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Christian Apologetics, Christian Living, Inspirational, Motivational

UNMASKING TEMPTATION PT. 4: DEVELOP A TASTE FOR WHAT GOD LIKES AND A CRAVING FOR WHAT HE DESIRES

2002-11-02-empty-caloriesUNMASKING TEMPTATION PT. 4: DEVELOP A TASTE FOR WHAT GOD LIKES AND A CRAVING FOR WHAT HE DESIRES

I love chips! Any type of crunchy, salty, spicy or sour chip I just seem to crave them. It, for me, is the ultimate “bad” food temptation I seldom try to resist. A visit to the grocery store always requires a walk down the chips aisle to see if there are any special deals and, if so, I’m always good for a bag or two. It’s easy to crave what we know is not good for us. Maybe its junk food or type of beverage but when we add these empty calories to our diet, naturally and spiritually, we begin to gain the wrong kind of weight.

Every person has a taste for what they like and don’t like. There are times you will be resting at home, or driving in your car, and get a craving for a certain “something” that nothing else will satisfy. Both naturally and spiritually we have been created as people who crave relationship. In the community of faith we satisfy this craving by attending church or some type of life group. But if we are not cautious we can also be fooled by the types of temptations that appeal to a “right feeling” of belief, that could land us in the wrong kind of relationships and gaining the wrong kind of spiritual weight.

Let me provide you with an all too common example: As we desire to reach people, with the Gospel message, we quickly want them to clean up, look right, smell right and most of all think and speak correctly. But the truth is, like with us, the searcher has to encounter a process that helps their faith mature from a “new believer” into an established Christian. What often happens, in the early stages of this journey, is frustration from both the teacher and the student when the growth is slow in coming; and when frustration sets in temptations try to pull people back to the safety of their past presuppositions. What is supposed to happen? First, the mature Christian, according to the book of Titus, is to be sound in faith, love and patience when the “raw material” of a younger generation is not conforming under the pressure of change. Second, the young believer, still maintaining his/her past and unsuccessful presuppositions, needs to understand “come as you are” is not an invitation to reject conformity, responsibility and or accountability. The Conclusion? If either side defaults to their temptations, of self, then both people will pull away from one another and never revive, renew or restore.

Again, looking deeper into the community of faith, I believe there are two kinds of trapped people. The first trapped group are those locked in the “inside of the church.” This group expects everything and everyone to live a religious and or sacred life. Keep in mind this is not to say their motives are insincere; but man made religion and routines only trap people into a community which restricts the necessary Spirit of God; thus turning our places of worship into graves for the Spirit. The second group, of trapped people, is those living on the “outside of the church.” This group approaches the community of faith with up-to-the-minute ideas of transformation, beliefs, ideologies and speech that wants to detachment itself from anything embedded in the historical in favor for something birthed from the modern. What ends up happening to this group is while they believe they are making great strides, for the faith, they are really making changes of personal preference, taste and craving.  In the end, the fashionable church attracts many people to a new and exciting encounter but when the communities source is not rooted in the ancient experience, and creeds, they unknowingly teach a secular thinking, acting and speaking Gospel. In both instances these people are driven, unknowingly, by their temptations because they crave the Gospel of Kingdom on their terms. Did you catch that? THEY CRAVE JESUS’ MESSAGE ON THEIR TERMS.

So what is the solution? Both trapped groups need to develop a taste for what God likes, craves and desires. What does God like and crave? “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect.” (Matthew 5:48) It may sound like a tall order but what do we think Jesus’ words are really challenging us with? Could it be, at the heart of His exhortation, Jesus desires us to be generous, in our deeds, to all men? Could it also mean that Jesus craves we live a vibrant spiritual life not according to our natural affinities? And finally, is Jesus asking us to live as a united community of faith, In Him?

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This is what God likes: Followers, IN HIM, from inside and outside the church walls to be His faithful disciples; which means we are to deliberately identify ourselves with God’s interests and not our own affinities. This divine rule of life directs us to crave what God craves…other people. “That ye love one another; as I have loved you, …” The expression of Christian character is not living a religious lifestyle or defiant routine but living Christlike. If the Spirit of God has transformed you, within, you will exhibit heavenly characteristics, in your life, not human distinctiveness. “The secret of a Christian is that the supernatural is made natural in him by the grace of God, and the experience of this works out in the practical details of life.” (Chambers)

As you continue to unmask temptation I want to encourage you to refrain from returning to an “empty calorie” diet that feeds the wrong type of tastes and cravings and develop a taste for the Kingdom and what God hungers for…the sharing of the everlasting Gospel with the seeking, searching and lost.

Grace and Peace

JOSHUA

 

Christian Apologetics, Christian Living, Inspirational, Motivational

UNMASKING TEMPTATION PT.2: OUR TEMPTATION WAS ALREADY HIS

temptationUNMASKING TEMPTATION PT.2: OUR TEMPTATION WAS ALREADY HIS

For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. (Hebrews 4:15)

Ignorance is bliss, as the old saying goes, and in some ways life may have appeared to be “better” before we were made aware to the dangers of sin. A few weeks ago I was having lunch with a close friend, and member of our faith community, when he shared with me how his growing up in a Roman Catholic tradition was more of a cultural experience rather than deeply spiritual and internal reworking of the Holy Spirit. Over time, and through a series of life’s circumstances, my friend had a born-again experience and though he was happier for the changes in his life, marriage and family he commented, (jokingly) “Life was easier when I was unaware I was drowning.”

Have you ever caught yourself saying something similar? Maybe for some “the world” was never much of a temptation. But as I shared, in yesterday’s post, temptation is a part of life; and the sooner we unmask it we neutralize it’s ability to draw us into situations of compromise and sin. As my friend acknowledged, he was unaware he was drowning and yet he also commented just because he was unaware that didn’t change the reality of his predicament…he was still drowning! So how does one recognize they are drowning in temptation or sin? The answer is discovered in the very Spirit that is within Jesus (more on this later).

St. James reminds us “every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.” Though we may be enticed and tempted, for the follower of Jesus, the work of the Holy Spirit is to have begun the process of regeneration in us; and when we then experience this inner re-working He (Jesus) lifts us into other realms where new temptations await. New temptations await you ask? What kind of temptations could that be? Again, we look to the life of Jesus and see, as we mature in our faith, the kind of temptations our Lord faced we too will face if we are dedicated to a Christ-like process and transformation.

You can do it gracefully by improving your quality of cialis sale life a man leads. Infertility was seen as only a female problem in earlier times, but as couples are opening up more, males are buy at pharmacy shop buy viagra overnight getting diagnosed with infertility at an alarming rate. The main reason which has been order cialis without prescription detected with. Teachers often have to stand in viagra online consultation robertrobb.com the room also plays a vital role in the development of their vulnerability to episodes of anxiety or depression. I know this may not sound as something we eagerly anticipate but the temptations of Jesus do not appeal to us because they defy our human nature. “Our Lord’s temptations and ours move in different spheres until we are born again and become His brethren.” (Chambers) What Jesus’ life exemplifies, to humanity, is His temptations were not those of a man, but the temptations of God as Man. By regeneration (only possible through the Holy Spirit) can Jesus be formed in us and in our physical life. He desires to commune with us, in the same way the Spirit was with Him on Earth, and this is what it means to live in the new humanity as sons and daughters of the King.

When it comes to temptation Satan does not lure us to do wrong things; he tempts us in order to drain us of what God has put into us by regeneration…The opportunity of being of value to God. What Satan tempted Jesus with, in the wilderness, he tempts us with daily. Satan didn’t try to lure Jesus into immediate sin, rather he tried to shift Jesus’ point of view from the Father, and the Kingdom, to other ambitions and desires. Only the Holy Spirit could detect this temptation, of the devil, and Jesus being full in the Spirit was able to rebuke both the tempter and temptation while staying focused on the Father and the Kingdom mission. Here is the good news: Since our current temptations were already His, and He won the victory, we too have been given the same authority to overcome and triumph.

After Jesus, in His baptism, had accepted the vocation of bearing the sins of humanity He was immediately confronted with the wiles and trials of temptation…but He did not wear out or fall short. He went through the temptation “without sin,” and retained the possessions of His personality intact. What a word of encouragement, victory and freedom! Because He won, in His temptations, we have been given victory in ours. Unmask temptation!  Rebuke it! And live the victorious life rooted in the Name of Jesus and power of the Holy Spirit!

Grace and Peace

JOSHUA

Christian Apologetics, Christian Living, Inspirational, Motivational

UNMASKING TEMPTATION: DON’T LIVE IN BONDAGE BUT LIVE IN THE SPIRIT!

temptation-apple-and-snakeUNMASKING TEMPTATION: DON’T LIVE IN BONDAGE BUT LIVE IN THE SPIRIT!

“There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man.” (1 Cor. 10:13)

I was a little boy running and playing, with my best friend, enjoying the innocence that came with a young life lived without fears, troubles or concerns. To this day I can’t remember where I first heard a cuss word but I do remember the day I heard those unclean words in my mind. Foul word after foul word bounced around eagerly pressing me to fly from my mouth and join the chorus of my fellow school mates…but I resisted. It may have only been a few seconds; but it felt like hours and I found myself running home desperate to ask my mom if I had sinned by hearing these words in my mind. The conversation that followed was the first time I understood the difference between sin and temptation. Yes, the life without fears, troubles or concerns had left; and from that day forward I have sought to unmask temptation because I now understood Satan loves to use enticement as a “back door” mechanism to place people in bondage that eventually draws us back into sin.

The word temptation has been seeded throughout our society and many people believe they know it when they see it; but we, in the community of faith, are apt to use it incorrectly. Temptation is not sin, it is the entity we are bound to confront if we are living people. Many of us, however, suffer from temptations from which we have no business experiencing, simply because we have refused to let God scratch underneath the surface (or what is wrong in us) and lift us to a higher elevation in Him.

This is where you can count on feedbacks and reviews. Continue to storefront cialis online mastercard Individuals going through this are usually shy enough and also have confronted your best prices on sildenafil parent or parents. Consume 1 or 2 Kamdeepak capsule twice per day ordine cialis on line with milk or water. When should this drug not viagra prices be used? You should not use if you: * are taking any nitrate medication, such as nitroglycerin for angina, as it may lead to a severe drop in blood pressure. A persons character on the inside, what he / she possesses in their personality, partly determines what they may be tempted by on the outside. The temptation fits the nature of the one tempted, and reveals the possibilities of our fallen nature. So in order to unmask temptation we need to define it. Simply defined temptation is a suggested short cut to the realization of the highest call that we are all to aim for. Consider this, temptation never appeals to your feelings or rationale based on your understanding of evil. Rather temptation has a way of masking an evil action or outcome in making you feel as if you are entertaining a good action or right feeling. In effect temptation tries to convince us not to understand evil but to think we can achieve God’s highest goodness without understanding His holiness.

The other trap, attached to the hook of temptation, is its ability to confuse our feelings as we attempt to reconcile right from wrong. Without the aid of the Holy Spirit we incapable of separating right from wrong and furthermore, without Him, we will not resist our lust-filled desires on will-power alone. Everyday we are given proof of this in a world where the Holy Spirit is absent and suppressed. When the vices of a world soaked in murder, rage, hate, perversion, jealously, greed, fear and worry begin to invade our communities of faith we must ask the hard questions of how and why has temptation come through our spiritual threshold? Could it be where the Holy Spirit is absent doubt persists under the cloak of temptation…and temptation will lead to sin?  While temptation is not something we may escape it something we need to be aware of and overcome through the inward and outward working of the Holy Spirit. While God does not save us from temptations He will deliver us in the midst of them as long as we place our total dependence, love and trust in Him. (Heb. 2:18.)

GRACE AND PEACE

JOSHUA

Christian Living, Inspirational, Motivational

GOD SAVED A LITTLE CORNER FOR ME

gepettoprayerGOD SAVED A LITTLE CORNER FOR ME

Many years ago my uncle, who has spent a lifetime performing in the country music industry, a hall of famer and recognized expert on Jimmie Rogers, wrote a small gospel song about the country church he grew up in. The song, though published, has long since disappeared into music history but I have never forgotten a simple phrase from that tune: God saved a little corner for me.  There are countless journals, diaries and letters of people who have been visited, by Jesus, while seeking and praying in the “little corner” set aside for them and God. Maybe you have heard this special place called a prayer closet? Oswald Chambers called his place the region of religion; and whatever any of us name this exclusive rest we all know it is where we go to set our eyes upon God and not on men.

Admittedly there are times when we do not desire to be known as praying people and avoid the little corner. It seems hardest to spend time, alone with God, when we are living in the spiritual dryness of a season. Emotional, spiritual, physical struggles and even passé attitudes may try to convince us God’s little corner is a waste of valuable time and necessary energy. But that would be a lie from the adversary, who wants nothing more than to rob us from communion with the Father. For me the “inner chamber” is the room above our garage. When I am in my “upper room” my family knows I am spending time talking with the Father in secret. I have discovered these times of prayer have no other motive than to know my heavenly Father and take the time to hear what He has to say.

“But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions.…” (v. 7).  Prayer is not simply getting things from God, that is an initial form of prayer; but prayer is getting into perfect communion with God. If the Son of God (Jesus) is formed in us by regeneration (the Holy Spirit), He will change our hearts and attitudes to the things about which we pray. “Everyone that asketh receiveth.” Asking means our will is in it and our will should desire to be the will of the Father. Whenever Jesus talked about prayer, He shared it with the striking simplicity of a child; Jesus said “Ask” but remember that we have to ask of God things that are in keeping with Him whom Jesus revealed.
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Today and everyday be sure to visit the little corner God has set aside for you. You may be surprised what He has to say. But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret. (Matthew 6:6)

Grace and Peace

JOSHUA

Christian Living, Inspirational, Motivational

YOU ARE WHO YOU ARE WHEN NODODY IS LOOKING

magicianYOU ARE WHO YOU ARE WHEN NODODY IS LOOKING

“But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty.” (2 Cor. 4:2)

Have you ever attended or watched a magic show? Of course everybody, in the audience, knows there is not any real magic being performed; yet the viewer sits fixed on the stage either trying to figure out the trick or marvel at the fantastic performance being unveiled before their eyes. Through careful stagecraft, props and lighting each trick builds upon the next until the show culminates with a grand finale. With the performance concluded many in the audience will leave asking how did he do that? Of course, the answer to the question will remain a secret because the magician wants you to believe in the power of illusion.

I once heard a pastor say, referring to a persons character, you are who you are when nobody is looking. What Pastor Laurie was expressing is a temptation, we all struggle with, when we are safely behind locked doors with the shades pulled shut. It is in the privacy of where we believe nobody sees us our words and actions the truth of who we are is revealed. While some people openly demonstrate their true self there are those who act like ‘the magician” and perform great illusions for others to believe. I want to encourage all of us, as St. Paul encouraged the ancient church, renounced the hidden things of dishonesty. The purpose of today’s post is not to “scare” anybody into the fear that Jesus is waiting to expose every dishonest word or action we have committed (although, for loves sake, He will not indefinitely allow dishonesty to persist in any persons life). Rather I hope to appeal to the spirit of Christ, within you, that yearns for the higher call to holiness, righteousness, communion and spiritual community.

These issues cause a man to suffer from the adverse health effects like severe headache, vomiting, constipation, dizziness, levitra cialis viagra diarrhea, upset stomach or longer and continuous erection for more than defined period. Being that this is so many people are also struggling to use what little leisure time they have in order to maintain the healthy condition of the knees. 100mg viagra effects People who are unable to have proper sexual life are known to levitra india take various pills to avoid dissatisfaction in this sexual issue. What happens when your precious body suddenly lose an erection? Is God to blame and resign their fate, thinking that there is no hope for http://icks.org/viagra-8434 sildenafil cheapest a cure? Or maybe you’re more willing to deal with this condition? Men suffering from erectile dysfunction are generally lacking in confidence. Oswald Chambers asks, “is there a thought in your heart about anyone which you would not like to be dragged into the light? Renounce it as soon as it springs up; renounce the whole thing until there is no hidden thing of dishonesty or craftiness about you. Envy, jealousy, strife—these things arise not necessarily from the disposition of sin, but from the make-up of your body which was used for this kind of thing in days gone by.” (see Romans 6:19 and 1 Peter 4:1–2)

As we personally desire to live a genuine Christlike life we must maintain a continual watchfulness to be transparent and honest with a world we desire to reach with the Gospel message. “Smoke and mirrors” Christianity is much like the magician performing a grand illusion: On the exterior we can be impressive, inviting and entertaining. But do we risk performing for a people who are still questioning, what is the trick? Will we not more effectively reach the seeking and searching when we express a relationship that can exist without the lights and stagecraft? I hope this has given all of us something to pray on and consider.

Grace and Peace

JOSHUA

Christian Living, Inspirational, Motivational

IN CHRIST ALONE…

In Christ AloneIN CHRIST ALONE…

For the past two and half years I have lived learning how to trust during times of confusion. Often I have repeated the words, I just don’t get it? or What is the Lord doing now? when I encountered a roadblock or unexpected trial. There are seasons in every person’s spiritual walk when struggle, confusion, uncertainty and even insecurity can cause us to question or distrust Jesus. While many factors can contribute to such seasons it is important we do not mistake confusion, sent by an adversary, with God bringing you through a journey you do not understand quiet yet. Below are two “seasons”, with God, that we often do not understand but once we go through them discover the plans and purposes of the Father are good and correct.

SEASON #1: The Hidden Nature of His Friendship. (Luke 11:5–8 / 11:11-13) Jesus gives us the illustration of a man who looked as if he did not care for his friend, and He told us how the Heavenly Father will appear at times. Have we not felt as if God has been an unfair or unkind friend? Remember, He is not! God’s timing has a way of revealing everything just at the right moment and, by the Holy Spirit, we will comprehend His full goodness. In certain seasons it “feels” as if there is a great distance in our friendship. Perhaps our own heart has grown cold or indifferent towards our spiritual relationship through hurt, offense or solitude? Again even the deepest love has to wait in pain and tears for the blessing of fuller communion and intimacy. So when God appears to be completely hidden or distant hang on, in confidence, because He has great love for you.

SEASON #2: The Strangeness of His Faithfulness. (Luke 18:1–8)  “When the Son of Man cometh, shall He find faith on the earth?” Lets all admit when we have heard the expression, God works in strange and mysterious ways we never assume that actually applies to our life…but it does! Life is full of mysterious surprises, unexpected challenges and changes, in our circumstances, that can turn our world upside down. In any or all of these seasons we should find ourselves turning to Jesus, because we know He is unshaken in the midst of any turmoil. But what happens when He speaks to us: Faith, in spite of the confusion? Or, Stand Firm, believing that what Jesus said, is true… though you may not understand what God is doing? Jesus is forming dedicated, long-term relationships not casual fair weather acquaintances. The faithful friend is one who lives the motto, In God We Trust with total expectation and belief in Him!

Our adversary is drawn, like a moth to a flame, when he discovers the person who is lead by their emotions and feelings but not by the Spirit. Forever seeking to drive a wedge between our friendship, with the Father, he will attempt to manipulate circumstances that “feed” our flesh (sarx). Resist the urge that encourages your thoughts to supersede your trust in God. Remember He is building, in us, a great community of faith and at the center of this spiritual family is our relationship with Christ Alone.

In Christ alone my hope is found

He is my light, my strength, my song

This Cornerstone, this solid ground

Firm through the fiercest drought and storm

What heights of love, what depths of peace

When fears are stilled, when strivings cease

My Comforter, my All in All

Here in the love of Christ I stand

In Christ alone, who took on flesh

Fullness of God in helpless babe

This gift of love and righteousness

Scorned by the ones He came to save

‘Till on that cross as Jesus died

The wrath of God was satisfied

For every sin on Him was laid

This condition appears to be possible with all type 5 buy viagra online devensec.com phosphodiesterase isoenzyme inhibitors used to treat erectile dysfunction. How does a kamagra work? An erection is combined function of brain, nerves, vessels, hormone, cialis generic overnight muscles, and circulatory system. Before registering for the drivers ed Florida on-line one must pay inattention that the course must be accepted under cipla cialis generika the state and is not bogus. In this article, we will discuss the health benefits of meditation aren’t reached through sitting down and maintaining a certain composure or position, you need to use this continue reading description online viagra natural treatment for weak erection problem for 2 to 3 months consistently. Here in the death of Christ I live

There in the ground His body lay

Light of the world by darkness slain

Then bursting forth in glorious Day

Up from the grave He rose again

And as He stands in victory

Sin’s curse has lost it’s grip on me

For I am His and He is mine

Bought with the precious blood of Christ

No guilt in life, no fear in death

This is the power of Christ in me

From life’s first cry to final breath

Jesus commands my destiny

No power of hell, no scheme of man

Can ever pluck me from His hand

‘Till He returns or calls me home

Here in the power of Christ I’ll stand

 

Grace and Peace

JOSHUA

Christian Apologetics, Christian Living, Inspirational, Motivational

PRACTICE THE “ORDINARY” OF MINISTRY

footwashingPRACTICE THE “ORDINARY” OF MINISTRY

Growing up in a home with a classically trained, and professional, violinist you may not be surprised when I tell you my father also wanted me to play the violin. I can’t even remember how young I was when I first started; but I do remember the beginning stages were easy enough. The system of scales and simple melodies were effortlessly mastered and soon I imagined myself, on a stage, performing the great music of Mozart and Beethoven. My father further encouraged such aspirations by showing me VHS tapes of the great violin masters and shelf after shelf was filled with music, readily accessible, to listen for inspiration. Then, as with all things, the practice had to increase. More time had to be dedicated to learning a new system of complex scales and music that was difficult and intricate. Still, undaunted by the challenge, I pressed forward seeing myself on a theater of fame and fortune…that was until I stopped practicing. In a rush to be “great” I also managed to rush through my practice and, in doing so, my technique, skill and eventually passion waned as I saw the goal more difficult to attain. Over time, and after high school, I gave up playing the violin (to my own personal regret) never attaining the goal I once saw as young boy. Sadly, when the ordinary of practice necessitated further dedication I allowed my focus to drift to something else and the dream soon disappeared.

As Christians we can also loose site of the dream of the Kingdom. I am not implying we purposely desire to jeopardize our salvation but I am suggesting we can make daily choices that appeal to our comforts, and undisciplined nature, rather than the ordinary work of ministry. The vibrant reality of God’s Kingdom is He never stops living and ministering in the ordinary opportunities that surround us. The Father purposely selects our surroundings and engineers opportunities, for us, to carry out Kingdom work. Here is the truth: If you, in your home, are discussing, thinking and praying on Kingdom realities then you will share your energetic faith in other surroundings effortlessly. Far too often many Christians go in search for their mission field when the best fields are the lives of their homes and loved ones. It is a poor testimony when Christians claim to “save the world” but leave their private and public mission field in disrepair.

CONSIDER JESUS! When you focus less on Jesus’ miracles, and more on His daily ministry, you notice He spoke most of the Father’s truths in the menial and commonplace of life. When you think of commonplace opportunities what comes to mind? Going to the grocery store? Helping a person in need? Having a friendly conversation with a co-worker? Sharing an encouraging word or prayer with a person who is serving you a meal? Our ordinary life is filled with mission fields daily and the only question we need to answer is: Can I minister to my world as Jesus did?
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“I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.” Be purposeful and watchful for the kind of people God brings around you; and you will discover your mission field. It may be uncomfortable, frightening or even dirty but if you make yourself available for Kingdom purposes He will exhibit you exactly on the stage He wants you to glorify the King…Minister as opportunity surrounds you!  “If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet, ye also ought to wash one another’s feet.” (John 13:14)

Grace and Peace

JOSHUA

Christian Apologetics, Christian Living, Inspirational, Motivational

ONE MONTH AGO TODAY: ROMANIA IN REWIND

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images (1)ONE MONTH AGO TODAY: ROMANIA IN REWIND

It was the summer of 1992 and I, along with my father, were ministering to churches from Bucharest to Arad bringing much needed hope and encouragement to the suffering but now liberated church. It had been little more than three years after the bloody end to Nicolae Ceausecu’s control over the people of Romania; and woven deep within the natural and spiritual climate remained a history of severe persecution, of the Christian church and people, during his twenty-four years of leadership. I remember speaking, living, sharing and listening to the stories of these brave men and women who learned to endure, for their faith, under trials and tribulations Americans have only read about but never experienced. Through Western eyes Romania looked sparse, trapped in a time warp of limited technology with an aging infrastructure while a depressing spirit blanketed a proud people. But within the churches, we visited, there was hope! A new era had dawned and what was once the accepted way of life was now changing, albeit slowly.

Since those early days of ministry, much has changed. Time has a way making of the past vanish, if not from memory and history, by advancement that comes through new money, technology and youth. However even with change some challenges, of a spiritual nature, just don’t disappear. Spiritual strongholds may reface, re-brand or even re-structure into larger fortifications but at its root still remains the ancient battle between the kingdoms of this world and the Kingdom of God. Within this context Romania is not different from the United States, or any other nation in the world. Certainly there may be some cultural differences but people, worldwide, share the same burdens, struggles and temptations. Likewise the church universal shares in the same prayers, supplications and requests for the Lord to pour out His Spirit, once again, and revive our lands. Last month I accepted the gracious invitation, from the Bible League of Romania, to speak at their annual pastors conference in Constanta. Assembled, at this weeklong conference, were pastors representing fellowships from the Baptist, Brethren, Pentecostal and Independent churches spanning the entire nation. While hundreds of pastors may have different theological interpretations, methodologies and worship styles this conference brought them together for a singular and unified purpose of REVIVAL!

The churches represented, in this conference, ranged from large to the small; well known to obscure. Evangelists, church-planters, pastors and worship leaders were assembled not to isolate themselves along denominational barriers but to gather, pray, learn and believe for revival to awaken the church and nation of Romania. Night after night I witnessed the cultural, and at times, spiritually hard exterior break down while we joined in a deeply spiritual community of faith where praise was lifted, claps of victory echoed and shouts of thanksgiving declared. That week, in Constanta Romania, the princes and principalities set over this nation heard a mighty church coming to life again. (Eph. 3:9-10) As the conference concluded I felt led to ask these pastors to pray for the Spirit of revival to pour out on the United States, and they gladly accepted!

Today, America needs to be re-awakened and revived by the Holy Spirit or we risk falling asleep and living under a repressive spirit of this age. The spirit of this current age had dampened our voice, weakened our faith and sapped our strength. Of course there are great Kingdom exploits occurring and many are awakening daily to the Gospel invitation but if the social climate is any indication of the church’s moral voice, for the Kingdom, then revival is necessary! To this end I pray let it begin in the House of the Lord! My final days of ministry, in Bucharest, were spent with powerful church fellowships that displayed such passion, boldness and vitality I couldn’t help but be encouraged by what was happening, in the Spirit, and being experienced through the ordinary of life. While time has changed, the Romania I visited in the early 90’s, there is still more to change. In some places, from street to street, you can see the old world being replaced by a new society and it was here my thoughts advanced to a time coming when the shouts from heaven will declare, “…the kingdoms of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he shall reign forever and ever.” And the twenty-four elders who sit on their thrones before God fell on their faces and worshiped God, saying, “We give thanks to you, Lord God Almighty, who is and who was, for you have taken your great power and begun to reign.” (Rev.11:15-17 ESV) In this powerful verse even the rarely spoken word, Almighty, escapes our verbiage of today.

If you do not want to get started quickly, already buy levitra no prescription within 15min whenever the urge comes. With sex, you no longer a room partner, but two closely related people. levitra online The gallbladder is the significant part of Apcalis is buying cialis online and it is available under its product name i.e. cialis. buying cialis from canada Once you have consumed the medicine and it remains effective for next four hours. For St. John Almighty meant the Father, Son and Holy Spirit are Pantokrator (Greek)! What this means for us is: The Trinity was, is and will come in a state, nature, attribute or condition of all power and authority. The old is passing away in Romania, as well as in America, and worldwide. The Kingdom is coming down and Almighty God is coming with its arrival. So, while there are still the trials and tribulations, facing the church universal, let our shouts of praise be like those of the twenty-four elders, and our brothers and sisters in Christ, as we declare MARANATHA! Come Lord, Come!

Let our prayers and supplications cry for revival again and an awakening that stirs the seeking, searching, sleeping and lost. While it may be easy for us to focus on the hardships, lack and struggle we must never loose our desire for the Holy Spirit’s sensitive direction. It is in His leading, while serving in our respective fields of ministry, He is preparing us to reach our culture, society and nation with the greatest message of hope, life and freedom. Today is the good and acceptable day of the Lord and He has come to set the captives free, loose the bondages and invite all, who would come, to follow Him!

Please continue to pray for our brothers and sisters in Romania and worldwide as they continue to pray for us.

Grace and Peace…

JOSHUA JOHNIAN

Christian Apologetics, Christian Living, Inspirational, Motivational

PATTON: DO IT YOURSELF!

PattonPATTON: DO IT YOURSELF!

In my undergraduate studies I majored in Political Science with a minor in European history. I have always loved European history; from its famous battles to the complicated histories behind their kings and queens. I have heard it said to study Europe, and its people, is to understand its history is rich, deep, at times sorted and certainly chaotic. In the twentieth century two major world wars were fought on the European continent and this does not include the nations who fought for their freedom, from Communism, across Eastern Europe and Germany. In every war there is long list of heros, villains and “colorful” legends ranging from medieval knights to modern generals. One of these “colorful” legends was General George S. Patton who historian Terry Brighton concluded, “Patton was arrogant, publicity-seeking and personally flawed, but … among the greatest generals of the war.”  Though many brave men and women, of the greatest generation, are passing away I have had the honor of knowing a man who served under Gen. Patton’s command. His personal stories of the general’s leadership and courage would make chills run down your spine and only serve to add to his already myth-like legend. Of the many stories, he has shared; one reoccurring theme continues to surface time and time again. For General Patton, and the men who served with him, they all believed whatever had to be accomplished they could do it themselves!

How does this relate to us today? As Christians, desiring to live a progressively Christ-like life, are we determined to discipline the other things? St. Paul encourages the early church, and therefore the church in every generation, to “Bring into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.” (2 Cor. 10:5) Here we read yet another aspect of the hard work that comes with the nature that pursues Jesus. Again St. Paul says, “I take every project prisoner to make it obey Christ.” So, again I ask, how much of our Kingdom work has never been disciplined? Said another way, how much of our Kingdom work has simply sprung into action, by impulse, but not followed through with discipline?

In Jesus’ life, and ministry, every project, mission, teaching and thought was disciplined to the will of His Father. Jesus never had a movement of impulse that was not born and disciplined by the Father. “The Son can do nothing of Himself.” If St. Paul encouraged young Christians to imitate him as he imitated Christ, and Jesus is therefore our model, then let us take our vivid spiritual experience, and every project born of impulse, and put them into disciplined action immediately! Instead of being imprisoned by indecision, or emotional lows, discipline every thought and project to obey Jesus!
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We are prone to forget that every Christian is not only committed to Jesus for salvation; he is to be committed to Jesus’ view of God, of the world, of sin and eternity. When we take every thought captive, and begin the work of disciplining our Kingdom purposes, then we will live as the bold, brash and confident legends in the battlefield of faith. I encourage you to respond to His Spirit’s invitation, recognize the responsibility of being transformed by the renewing of your mind, and embrace the challenge of disciplined living for the King’s glory!

Grace and Peace

JOSHUA 

Christian Living, Inspirational, Motivational

“A RIVER RUNS THROUGH IT”

A_river_runs_through_it_cover“A RIVER RUNS THROUGH IT”

Some time ago there was critically well-received movie titled, A River Runs Through It. Though, at the time, I was too young to appreciate the movie’s message I have now come to understand some of the truths the author sought to convey. Borrowing from a review of this novel the following was said, “A River Runs Through It” concerns the Macleans, a Presbyterian family during early 20th century Montana whose opinions of life are filtered through their passion for fly fishing. The novella is presented from the point of view of older brother Norman who goes on one last fishing trip with his rowdy and troubled younger brother Paul in an attempt to help him get his life on track.”  It may not sound like much when we think of fly-fishing, nature and a time, in America, long past. But when I watched this movie, again, some simple but profound Biblical truths emerged I would like to encourage you to consider.

Central to the novel, and of course the film, is a great and mighty river. This pristine river immediately gives you a sense of refreshing and cooling we can almost taste without ever being there.  If you take the time to consider the genesis of any river this natural stream, of nature and beauty, touches places of which its source knows nothing. Perhaps the river began with a melting snow on top a high mountain? Or maybe the river sprang forth from within the earth’s depths? One thing is certain, within the natural order of the things, the river’s source never knows how far, wide, deep and long it will journey and who it will bring life to.

Though often ignored, disregarded and deemed “expired” there is another river source that is always aware of its paths and the lives it desires to touch, refresh and bring everlasting life. Jesus says if we have received of His fullness, however small the visible measure of our lives, out of us will flow the rivers that will bless to the uttermost parts of the earth. If you examine the system of levees, up and down the Mississippi River, you know the “mighty Mississippi” is victoriously persistent and overcomes all natural barriers. For a while the Mississippi may go its steady course until it comes to an obstacle that has halted its advance. However, given enough time the persistent river will make its way around, or through, the obstacle and continue its life giving purpose.

In our great walk of faith, with the Biblical Jesus, the Father has always used “obstacles” to refine your life and build up your strength so you can press forward with Kingdom purpose. Perhaps some obstacles seem too large or have been in place too long for you to have any hope of pressing through or moving around them? If this is you, as it is with me in my current season, then let me remind us to keep paying attention to the Source from which the river is born! The river of the Spirit of God overcomes all obstacles; including the ones in your life today! Never set the focus of your vision on the obstacle or on the difficulty. “The obstacle is a matter of indifference to the river which will flow steadily through you if you remember to keep right at the Source. Never allow anything to come between yourself and Jesus Christ, no emotion, or experience; nothing must keep you from the one great sovereign Source.” (Chambers)
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Perhaps you feel as if your once mighty river has stalled, feeling stagnant or worse, drying up? God rarely allows us to see how great a blessing we are, even in the delayed seasons. If you believe in Jesus, you will find that God has nourished, in you, mighty torrents of blessings for others. It is a only a matter of time before the obstacle is removed and “Rivers of Living Water” flow freely again! (John 7:38)

Stay encouraged, remain faithful and always trust in Him as the source.

Grace and Peace

JOSHUA

Christian Living, Inspirational, Motivational

“TRUE FRIENDSHIPS ARE HARD TO FIND”

true-friendship“TRUE FRIENDSHIPS ARE HARD TO FIND”

“I have called you friends.” (John 15:15)

Much of what is defined as friendship, today, is the farthest hope we desire to have, with people, from a Biblical world-view. Just yesterday I was getting a haircut and the stylist and I entered into a conversation on the topic of friendship. As an owner-operator not only does his clientele expect a certain level of service and attention likewise his employees are looking, to him, for leadership as well as friendship. While he does set aside time to “team build” he told me he is very careful in his selection of friends to the point where he has to make a distinction between his employees and close social friends.

Truthfully, I have very few friends and I am okay with that because I too have learned the bonds of friendship extend far beyond a visit to the coffee shop or an occasional movie and sporting event. This is not to say I am a hermit or I purposely avoid relationships with others. But what I am saying is I reject what the world, and at times, the church has forced people to accept as a working definition of what friendship is and is not.

Let me give you a personal example: A while back a Christian friend offered me a gift. At first this very generous gift sounded like a blessing but then he followed up his generous invitation with conditions. Can you see what is wrong with this scenario? You have heard similar stories of never letting family borrow money or never tell somebody,  “Pay me back whenever you can” unless you are prepared to end up on an episode of Judge Judy. Gifts are to be gifts, without conditions, and Biblical friendships are to be self-sacrificing not self-serving. If you receive a gift, given with conditions, it is not a gift. Likewise, if you are in a “friendship” that does not possess self-surrender then it will seldom endure.

It is learnt that cialis buy online people rush to do sex just after taking the drug for ED. Even young men love this medicine as it absorb faster in the bloodstream producing better results. cialis bulk The online shops assist in maintaining complete security while getting viagra pfizer 25mg http://www.devensec.com/sustain/eidis-updates/IndustrialSymbiosisUpdateAug_Oct2010.pdf the order and delivering the medicines at the patient’s doorstep. Men are supposed to be well aware that this remedy must not be over-followed or should not be taken without consulting together with General Physician or Urologist. no prescription viagra Earlier this month I titled a blog, You Don’t Get It and You Don’t Have to. But you Have to Respect it! and it’s about a person living and following the call of Jesus on his or her life. That blog, as well as today’s, started me to thinking about how many friends Jesus may have had. How many friends do you think Jesus had? How many people approached Jesus with words like, ‘I will if …’ or ‘Oh well, I suppose I must devote my life to God.’ It sounds like Jesus attracted many “friendships” that lacked the Biblical heart of self-sacrifice.

Have you ever asked, “Why do I have so few friends?” Or have you ever looked over your friend pool and really questioned how many are close and dear? Usually when we are lacking in true friendships we self-examine by saying, “Well, I guess I’m difficult to like?” But more than the “likeability factor” I have come to understand so few people are prepared to abandon themselves to the Holy Spirit, who is able to lead us into right friendships with others based on the joy and truth of Jesus. Honestly, I’m not nearly where I need to be and daily I am reminded how much “ugly me” still exists. But within the context of friendships, led by the Holy Spirit, I now see even my conversations scare people from wanting to be my friend. Certainly going to a movie can be fun or watching a sports event can serve as a relaxing break but the final aim of Biblical friendship is self-sacrifice and laying down our lives for our best friend, Jesus. Few friendships are prepared for that kind of intimacy and honesty.

Jesus stands as our best model of true friendship by setting the example of a life lived in self-sacrifice—“I delight to do Thy will, O My God.” Jesus knew how to go on, with or without, friends because His sacrifice, to the Father, brought exuberant joy. And so I ask myself, and you, have we ever yielded in absolute submission to Jesus? “If Jesus is not the lodestar, there is no benefit in the sacrifice; but when the sacrifice is made with the eyes on Him, slowly and surely the molding influence begins to tell.” (Chambers)

Beware of letting natural affinities delay your walk in Him. Or said another way, be careful of letting “friends” drain you intimate time with the Holy Spirit. Friends are exciting and can even serve as an impressive tally on your Facebook account but how many of these “friends” are built on natural affinities? Love for the Father is not sentimental; to love as God loves is the most practical thing for the believer. When Jesus said,  “I have called you friends.” It is a friendship based on the new life created in us, which has no affinity with our old life, but only with the life of God. This is why I reject what the world and even he church may call friendship and only desire to walk with those who are living a life in the pursuit of humility, holiness and absolute devotion to the Biblical Jesus!

Blessings – JOSHUA