I always thank God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus. For in him you have been enriched in every way — in all your speaking and in all your knowledge — because our testimony about Christ was confirmed in you. Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed. He will keep you strong to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God, who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful — 1 Corinthians 1:4-9 (NIV)

We live in a society that feasts on the salacious and upholds all that is contrary to the Word of God. Thus, it isn’t surprising that when you talk with some Christians you soon learn that their personal testimony is quite colorful.

That being said, I sometimes wonder if we look too much at the depth of someone’s personal sin rather than at the One who delivered them from their sin. Granted, grievous sin is just that — grievous — but, not everyone sins to the same degree. Yet, we all share one thing in common — we are each sinners in need of a Savior.

Going With The Edited Testimony

There are aspects of my previous life I’m just not willing to share with everyone. In fact, there aren’t too many people who know the intimate details of my early years as I’ve chosen to focus on what my life has been like since I started following Jesus in 1985. I have enough regrets about some of my earlier life choices, youthful decisions made that sometimes effect me to this day. I prefer to concentrate on what Jesus has done for me since then and make those things my personal testimony of God’s goodness, riches, faithfulness and love.

One thing that every Christian should keep in mind is that their personal testimony is all theirs. You can’t refute what a person has experienced though you may try to explain away the changes they have gone through. Inasmuch as some refuse to give God credit where credit is His due, the person giving the testimony knows what is true. The hearer must have a heart to receive what is said, but that is a work of the Holy Spirit to prepare them to receive your testimony and not something you must do.

Testifying Moment By Moment

I usually prefer to give people current news of what God has done for me because the experience is fresh and that person may already know something about what I’ve been going through. For example, I recently had a pressing financial need and felt the Lord leading me to pray specifically for certain events to occur to help me see His hand at work.  God had me pray for a release of funds from a prospective customer and, when things were at its bleakest, He impressed upon my heart to persist in prayer.

The client not only came through while I was praying, but he chose a double portion of what he originally ordered. Moments later the funds were deposited in my account and, in an unusual twist, the client absorbed all related fees!

I can think of many situations down through the years where God intervened to help me, but this most recent event is included in my personal testimony. What’s more, I fully expect that I’ll have an updated testimony to share, many more examples of God’s work in my life, the same kind of work He can do in the life of anyone who submits to His will.

Photo Credit: SCapture

Also Read — You’re Worthy Of My Praise

The Scriptures say, “The earth and everything in it belong to the Lord.” — I Corinthians 10:26 (CEV)

I love Spring. As I do Fall, Winter and Summer. But, Spring is the season of renewal, the time of the year when all that is hidden (flowers, leaves, and animals) are revealed once again, while that which is dead (or dormant) is brought back to life.

It is also the season when we mark Our Lord’s resurrection, the Lamb of God, who was slain from the foundation of the earth for our sins.

Next week is what some Christians call “Holy Week” which is the time spanning from Palm Sunday when Jesus was received by the masses as a triumphant king, and on through the last supper, betrayal and crucifixion, and finally His resurrection on Easter morn.  It is a wonderful time for believers to reflect on what God has done for them, offering remembrance of His perfect sacrifice for our sins.

I’m not a huge traditionalist, but I plan to mark the week by attending a midday Good Friday service as well as a Resurrection Sunday service. No, I’m not hung up on the word Easter — I know that it was originally a pagan event — and if someone wants to color eggs, bite off chocolate bunny ears or eat those sugary little peeps, then go ahead and do so to the glory of God.

Which brings me to my main point: it is easy to dwell upon what is wrong or not to our liking in this life and to be upset over this or that injustice. I fully understand this type of thinking as these days are especially challenging to mostly everyone, particularly those who are trying to live Godly lives.

But, having the right perspective isn’t looking at what is going on in Washington, DC or at your job or even at your church. Rather, how is your relationship with Jesus Christ? Are you seeking His will for your life? Are you reading His word, the Bible?

There are times I find myself overwhelmed by all of the “noise” of this world and find that the best thing to do is to steal away for a bit and spend some time with the Lord. One of my favorite ways for doing just that is to put everything to the side, head outside and take a walk. I prefer sunny days, but even on the dreariest of days I can find some benefit in leaving my cares behind.

And God is faithful to meet me where I’m at too: all I need to see is a splash of spring color, the vibrant wing of a subtropical bird or the lovely azure sky to remind me that He is in control of my life, our world and all that is within it.

Don’t let an opportunity to enjoy what God has created pass you by. These times of refreshing can change your perspective, reminding you that Jesus is alive.

Related Reading — He Is Alive!

Photo Credit: Zsuzsanna Kilián

The strength of the Lord can see you through every trial and illness.

I woke up this morning feeling tired, achy and soon thereafter I found myself coughing. I’m not surprised, because all winter long I’ve been the “family nurse” as my wife and our boys went through illness after illness. Just last week my wife had foot surgery, so I found myself transporting our children back and forth to school and running shopping errands.

Any kind of illness can lead to a spiritual battle, as weak bodily defenses make it difficult to concentrate or fight off the attacks of the devil. Our infernal enemy will frequently use our weakest moments against us, tempting us to snap at those we love or retreat into a world that excludes everyone including God.

The apostle Paul looked at problems in a way that should help the rest of us consider what we’re going through. Paul recognized that his problems (and he had many of them) were opportunities to let God work through Him:

That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong — 2 Corinthians 12:10 (NIV).

When we’re strong, we tend to rely upon our strength, not God. We forget that God is the One who has given us strength in the first place even if our bodily exercise, self discipline and determination seem to be what drives us.

Usually only when we age (and begin to lose our strength) or have a debilitating illness or accident (and our strength is suddenly removed) do we fully appreciate how God works through us. The tendency of the young and virulent is to tell God, “I’ll handle this one!” when a mild problem comes about. But, when an illness or crisis hits, we soon realize that our weakness makes us strong because we draw upon Him who ultimately strengthens us.

Thankfully, a couple of Advils are making it easier for me to get my work done today. But, I’m also thankful for His testings as the visible fruit of His righteousness working through me testifies of God’s goodness no matter what my circumstances may be.

Photo Credit: Evah Smit

My God shall supply all you needs, according to His riches in glory — Philippians 4:19 (KJV)

I’m thinking that the above verse is being recalled by many Christians lately. I am familiar with the verse and for a very good reason I should be: my wife had it framed years ago and it is on the wall just inches above my computer monitor.

Honestly, I don’t look at the verse enough nor do I constantly reflect on what it means. Until I have a pressing need. Like right now.

This one verse has been pulled out of context so many times that I’m sure that it’s meaning has been skewed for many believers.  I’ve heard people use it as a reason to get something from God, invoking a name it and claim it principle when uttering the verse.

Clearly, the apostle Paul was saying that our needs would be met, not our greediness. Even then, does it mean that all of our earthly needs will be met? Yes, but not always immediately nor in the manner we expect.

Food, shelter, bodily warmth and good health are some of the things we want, even expect in this life, but oftentimes we lack one or more of them. We should continue to ask God for the things we need, but also know that our character is built by being patient as well as trusting in Him.

In verse 12 of the chapter Paul said that he knew how to be abased and he knew how to abound. Clearly, if there was anyone in the Bible who suffered much and often had to wait for his needs to be met, then Paul is a prime example of that person.

Sometimes being without something we need, even a very important need, can help to develop our character which is meant to conform us to the image of Christ (Romans 8:29). We aren’t necessarily thrilled to go through a difficult time, but we’re required to go through them nonetheless.

Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop and how patient he is for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near James — 5:7,8 (NIV)

We can get discouraged as we wait for God to respond, getting in our mind the idea that He doesn’t care or isn’t hearing us. Brethren, toss those thoughts away because your infernal enemy would have you think that way.

Instead, we should heed what Paul said in Philippians 4:8 (Amplified):

For the rest, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of reverence and is honorable and seemly, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely and lovable, whatever is kind and winsome and gracious, if there is any virtue and excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think on and weigh and take account of these things [fix your minds on them].

God knows your needs and what you need is already in His hands. Lovingly, God will dispense His gifts in the manner and portion that He sees fit. Thankfully, God already knows what we need and what is best for us.

Do your part by asking Him in faith.

Photo Credit: Mike McGarry

…not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching — Hebrews 10:25

The heart of the church are small group studies. Opportunities for believers, young and old, to gather together to pray, read God's word, encourage one another, share concerns and even break bread (or drink coffee!)

The body of Jesus Christ is His church, not so much a particular denomination and most certainly not a physical building. Sure, both can have a place in the building up of the saints, but when it comes to the collective church, that body comprises individuals scattered around the globe as well as believers who have left this world.

Forsaking the Gathering Together of the Saints

Over the past few years I’ve been uncovering a trend among some believers and that is that they remove themselves from a local expression of the body (meaning, attending church) and are not going to services at all. In some cases these believers are part of a home group or they have a looser fellowship arrangement with similar minded believers.

Their reasons for not being part of a local church are typically many and include disagreement with the teaching, a desire for fresh worship, not wanting to be part of a mega congregation and more. Many of their concerns are valid, but I believe that in some cases they may be “forsaking the assembling of themselves” with other believers.

The Body of Christ

Let me be one of the first people to join in to say that there certainly are problems with the church.  I will also say that there have always been problems ever since Jesus left this world! Problems will remain in place until the Lord returns for His church when at that time we’ll be perfected. In the meantime, the Body of Christ is made up of that which is imperfect and will stay that way this side of eternity.

I published an article earlier this month titled, “7 Steps To Help You Draw Closer To God In 2009,” whereby I included fellowship as one of the steps outlined. Though I pointed to the local church as one step, I would be remiss if I were to minimize the importance of small fellowship groups as part of that step.

The Benefit of Small Groups

Small group fellowships (also known as home fellowships, cell groups, etc.) are often the most effective way for believers to connect with each other. Matthew 18:20 reads, “For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst.” While God certainly is present in the large group congregating for worship and teaching on a Sunday morning, this verse serves to remind Christians that He is also present when just two believers gather together.

Yes, God is present with us individually, but I believe this verse demonstrates something of importance: He is delighted when we gather together with someone else.

Proverbs 27:17 illustrates a compelling reason for our being with at least one other person, “Iron sharpens iron; so a man sharpens his friend’s countenance.” That’s amazing — we’re given the power (and the responsibility) to encourage someone else. Clearly, we cannot do that when we’re not in that person’s presence. Yes, email and phone calls are important, but there is something about eye contact that makes a difference.

The church that I attend has gotten very big over the years, so much so that it is virtually impossible to meet up with people on Sunday mornings. Between parking the car, taking children to Sunday school and heading over to the sanctuary to find a seat there isn’t much time to stop and talk.

When service ends, we’re encouraged to get our children and leave, making room for people coming in for the next service. I certainly do not like not being able to hang around and talk with people afterward, but that’s the way things are for us right now. Perhaps after our building is expanded later this year things will change, but for now we live with it. I’m grateful for what we have and leave the missing part in God’s hands.

Thankfully, there are some excellent opportunities for people in our congregation to fellowship. Men’s and Ladies’ Bible studies are held weekly while a handful of weekly or bi-weekly home fellowships have been established. I also know that some believers are gathering together with Christians who attend other churches. That’s fine too — God’s body is huge!

My Monday Morning Men’s Group

Just off of the radar, but meeting with the approval of our church’s leadership is a men’s group that meets every Monday morning for one hour. This group was started in June 2005 and I’m one of the original attendees. Weekly, we go through the Word, pray, share personal concerns, encourage one another, etc. We meet at a Panera Bread store and enjoy a bagel and coffee with our study.

For several months in 2006 I actually left the group, as I was overwhelmed by work and personal issues, but returned realizing that I benefited more by being there than by being away. I’m glad that I did because as Proverbs clearly shows I can sharpen someone else as much as they sharpen me.

Staying away was a rip off…to me personally, but to the other men in my group as well. I’m not someone special, but then again each believer is special to God. I thoroughly enjoy the company of brethren and want to grab every opportunity I can during my busy week.

What it boils down to is this: small groups are all about seeking God and building one another up…very simple, but a command that we should all take seriously.

You Can Make a Difference

I’m not going to share all of the details of our group other than to say that we’re currently studying Daniel and we use a study guide written by Warren Wiersbe to aid us. We have a strict “what is said in the group stays in the group” policy, which builds trust and reminds us to pray for one another.

If you’re desiring to be part of a small group, then that is a good thing. Before our group launched, I wanted to get with some guys for such a meeting and God opened that door up. You can too — ask a pastor or church leader about current small group opportunities or, if one doesn’t currently exist, offer to start one up.

One final thought: we’re living in difficult times and I’m not talking simply about the recession. Spiritually, the war against the saints of God is heating up and we need each other as we go out to battle. Even a one hour weekly group meeting can make a difference for you and for others — God will bless it and you’ll be the stronger Christian for it.

Let me conclude this article by sharing with you Psalm 133 which, I think, shows the beauty (is that too strong of a word?) of fellowship:

1 How good and pleasant it is
when brothers live together in unity!

2 It is like precious oil poured on the head,
running down on the beard,
running down on Aaron’s beard,
down upon the collar of his robes.

3 It is as if the dew of Hermon
were falling on Mount Zion.
For there the LORD bestows his blessing,
even life forevermore.

Photo Credit: Julia Freeman-Woolpert

Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ. (1 Corinthians 11:1, NKJV)

As Christians, do we really live our lives according to the commands laid down by Jesus Christ and His apostles? I know that we like to think that we do, but as humans we’re prone to fall short or miss the mark.

This little verse popped out at me today, a line that begins the eleventh chapter of the Apostle Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians, but could easily serve as the last verse in the tenth chapter. You see, the chapter and verse delineations you find when reading the Bible today weren’t part of the original text. To make reading the Bible easier, chapters and verses were added later, as were footnotes and other editorial marks.

Paul’s words here are profound in that he is encouraging believers to imitate him.  With confidence he could instruct them to do so because Paul was faithfully imitating Christ. If he wasn’t, then his words would at the very least be vanity, but at their worst they could be dangerous.

I’ve come across a handful of spiritual people down through the years who wanted me (and others) to imitate them. No, they may not have used those specific words, but they strongly suggested that by not following their example that you’d risk falling out of the way. A closer examination of the behavior of these people revealed that they did not imitate Christ. Sure, they may have expressed some sort of Biblical authority or made pronouncements of spirituality, but their behavior was contrary to Christ’s teachings.

Importantly, in chapter ten Paul explains (v.3,4) to the Corinthian church their heritage through Moses. Their spiritual forefathers had passed through the sea, ate the same spiritual food, and all drank the same spiritual drink. That drink came from a spiritual Rock that followed them and that Rock was Christ.

Later, Paul told the Corinthians (v.5-10) how God wasn’t pleased with most of them who chose to become idolaters and were thus destroyed. By verse 14 Paul addressed the Corinthians by urging them to also flee from idolatry. Though the Corinthian believers had been saved from the wrath to come, they still needed to be instructed on how to walk with Paul admonishing them on taking communion (v.16-22), eating (v.25, 31),  and the way to treat others (v.32) particularly with winning them to Christ (v.33). Paul concluded that section of his letter by urging believers to imitate him as he imitated Christ.

The universal church of Jesus Christ today is filled with people who have no idea on how they should live. Reared in homes with no Christian witness, many people are clueless how they should behave — they’re saved, but they haven’t been instructed (discipled).

Like Paul, who had a lot to teach the Corinthian church of his day, we have the opportunity to impact fellow believers through our witness. Not just the witness of scripture, but through the example of our personal walk with our Savior.

Ephesians 5:15,16 offers great advice for the person who wants to lead by example, “See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.”

As in Pauls day imitators of Christ are still needed — are you up to the challenge?

For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, masquerading as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve. (2 Corinthians 11:13-15, NIV)

These are perilous times for the church of Jesus Christ, then again there have always been perilous times since the church was founded.

Throughout church history various false creeds, cultists, and legalists have crept in, seeking to overthrow the faith of those who are weak, ignorant, or otherwise vulnerable. In various places in the New Testament followers of Jesus Christ are warned about false workers, people who can lead the unwary astray.

People who know me very well are familiar with my spiritual journey, with some learning that I was in a Bible cult many years ago. I say “Bible cult” because though many of the tenets of the Christian faith were espoused and we used the Revised Standard Version of the Bible, the condemnation and hostility shown to people outside of our group as well as to errant followers contradicted scripture.

Thankfully, my stay in this group was short-lived — just eight months — but the damage was already done. When I left, I left the Lord as well and lived a rebellious life for the next 7 1/2 years. When I returned, I eventually got sucked into a legalistic fellowship where I remained for just over five years. After church hopping for two or three years, I finally found a fellowship that taught the word and encouraged people to read the word on their own.

In retrospect, I realize that God protected me even during the most difficult times of long ago. Through personal Bible reading I saw that I was choosing the wrong path and prayerfully asked God to redirect my ways. Many years later I am able to look at God’s intervention with thankfulness and am now better equipped to clearly separate truth from error almost immediately.

False teachers are many and I see them on the scene today. Kenneth Copeland and Kenneth Hagin are some of the “easier” to see leaders who are leading people astray today, but there are other visible (mostly televangelist) preachers who I avoid as well.

Beyond naming names there are two hallmarks of a false teacher which can be identified by those seeking the truth.

1. Listen to what they say and what they teach.
2. Watch what they eat. They eat sheep!

False teachers aren’t content with spreading their lies, they want to consume you in the process.

I have great sympathy for people ensnared by those who would lead them astray, able to understand why some people remain — misplaced devotion. Cultists, legalists, and other disciples are usually the most devoted to their beliefs, but devotion is no substitute for the truth: lots of people around the world are devoted to their religion or god, but our devotion should only be to Jesus Christ, not to a religion, church, or personality.

If you know of someone who is ensnared, your words may not do much good. However, your intercessory prayers can help move mountains and I cannot think of any bigger mountain than one put up by a wolf in sheep’s clothing.

God is in the habit of calling people out, and those that are His will be able to separate His voice from the false teacher. For the rest of us, remaining diligent is important as the next wave of false workers is certain to appear as sure as the tide rolls in.

We then, as workers together with Him also plead with you not to receive the grace of God in vain.

Sometimes a Bible verse will stand out from the included text, a snippet of God’s word to mull over. I realize that there can be a problem with pulling verses out of context, but if you remember the context from which it was pulled, then I see no problem with this practice.

Chapter 6 of 2 Corinthians serves to convey several points including:

• We are workers together with Him.

• Now is the day of salvation.

• We are ministers of God.

• Believers are not to be unequally yoked with unbelievers.

All four points are very important, but the first one is the perhaps the most amazing of all — God, the creator of the universe, uses fleshly man to relay His gospel message. Yes, our God has entrusted the work of bringing people to Him through the lives of those who follow Him. Imperfect, flawed, and mistake-prone people are God’s chosen vessels — an awesome responsibility that has been delegated to us.

Thankfully, God hasn’t left us without clear instructions on how to reach people for Him, otherwise this “campaign” would be a disaster. Church history is replete with examples of religious leaders ignoring, changing, or forgetting this edict, but that hasn’t negated God from getting the work done.

As followers of Jesus Christ we have some powerful “tools” at our disposal:

• The Holy Spirit

• The Bible

If we’re filled with His Spirit and we direct people to His word, then God will touch others as we rely upon Him. I’m not one for making up formulas, but I know that if we pray for the Spirit’s guidance and we stand upon the written word, then our words will be accepted by willing ears.

As a believer, the pressure is off of me other than to pray and to tell. God convicts the sinner — I’m not to force a conversion (which will probably be false) nor am I to rely on techniques — we know that in Acts that God adds to the church daily.

The final point — not being unequaled yoke is very important. Our kingdom work can be hindered if we’re married to someone who doesn’t believe, attend a fellowship not based on God’s word, or involve ourselves in anything that takes away from our relationship with God.

It is good for me to know that although I am not a perfect person, that Almighty God still desires to use me for His glory.

He is the head of the body, the assembly, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. (WEB)

I heard a terrific sermon this past Sunday. Not that every sermon isn’t inspiring, but this one most definitely had my name on it. Or, it had special meaning for me.

Verses 15 through 18 were discussed in the first chapter of Colossians, but it was the last verse that stood above the rest. You see, Jesus Christ does have a prominent place in my life, but as the verse clearly states, that position isn’t good enough: He must be preeminent.

Is there a difference? Most certainly. We all have things that are prominent in our lives, stuff that we consider to be more important than other things. A hobby; our jobs; our relationships with a spouse, children, parents, siblings, etc. can all have significance for us. Even God can be important, but being important doesn’t mean that He has first place.

Allowing Jesus to have preeminence in our lives means that everything that we do or say flows from Him. He isn’t one among many – He is our everything. Just as God will not share His glory with another, He will not allow us to settle for allowing Him to simply be prominent in our lives. Prominence may sound important, but it means that His place in our lives is being shared with something else.

In my youthful days as a Christian, such a revelation would have thrown me into despair, causing me to excessively examine my plight and beg God (repeatedly) to forgive me. Today, I heed the Spirit’s correction and immediately respond by repenting and receiving His forgiveness.

It doesn’t matter what thing or event was in the way for, “we are all like sheep and have gone astray.” The Good Shepherd is faithful to restore us when we slip or when we allow anything else to supplant His rightful place on the throne of our hearts.

Think about it: Is Jesus prominent in your life or is He preeminent?

Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. (NIV)

I confess: I don’t fully understand what love is. I’ll take that one step further: you don’t either.

We say that we love others, but our actions show otherwise: we cannot tolerate our neighbor, we wish our enemies ill will, and we don’t heed God’s call to submit to Him.

Love isn’t some sentimental feeling that we have toward another human being, rather love is patient, kind, overlooks another’s faults, and is always being put to the test.

It is easy to love those who love us, that is precisely what the heathen do. But, loving the unlovable (which can include ourselves) isn’t possible from within, but it is possible with outside help, namely through God who made us and understands are disposition.

Today is Valentine’s Day when so many people make at least a token effort to show love to the person they care about the most. These tokens of love are often expressed in the giving of roses, chocolates, cards, and the like. Often, the gifts are given in exchange for something else, proving that a lot of people do not know what unconditional love is.

God loved us even when we didn’t love Him. Through sin, God shows us exactly where our hearts are and that our hearts aren’t seeking Him. Through the redemption of His Son, Jesus Christ, God has demonstrated what pure love is and what we must do to be saved.

Because He knows that we don’t have it within ourselves to love each other or to love Him, God sent His gift of love — the Holy Spirit — who dwells with those who put their trust in Him. It is by the power of the Holy Spirit that we can begin to grasp what love is all about and turn around and truly love others in His name.

We cannot earn God’s love as that already abides with us. We can walk in His love by allowing Him to reign in our hearts.

God is love — can you sense His love for you today?

Photo courtesy of Mike Thorn.