Your Attitude

  Your Attitude

In the book of Philipians we read

“|Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross! Philippians 2:5-8.

Do you have a servants heart? It’s hard to be a servant. You do all the work while others get to enjoy the fruits of your labour.

Far too many Christians want to be a teacher or leader within a congregation. They are not interested in serving.

Jesus on the other hand believed in serving. Lowering himself to the point where he washed his disciples feet.

In John’s gospel we read,

“so he(Jesus)got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist.  After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples' feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him....

When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. "Do you understand what I have done for you?" he asked them.  

"You call me ‘Teacher' and ‘Lord,' and rightly so, for that is what I am.  

Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet.  I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.  

I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him.” John 13:4,5,13-16.

So the question becomes, are you willing to serve wherever you are needed or wherever you can, even if its not in a leadership capacity?

Please think about it. 

Faith without deeds

  Faith without deeds

In the book of James we read,

"What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him?  

Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food.  

If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it?  

In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. 

But someone will say, "You have faith; I have deeds." Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do.  

You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder. 

You foolish man, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless?" James 2:14-20.

What James is saying here is simple. We as believers need to help those in need. Our faith should spur us on to doing good works. Otherwise as James states our faith is dead.

Believers in Christ Jesus are called to Love. You cannot fully love if you see someone in need and don’t do what you can to help them.

Jesus said,

And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is my disciple, I tell you the truth, he will certainly not lose his reward." Matthew 10:42.

Please think about it.

The two greatest commandments

  The two greatest commandments

Jesus when asked,

"Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" 

Jesus replied: " ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' 

This is the first and greatest commandment. 

And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.'  

All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” Matthew 22:36-40.

For those who claim they are believers in Christ Jesus this is what they must do.

1/ Love the Lord with all their heart, soul, and mind.

2/ Love their neighbour as yourself.

Notice there is no other qualifications to these commands of Jesus. 

He doesn’t say love God only in good time, or for what He has done for you.

You are to love God regardless of your circumstance.

And we are to love our neighbour even if we disagree with him or her. Be it what they believe or their lifestyle.

As the apostle Paul wrote,

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.  

It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.  

It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 

Love never fails....1 Corinthians 13:4-8a

Thus the question becomes...

Are you obeying the two greatest commandments?

Please think about it.

Friend or Enemy?

 Friend or Enemy?

In the book of James we read,

"You adulterous people, don't you know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God? Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God."  James 4:4.

Question. Who are you friends with?

     Do you put the world first or your relationship with God?

     Are you following politicians, teachers and even religious leaders who speak and act in ways that are not Godly?

Who is you best friend, God or the world?

Please think about it.

An ambassador for Christ

  An Ambassador for Christ.

The apostle Paul writes,

"We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God."  2 Corinthians 5:20.

As believers in Christ Jesus we need to remember every day that we are Christ’s representative in our communities, our neighbourhoods, and the world around us.

As such we need to present Christ in the best possible light through our words and deeds.

Thus the question becomes.

Are you representing Christ to the best of your ability in word and deed.

Francis of Assisi wrote two things Christians need to remember, 

“Preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary use words.”

And

"The deeds you do may be the only sermon some persons will hear today" 

                                                                                                           Francis of Assisi.

If you claim to be a true believer in Christ Jesus are you doing this?

Please think about it.

He who does the will of my Father

  He does the will of my Father 

Jesus said,

"Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.  

"Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?'  

Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!'" Matthew 7:21-23.

There are many people in the world today who call themselves Christians but are not. From what they do and say it may seem that they are Christians. The reality however is they are not.

Jesus said these people will say to Him on that day,

"...‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' 

Thus we who truly believe in God and the Salvation that comes through Christ Jesus need to be aware of these false prophets and teachers.

We need to read the scriptures for ourselves so we know what is right and wrong. Additionally we need to look at the preachers, teachers and evangelist we follow to see if they are truly following God.

The apostle Paul tells us that while we are not to judge those outside the church we have the right to judge those inside. Paul writes,

"What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside?  God will judge those outside. "Expel the wicked man from among you." 1 Corinthians 5:12,13.

Are you doing this? Is the church congregation you attend standing up to false teacher, preachers, and evangelist?

Please think about it.

Advice from the book of Romans

  Advice from the book of Romans

The Apostle Paul writes, 

"Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.  

Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.  

Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.  

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.  

Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality. 

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.  

Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.  

Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. 

Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone." Romans 12:9-18 

For me what the apostle Paul is telling all believers in Christ Jesus here is strait forward.

Take a few minutes and read it carefully. Then ask yourself the question “Am I doing this”

Please think about it.

A Principle of the Christian life.

  A Principle of the Christian life.

Jesus said,

"Do not judge, or you too will be judged.  

For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."Matthew 7:1,2.

Are you quick to judge people?

Do you judge people in a negative way simply because they disagree with you or have a lifestyle you disagree with?

If you are a true believer in Christ Jesus you shouldn’t be. Jesus makes that clear here in Matthew 7:1,2.

Jesus said,

"So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets." Matthew 7:12.

Think of it this way. When you judge others your are giving them the right to judge you the same way.

So the question becomes, are you judging or loving others? Even those you disagree with or have a lifestyle you disagree with?

Please think about it.

Forgive us our sins

  Forgive us our sins,

Jesus taught,

“Forgive us our sins, 

for we also forgive everyone who sins against us.

And lead us not into temptation.' "

                                                             Luke 11:4.

As Christians we should forgive those who sinned against us. Likewise we should be calling on God to forgive our sins daily.

We should also be asking God to lead us away from any temptation that comes our way.

Question.

Are you going to God daily and confessing your sins to Him?

Do you forgive those who sin against you?

Do you ask God to lead you away from any temptation that comes your way?

Please think about it.

Give us this day our daily bread

  Give us this day our daily bread

In the Lords prayer we read,

“Give us each day our daily bread.” Luke 11:3.

Question.

Do you ask God each day to supply your daily needs?

Do you ask God to supply the daily needs of others around the world?

Please think about it.

Reverence for God

  Reverence for God

Jesus said,

"He said to them, "When you pray, say: 

" ‘Father, hallowed be your name,..."  

                                                       Luke 11:12a

Jesus teaches us to honour God as holy. We as believers must never get into the trap of treating God as anything less. 

Sadly over the years I’ve seen people approach God in a very flippant way. Taking God for granted or treating Him like a servant or supernatural banker.

We should never fall into this trap.

While God wants us to have a personal relationship with us. We must never forget that He is the Lord God Almighty. Who deserves to be honoured at all times.

Question. How do you approach God? Do you tread God with the reverence He deserves?

Please think about it. 

Take it to heart

 Take it to heart

“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. Take to heart these instructions with which I charge you this day. Impress them upon your children. Recite them when you stay at home and when you are away, when you lie down and when you get up. Bind them as a sign on your hand and let them serve as a symbol on your forehead, inscribe them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.”   Deuteronomy 11:13-21.

As believers in Christ Jesus we need to take this portion of Scripture to heart. We need to present the gospel message to our children in word and deed. We need to take the word of God seriously and show in word and in deed that we truly love God with all our heart and mind and soul. 

Question. Are you doing this?

Please think about it.

Hate evil Cling to what is Good

 Hate evil Cling to what is good

The apostle Paul writes,

"Love must be sincere. 

Hate what is evil; 

cling to what is good.”

                               Romans 12:9.

I live in Canada but I see what is happening in the United States and cringe. I see that people calling themselves Christians supporting people who are obviously doing evil. And sadly it is slipping over the border. 

Christians should be looking to God. Because God is the absolute judge of what constitutes good and evil.

The apostle Paul writes,

"If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone." Romans 12:18.

  Paul also wrote,

"I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone—  for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.  

This is good, and pleases God our Saviour" 1Timothy 2:1-3.

And remember this Paul wrote these words under the Emperor Nero who would eventually put him to death.

As Christians we are called to pray for our leaders not take sides in politics.

Someone has said “Mixing Politics and Religion is like mixing gasoline and water. The gasoline is unusable and the water undrinkable. 

We are called to call on God for wisdom. To live good lives. The apostle Peter stating, 

"Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul.  

Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us." 1 Peter 2:11,12.

Sadly many calling themselves Christians are not following these words of Peter.

The late American Evangelist Billy Graham said,

"Those outside the church expect followers of Christ to live differently, yet today many in church are chasing after the world - not to win them, but to be like them." Billy Graham.

Those words are as true today as the were the day Billy Graham said them.

Thus the question becomes; If you consider yourself a Christian, are you truly following what is good or are you choosing to follow evil?

Please think about it.

If you really keep The Royal Law

  If you really keep the royal law

In the book of James we read,

"If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, "Love your neighbour as yourself," you are doing right."James 2:8.

If you are a Christian are you doing this. By this I mean showing Christian love as defined by the apostle Paul,

"Love is patient, love is kind. 

It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.  

It is not rude, 

it is not self-seeking, 

it is not easily angered,

 it keeps no record of wrongs. 

Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.  

It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 

Love never fails....

And now these three remain: 

faith, hope and love. 

But the greatest of these is love."  

                                            1 Corinthians 13:4-8a,13.

Is this truly the Love you show to those around you?

Please think about it.

Be wise in the way you act

  Be wise in the way you act

In the book of Colossians we read,

“Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity.  

         Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone." Colossians 4:5,6.

One thing I find many Christians are not good at is being wise with regards to non-Christians.

Many Christians don’t communicate the gospel correctly. Rather than being graceful toward the non-Christian, they tend to want to force their faith on others.

We need to remember what Jesus said,

"Do to others as you would have them do to you.” Luke 6:31.

We need to think would I want someone to present their faith to me the way I am presenting mine to them?

Spent a few minutes in prayer asking God if you are presenting the gospel message in the right way?

Please think about it.

Devote yourself to prayer

  Devote yourself to prayer

In the book of Colossians we read,

"Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful." Colossians  4:2.

Here’s a question for anyone who claims to be a Christian. Do you devote some of your time each day to prayer.

Think of it this way,

God gives you 1440 minutes in a day

Sleep takes up about 448 minutes,

Work and travelling to and from work takes up about 600minutes,

You are left with  360 minutes for yourself.

Are you willing to tithe some of those minutes.

Just 36 of them with God?

Are you willing to spend just 2.5% 

of all the minutes in a day God give you, 

with Him?

Please think about it.

Advice from Proverbs

 Advice from Proverbs

In the book of Proverbs we read,

"Get wisdom, get understanding; 

do not forget my words or swerve from them. 

Do not forsake wisdom, 

and she will protect you;

 love her, 

and she will watch over you. 

Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. 

Though it cost all you have, 

get understanding. 

Esteem her, 

and she will exalt you; 

embrace her, 

and she will honour you. 

She will set a garland of grace on your head 

and present you with a crown of splendour." 

                                                                  Proverbs 4:5-9.

Sadly too many people who claim to be Christians do not follow the advice here in Proverbs 4:5-9.

Their wisdom and understanding comes from the world around them. 

As believers in God. As believers in Christ Jesus, we should be looking to the scriptures for wisdom and understanding.

Thus the question become are you living by the wisdom of the world or the wisdom of God?

Please think about it.

My help comes from the Lord

 My help comes from The Lord. 

The Psalmist states,

"I lift up my eyes to the hills— 

where does my help come from? 

My help comes from the LORD, 

the Maker of heaven and earth.”

                                                  Psalm 121:1,2.

If you consider yourself a Christian, do you rely on your own strength to get you through from day to day? Do you only go to God when things start getting hard? When there is a crisis in your life?

As believers in Christ Jesus we should be looking each day to God to direct our paths. To show us what is right in His sight.

Are you doing this?

Please think about it.

Say to the world

  Say to the world

The Psalmist states,

"Say among the nations, "The LORD reigns." 

The world is firmly established, it cannot be moved; 

He will judge the peoples with equity. 

"Let the heavens rejoice, 

let the earth be glad; 

let the sea resound, 

and all that is in it; 

"let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them. 

Then all the trees of the forest will sing for joy; 

they will sing before the LORD, 

for He comes, He comes to judge the earth. 

He will judge the world in righteousness and the peoples in his truth." 

                                                                                                       Psalm 96:10-13. 

It is the Christians duty to say to the nations “The LORD reigns”.

It is the Christians duty to warn the world that God will one day judge the earth.

But note it is not the Christians duty to force our faith or try to have the government legislate our faith or any part of that faith on anyone.

Once people are presented with the Gospel of Christ it is up to them to decide if what they are hearing is true. 

As the late American Evangelist Billy Graham said,

“It is the Holy Spirits Job to Convict, 

God's job to judge

 and my job to love,” 

                        Billy Graham.

Please think about it.

Full of good works

  Full of good works

In the book of Acts we read,

"Now there was in Joppa a disciple named Tabitha, which, translated, means Dorcas. She was full of good works and acts of charity." Acts 9:36.

Are you a Tabitha? Does your faith in Christ spur you on to do good works?

What acts of charity have you performed this week?.....This month?.... This year?

While there are some acts of Charity you can do alone. Why not get involved in your local church and ask them how you can serve God and those around you?

Please think about it.

What God asks of us

  What God asks of us

The Prophet Micah states,

“He (God) has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness and to walk humbly with your God? Micah 6:8.

If you consider yourself a Christian do you follow this command of God in all aspects of your life? Do the teachers, preachers, evangelist and politicians you support and listen to do what Micah is saying here?

Please think about it.

It is good to Praise God

  It is good to Praise God

The Psalmist writes,

“It is good to praise the LORD and make music to your name, O Most High, 

to proclaim your love in the morning 

and your faithfulness at night, 

to the music of the ten-stringed lyre 

and the melody of the harp.” 

                                                  Psalm 92:1-3.

Do you praise God with Music?

Do you praise God with instruments?

Do you prise God with the spoken word?

Do you think your do it enough?

Please think about it.

Who is your Shepherd?

  Who is Your Shepherd?

                 The Psalmist writes,

"The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. 

He makes me lie down in green pastures, 

He leads me beside quiet waters, 

He restores my soul. 

He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, 

I will fear no evil, for you are with me; 

Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. 

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. 

You anoint my head with oil; 

my cup overflows. 

Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, 

and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever." 

                                                                                          Psalm 23.

Question: Is The Lord God Almighty truly the Shepherd of your life? 

Do you pray to Him each day? 

Do you give praise to Him each day?

Do you rely on God to guide you in good times and in bad?

Please think about it.

I will praise God forever

  I will praise God forever

The Psalmist writes,

"I will praise you forever for what you have done; 

in your name I will hope, 

for your name is good.

 I will praise you in the presence of your saints."

                                                                                Psalm 52:9.

Question: If you consider yourself a Christian can you honestly say what the Psalmist is saying here?

Please think about it. 

There is no law against it

  There is no law against it.

    The apostle Paul writes

"But the fruit of the Spirit is

 love, 

joy, 

peace, 

patience, 

kindness, 

goodness, 

faithfulness,  

gentleness and self-control.... 

Against such things there is no law."  Galatians 5:22,23.

When people look at your life are they seeing these traits?

Please think about it.

They will know you by this

 They will know you by this

Jesus said,

"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.  By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." John 13:34,35.

When a person looks at the church you attend. When they look at the actions of those within the church both on Sunday and during the week, do they see love?

Is there true Christian love in the church you attend?

The apostle Paul defines Christian love as,

“Love is patient, love is kind. 

It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.  

It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, 

it is not easily angered, 

it keeps no record of wrongs. 

Love does not delight in evil 

but rejoices with the truth.  

It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 

Love never fails....

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. 

But the greatest of these is love.”  

                                                                              1 Corinthians 13:4-8a,13.

Is this the definition of love your church congregation live by?

Is this the definition of love you live by?

Please think about it.

Advice from the Psalmist

 Advice from the Psalmist.

The Psalmist writes,

"Come, my children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD. 

Whoever of you loves life and desires to see many good days, 

keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking lies. 

Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.”

                                                                                  Psalm 34:11-14.

My question to anyone who considers themselves a Christian is, do you practice what the Psalmist is saying here?

Please think about it.

Let us make every effort

 Let us make every effort.

The apostle Paul writes,

So then, let us pursue what promotes peace 

and what builds up one another 

                                                                                       Romans 14:19 (CSB)

The New International Bible translates it this way,

“Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace 

and to mutual edification.”

                                               Romans 14:19.

Christians are called to do what they can to ensure peace. We are to lift others up not tear them down.

I think this can extend to not only other Christians but to those around us. The apostle Paul earlier in his letter to the Romans states,

“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, 

live at peace with everyone.”

                                                           Romans 12:18.

Francis of Assisi wrote,

“Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace;

Where there is hatred, let me sow love;

Where there is injury, pardon;

Where there is discord, harmony;

Where there is error, truth;

Where there is doubt, faith;

Where there is despair, hope;

Where there is darkness, light;

And where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master, Grant that I may not so much seek

To be consoled as to console;

To be understood as to understand;

To be loved as to love.

For it is in giving that we receive;

It is in pardoning that we are pardoned;

And it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.”

                                                                  Francis of Assisi

Are you doing your best to live at peace with not only other Christians but with those who are not Christians. Those who don’t believe as you do.

Please think about it.

Explanation not necessary

 Explanation not necessary 

In the book of Genesis we read,

"In the beginning 

God created the heavens and the earth." 

                                                              Genesis 1:1.

Here is a concise statement written to believers in God. And as such needs no explanation. 

Over the centuries believers have looked around and seen the hand of God. The Psalmist writes,

"The heavens declare the glory of God; 

the skies proclaim the work of his hands." 

                                                                   Psalm 19:1.

In the book of Job we read,

"He spreads out the northern skies over empty space; 

He suspends the earth over nothing." 

                                                        Job 26:7.

Even today as scientist study the world around us and the universe in which we live they are proving that everything is linked. From the smallest subatomic particle to the largest galaxy are all connected. 

Scientist say we are in the perfect place for life to exist as we know it.

Dr. Arno Penzias 1978 Nobel Prize winner in Physics

"Astronomy leads us to a unique event, a universe which was created out of nothing, one with a very delicate balance needed to provide exactly the conditions required to permit life and one which has an underlying (one might say ‘supernatural') plan." Dr. Arno Penzias

William Philips Nobel prize winning Physicist states,

I believe in God more because of science than in spite of it" William Philips.

Werner Heisenberg father of Quantum Mechanics Nobel prize in physics writes,

The first gulp from the glass of natural science will make you an atheist,

but at the bottom of the glass God is waiting for you" Werner Heisenberg.

Even Stephen Hawking one of the greatest minds of the twentieth century stated,

"It would be very difficult to explain why the universe should have begun in just this way, except as the act of a God who intended to create beings like us,"

Now I say all this to ask you dear reader do you believe in God?

Please think about it.

Is it true?

 Is it true?

In the gospel of John we read,

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  

He was with God in the beginning. 

Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.  

In him was life, and that life was the light of men....

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. " John 1:1-4,14.

This is what a man that walked and talked with Jesus believed. He and Jesus’ other disciples believed that through Jesus all things were made.

If these men are lying then it is the greatest lie in all of history because close to three billion people around the world today believe it.

The question is do you believe the words above written by the apostle John a man who walked, talked and sat under the teachings of Jesus is true or a lie.

Please think about it.

With your mouth

 With your mouth

The apostle Paul writes,

"That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.  

For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.” Romans 10:9,10.

Many people calling themselves Christians are not. True they say Jesus is Lord but its just an intellectual belief. They don’t truly believe it in their heart.

So my question to you is; Do you deep down in your heart believe Jesus is Lord?

Please think about it.