We’re broken to show our completeness in God. We die to our sin to glorify the Savior. And we walk through death and darkness to reveal His Resurrection.
Have you ever thought about your obligations as a Christian?
The Apostle Paul said in Philippians 4:9, ""Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you."
Have you ever had a relationship where you were the one putting in all of the effort? Maybe it was a friendship or a romantic relationship that was very one sided?
Are you tired? Do you feel like giving up? I get it; each of us is going through an internal struggle we don't tell anyone.
But today, I’m asking you not to give up. You and I have a Living God who is always by our side to strengthen us in every trial.
Are you going through some hard times right now? Is it a little tougher to see the good through all of this? We’ve all been there. But if you’ve accepted Christ into your heart, you’ll never go through any trial alone.
In this bonus episode, we hear from Salvation Army Officer Major Amy Reardon. Amy shares some of her frustrations and fears during this difficult time but reminds us that we have the power of choice. The power to choose not to let fear run our lives.
For the average car owner, what do you do when something goes wrong with it? If the engine starts making a terrible sound, do you look for a schematic diagram of your car, or do you take it someone who knows how to fix it?
The author and Bible scholar, N.T. Wright says that,
“The Bible isn’t like an accurate description of how a car is made. It’s more like the mechanic who helps you fix it.”
When we read our Bible, we shouldn’t be reading it for the purpose being able to spout out Biblical knowledge. We should be reading it to connect with God.
When your spiritual life is in need of some maintenance, don’t try to fix it on your own. Look within the Word of God to refuel, tune up and get you where you’re going.
In Genesis 1, verse 28, we read “Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth”.
Did you know that some people actually point to this scripture to excuse human behavior as we mistreat the planet?
Well, according to Strong’s Concordance, did you know that the phrase, “have dominion” is the Hebrew word, radah? This Hebrew word is related to other words which mean descend, wander and spread. Many scholars believe that the appropriate understanding of this verb- in this context means “to rule by going down and walking among the subjects as an equal.”
How are we caring for God’s creation in this way? Are we mistreating it as a cruel leader? Or are we treating it with the Grace, love and kindness our Father has shown to us?
Are you in a difficult season right now? Unfortunately, even being a new creation in Christ doesn’t grant us a trouble free life. Do you look at your to-do list and feel overwhelmed? Problems at work? Relationship troubles? I promise, that even if it feels like God has distanced Himself from you during this time nothing could be further from the truth.
So, in the midst of these hard times reach out to God and know He has not forgotten about you. In the Bible, Isaiah chapter 41 in the Message says,
“I, your God, have a firm grip on you and I’m not letting go. I’m telling you, ‘Don’t panic. I’m right here to help you.”
Calm you anxieties by taking refuge in your Heavenly Father. He is right there with you.
Think of the last really good action movie you saw. The car chases, the crazy parkour moves, the fight scenes…
Chances are, the actors you know aren’t actually doing these stunts themselves. Instead, movies rely on body doubles to make these crazy stunts happen safely. A body double is similar in height and appearance- wears the same clothes and even learns to walk the same way as the actor they are imitating.
Likewise, as Christians- we are to be the “body double” of Christ on earth. As we learn of His character in scripture, we learn how to imitate His behavior to a world in desperate need of Christ-like love.
