Category: Purpose & Direction

How Can We Sow God’s Love?

Have you ever wondered why some people are repelled by Christians? Many believers may want to say that being a Christian convicts non-believers of their sin. However, in many cases, it is because they find them proud, arrogant, judgmental, or self-righteous. Thus, there is now a popular saying that is circulating about Christians, we are “known more for what we are against rather than by what we believe…” What a painful rebuke! But there is truth to it that we cannot deny.

God has indeed commanded Christians to preach the Gospel to the ends of the earth and to make disciples of men. This task involves teaching, as well as correcting and rebuking others as God’s Spirit leads. But teaching or correcting others according to the teachings of Jesus must always be done in love. John 13:35 tells us that unbelievers will know we are Christians by our love. This part however, is not easy because as Christians, we also have things in ourselves that we are working to change.

How does one cultivate the love of God in the heart so that we could draw others to God by our very countenance and actions?

Asking the Holy Spirit

Romans 5:5 tells us that “hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.” No matter how good we are, true love that has the power to transform lives can only come from the God’s Spirit. Luke 19:9-13 tells us that if we ask God, he will give us his Holy Spirit. Cultivating love, therefore, begins with asking God humbly, to “pour out his love on our hearts.”

Being Grateful

Gratefulness towards God leads to love towards men. In Luke 7:47, Jesus said that the one who has been forgiven much loves much. In our Christian walk, we must always remind ourselves of what God has done for us. This is not so as to bring feelings of guilt and remorse upon recollection of our past sinful state, but rather, to cultivate gratefulness in our hearts. Matthew 10:8 says “…Freely you have received; freely give.” The more we are aware of the grace God has bestowed on us, the more we are able give love to others.

Staying Humble

Acknowledgement of our weaknesses and shortcomings is good because it cultivates gratefulness; and it also creates empathy for those who might be struggling with weaknesses as well. This is another key to cultivating the love of God in our hearts.

No matter how mature we become in the faith, we will have struggles that keep us always desperate for God’s grace. These struggles keep our feet on the ground and our hearts humble before men.

One of the reasons why we become proud and self-righteous in dealing with others is because we forget how much Jesus has suffered for our sins. Sometimes, we forget that it was completely by grace through faith that we have been saved. We start thinking that we somehow deserve the merits of this blessed Christian walk.

Just imagine if we can all walk in humility before God and men. Perhaps, the next time challenges our patience, we will feel compassion instead of anger upon remembering how terrible life is without Jesus.

Never Failing to Forgive

Matthew 7:1 reminds us to not judge others so that we too will not be judged. The Lord’s prayer teaches us that God forgives our sins as we have forgiven others who have wronged us. Forgiveness is an expression of God’s love and we find ourselves able to forgive others when we are most aware of how much we have been forgiven. That is why it is important to stay grateful and humble. It’s a wonderful cycle that leaves no room for boasting. Christianity thrives on gratefulness for the cross of Christ.

There will be times, of course, when we would feel that no matter how hard we try, it is just difficult to love others the way Jesus loves us. During such times, we must not condemn ourselves for falling short. Instead, we should use it to seek God and receive his forgiveness. Remember, he who is forgiven much, loves much. And 1 Peter 4:8 assures us that love covers a multitude of sins.

As we learn to walk in love more and more, more people will respond to the Gospel that we preach with our mouths because they have already seen it at work in our lives. This is exactly what Jesus is saying by “we will be known by our love” — that the Gospel is preached effectively if we live it rather than just speak it. As 1 Corinthians 13 says, “love never fails.” If we keep on loving others, it is bound to be felt by them. People will always recognize genuine compassion. Thus, this is the challenge and joy given to us as Christians: to pursue a life that radiates God’s love, because as Dwight L. Moody said, “Of one hundred men, one will read the Bible and ninety nine will read the Christian.”

Jesus said I will keep thee in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on me. Learn how to eliminate worry, negative thinking, and stress by meditating on the Lord. Listen to Christ-centered meditation Cds that teach you how to take authority over your thoughts and bring them under the kingdom of God. Visit The Christian Meditator for Christian meditation resources and tools.


Jul 04, 2011 | 0 comments View Post

How to Determine Your Spiritual Gifts

Every believer has at least one spiritual gift according to I Corinthians 12:7, “Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.” God has given every one of us at least one spiritual gift to edify the Body of Christ. Although we all have a spiritual gift, we often do not know exactly what that gift is or how it should be used. Four Biblical passages provide the basis for teachings concerning spiritual gifts, specifically Romans 12:1-12; I Corinthians 12:1-31, I Peter 4:7-14and Ephesians 4:1-15.

Spiritual gifts are meant to serve the Body of Christ in the pursuit to fulfill the great commission. The three categories of spiritual gifts include the motivational gifts, service gifts and the manifestation gifts. The motivational gifts are often referred to as the speaking gifts such as evangelism and exhortation. Gifts of service usually involve ministries that supply a need, like the food or usher board ministries. The manifestation gifts include gifts of healing, speaking in tongues or any gift that produces a result that can be seen or touched.

Learning what gifts God has given you through the Holy Spirit is a life changing experience. Once you know what gifts God has placed in you, it is easier to move into the purpose for which God has created you. If you are not confident in knowing what gifts you possess, there are steps to bring you closer to knowing your purpose.

Step One: Listen to Your Heart

What are you happiest doing? What are you good at by nature? Knowing what brings your heart joy is the first step to discovering your spiritual gift. Often we operate unknowingly in our gifts, but on a much smaller scale than God would desire. Your natural reaction to a situation will offer insight to what gifts you possess. A person with the gift of exhortation will immediately begin to encourage someone facing an obstacle, while a person with the gift of intercession will immediately turn to prayer. A person with the gift of service will try to find a task that would lift some of the burden. Make a true observation of your heart; it will not lead you in the wrong direction as long as you are seeking God.

Step Two: Spiritual Gift Assessment

After you observe your heart, the follow up step is an assessment. A self-analysis of your strengths and interests will assist you with understanding specific areas of ministry for your talents. Evaluations vary in number and complexity of the questions and in their scoring methods, but often the results are relatively accurate. Assessments only provide a basis, they are not meant to replace seeking God to reveal your spiritual gifts. Primarily assessments spotlight gifts, such as faith, wisdom, discernment, or other qualities designed to glorify God. Free assessments are available with immediate results on the web.

Step Three: Pray

If you believe you have discovered your spiritual gift, ask God to confirm your discovery. The Bible tells us to do all things with prayer and supplication! Sometimes we learn how to do things and we learn certain responses, but it is not our true gift. God is the one who placed the gift inside you and he will let you know if you are on the right track. Even after you discover your gift, you must continue to pray. Prayer will help you remain faithful and humble in the use of your gift. Prayer will allow you to walk honestly and whole-heartedly in your gifts.

Step Four: Exercise your Gift

After you have discovered your spiritual gifts, learn to exercise them. Exercising what you believe to be your gift is the final determining factor of whether you posses a certain gift. For example, if you discover that intercession is your spiritual gift, but you find that you can never find anything to pray about, this may not actually be your gift. Likewise, if you believe you have the gift of exhortation, but feel like encouraging someone might be intruding, this may not be your gift. If you believe you have a gift, exercise it. If there is not a sense of fulfillment or joy just from exercising the gift (and not from affirmations by people), you may need to continue to seek God to reveal your gifts to you.

After you determine your spiritual gifts, continue to pray. The most important thing to remember is that gifts are given to edify the body of Christ and should never be used to promote negativity or competition. Ultimately, the gift still belongs to God and any power associated with the gift comes from God. Equally, any results from the use of your gift are up to God and are at his discretion. You do not bear the weight of “making” your gift work. You simply pray for opportunities to use your gift and an understanding of your gift.

Learn about Guided Christian Meditation CDs and resources that will enhance your life and relationship with God. Are you ready to transform your life and live with more purpose and passion? Visit Detox Your Life Now and & Awaken Your Inner Spirit to learn about this 10-week Christian faith-based program.


Jun 28, 2011 | 0 comments View Post
Creating a Daily Hour of Power

Creating a Daily Hour of Power

Do you begin your day in a rush? You rush to wake up, get yourself dressed, eat your meal, and then you’re off to work? Then after work, you have errands to run, dinner to cook, and housework to complete. Even if you are a stay-at-home mom or you work from home, your day can still be filled with an abundance of non-stop or unproductive activity. One of the best ways to make the most out of your day as well as your life is to incorporate a daily Hour of Power.  An Hour of Power is time you cut our just to nurture you. It is a time of self-development and mental, spiritual, or physical growth. Each day, it’s important that we check in with ourselves. If we don’t, life just becomes like the wheel of a treadmill. We just do what we did today because we did it yesterday. We’re not living with passion or according to our highest values. In fact, without taking time to find out what we want, we may not even realize what is really important to us. Some good questions to ask are, “Why am I doing the things I do?” “Are my actions based on faith or fear?” “Am I living or just existing?” “Am I getting the most out of my life?” If you never stop to check in with yourself and God, how do you really know?

Incorporating a daily Hour of Power in your life can help you answers these questions and more. For years my Hour of Power included a time for meditation, reading the Bible, reading my confession of faith, and journaling. I also used this time to work through uncomfortable emotions, schedule my day, and get focused on my vision. When distractions presented themselves throughout the day, the time I spend getting centered with God and my purpose, kept me from being pulled in opposing directions. In addition, because I had a clearer vision for my life through taking time to understand my values and desires, I could say no to activities that didn’t line up with my goals. My Hour of Power helps me to set the course of my life instead of being swept away with every idle thought or new idea.

Now that I hoped I’ve convinced you of the power of an Hour of Power, I want to share with you some specific ways you can use this time effectively.

Meditation

The Bible tells us to “be still and know that I am God.” It is through stillness and quiet that our relationship with God expands. Through meditation, whether on scriptures, a sacred word, or just soaking in God’s presence, we learn to quiet our minds, renew our thoughts, and create a greater space for the Lord in our lives. Spending time everyday in meditation also breaks the cycle of unconscious living because we’re able to detach from mindless patterns and make choices that benefit our life and others. You can find a variety of Christian meditation techniques on the internet or even purchase Christ-centered meditation Cds.

Prayer

Prayer takes the burdens of life off ourselves and puts them on God. Jesus said Come to me all who are burdened and of a heavy heart and I will give you rest. He also tells his children to Cast your cares upon me and I will give you rest. You can find numerous scriptures that encourage Christians not to worry but to bring all of our needs unto him and then to stand in faith believing that God will never leave us or forsake us. Hardship and prayer gives God the opportunity to move in our lives in miraculous and unexpected ways. Establishing prayer in your Hour of Prayer will allow you to start your day lighter, freer, and putting your faith in the Lord.

Journaling

Journaling is an invaluable tool for transforming. Journaling can help you work through destructive emotions, record your spiritual growth, write down inspirations you receive from the spirit, and heal your life. Journaling helps you to dig deep within and uncover areas of denial, fear, and hurt. We can’t change what we don’t see or acknowledge and journaling acts as an excavation tool to dig up the junk we need to heal and eliminate. Spending some time each day writing your thoughts or whatever comes to mind, can also lead to a well spring of inspiration and creativity that you never knew existed.

Affirmations

We become what we meditate on?  We become what we believe? By changing our thoughts and the words we use each day, we can our own consciousness and our changed consciousness changes our outcomes.  If your limiting beliefs are causing you from doing or being the person you really want to be, then it’s time to change your telling yourself. If you are shy, begin to affirm you are outgoing. If you are fearful, affirm your courage. Make a list of who or what you want to be, and then spend time during your Hour of Power repeating them at least 3 times each. If you do it long enough and then begin to take baby steps to act upon uncomfortable situations, you can change your life tremendously.

Inspiration Reading

Many people don’t read. Christians don’t read their Bibles or other inspirational books. You won’t think to go without physical food. In fact, many of us eat when were not even hungry, but all too often we’re starving our spirits because we neglect to feed our spirits. Incorporating time within your Hour of Power to read the Bible or an inspirational or self-development book will keep you growing and expanding mentally and spiritually. Many times I will read a self-improvement book while exercising on the treadmill at the gym or I’ll listen to motivational CD or the Bible on tape while doing housework. Everyday I want to feed my spirit so I can continue to move forward and become the best me I can be.

Gratitude

Many people often look at what is wrong with their life instead of all the things that are actually right with there life. When we focus on the negative its like giving permission to a heavy, dark, cloud to follow us around and rain on our life. We begin to see every circumstance through an unhappy or pessimistic filter or dismal eye glasses. It doesn’t matter how much good is happening, shade it with negativity or don’t see it altogether. I thank God every day that I can live in peace, have a warm bed to sleep in, wonderful children, use of my legs and other facilities, have my health, and the list goes on. Of course, there are things I would like to change or aren’t going the way I want at the moment, but I turn those things over to God in prayer knowing he will take care of them in his time. Make it a point to list 5-10 things you are grateful for each day. It can be as simple as a warm cup of cocoa.

Visualizations

The Bible gives us a lot of advice concerning visions. We are told that without a vision my people perish. God tells us to write our vision on the wall and to make it plain and to share it with anybody who will listen. Paul told us to speak those things that be not as though they already were. Visualizing is simply seeing the outcome that we want. It’s like daydreaming with a purpose. Scientific studies declare that our mind can differentiate fantasy from reality. Just think about biting into a lemon and watch how your mouth salivates. In the same light, your brain doesn’t know you’re visualizations about your prospering business or slim figure is just wishful thinking. Use some time during your Hour of Power to visualize your success in the present moment, before it has actually happened. By doing so, you invite the universe to help you manifest your desires and open the door to unexpected encounters and miracles to make it happen.

Exercise

I decided to include exercise in the Hour of Power because exercise gets us moving and movement creates momentum. In actually, you will probably need to schedule exercise before or after your Hour of Power, but you do want to include it. When you exercise you release endorphins, the feel good hormones. These endorphins will help you to ward of depression and procrastination. Exercise will also enhance the other aspects of the Hour of Power listed. Almost daily, I will walk while I tell God what I’m grateful for, declare what I’m thankful for (visualizations), and say my affirmations aloud.

Schedule Your Day

Just think of how much more you can accomplish if you actually schedule your day before it begins? Setting aside 5 to 10 minutes to decide what you want to complete for each day and in specific time slots will help you to accomplish more and make constructive use of your time. It also helps you to be more practical about what you can actually complete in a day’s time. In addition it creates accountability. At the end of the day, you can look at your schedule and feel empowered using your time wisely.

You may not have time for all of these or you may even want to start with a few and alternate them on a rotating basis. The important thing is that you just get started and allow your momentum to catapult you to living with more purpose, fulfillment, and joy.

Need help getting your life in balance? Check out my Biblically-based program Detox Your Life Life and Awaken Your Inner Spirit. The program will help you incorporate the following activities and other spiritual disciplines to transform your mind, body, spirit, relationships, and more.


Jun 08, 2011 | 1 comment View Post
Tips for Organizing a Christian Retreat

Tips for Organizing a Christian Retreat

It’s time for your yearly retreat. You want to plan a weekend getaway where your members can relax, unwind, and deepen their relationship with the Lord. You can easily organize a retreat that will be transformative, fun, and memorable. Just follow these easy steps.

  1. Decide upon a theme for your retreat. Begin by thinking what you want the participants to gain from the retreat. Decide whether the retreat is for fun and fellowship, spiritual renewal, relaxation, or will revolve around a portion of scriptures. For example, if your objective for the retreat is that members feel physically and spiritually renewed, you might consider a spa retreat that includes Christian meditation, self care breakouts, relaxation treatments, and silent time with God.
  2. Next, decide upon a location. There are literally thousands of retreat center in the country. Begin by asking friends and colleagues about popular centers they have attended. Next, go to the computer and google, “retreat centers” or even “Christian retreat centers” along with your location or where you want to have the retreat. Other words to search for are conference centers, Christian retreats, etc. You can also preview sites like Retreat Finder to locate a center. Bed and breakfasts can also be a great place to hold a retreat.
  3. Will you have a speaker(s) at your retreat? If so, you’ll need to determine your speaker budget and then find a speaker that will fit into your theme. Again, you will want to ask around for popular speakers in your area. You can also visit websites like Christian Speaker or Ministry Women and find the listings of literally thousands of speakers and topics of interest. Once you have made a list of possible speakers, contact them to find out their availability, costs, and more detailed information.
  4. Decide upon accommodations and meal plan. Once you narrowed down the retreat facility to 3 or 4, contact each center to find out what types of accommodations they provide as well as the price. There can be a significant difference from one center and another. Also, some centers require deposits of as much as 50% upfront. Unless you have access to funds in advance, you may need to check this center off your list. Also many centers provide meals at very reasonable costs. Be sure and ask about spaces for meetings, break out sessions, or smaller workshops.
  5. How will member’s get to the retreat?  At some retreats it is up to the participants to get themselves there, usually by car or carpooling. Other retreats will charter one or more busses and add the cost to the retreat prices. There are pros and cons to both of these. Weigh out your options by finding out the cost to charter a bus based upon the number of sign-ups. Now it’s time to add up the costs of the retreat per person based upon the information you gathered.
  6. Create an agenda and schedule for our event. Your schedule should include a start and end time and everything in between. Your agenda can also include a meet and greet session, speaker topics, meals, free-time, workshops, and additional activities. You’ll also want to create a program for attendees and other information needed for the retreat. Be sure and include an evaluation form. You can provide each attendee with a packet when they arrive.
  7. If your retreat is being hosted by a church you’ll want to promote it to your congregation. You can promote your retreat with a flier as well as in the bulletin. Many churches will also provide a display table that includes information and sign-ups. If the event is open to the public, you’ll want to write a press release about the retreat and send it to the appropriate media. Also, list your event on internet calendars like Craigslist.org, local Christian radios, and other online event venues.
  8. Relax and enjoy. On the day of the retreat if you are well organized things should go fairly smoothly; however, don’t be perplexed by a few surprises and mishaps that are sure to arise. Just do your best to rectify them and stayed relaxed, everything will work out just fine in the end.

Interested in hosting a Christian meditation retreat, click here for more information.


May 10, 2011 | 1 comment View Post

Every Christian Needs a Vision and a Plan

Just recently God told me to create a vision chart. The chart contained pictures, scriptures, words, and phrases that represented my desired life’s direction. It encompassed core areas including my career, social life, health, recreation, spirituality, education, relationships, and self care. To create my vision chart I perused favorite magazines and cut out images and words that resonated in my heart.  Creating a vision chart gave me a keen sense of focus and empowerment regarding my future. Although my life was not aimless, it had no tangible  road map. I posted my vision chart in a prominent place and each morning upon rising I speak to my vision and tell it to come forth.

Write the Vision:
Habukah 2:2 counsels us to write the vision on the wall and make it plain so that those who read it will run with it. Though the vision may tarry, it shall come to pass, says the Lord. This scripture implies several important truths. First, God wants us to created a written vision for our life and He wants us to post it so that it will inspire us as well as others. Secondly, having a vision creates movement. Those with a vision are more likely to take action and do what is necessary to fulfill their goals. Having a vision can also galvanize people to stand with you and offer support. Lastly, God said that your vision shall be fulfilled at the appointed time. Therefore creating a vision plan is a guaranteed recipe for success. Don’t get in a hurry or hung up on time. Your vision must come to pass.

Speak to Your Vision:
In the beginning was the word, and the word was God, and the word with God, and the word became flesh and dwelt among man. Before God created the heavens and the earth he had a vision in mind. But it was not until he spoke it out of his mouth that the vision was full-filled. Every great ideas begins in your mind. But that is where it will stay unless you bring it forth by the words you use. Speak to your vision with relevant scriptures and positive affirmation. Your words have power and are alive. The Bibles says that whatever a man speaks from his heart shall come to pass. Therefore, choose words that manifest your vision instead of suppressing or hindering it.

An Ear to Hear
Even if you have no idea how you will accomplish your vision, just writing it down and making it concrete sets your creative energies and the power of the universe in motion. Proverbs tells us that a man plans his ways but it is God who orders his steps. Each day I ask God to give me an ear to hear, eyes to see, and wisdom to discern any opportunities He may be sending my way that support my vision plan. Be sensitive to individuals, resources, information, and literature that come across your path. Always be obedient to the still small voice in your heart that may be nudging you to take a particular course of action. God says he will make our way prosperous and cause our plans to succeed if we will put our trust in Him.

Good Fight of Faith
Don’t let anything deter your from your vision. Matthew…illustrates just how quickly you can lose sight of your vision. One day a sower sowed the word and immediately the enemy came to still the word out of his heart. I want to emphasize the word, “immediately.” Once you have created your vision chart, thoughts of self-doubt, fear, and inadequacy will try to discourage you from going forward. Your vision is your seed to success. Be careful not to let negative thoughts pull up your seeds before they have had time to take root and grow a harvest. Memorize the scripture, “God has not given me a spirit of fear, but of power, of love and of a sound mind,” and use it disingrate any fearful thoughts that plague you.

A Clear Focus
A vision plan focuses your efforts. I created my vision plan on a large cardboard paper canvas. It only had room for so much. In other words, it created boundaries for my vision. I wasn’t writing or pasting pictures on the area outside the canvas. I had to be selective and create my vision based on my heartfelt priorities. If you make your vision too broad or large it may overwhelm you instead of catapult you into action. Therefore, get quiet and do some soul searching. Your vision should truly reflect your authentic self. You can always update your vision as you accomplish your goals or change your desires. If you can’t fill up your vision chart, just start with one corner and add to it when impressed upon. If charts don’t appeal to you, at least make a list of your goals and post it in a prominent location and read it each day. A vision plan will also help you to discontinue, weed out, and say no to activities that aren’t in alignment with your goals.

Seek Balance
Your life is not one dimensional. You are spirit, soul, and body so you want to make sure that your vision plan reflects your whole self. If you spend too much time focused on one or several areas, most likely other aspects of your life are going to suffer. When creating your chart look at each area of your life and access your satisfaction level with each category. For example, you may feel very happy with your career, but believe that your social life needs an overhaul. Strive to create balance by creating a vision of how you’d like each quadrant of your life to look and resist the temptation to put all your energies in one basket.

Stomp Out Fear
Fear is the greatest hindrance to our vision. We fear failure, people’s judgments, making the wrong decisions, and the unknown. However, inaction keeps us from moving into future blessings. If you are having a difficult time making a decision regarding an aspect of your vision, get still, quiet your mind, and ask yourself, “is fear hindering me from moving forward?” If the answer is yes then dispel  the fear and take the appropriate action. A popular book is titled, “feel the fear and do it anyway.” Don’t let fear stand between you and your dreams.

Live in the Moment
You’ve probably heard the saying that life is what’s happening while your waiting for some future accomplishment, desire, or situation to take place. Your life is right now at this very moment. Ask God to help you to enjoy the blessings in your life today. Live consciously by giving your full attention to everything you do. Use daily meditation to help you to quiet your mind and eliminate the incessant thoughts that causes you to constantly project on the future or obsess on the past. Many people spend their whole life for some future goal, not realizing that their life is a journey that is unfolding one day at a time. Break the cycle by having an attitude of contentment and gratitude. Your vision should not be the end all some accomplishment but a daily lifestyle that enhances every area of your life.

Reinvent Yourself
Just like an artist paints a new picture using a blank canvas, you can reinvent yourself and create the life you want. Refuse to allow negative people or self-doubt to tie you to your past. You can recreate or revamp your life by creating a new picture or vision. Creating a vision plan and then nurturing your plan by following the tips in this article will help you to make your dream a reality. Proverbs says that where there is no vision the people perish or have no restraint. A vision plan will add meaning to your life. It will give you a sense of purpose.

Need a vision plan but don’t know where to start, check out the Christian Meditation, Nurturing Your Vision. This meditation will give you a clear guide on what you’ll need to do to make your vision a reality.


Apr 05, 2011 | 0 comments View Post

Does God Have a Plan for Me?

The whole idea of God having a blueprint or a complete plan for our lives is quite questionable for many people. We may make comments like, “Does God have a wonderful plan for me because it doesn’t seem like it? And if so, what is it?” Sometimes it’s hard for us to believe in such a plan because we often go through trials and trouble. One thing all Christians must understand is that God’s plan for us contains both pleasure and pain as well as joy and suffering.  Realizing God’s plan for your life doesn’t necessarily mean that everything will be easy for you. From our perspective, a particular event or situation may not feel good (sicknesses, pains, loss of loved ones etc.) but from the eyes of God, it’s what He wants us to go through because His purpose is higher than ours; His plans are always greater than ours. The Bible tells us that what the devil intended for evil, God will use it for our highest good. Therefore, we can expect the hand of God in every situation in our lives.

In the book of Jeremiah, the Israelites were in exile and they were split into bits and pieces everywhere. They were lost and they cried out daily, “Where is our God” for their salvation seemed so far away from them.  God answered them in Jeremiah 29: 11-14 by saying, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you, declares the Lord, and I will restore your fortunes and gather you from all the nations, and all the places when I have driven you, declares the Lord, and I will bring you back the place from which I sent you into exile“.

Do you find yourself in a similar situation to that of the Israelites? Lost and wondering what God has in store for you? Hold on to the same promise He made to the Israelites; a promise for restoration and enlightenment in your life. I would like to highlight another important thing from the passage – “seek me with all your heart”. I think why many people are left clueless concerning God’s plan for them is that they’re not seeking hard enough! God has made a promise to us but He also wants us to act. If you want to know God’s plan for your life, work hand in hand with Him to accomplish His plan for your life. Today, let’s seek after Him with all our heart, to see a vision for our lives through His eyes.


Mar 03, 2011 | 0 comments View Post

A New Year, A New You: Going Deeper in God

If you’re like most people, you’ve probably made a few resolutions for the coming year. Perhaps, you’ll lose weight, exercise more, watch less television, or spend more time with God. The problem with resolutions is that they’re only skin deep.  You make a proclamation and then you use your willpower to try to fulfill it or make it happen. The Bible says that the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak. Although our intentions are good, we lack the wherewithal or persistence to stick with our new year’s resolutions for the long haul and within days, weeks, or even months we’re right back where we started.


Jan 04, 2011 | 0 comments View Post
When Good Stuff Tastes Bad

When Good Stuff Tastes Bad

by Rev. Steve D. Young

 “I don’t want it”, “it’s bitter”, “it’s nasty” and “it makes me sick” are a few phrases that children say prior to taking medication.  In most cases the reason that children are forced to take the prescribed medication is because parents desire to see their children feel better, and overcome various sicknesses.  The flavors of the medications are intended to disguise the medicinal taste that provokes the aforementioned childlike phrases; however, some things will never suit our taste and preferences.

The biggest challenges that we face come from preconceived notions that a loving God must always meet our desires with pleasant and delightful moments.  We often feel that we should be exempt from bitter, nasty, and even sickening moments; however, we discover that those exemptions do not apply.

As a parent coerces, holds, and forces their beloved children to receive the medication to help them get better, we should realize that our Heavenly Father does the same for us.  We don’t always see the benefit of these undesirable times instantly, but the songwriter’s conventional wisdom was true when they penned the words that “we will understand it better by and by”. 


Nov 05, 2010 | 0 comments View Post
Eat, Pray, and Love: Some Lessons for Christian Living?

Eat, Pray, and Love: Some Lessons for Christian Living?

 eat-pray-love-with-family                                                                                                            

Although I have yet to read the book, “Eat, Pray, and Love” I did see the movie and really enjoyed it.  Many friends and family members who have read the book also encouraged me to do so, stating that it goes into many more details and explanations that were difficult to depict on film. In any event, watching the movie generated some of my own ideas about how I, as a Christian, can incorporate some of these great disciplines in my own life. I left the theater thinking that even if I (or others)  had the luxury of taking a year-long excursion to far off places, it really isn’t necessary to learn the life lessons so eloquently depicted on the author’s journey.

I believe that we can incorporate the principles of Eat, Pray, and Love in our everyday life and learn to live more purposely and authentically from this day forward. Whether you are a Christian, or of any other faith, these life lessons can benefit us all. So, how can we Eat, Pray, and Love within the circumstances that we find ourselves today? I’ll tell you now.


Sep 19, 2010 | 1 comment View Post

Secret Ambition- Michael W. Smith

I saw this video almost 15 years ago at a Christian Retreat and it greatly impacted my life. I would watch it over and over. It’s a great video to share with unsaved family and friends.


Aug 27, 2010 | 0 comments View Post

A Twelve Step Program for Christians?

Do Christians Need to Break Their Addiction to the World!

Several weeks ago I started thinking about a 12-Step program for Christians. In lesson 17 of my Detox Your Life and Awaken Your Inner Spirit Program, I use the tenets of the 12-Step program to illustrate our need to surrender everything to God. Step one of Alcoholics Anonymous is “We admit we were powerless over alcohol and that our lives had become unmanageable.”

My interest in a 12-Step Program for Christians led me on a search. I wasn’t looking for a program to overcome an addiction to alcohol, drugs, or similar vices, but to overcome the addiction to the cares, deceptions, and illusions of the world and its destructive philosophy. The non-Christian life is so engrained within us, that it is oftentimes difficult to disconnect from it and even if we desired to do so, do we really know how? Jesus told us to “be in this world but not of this world.” Yet this is no easy feat. It means walking in a totally different direction with a new and foreign mindset.  Is it really enough to call ourselves Christian but possess very little differentiation from the modern world? That’s an important question to ponder.

In my delight I found just what I was looking for. It’s called Twelve Step Christianity by Saul Selby. The author, who happens to be a recovering addict and born-again Jew, discovered that the principles of the 12-Step Program applied to “any” life would be transformative.


Aug 27, 2010 | 5 comments View Post
In Stillness of Soul by Andrew Murray

In Stillness of Soul by Andrew Murray

abide in christ by andrew murray podcastAndrew Murray: Abide In Christ

Chapter 18–IN STILLNESS OF SOUL

“In returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and confidence shall be your strength.”– Isaiah 30:15

“Be silent to the Lord, and wait patiently for him.”– Ps.37:7 (marg.)
“Truly my soul is silent unto God.” Ps.62:1 (marg.)

Listen by The Christian Meditator Podcast

THERE is a view of the Christian life that regards it as a sort of partnership, in which God and man have each to do their part. It admits that it is but little that man can do, and that little defiled with sin; still he must do his utmost–then only can he expect God to do His part. To those who think thus, it is extremely difficult to understand what Scripture means when it speaks of our being still and doing nothing, of our resting and waiting to see the salvation of God.


Jul 04, 2010 | 0 comments View Post

Your Tongue Can Be Your Worst Enemy!

I received this in a email today and thought I’d pass it on to you.

THE TONGUE CAN BE YOUR WORST ENEMY!

Your words, your dreams, and your thoughts have power to create conditions in your life.
What you speak about, you can bring about.
If you keep saying you can’t stand your job, you might lose your job.
If you keep saying you can’t stand your body, your body can become sick.
If you keep saying you can’t stand your car, your car could be stolen or just stop operating.
If you keep saying you’re broke, guess what? You’ll always be broke.
If you keep saying you can’t trust a man or trust a woman, you will always
find someone in your life To hurt and betray you.
If you keep saying you can’t find a job, you will remain unemployed.
If you keep saying you can’t find someone to love you or believe in you, yo very thought will attract more experiences to confirm your beliefs.
If you keep talking about a divorce or break up in a relationship, then you might end up with it.
Turn your thoughts and conversations around to be more positive and power
packed with faith, hope, love and action.
Don’t be afraid to believe that you can have what you want and deserve.


Jun 07, 2010 | 0 comments View Post

Reduce Stress By Managing Your Time Better

Being disorganized is one of the common causes of stress. Time management is the key to organizing your work at home and at the workplace, thus lessening the stress you may feel. Prioritizing the most important job and writing down your duties and activities everyday is one of the best ways of managing you time.

Keeping a diary or journal, where you can jot down your objectives,  can help you assess which duty must be done first as well as  the estimated time you can accomplish each activity.  Having a schedule to show your boss can also justify what you can and can’t accomplish when asked to perform new activities.


May 27, 2010 | 1 comment View Post
You Already Have Everything You Need to Succeed

You Already Have Everything You Need to Succeed

babyHow can you change what you believe when the experiences you have had has convinced you otherwise? The simple answer to that is to create a new experience. The best way for you to get that new experience is to meditate about how you can change the way you respond to what happens. The new response will create new results, which you will then experience it as a new reality.

To reach your goal of peace, joy, and contentment, you have to act as though the following statement is true: Everything that happens to me is the best possible thing that can happen to me or as the Bible states, “God is working out all things for my highest good.” Meditating on God as well as the scriptures may not turn a bad situation into a good one right way, but it will change how you see and react to it, thus planting the seed for change. Acting as though what happens to you is the best possible thing that can happen to you often results in surrendering everything to God which creates  peace and joy  in your life.


May 20, 2010 | 0 comments View Post
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