Prepare to Go
Richard Christenson3/20/18
There are
most certainly times when you and I need to wait on instructions from the Lord.
I believe, however, that many times, God is waiting on you and I to take the
first step forward by faith based upon what He has already instructed us to do.
It is of no use to wait for God to help us if we are immobilized due to fear or
personal priorities; He will not! It is when we arise and take the initiative
that we find God right there with us as He promised He would be.
God brought
Joshua and the Israelites to their promise land for the purpose of taking
possession of it. He made a promise to give them every piece of property that
they set their foot on by faith (Joshua 1:3). Read carefully and prayerfully
today the next promise He made concerning our expected proactive participation
in claiming our promise lands; executing the necessary work and warfare in
partnership with Him.
“Have I not
commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be
discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua
1:9
So where are
you planning and preparing to go and what are you planning to proactively do in
partnership with the Holy Spirit, related to claiming some part of your promise
land today?
***************************
Parkland, Fl. Shooting
Dr. Phil G. Pilgrim
2/16/18
Wednesday 2/14/18 was indeed yet another dark day in American history with the school shootings in Parkland, FL. I know you join with me in praying for the parents, siblings, other family members, classmates, teachers, faculty, staff and countless others who are today in shock and deep mourning over such a senseless event. It is imperative our National and State Governments do a better job in creating, passing and enforcing legislation to do what can be done to prevent such audacious events from ever happening again.
I am not going into a long diatribe on what I feel, and think should be done, but I am joining with all of you as we mourn with our fellow Americans over such needless acts of violence. The truth of the matter is that we and we alone have the answer to the rising violence in our nation...and even our community. Not to try and shame anyone into anything which is a useless act, but I want to encourage all of us to do all we can to fulfil our duties as the Ambassadors of Christ. Only by getting people into a personal relationship with Jesus will things ever change. We are on mission for and with Christ Jesus, so let us do all we can to personally live righteously and to teach the following generations the meaning of holy and righteous living.
It sounds too simple and even trite to say, "Jesus is the answer," but He is. You can make laws, but you cannot legislate personal morality. People have to believe in something bigger than themselves and that there are consequences for what they/we do in this life and in the life to come. In Matthew 5:14, Jesus calls us to be the light of the world, and so we must be. He says we are the salt of the earth, but we must get out of the shaker and season our world with the "Good News" found in Jesus and Jesus alone!
May the Lord of peace and comfort be with all those who are suffering in Parkland and the surrounding community, and may He in some miraculous way bring good out of this senseless evil.
Amen!
In Christ Alone,
PHIL
Loving People, Sharing Christ,
Transforming Lives
Matthew 5:14-16 (NIV)
Dr. Phil G. Pilgrim
2/16/18
Wednesday 2/14/18 was indeed yet another dark day in American history with the school shootings in Parkland, FL. I know you join with me in praying for the parents, siblings, other family members, classmates, teachers, faculty, staff and countless others who are today in shock and deep mourning over such a senseless event. It is imperative our National and State Governments do a better job in creating, passing and enforcing legislation to do what can be done to prevent such audacious events from ever happening again.
I am not going into a long diatribe on what I feel, and think should be done, but I am joining with all of you as we mourn with our fellow Americans over such needless acts of violence. The truth of the matter is that we and we alone have the answer to the rising violence in our nation...and even our community. Not to try and shame anyone into anything which is a useless act, but I want to encourage all of us to do all we can to fulfil our duties as the Ambassadors of Christ. Only by getting people into a personal relationship with Jesus will things ever change. We are on mission for and with Christ Jesus, so let us do all we can to personally live righteously and to teach the following generations the meaning of holy and righteous living.
It sounds too simple and even trite to say, "Jesus is the answer," but He is. You can make laws, but you cannot legislate personal morality. People have to believe in something bigger than themselves and that there are consequences for what they/we do in this life and in the life to come. In Matthew 5:14, Jesus calls us to be the light of the world, and so we must be. He says we are the salt of the earth, but we must get out of the shaker and season our world with the "Good News" found in Jesus and Jesus alone!
May the Lord of peace and comfort be with all those who are suffering in Parkland and the surrounding community, and may He in some miraculous way bring good out of this senseless evil.
Amen!
In Christ Alone,
PHIL
Loving People, Sharing Christ,
Transforming Lives
Matthew 5:14-16 (NIV)
14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
**********************
LOVE YOUR ENEMIES
Richard Christenson 1/24/2018
Jesus instructed His
followers to:
“Love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you.”
(Matthew 5:44)
How is this going for you? Complying with Christ’s command is
sometimes a struggle for me too. I find that loving those outside my inner circle of family
and friends can often be quite challenging; perfect strangers, casual
acquaintances and others we don’t particularly enjoy being around; People who
have gotten on our naughty or nasty list? Anyone come to mind? Did Christ
really mean to include people whose attitude and actions anger and annoy us;
everyone?
Reflect for a moment
on how Jesus prayed from the Cross for those who had just finished crucifying
Him; Callus soldiers who were casting lots for His clothing, and smug legalists
who seemed to delight in His suffering.
“Father, forgive them, for they do not
know what they are doing.” Luke 23:34
2 Peter 3:9
The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.
The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.
*****************
NAVIGATING LIFE'S MAZE
Richard Christenson 1/14/2018
Jesus navigated his
way through the maze of life guided by a sense of destiny. Do you sense that
you were created by God to be doing exactly what you are doing these days? When
you get to where you’re going during this leg of life’s journey, will you end
up at the right destination?
On one occasion Jesus said, “Even if I testify on my own
behalf, my testimony is valid, for I know where I came from and where I am
going. But you have no idea where I come from or where I am going.” (John 8:14) On another occasion, after
being unjustly arrested and wrongly accused of contrived crimes against the
Jewish religious establishment and Rome, He told His smug, arrogant accusers, “You
would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above.” (John 19:11)
Jesus knew with
certainty that whatever happened to Him, difficult or delightful, was either
planned or permitted by God for the accomplishment of His purpose. I believe
that each of our destinies pull at us like magnets attempting to draw us in the
right direction; toward our intended destinations. Jesus felt a clear sense of
destiny that helped Him make the right decisions; to make righteous choices at
each of life’s critical crossroads.
Trust in Him and His guidance
through your maze and destiny in life, “Take delight in the LORD, and he will give
you the desires of your heart.” (Psalm
37:4) God will put the right fire of desire in your heart as a homing
beacon to guide your path.
*****************************
Judging:
Richard Christenson 1/8/2018
Jesus stated on several occasions that His mission did not
involve judging people but rather attempting to help them. He realized that as
long as anyone has breath in their body the opportunity still exists to make a
course correction and start heading down the right road. Even the thief who was
crucified next to Jesus made it into the Kingdom of God because he finally
acknowledged the truth, and with his dying breath, asked Christ to save him.
Jesus responded: “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”(
Luke 23:40-43)
Jesus realized that this is not
the time or place for judgment to occur. Every person who has ever existed on
this earth will eventually face God’s judgment (Romans 14:10; 2 Corinthians
5:10; Revelation 20:11-15).
The Bible instructs Christ’s followers, who have
been assigned the responsibility of continuing His redemptive mission, not to
waste time or energy judging anyone. When Peter attempted to pass judgment upon
another follower of Christ, Jesus responded: “What is that to you? You must
follow me.” (John 21:22)
****************
NEW YEAR, NEW CLOTHES?
New Year,
New Clothes?
Richard Christenson 1/1/2018
Jesus
is the most humble human being Who ever walked the earth. Yet absolutely
everything He said about Himself was positive.
“I am God’s beloved Son. I
am the One He chose and sent into the world….I am in My Father and My Father is in Me.”(John 10:36-38)
“I always do what pleases and praises
God.” (John 7:29)
Statements like this don’t
represent prideful conceit but rather insightful awareness of Who He was and
Whose (witch) He was.
There is an old adage that
says, “A man’s words will wrap themselves
around him like a cloak”, in Psalm’s it says “May it be like a cloak
wrapped about him, like a belt tied forever around him” (Psalm 109:19), what powerful visual images these are.
What if every word you spoke became the material for a coat you were required
to wear. What type of garment would you have on today?
Jesus always spoke
powerful, positive, and confident words in regards to His personhood. Nowhere
in the Gospel’s will you ever find Him saying anything derogatory about
Himself. People who succeed think and speak well of themselves. Be assured that
God wants you to model Jesus who was full of self-knowledge, and self-love.
Who do you tell yourself
and others you are on a daily basis? What good, pure, true, and beautiful words
are you currently weaving into the garment you will wear throughout this coming
year?
“Finally, brothers and
sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is
pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or
praiseworthy--think about such things”.(Philippians 4:8 )
Jesus stated on several occasions that His mission did not
involve judging people but rather attempting to help them. He realized that as
long as anyone has breath in their body the opportunity still exists to make a
course correction and start heading down the right road. Even the thief who was
crucified next to Jesus made it into the Kingdom of God because he finally
acknowledged the truth, and with his dying breath, asked Christ to save him.
Jesus responded: “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”(
Luke 23:40-43)
Jesus realized that this is not
the time or place for judgment to occur. Every person who has ever existed on
this earth will eventually face God’s judgment (Romans 14:10; 2 Corinthians
5:10; Revelation 20:11-15).
The Bible instructs Christ’s followers, who have
been assigned the responsibility of continuing His redemptive mission, not to
waste time or energy judging anyone. When Peter attempted to pass judgment upon
another follower of Christ, Jesus responded: “What is that to you? You must
follow me.” (John 21:22)
Our only concern needs to be living as representatives
of the Kingdom of Heaven and followers of Jesus Christ in a manner that
maximizes our influence and impact, and thus pleases and praises God. We can’t
determine or even objectively discern what anyone else decides to do about the
opportunities God is offering every person on this planet.
****************
 |
| NEW YEAR, NEW CLOTHES? |
“I always do what pleases and praises God.” (John 7:29)
Statements like this don’t represent prideful conceit but rather insightful awareness of Who He was and Whose (witch) He was.
There is an old adage that says, “A man’s words will wrap themselves around him like a cloak”, in Psalm’s it says “May it be like a cloak wrapped about him, like a belt tied forever around him” (Psalm 109:19), what powerful visual images these are. What if every word you spoke became the material for a coat you were required to wear. What type of garment would you have on today?
Jesus always spoke powerful, positive, and confident words in regards to His personhood. Nowhere in the Gospel’s will you ever find Him saying anything derogatory about Himself. People who succeed think and speak well of themselves. Be assured that God wants you to model Jesus who was full of self-knowledge, and self-love.
Who do you tell yourself and others you are on a daily basis? What good, pure, true, and beautiful words are you currently weaving into the garment you will wear throughout this coming year?
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things”.(Philippians 4:8 )
Happy New Year!
********************************************
Self Doubt
Richard Christenson 12/27/17
One of the most effective weapons Satan can use against us is
self-doubt. Self-doubt fosters low self-esteem, a negative-self-concept, and a
diminished sense of personal worth and value. If this is the way we view
ourselves, it can lead us to doubt the character of God who we suppose made us
this way; created us to be sub-par.
With this kind of mindset, it is no surprise that we end up
thinking of ourselves as doubters rather than Doers, whiners rather than Winners, fearful rather than Faithful, and subjects rather than Sons or Daughters. We have
been so conditioned by our past, our culture, and our circumstances that we
have lost sight of what and who we really are (children of God). Instead of taking our rightful
seat at the family dinner table (God's table), we seek and settle for life’s leftovers
because we mistakenly believe that is all we are entitled to do. If we share in His Sufferings we are entitled to be and do much more as written in Romans 8:17.
“Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and
co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may
also share in his glory.”
Romans 8:17
Easy Solutions
Richard Christenson 12/10/17
Don’t be conned by ploys promising to provide instant
gratification. Be extremely skeptical about anyone claiming you can get rich
overnight or lose weight and become healthy without hassle; have whatever you
want right now without sacrifice or strings attached. Life’s experiences and
God’s Word teach us that the best things in life require heaping helpings of
both time and tenacity.
Stop looking for success shortcuts that don’t exist. Don’t
expect easy solutions to life’s challenges. The biggest and best rewards
require extra effort and endurance. Shape your expectations and work habits
accordingly.
“Those who work their land will have abundant food, but those who chase fantasies will have their fill of poverty. The trustworthy person will get a rich reward, but a person who wants quick riches will get into trouble”
************************
The
Wordless Message
Dr. Phil Pilgrim
11/29/17
A pastor went to visit one of his
members and old riding buddy, who had dropped out of church. It was a very cold and windy winter’s
night, the pastor drove up the driveway,
parked, and then walked through knee deep snow to the door. He knocked on the door and an older man
opened it slowly. He said, “Oh it’s you
pastor! well come on in and warm yourself by the fire, it’s cold out there tonight.” There was a large fire roaring in the
fireplace that was so warm and peaceful, the old man got the pastor some hot chocolate that warmed his insides as well.
The pastor settled into his chair as
did the other man, and the two of them just sat there staring at the fire
without saying a word. After about 30 or
40 minutes, the pastor got up, still without saying a word, and walked over to
the fireplace, the fire was still
burning hot filling the room with warm air. The pastor took the tongs that hung by the fireside and using them
reached into the fire and pulled out a small piece of wood that was burning
brightly, and he laid it over on the side of the hearth by itself. Then he returned to his seat, sat down and
never spoke a word.
As they sat there, the fire
continued to burn giving off both light and warmth. However, the single piece of wood that was removed from
the fire slowly began to go out and soon
the fire on that piece was gone. It gave off no light
and no warmth, basically, it lost it
fire. Neither man had said a word and
now over an hour had passed by since the pastor arrived. The older man looked at the piece of wood
that had gone out, lost its fire, and was just lying there alone. The man took a deep breath and sighed, then he turned to the pastor and said, “I’ll see you Sunday morning at church”. The pastor got up to leave, smiled at his old friend, then returned to his home, and the two of them never spoke a word!
As bikers we know there's just
something special about riding with a group and having riding friends. They keep each other pumped up, watch out for
one another and help keep the passion for riding burning (like the fire), that is the way it should be for God’s
people also.
Thessalonians 5:11 (NIV)
Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as
in fact you are doing.
We should
keep each other pumped up, watch out for one another and help keep the passion
for Jesus burning! That way as we speed
down the highway of life we help keep each other, pumped up and grounded for good
traction as we serve the Lord by serving those around us!
Keep the rubber side down and keep
bragging on Jesus!!!
******************************
NO JUDGEMENT ZONE!
11/25/17
Being in middle
management in our company I have been required for years to wear what they call “business casual”, which means I
have to “dress up” to go work. Not that it’s a problem for
me, although being a Service Manager overseeing the maintenance technicians it
is sometimes a little difficult to accept getting dirty when I am wearing nicer
clothes, none the less I accept my role and go about my daily duties.
Happy New Year!
********************************************
Self Doubt
Richard Christenson 12/27/17
One of the most effective weapons Satan can use against us is
self-doubt. Self-doubt fosters low self-esteem, a negative-self-concept, and a
diminished sense of personal worth and value. If this is the way we view
ourselves, it can lead us to doubt the character of God who we suppose made us
this way; created us to be sub-par.
With this kind of mindset, it is no surprise that we end up
thinking of ourselves as doubters rather than Doers, whiners rather than Winners, fearful rather than Faithful, and subjects rather than Sons or Daughters. We have
been so conditioned by our past, our culture, and our circumstances that we
have lost sight of what and who we really are (children of God). Instead of taking our rightful
seat at the family dinner table (God's table), we seek and settle for life’s leftovers
because we mistakenly believe that is all we are entitled to do. If we share in His Sufferings we are entitled to be and do much more as written in Romans 8:17.
“Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and
co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may
also share in his glory.”
Romans 8:17
****************
Easy Solutions
Richard Christenson 12/10/17
Don’t be conned by ploys promising to provide instant
gratification. Be extremely skeptical about anyone claiming you can get rich
overnight or lose weight and become healthy without hassle; have whatever you
want right now without sacrifice or strings attached. Life’s experiences and
God’s Word teach us that the best things in life require heaping helpings of
both time and tenacity.
There are no shortcuts to anywhere worth going. Planning,
preparation, perspiration and perseverance are not optional success
ingredients; they are proven parts of God’s purpose and plan for every person
on the planet.
Stop looking for success shortcuts that don’t exist. Don’t
expect easy solutions to life’s challenges. The biggest and best rewards
require extra effort and endurance. Shape your expectations and work habits
accordingly.
“Those who work their land will have abundant food, but those who chase fantasies will have their fill of poverty. The trustworthy person will get a rich reward, but a person who wants quick riches will get into trouble”
Proverbs 28:19-20 (NLT)
************************
The Wordless Message
Dr. Phil Pilgrim
11/29/17
A pastor went to visit one of his
members and old riding buddy, who had dropped out of church. It was a very cold and windy winter’s
night, the pastor drove up the driveway,
parked, and then walked through knee deep snow to the door. He knocked on the door and an older man
opened it slowly. He said, “Oh it’s you
pastor! well come on in and warm yourself by the fire, it’s cold out there tonight.” There was a large fire roaring in the
fireplace that was so warm and peaceful, the old man got the pastor some hot chocolate that warmed his insides as well.
The pastor settled into his chair as
did the other man, and the two of them just sat there staring at the fire
without saying a word. After about 30 or
40 minutes, the pastor got up, still without saying a word, and walked over to
the fireplace, the fire was still
burning hot filling the room with warm air. The pastor took the tongs that hung by the fireside and using them
reached into the fire and pulled out a small piece of wood that was burning
brightly, and he laid it over on the side of the hearth by itself. Then he returned to his seat, sat down and
never spoke a word.
As they sat there, the fire
continued to burn giving off both light and warmth. However, the single piece of wood that was removed from
the fire slowly began to go out and soon
the fire on that piece was gone. It gave off no light
and no warmth, basically, it lost it
fire. Neither man had said a word and
now over an hour had passed by since the pastor arrived. The older man looked at the piece of wood
that had gone out, lost its fire, and was just lying there alone. The man took a deep breath and sighed, then he turned to the pastor and said, “I’ll see you Sunday morning at church”. The pastor got up to leave, smiled at his old friend, then returned to his home, and the two of them never spoke a word!
As bikers we know there's just
something special about riding with a group and having riding friends. They keep each other pumped up, watch out for
one another and help keep the passion for riding burning (like the fire), that is the way it should be for God’s
people also.
Thessalonians 5:11 (NIV)
Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
We should
keep each other pumped up, watch out for one another and help keep the passion
for Jesus burning! That way as we speed
down the highway of life we help keep each other, pumped up and grounded for good
traction as we serve the Lord by serving those around us!
Keep the rubber side down and keep
bragging on Jesus!!!
******************************
NO JUDGEMENT ZONE!
11/25/17
Being in middle
management in our company I have been required for years to wear what they call “business casual”, which means I
have to “dress up” to go work. Not that it’s a problem for
me, although being a Service Manager overseeing the maintenance technicians it
is sometimes a little difficult to accept getting dirty when I am wearing nicer
clothes, none the less I accept my role and go about my daily duties.
Being
a biker though I am sure I get more than a few looks when I ride my Harley to
work in my Leather’s to protect my “dress clothes” with my doo rag flying in
the breeze and my color’s proudly worn on my back. There have been times that I
have had to go to personal appointments or places straight from work that
people have only seen me as a biker and they have stated “I almost didn’t recognize
you in street clothes” or tell me “I didn’t much look like a biker”. That got
me to thinking what does my appearance have to do with anything? Am I no longer
a biker if I don’t have on jeans, boots, a white T-shirt and my vest with my
colors and patches?
One
of the things that I feel qualifies me as a biker is my love for riding, my
love for my favorite bike and my ability to be the individual I want to be. If
all of us wore the exact same things, rode the exact same bike, it would be a
rather dull in the Biker world. We are given the choice to be as individual as
we want and even if we ride the same model of bike and maybe even the same
color, we always manage to personalize our bike in some fashion so it does not
look like a total clone. Bikers come in many forms and their appearance is
mostly related to their style or type of riding.
Drag
racers wear leather head to toe, full face helmets and racing shoes,
Sport
bike riders and racers wear leather head to toe but with body armor
strategically placed at potential bump areas and then a special type of riding
boot,
Dirt
bikers wear breathable lightweight nylon with plastic armor, knee high boots,
armored gloves, special helmets and large goggles.
Long
distance tour riders (Adventure Bike) wear ballistic nylon or Gortex and
helmets, gloves and boots.
Casual
riders (what I call Beach Riders) might wear shorts and flip flops.
The
rest of us dress however we please and are the epitome of the stereotypical
bikers. Helmet: maybe or maybe not, Doo rag: maybe or maybe not. Jeans: most
likely, some type of heavy leather boots: most likely. Shirts with no sleeves
you bet, doubtless we have tattoos and earrings. So what does it matter how we
are classified by the citizens of the world?
My outward
appearance should have no bearing on the man inside, if I, as a Christian were
to take off my Christianity like a coat and toss it aside how then would I be
viewed? All of us have to strive to be “real” all of the time. Our peers and
everyone around us watch our actions and our words to see if we are truly
genuine.
I
sometimes think would I no longer be considered a biker if I chose to ride a
metric bike instead of my Harley? Would that just qualify me as an bike enthusiast?
Christians are often viewed in a like fashion as if everyone thinks they should
be clones of one another but like bikers God has fashioned each of them to be
unique in their appearance and in their approach to sharing their faith. If we
put God into a box, we limit His ability to operate freely. By the same token
if we put all Christians into a box we are limiting their uniquely individual
God given talents and expecting them to be like everyone else.
Quite
often I hear how come all the Christians bikers aren’t working together? Don’t
you all stand for the same thing? Our answer to this should be, yes we all
stand for the same thing, but are you trying to put us, as well as God into a
box so that our operating abilities are limited to suit your needs.
The
Christian bikers need to share their beliefs and faith in their unique ways as
much we need all the different rights groups, the different brand name groups,
the different clubs and the different bikes, the different riding styles, the
different clothing and the list goes on.
The one thing that God has given everyone is
free choice, what we do with that right is totally up to us as long as we
remember that it is also totally on us for responsibility as well. God is a
gentleman and will not force himself upon us or upon our thought process as
shown in Revelation 3:20
Here I am! I stand at the door and knock.
If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat
with that person, and they with me.
The Lord really doesn’t care what kind of bike
we ride or what style of riding we do, He doesn’t care how we dress or if we
wear a patch or not. See what the Lord said, When Samuel was searching for a
warrior to take on the mighty Goliath in 1 Samuel 16:7
1 Samuel 16:7
7 But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not consider his
appearance or his height, for I have refused him. The Lord does not
look at the things people look at. People look at the outward
appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”
If we are
willing to hear that gentle knock at our hearts door and allow the Lord to come
in, our outward appearance will no longer matter for the Lord will not only see
our heart but will be dwelling there and that is the most important of all.
******************************
Welcome to Life,
Can I take your Order?
Richard Christenson 11/19/17
Wouldn’t it have
been wonderful if God had let us order life like we order a meal at a restaurant?
I’ll take great health and a high IQ. I’ll pass on the mechanical skills, but
give me an extra helping of common sense and good looks. But that didn’t happen
for any of us. When it came to the natural abilities you currently possess, you
weren’t given a voice or a vote. When it comes to what happens during the next
phase of your eternal existence, however, you were.
You’ve made some dumb decisions in life,
haven’t you? You’ve chosen the wrong friends, perhaps the wrong career, maybe
even the wrong spouse. You look back over your life and think, “If only I could
change some of my stupid selections.” I have great news for you; you can! One
correct choice about Christ can change the course of your entire eternity.
If we are
willing to hear that gentle knock at our hearts door and allow the Lord to come
in, our outward appearance will no longer matter for the Lord will not only see
our heart but will be dwelling there and that is the most important of all.
******************************
Welcome to Life,
Can I take your Order?
Richard Christenson 11/19/17
Wouldn’t it have
been wonderful if God had let us order life like we order a meal at a restaurant?
I’ll take great health and a high IQ. I’ll pass on the mechanical skills, but
give me an extra helping of common sense and good looks. But that didn’t happen
for any of us. When it came to the natural abilities you currently possess, you
weren’t given a voice or a vote. When it comes to what happens during the next
phase of your eternal existence, however, you were.
You’ve made some dumb decisions in life,
haven’t you? You’ve chosen the wrong friends, perhaps the wrong career, maybe
even the wrong spouse. You look back over your life and think, “If only I could
change some of my stupid selections.” I have great news for you; you can! One
correct choice about Christ can change the course of your entire eternity.
“If serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for
yourselves this day whom you will serve, …. But as for me and my household, we
will serve the LORD.”
Joshua 24:15
Question:
If what you were thinking about God, yourself, others, or the reason for your
current circumstances was wrong, would you want to know it?
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pos•er [poh-zer]
Slang term for someone who pretends to be something they are not.
There is a difference between people who just ride occasionally and enjoy the experience and camaraderie. They don’t make any more of it than that. They ride the dressers and Gold Wings with all of the latest gadgets. But then there are the riders that try to act like a Hardcore Biker. They run out buy a big Harley and throw on a worn leather jacket they bought pre-worn or better yet wearing their “Son of Anarchy” colors. They ride like they are a crazed maniac since they think it makes them look “bad”. But at the first sign of rain they have to get their bike in the garage so it doesn’t get dirty and really who wants to get wet.
On the other hand there are those who ride just because that’s the way it’s supposed to be. When the physical and emotional pains of life get heavy they jump on their ride and just head down the white line and within minutes the chaos is gone and the peace returns. Their leather had been bought new a multitude of miles ago and the wear is a badge of honor. You’ll see them riding on the good days, in the scorching heat, the drenching rain, the freezing cold and probably even in the snow.
Being a Biker isn’t about riding a Harley or being wild and acting like a maniac. It isn’t what you wear, looking tough or flying a club color. It’s a mindset. It’s a spirit of freedom from riding a bike and enjoying life to its fullest?
What makes you a Christian? Is it the church you attend? Is it how nice you dress and the size of your bible? Or is it the Spirit of freedom from your salvation and enjoying every day to its fullest in the new life with Christ?
Why do posers pretend to be bikers? Because they want to be like them, because they feel bikers have something they are missing in their life. In the same way people should see that we as Christian have something different in our life and want to obtain it.
Just like the riders that down their leather jacket, put on a dew rag and jump on their weekend scot so they can feel like they are a Biker, a lot of people think they are a Christian but deep down they know they aren’t living any different than anyone else. They are just being a Poser, I say this cause I know it’s a fact. I’ve even caught myself fall into this trap.
Being a Christian is like being a true Biker, it’s not what you wear or where you go to church but it’s how you live your life. This includes your public life and your private life because God can see both and he is your judge.
All too often we say we’re a Christian but then we are ensnared by the worldly pleasures (money, pride, greed, etc.) and then our witness is tarnished, even if we don’t think anyone notices. If we aren’t any different than the next guy how are we a good witness for Christ.
It has been said, “To believe in something, and not live it, is dishonest.” Mohandas Gandhi
So, If you're a Christian, then live life like Christ did, then Enjoy the Ride!
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Life Can Be Difficult
Richard Christenson:
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pos•er [poh-zer]
Slang term for someone who pretends to be something they are not.
There is a difference between people who just ride occasionally and enjoy the experience and camaraderie. They don’t make any more of it than that. They ride the dressers and Gold Wings with all of the latest gadgets. But then there are the riders that try to act like a Hardcore Biker. They run out buy a big Harley and throw on a worn leather jacket they bought pre-worn or better yet wearing their “Son of Anarchy” colors. They ride like they are a crazed maniac since they think it makes them look “bad”. But at the first sign of rain they have to get their bike in the garage so it doesn’t get dirty and really who wants to get wet.
On the other hand there are those who ride just because that’s the way it’s supposed to be. When the physical and emotional pains of life get heavy they jump on their ride and just head down the white line and within minutes the chaos is gone and the peace returns. Their leather had been bought new a multitude of miles ago and the wear is a badge of honor. You’ll see them riding on the good days, in the scorching heat, the drenching rain, the freezing cold and probably even in the snow.
Being a Biker isn’t about riding a Harley or being wild and acting like a maniac. It isn’t what you wear, looking tough or flying a club color. It’s a mindset. It’s a spirit of freedom from riding a bike and enjoying life to its fullest?
What makes you a Christian? Is it the church you attend? Is it how nice you dress and the size of your bible? Or is it the Spirit of freedom from your salvation and enjoying every day to its fullest in the new life with Christ?
Why do posers pretend to be bikers? Because they want to be like them, because they feel bikers have something they are missing in their life. In the same way people should see that we as Christian have something different in our life and want to obtain it.
Just like the riders that down their leather jacket, put on a dew rag and jump on their weekend scot so they can feel like they are a Biker, a lot of people think they are a Christian but deep down they know they aren’t living any different than anyone else. They are just being a Poser, I say this cause I know it’s a fact. I’ve even caught myself fall into this trap.
Being a Christian is like being a true Biker, it’s not what you wear or where you go to church but it’s how you live your life. This includes your public life and your private life because God can see both and he is your judge.
All too often we say we’re a Christian but then we are ensnared by the worldly pleasures (money, pride, greed, etc.) and then our witness is tarnished, even if we don’t think anyone notices. If we aren’t any different than the next guy how are we a good witness for Christ.
It has been said, “To believe in something, and not live it, is dishonest.” Mohandas Gandhi
And it has been written in Romans:
Romans 12:2 NIV
“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is–his good, pleasing and perfect will”
So, If you're a Christian, then live life like Christ did, then Enjoy the Ride!
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Life Can Be Difficult
Richard Christenson:
God’s covenant with you and I, has no fine print. He doesn’t engage in any type of bait and switch schemes. He told us that while walking the yellow-brick-road to His house we are likely to experience trials and trouble. Disease will afflict bodies and divorce will break hearts. Death will make widows and war will devastate countries. Our Jesus journey may well take us through the perils of poverty, and the trauma of tribulation.
Life can be difficult, demanding, and is not always fair. Be alert but there is no need to be alarmed; there is good news. The battle is over. The manuscript has been published. God’s book has been bound. I’ve read the back of His book; we win!
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
John 16:33
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Christian Friendship
Richard Christenson: Nov. 3, 2017
Godly friends encourage us to become and accomplish all that God created us to be and do. Close Christian friendships increase our enthusiasm for life, positivity, and productivity. Through such friendships we gain confidence to take risks of faith, embrace new challenges, and move on the next level of growth and achievement as followers of Christ.When you know that the followers of Christ who know you best unconditionally love you, support you, believe in you, and pray for you, then you are far more willing to step out by faith and develop your full potential physically, intellectually, emotionally, and spiritually. My 40-year Jesus journey has been blessed with many godly friends; who are yours – who would count you as one of theirs?
“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.”
Proverbs 17:17
God’s covenant with you and I, has no fine print. He doesn’t engage in any type of bait and switch schemes. He told us that while walking the yellow-brick-road to His house we are likely to experience trials and trouble. Disease will afflict bodies and divorce will break hearts. Death will make widows and war will devastate countries. Our Jesus journey may well take us through the perils of poverty, and the trauma of tribulation.
Life can be difficult, demanding, and is not always fair. Be alert but there is no need to be alarmed; there is good news. The battle is over. The manuscript has been published. God’s book has been bound. I’ve read the back of His book; we win!
*************************************
Life can be difficult, demanding, and is not always fair. Be alert but there is no need to be alarmed; there is good news. The battle is over. The manuscript has been published. God’s book has been bound. I’ve read the back of His book; we win!
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
John 16:33
*************************************
Christian Friendship
Richard Christenson: Nov. 3, 2017
Godly friends encourage us to become and accomplish all that God created us to be and do. Close Christian friendships increase our enthusiasm for life, positivity, and productivity. Through such friendships we gain confidence to take risks of faith, embrace new challenges, and move on the next level of growth and achievement as followers of Christ.When you know that the followers of Christ who know you best unconditionally love you, support you, believe in you, and pray for you, then you are far more willing to step out by faith and develop your full potential physically, intellectually, emotionally, and spiritually. My 40-year Jesus journey has been blessed with many godly friends; who are yours – who would count you as one of theirs?
“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.”
Proverbs 17:17
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Richard Christenson 9/17/17 Greater Love
Many people think of assets only in terms of real estate, investments, savings, inventory, or material possessions. One of most valuable benefits, however, any of us are ever given by God, is a genuine Christian friend. A genuine Christian friend loves you unconditionally, picks you up when you fall, defends you when you are under attack, believes the best about you, and brings out God’s best in you. A Christian friend understands your deepest concerns, cheers your successes, shares the sorrow of your failures, speaks truth you need to hear, and expresses compassion during periods of pain. A Christian friend blesses you with God’s gifts of wisdom, guidance, love, and grace. Do you have a close Christian friend or friends? You might want to take time today to tell God and them how thankful you are for them.
John 15:13
“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” John 15:13
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By FAITH
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| Richard Christenson 9/10/17 |
Hebrews 11:1 tells us that trusting God requires believing that He will bring about His purpose regardless of our present circumstances. Trust and belief provide the confidence and courage we require to face our future with faith rather than fear. During one of his mission trips the Apostle Paul writes to the church stating that, “Compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there.” Acts 20:22
Here is the bottom line fellow Jesus followers: We may not know what awaits us around the next bend, but by faith we can know that the God who is with us before the bend, is the same God who will be with us during and after the bend.
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Phil 2:30
"Because for the work of Christ he [Epaphroditus] was nigh unto death, not regarding his life, to supply your lack of service toward me."
When Paul was writing this to the Philippians he was encouraging the congregation that Epaphroditus had not only made to him but was "ALL IN" when it came to ministry. Anyone willing to risk their life for the sake of the gospel can be considered as being "ALL IN". As a matter of fact, every Christian should be "ALL IN".
Just think what we could see God do if we were "ALL IN" when it comes to:
- The F.A.I.T.H. Riders Ministry or any Ministry God has called you to
- The Sunday school class you Attend.
- When it came to personally inviting someone to Church
- Sunday and Wednesday Worship
- Your tithes and offerings and supporting your Church home or Ministry
What glory it would be to God for everyone to join together and be "ALL IN" in our unity.
To start on every Sunday we should make plans to be "ALL IN" in these areas:
1. Sunday School,
Show up and support your teachers and class members
2. Worship Service,
Lift up your voice in Praise and open your heart for the message
3. Fellowship
When we greet one another and between services.
4. Giving
When we have the offering.
5. Going
As we leave the campus and go into the world.
May the LORD bless you and your family, and we also I want you to know that somebody is praying for you and your family this week are being “ALL IN”.
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| Richard Christenson |
“I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.” ( Ephesians 3:16-19)
1. Watch your Speech: What's in your heart comes out your mouth. The Bible tells us to "be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger." (James 1:9) Think before you speak and in so doing, you'll choose your words wisely. Once words are spoken, they can never be called back.
2. Watch your Conduct: Actions speak louder than words. Your actions are an outgrowth of your heart. They will reveal either a submitted and committed relationship with Christ or a heart that has drifted from Him. (Luke 6:31)
3. Always show Love: This is the key to living a life pleasing to God. Love God with all your heart, soul, and mind also, love others as you love yourself. (Matt. 22:37-39)
4. Have Faith in God: Faith shows itself when we live what we believe. (Hebrews 11:1)
5. Keep yourself Pure: Purity of heart is the quality of life that allows an ongoing intimacy with God (Matt. 5:8).
Scripture references:
"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," Col. 4:5-6(NIV)
"Do to others as you would have them do to you." Luke 6:31
Jesus declared, “‘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 neighbor as yourself."…Matthew 22:37-39
"Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see." Hebrews 11:1
"Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God." Matthew 5:8
“Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity” (1 Tim. 4:12, NIV).
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Trust Fall
Have you ever heard of a "trust fall?" In some team building classes, you're required to do a trust fall. A trust fall is when when a person stands behind you. Your back is to the person. There's a distance between the two of you. You're supposed to trust this person is going to catch you as you fall backwards and hopefully, before you hit the floor and shatter your body. Many times, fear takes over and mid fall, you'll jerk and try to catch yourself even the person is prepared and fully capable of catching you. It's a really hard test of faith, especially when the person doing the catching is a complete stranger.
One of my biggest struggles is with worry. But I find when I'm concerned about something I can't control, God has me do a trust fall into His ever capable arms. Sometimes I just jerk and brace for impact right before He catches me even though I know He is not going to let me fall. I don't know why I worry. It doesn't solve or change a thing. It is just my weakness in faith. God has a perfect track record. He's always caught me. He's never let me fall, not once. So why is it, that when each trial comes, I feel like I'm going through a trust fall once again? With each trial, I can almost hear God asking me, as He stands behind me with outstretched arms, "Do you trust Me? Do you really trust Me? Are you sure you trust Me?"
In Mark 9:24, as Jesus prepares to heal the epileptic, He asks the man if he believes Jesus can heal the child. The father of the child cries out, "Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief." And this is me sometimes. I want to tell Jesus, yes, in my heart I believe. But somewhere, from the depths of my being, a little tiny doubt creeps up and I don't fully believe. I have no reason to doubt. None. I know God is faithful, I just still find myself afraid at times. Lord, please help me in my unbelief. Help me be able to fall safely and securely into your strong arms.
The next time you're faced with a situation that requires complete trust in the Lord, remember the story of the trust fall. Even though you can't see or literally feel Jesus standing right behind you with His big, outstretched arms, He's there and He's ready to catch you. He's not going to let you fall to the floor and break your bones. He's going to make sure you're okay. The fall might not go as you expect. It might be a long, slow motion fall or it might be a really fast blur of motion fall. He may allow you to experience things on your way down into His arms, but He's not ever going to leave you there unattended. He is trustworthy. He will catch you.
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The God of Second Chances
Have you ever heard of a mulligan? If you play recreational golf, you know a mulligan is a "do-over." Hit a bad shot? Take a mulligan and you can replay the stroke. And while mulligans aren't officially allowed in tournament golf, recreational golfers can decide to allow them extending a little grace to their fellow players.
Mulligans are a good example of God's grace. He always allows "do overs." He is the God of second chances. He allows us to ask for forgiveness for our sins and if we do, if we sincerely repent, He forgives and forgets our sins. The Bible says He remembers them no more and casts them as far away as the East is from the West. So if you've messed up, you can have a mulligan. You can have a do over. Just let God cleanse you with His mighty cleansing grace and you can have a fresh start. All you have to do is be willing to admit your sin and ask for forgiveness. He will hear you and He will answer.
"He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west." Psalm 103:12
"I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more." Isaiah 43:25
"I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more." Isaiah 43:25
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Learning to be Content
What an insightful observation on human nature! So when we read in Philippians 4:11, “I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content” we wonder, Can this be possible?
For Paul it was. Philippians 4:12-13 describes Paul’s response to life: “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through Him who gives me strength” (NIV). Paul’s relationship with God superseded whatever he did or did not have. His contentment was not based on his circumstances, but on his relationship with Christ.
Paul reminds us that contentment doesn’t happen overnight. It’s something that we learn. As our relationship with God develops over time and through experiences, we learn to trust God more and ourselves less. Paul knew that Christ would give him the strength to persevere in whatever situation he encountered (v.13).
No matter what you’re facing today, through prayer you can receive the strength to be content.
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The Power of Love
The dictionary lists the word love as a noun, and although I know that's true, I know the word love is so much more than that. According to the Bible, love is an action word, a verb. God puts great emphasis on the word love. In the the King James Version of the Bible, love is mentioned 310 times, 131 times in the Old Testament and 179 times in the New Testament. In other versions of the Bible, it's mentioned even more times than that. This tells me, love is important to God and should be to us, too.
The Bible tells us "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself." (Matthew 22:37–39)
And He goes on to say, "This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you." (John 15:12) "By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another." (John 13:35) “Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth” (1 John 3:18).
To understand love correctly, we must see that love originates as a noun that necessarily produces verbs.
“God is love.” (1 John 4:8)
“God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)
“By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers.” (1 John 3:16)
“God is love”: By saying this, John is pointing us to the origin of love. In the previous verse, he writes, “love is from God” (1 John 4:7). True love is a part of and comes from the most beautiful, most valuable, most satisfying Treasure that exists: God.
“God so loved the world, that”: It is true that love is a verb. In English, we use forms of the word “love” as nouns, verbs, adverbs, and adjectives. But that doesn't change the fact that love in its divine origin is an action-producing noun. Even used as a verb in this verse, we end up understanding love as a noun. The word “that” makes all the difference. It tells us that God’s love for his Trinitarian glory, and for the Bride he determined to purchase for his Son, was the motive that moved him to the action of giving his Son.
“By this we know love”: True love is revealed in Jesus’s death on the cross. He laid his life down for us “for the joy that was set before him” (Hebrews 12:2) in glorifying his Father (John 17:1), receiving glory from his Father (John 17:5), and the full eternal joy of his redeemed Bride (John 15:11). That’s what love looks like.
God is love, and love is from God. Therefore, loving others is doing whatever it takes for them to have as much of God as they can.
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The Right Kind of Hope
For with the LORD there is steadfast love,
and with him is plentiful redemption." (Psalm 130:7 ESV)
There is a lot of hopelessness in the world today. Homes have been destroyed by wars. People are being displaced from their homeland. Economies are not doing as well as we would like. The politicians running for office are not anyone we would ever invite into our homes. During these times of turmoil and fear, where is your hope?
Be careful, because the things we place our hope in can keep us in an endless cycle of disappointment. What we end up doing is to create little saviors to rescue us from whatever we think is wrong in our lives when our hope isn’t first and foremost in the Lord.
When we place our hope in these little saviors, we doom ourselves to a life of disappointment and idolatry. We submit ourselves to an endless cycle of regret, an existence that constantly cries, “If only!” When our hope is placed in anything less than the perfect God of the universe, we will live in the darkness of dissatisfaction.
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He Provides the Shoes
I'm a hiker. I've traveled trails all over the United States and even in China. One thing I've learned from my many years of hiking is that it pays to have the proper footwear. My favorite hiking shoes are a well worn, form fitting pair of Timberland hiking boots. They've served me well over the years. I trust them. On stony paths, the soft innersoles protect my feet from bruising. On muddy paths, the strong rubber tread keeps my feet from slipping. I feel confident when I'm wearing my boots. I know my feet are sure.
You may not be a hiker. You may not even like the outdoors but remember this each of us may be sure if God sends us over stony paths, He will provide us with sturdy shoes. He won't ever send us on a journey without equipping us well. He always knows what we need before we need it. He wants us to succeed and not fail. We can trust He has our best interest at heart.
"The LORD God is my strength— he will make my feet like those of a deer, equipping me to tread on my mountain heights." Habakkuk 3:19
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We are the salt of the Earth
What do you think of when you hear the word "salt"? You probably think of food and how salt makes everything more palatable, don't you? Salt is a staple in most pantries. Unless you're on a salt restrictive diet for health related issues, you probably keep a shaker of salt on your table...it's always visible. Salt was precious in Biblical times. It was used as a preservative and in healing balms. But there's something else I'd like you to think of when you hear the world salt. Instead of thinking only about food and how good it makes it taste, I want you to think about how we, as believers, are supposed to be the salt in the world today. In everything we do, we need to bring the savoriness of salt. We need to bring the flavor.
When we interact with people, when we make decisions, when we live out our values, others should sense something different. Instead of being grumpy, negative, or complaining, we should present the positive. We should cause people to thirst after Christ. And just like the healing balms made from salt and other ingredients, we need to come alongside those who are hurting and offer comfort for their pain. We also need to be courageous enough to point people to God's Word in a loving way.
Have you ever asked God to make you salty? The Bible says, "You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless." Matthew 5:13. People need to be aware that we're different. We are the salt and even as tiny grains, we can season things well if we're willing to allow Christ to work in and through us.
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Judge Not Lest Ye Be Judged
"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. Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye." Matthew 7:1-5
Nonbelievers love to quote this verse to Christians who dare to confront them. In the Bible, Jesus spoke these words in the Sermon on the Mount. The word He used for "judge" means to condemn. Jesus was saying, "Condemn not, that you be not condemned." None of us are in a position to condemn someone. God is the only one who can do that. But, we should apply discernment, wisdom, and even loving judgment with fellow believers. Loving judgment is an evaluation. It's saying to another believer or even a non-believer, "Hey, I don't think you are doing as well as you could be doing. I care about you and want to help you do better." We want to lovingly tell the truth from God's Word with humility, wanting to help the person reach his or her full potential as a follower of Jesus.
In our flesh, it's easy to sit in pious judgment of others. Often, we can consider ourselves to be better than others. God doesn't want us to feel this way. Remember, when Jesus was with the woman caught in adultery? In John 8:1-11, He tells the Pharisees who want to stone her, "He who is without sin, cast the first stone." What a powerful message! None of us is without sin. The Pharisees walked away and Jesus told the woman to He did not condemn her but she was to go and sin no more. As Christians, we are to speak the truth in love but we are not to condemn others.
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