar 24, 2017 | Thoughts about the Bible

Destiny | One Verse: A Journey Thru Bible.

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes”

– Ephesians 6:10-11

In our lives, we have an enemy and his name is Satan. 1 Peter 5:8 says he is like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour. His goal is to steal, kill and destroy and he would like nothing more than to bring destruction in our lives. This is why Paul exhorts us to be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power so that we can stand against the enemy.

He even gives us an entire armor so we can protect ourselves against his schemes. While we do not have to be afraid of the devil (one of his tactics is fear), we still need to keep an alert or sober mind so that we do not fall for his tactics. The best way to do this is to be strong in the Lord and to do that, we have to spend time in his word, in prayer and with other strong believers who edify and build us up in the Lord.

God speaks to us through His Word, in prayer and through other believers so trusting his word and engaging community helps believers grow stronger in the Lord. Jesus fought the enemy using the word of God by submitting to God’s word in his life and through his life he had people around him who poured into him. Since Jesus modeled how to defeat the enemy using the word and community, we are to do the same by walking by faith in Christ. Through the word of God, one can defeat the enemy anytime and be strong the Lord.

A New Heart

A New Heart

by | May 23, 2016 | Romans

A New Heart | One Verse

“6 We know that our old sinful selves were crucified with Christ so that sin might lose its power in our lives.” Romans 6:6

What happens to us when we receive salvation? What happens when I pray “The Prayer?” In Romans 6, Paul explains what transpires in the heart of a new believer. Simply put, our old heart dies and we’re given a new one.

So there is simply no way we as Christians can continue in our old ways of life. We don’t have the same operating system anymore. The redemptive work of Christ has literally unlocked our rebellious heart from the chains of sin. We are saved people!

So since we’re given a new heart by God through salvation, can we continue in our old ways?

Consider this:
1. When you see a person in need what do you do?
2. What do you say / do when do nobody is around?
3. How do you handle your money? Do you give generously?

All of our decisions in these moments are a manifestation of the transformative work of Christ. If salvation means we’re set free from the bondage of sin, how then can we continue to sin without remorse?

“Well then, should we keep on sinning so that God can show us more and more of his wonderful grace? Of course not! Since we have died to sin, how can we continue to live in it?” Romans 6:1

Please understand that this passage doesn’t say you will never sin again! Because sin is present at this very moment in all of our hearts, but my question: what does your response to sin look like? Does it break your heart?

Trust

Trust

by | Apr 4, 2016 | Proverbs

One Verse | Trust
Verse: Proverbs 3:6-8

The hardest part of existing is understanding that we’re not the center of the universe.

At some point, we’ve all wrestled with these questions: What am I called to do? What do I want in life? Who do I marry?

In the attempt to find answers, we encounter the temptation to solve these heavy questions on our own. We begin the search without consulting our friends, family, or even God.

The fact is that these questions can’t be answered alone. Proverbs 3:6 tells us to seek His will in all we do. Our daily decisions, our big-life-defining decisions, must be filtered through His will. We have to let go and trust in His guidance.  

The beginning of trust is fighting the inner voice that reassures us that our wisdom is all we need. What happens when we turn away from our own wisdom and trust?

We find healing for our bodies, strength for our bones and the peace that surpasses all understanding. Our wisdom is incomplete and our plans are faulty, but God pieces everything together and his leading takes us on a path filled with hope.

Join us as we invite God into our decisions.

Make the space to process your decisions today using these steps:

  1. Write down a life-decision you’re currently facing.
  2. Talk to your trusted circle of people and ask them to join you in prayer.
  3. Write out a prayer inviting God to help you navigate this season.

We need God; we can’t rely on our own plans. As we sift through the present and work toward the future, may we become more aware of His presence.

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3 Crucial Lessons I learned In Goal Planning for 2016.

by | Jan 2, 2016 | Proverbs

It’s a new year! The success and failures of 2015 are over and it’s time to focus on 2016. My wife and I rented a room and spent a night planning our top 10 goals for 2016.

Here’s 3 crucial things I learned:

 

1. Don’t Chase Empty, Vain Goals.

“In the house of the righteous there is much treasure…” Proverbs 15:6

Here’s the truth: I focus more on accomplishing goals that are centered around my career and family than improving my spiritual life. I want to see my career go to another level. I want Macy and I to achieve a new depth in our relationship. Ok fine… I want to go vegan! These are not bad goals, but how often am I asking this question, “how can my family honor God more this year?”

Why does this matter?

God Brings Ultimate Satisfaction.

I’ve never believed this more until recently. The past few months was more prosperous than most for Macy and I. I got my health back, had a very comfortable Christmas, and had the opportunity to buy a few toys! ; ) Despite these apparent wins, I was still feeling down.

Why?

Because I wasn’t spending any time connecting with God.

“There is much treasure in the arms of the Lord.”

So this year I’ve committed to reading the Bible in a year, work on a Systematic Theology Bible study for our Church, and set aside time every day for intentional prayer and worship.

2. Focus on Learning.

“Perceptive words spread knowledge;” proverbs 15:7

Our mind is the most powerful thing God has given us. Our minds are either our greatest enemy or our biggest asset.

Being someone who is known for speaking perceptive words will only grow your influence with others, and grow you personally.

So how do you become more perceptive?

Read God’s Word. Let God’s words saturate your heart. I also recommend reading other classic works from C.S Lewis, A.W Tozer, or Jonathan Edwards. I promise, read a book from these guys and you’ll be one step closer to being a person that is known for speaking wise words.

3. Prioritize Who You Allow In Your Life.

“fools are hollow—there’s nothing to them…” proverbs 15:7

Nobody likes to do this, but let’s be honest, you have to protect your time. More importantly, you have to guard who you allow in. I’m not talking about excluding everyone, but rather choosing who you are going to invest in and allow invest into you.

We can’t invest in everyone, and we can’t allow everyone to invest in us.

Jesus did this with the twelve and further with His inner 3. So if Jesus did this, then I’m ok practicing this too! : )

Really, the principle is about maximizing your time.

 

Action steps:

  1. Write 1 spiritual goal for 2016
  2. Choose 1 book you’re going to read in 2016
  3. Make a list of the people you want to invest in and who you want investing into you.