Tag Archives: character

Christian Living, Inspirational, Motivational

THE ODDITY OF CIRCUMSTANCE?

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1 Thessalonians 5:18 [widescreen]This past weekend I was watching the AFC / NFC playoffs and, while my favorite team was not playing, I was very interested in the various games for different reasons. Initially I wanted to know which AFC team the New England Patriots would be playing later this week. After the final game was played an odd, but new, statistic was revealed. For the first time, in NFL history, all of the home teams lost in the opening round of the playoffs. It may seem unlikely but for such an occurrence to happen a lot of circumstances had to transpire. Every game had the challenges of fumbles, missed field goals, interceptions, broken plays, big plays, weather conditions, injuries and uncharacteristic performances that allowed for this new statistic to be set. Die-hard fans will seek out conspiracy theories, casual fans will find it odd but the reality is circumstance is more purposed than random and there is nothing “odd”  in the situation. Of course would be immature to say that God controls who wins and looses a football game but it is easier to comprehend, through life, God allows circumstances to occur which will test our character, faith, trust and heart.

Have you ever stopped to consider the same circumstance that provides the opportunity for failure can also be an opening for success? The opportunity to sin can also be the occasion to live holy, and the chance to not forgive can also be the opportunity to extend forgiveness. James writes, “My brothers and sisters, be very happy when you are tested in different ways. 3 You know that such testing of your faith produces endurance. 4 Endure until your testing is over. Then you will be mature and complete, and you won’t need anything.”[1] And the Apostle Paul follows by saying, “Always be joyful. 17 Never stop praying. 18 Whatever happens, give thanks, because it is God’s will in Christ Jesus that you do this.”[2]

Often we approach challenging circumstances through a negative paradigm. A bad medical report, lost job, failed exam, broken relationship or missed opportunity are followed by a series of questions such as, “Why me? Why now? Why Not?…Lord?!?” Most agree a good and perfect God is not the author of evil and suffering but the reality of a fallen condition, in humanity and creation, exposes everyone to challenging circumstances that will immediately test our heart, faith and character. Still, we must also be reminded, as we go through any circumstance, the character of God is merciful, grace-filled, compassionate and loving. The circumstance is therefore an opportunity for God to reveal His best for everyone and for all people to experience and witness His fullness.

Personally, I find it “odd” how we respond when we are recipients of fortunate circumstances because we express little doubt God was the chief architect of the blessing. I also find it “odd” we can so easily  switch our love toward Him based on our immediate feelings. Can we have it both ways…thanking God for the good and cursing Him for the bad? The circumstance always reveals the genuine heart condition in us all.

When the Minnesota Vikings field goal kicker failed in his opportunity to win his team’s playoff game player and fan reactions were very telling. Would these same people be thanking God if the kick was successful? Furthermore, would the team that benefited from the missed scoring opportunity be cursing God if the kicker had succeeded?

Jan 10, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings kicker Blair Walsh (3) reacts after missing a field goal attempt against the Seattle Seahawks in the fourth quarter of a NFC Wild Card playoff football game at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

In the shock or excitement of any circumstance we will react in many different ways but after we have had time to consider the turn of events are we able to take a step back and discover the deeper purpose in the situation?

snapshot_20160110_150959As I write this post my family is experiencing circumstances that reaffirm the obvious: God is in control! Yes, we are to pray, seek His will, worship Him and ask God for relief in all circumstances; but after you have done all you are able to do and after you are standing in faith you come to a single conclusion: The circumstance is being allowed; and God will use the situation to refine us because He loves us with a larger vision for our lives than the one we see, or understand, in the moment.
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Is our circumstance odd? Is your present season of testing out of place? Certainly not! In fact, all circumstances are in perfect sync for the present part of the journey we are on. Jeannette and my personal circumstances are allowed, by God, to reveal yet another layer of our hearts. You would be correct to ask, What if the circumstance turned out to be different? Would you respond the same way? Truthfully our human emotions would have quickly generated a very different response. But, having had time to process such moments, as well as learn from other life changing occurrences, I feel confident we would understand God’s sovereign purpose in the present, and for the next, no matter how the circumstances will resolve.

Here is the lynchpin: While any circumstance is being lived in the here and now it is also building your faith, patience and character for tomorrow. Rest assured every football team will approach next year with the expectation to learn from their past year’s circumstances in a desire to better prepare for the next season. A loss is always difficult to forget and a win is easy to remember; but both circumstances have the God-allowed opportunity to make us stronger, more mature and usable for the next season.

Blessings – PASTOR JOSHUA

[1] GOD’S WORD Translation. (1995). (Jas 1:2–4). Grand Rapids: Baker Publishing Group.

[2] GOD’S WORD Translation. (1995). (1 Th 5:16–18). Grand Rapids: Baker Publishing Group.

 

Christian Apologetics, Christian Living, Inspirational, Motivational

REPOST from WISDOM DEFINED (Jeannette Johnian’s Blog) “WHEN THE KINGDOM INVADES MY STINKING THINKING

jeannetteWHEN THE KINGDOM INVADES MY STINKING THINKING

There is a running joke in my family that I have a crush on theologian NT Wright. Anytime we are in a conversation and a certain truth is mentioned I interject and say “NT Wright says”…It causes quite a stir, eyes start rolling and the laughing begins. All joking aside I don’t have a crush on NT Wright but it wasn’t until I heard NT lecture on the book of Romans that my understanding of the message of the Kingdom of God started to invade my stinking thinking.

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Let me explain, as he expounded on the scriptures, I had read over and over again, it was like dots being connected and suddenly I started to see the totality of the message of the Kingdom of God.  My spirit leaped within me and when I heard statements like  “the new age had broken into the midst of this present age” and “we are called to be truly human after the model of the Messiah”,it was as if I was born again, again.The Kingdom message has radically reordered how I see myself, unbelievers, the body of Christ and specifically all that God has done in and through Jesus Christ. I have laughed, cried and mourned as my life is being challenged with the most extraordinary message in the world.I recently had a conversation with a friend on the topics of forgiveness, restoration, God’s judgement and justices. As I sat and listened statements like these were said:

  • I will forgive but won’t forget.
  • I believe in reconciliation but not necessarily the need for restoration.
  • I am not the judge and God will judge those who have hurt me.

I found myself agreeing with each of these statements. After all, I had said and heard them throughout the years.
Hours after the conversation Kingdom thoughts started to invade my “stinking thinking”.  “What if God’s judgement is executed by an outpouring of love? Jeannette, will you be happy? What if justice comes in the way of blessing? What if Kingdom reconciliation is only seen in restoration? What if true forgiveness means covering over an offense as if it has never happened?

Suddenly, I remembered the story of Jonah he went to preach reconciliation to Nineveh, they repented and God restored them. Then the Bible says, it displeased Jonah exceedingly, and he became angry. What? The man of God brings the word of reconciliation and it angers him to see God’s justice. God, challenged Jonah’s stinking thinking. You can read it here;http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Jonah+4%3A1-11&version=NIV

You may be saying this is Bible 101. Perhaps it is but honestly ask yourself have you wrestled with these kinds of questions? If God is creator and judge of all and we are His people, are we not to reflect his true character. Is HE not calling us to live in the  present as it will be when the Kingdom is fully restored? I believe He is and as we allow the Kingdom to burst into our lives, families and communities of faith we are proclaiming the story of our God.

Peace,
Jeannette

Christian Apologetics, Christian Living, Inspirational, Motivational

WHEN WEEKLONG PRACTICE LEADS TO BIG GAME PERFORMANCE

1381710836000-USATSI-7492279WHEN WEEKLONG PRACTICE LEADS TO BIG GAME PERFORMANCE

Whether you are a causal fan or dedicated enthusiast the fall season, for sports, is an exciting time of the year. Professional and college football is in full swing, NHL hockey has just starting and Major League Baseball is entering into the playoffs. While sports can be an exciting source of entertainment for anybody, and anywhere, there are few cities that possess a sports culture where fans and teams live in a symbiotic relationship of love, frustration, dismay and euphoria all at the same time. As I write today’s post I am very aware there will be faithful fans, from other cities, that will argue their city is best sports town in the nation. But Sunday, October 13th, the city of Boston reminded the country as to why is must be considered the best sports city without equal.

Sunday afternoon began with the opening kick-off between the New England Patriots and New Orleans Saints, in what some billed, as the big national afternoon “Game of the Week.” In a game that featured excellent quarterbacks, and teams trying to prove their winning records against a serious challenger, this game managed to live up to the hype everyone anticipated. Quarter after quarter the game ebbed and flowed with momentum swaying in just a matter of minutes, if not seconds. Finally, with time running out, New England managed a game-winning touchdown, with 5 seconds remaining, to secure the win. Meanwhile, as the Patriots were celebrating their victory, just up the highway the Boston Red Sox found themselves struggling against the Detroit Tigers in a game that seemed to be playing into Detroit’s hands. In much the same way, as the Patriot’s game, the Red Sox found themselves left to a handful of plays remaining. Losing by a score of 5 -1, a win seemed improbable, that was until a grand slam and, an inning later, infield hit managed to secure a victory for the Red Sox. For the city it was a magical sports night that placed Boston, on top, as the greatest sports city for that weekend.

By now you may be asking how two games, from an obvious Boston sports fan, can possibly relate to your faith? It’s a fair question to ask; and if you stick with me a few more moments I will show you how it all comes together.

Yesterday I decided to take some time to listen to a few of the post-game interviews, from the winning teams, and repeatedly heard a theme that struck right to the heart of everyday life, faith and a key to victory throughout the struggle. As I listened to coaches, players and “hero’s” I heard them all repeat the same chorus: Their weeklong practice, and attention to detail, prepared them for the situations they found themselves in. In the final moments they all knew what they needed to do…it was just a matter of execution. Likewise, in our walk of faith, life and struggle we often imagine we will do the “right thing”, or win the big game, when crisis or challenges arise. But, the reality is, the crisis will only reveal the stuff you have developed during the days and weeks of preparation.

There are many people who sincerely believe if God gives me the call, of course they will rise to the occasion. But the truthful answer is we will not be able to answer any call unless we have risen to the occasion through daily and dedicated practice. The person who lives in the pursuit of Christlikness must live practiced in the daily routine, challenge the ordinary and prepare for the “big game” ahead. Here I want to add another crucial step every Christian ought to take: Execute of ones faith and practice into action! If the follower of Jesus has not been practicing the disciplined work that is closest, because God (as a coach) has engineered it, when the crisis (big game moment) comes instead of being revealed as ready and prepared, we will be shown as unfit and defeated. CRISIS ALWAYS REVEALS CHARACTER!

So how does the Christian practice knowing the “big game” is coming? One key routine we must daily exercise is our worshipping the Father. Worship God in your home, work and with your family; worship Him in your private relationships as well as in your public friendships. Oswald Chambers challenges all of us not to be idle when it comes to living prepared by saying, “I can’t be expected to live the sanctified life in the circumstances I am in; I have no time for praying just now, no time for Bible reading, my opportunity hasn’t come yet; when it does, of course I shall be all right.’ No, you will not. If you have not been worshipping as occasion serves, when you get into work you will not only be useless yourself, but a tremendous hindrance to those who are associated with you.”

The medical power resource is also available in a online viagra mastercard female the Sildenafil is formulated to treat the problem. Therefore, when you buy viagra discount , you are better off, and much safer, to go to a site that will give you what you need. Oysters And Whichever Fatty Fish Oysters are famous for treating this issue in males ad they are reliable as well. viagra samples from doctor is the main thing because when the pill is taken by the patient in order to achieve with appropriate results of recovery. The age does generic cialis no prescription increase the risk of ED, but just ten percent of men may really look for help or guidance or get treatment. Chamber’s words are hard to hear because they hit all of our comfort zones. Practice and discipline does not come easy for many. Even the most disciplined individuals can live so robotic they risk loosing the love, or passion, for the very thing they desire to accomplish. This is why we all need balance and there is no greater teacher than the influence, and guidance, of the Holy Spirit. Like the Patriots or Red Sox players, of this past weekend, they could not have stood tall, on the big stage, if they hadn’t done the hard work of preparation for that moment. Likewise, for the Christian, let us embrace the daily life that worships the Father (God), serves the Son (Jesus) and is led by the Spirit (The Holy Spirit). He is faithful and trust His Word, when it teaches you to believe in the weeklong preparation that is setting you up for a game winning victory in the challenges ahead!

Grace and Peace

Joshua

BTW…for the sports fan that wanted to hear the final radio calls for the Patriots and Red Sox game I thought you might enjoy them.

Patriots Final Call

Patriots Final Call Video

Red Sox Final Call

Christian Apologetics, Christian Living, Inspirational, Motivational

DEMOLITION MAN

demolition_manDEMOLITION MAN

Growing up in the 80’s America had a certain do it yourself attitude. I remember watching weekday cartoons where GI Joe was the “Real American Hero” and after twenty-five minutes the good guy always won. Of course living in the 80’s was far from perfect but the shades of gray were never the norm; and matters of right and wrong were understood in black and white terms. Another 80’s phenomenon was the era of super-action hero. Unlike our genre of Marvel comic hero movies today the 80’s gave us Rocky, Rambo, Tango, The Predator, Commando and the Demolition Man. In the movie Demolition Man this sci-fi action film pitted a frozen, but now thawed, killer against…you guessed it a frozen, but now thawed, super cop. By now you are probably trying your hardest not to fall out laughing but I never said the 80’s were the best in everything. That being said, I would like to borrow this popular action movie title, Demolition man, and apply it to the Christian walk regarding the trials, struggles and battles we have with a real life adversary: Sin.

St. Paul exhorts the first church to “Cast down imaginations and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God.” (2 Cor. 10:5) This bold command speaks loudly to us as we face the same struggles from the fall of Adam to today. Just as with the believer in Paul’s day we too must be determined to demolish those things contrary to the Word of God in our own lives.

Let me ask you to think on something? Sometimes we tend to confuse our earthly nature from the nature of sin. By default the nature of all humanity is born under the curse of sin. However, this does not mean everyday life is filled with hopeless sinful outcomes. What you decided to eat or wear (for example) need not become an eternal battlefield of personal sin versus righteousness. Likewise deliverance from sin is not deliverance from human nature. Within human nature there are deposits of God’s common grace we can enjoy such as love, friendship and charity. But there are things in human nature, such as prejudices, that the person who lives in the progressive pursuit of Christlikness has to demolish through proactive action. (i.e., by the Divine strength imparted by God’s Spirit) Furthermore, there are other battles over which we are not to fight, but to stand still in and see the salvation of God. It is here to I want to insert a strong word of caution and reminder. Despite my or your personal theologies anything that erects itself as a stronghold, against the knowledge of God, needs to be determinedly demolished by drawing on God’s power, through His Holy Spirit, and not comforted, accepted or welcomed as some type of inner compromise.

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So be as the Demolition Man and target the sinful, not natural areas of our life. Under the direction of the Holy Spirit He will provide you with the proper balance in life. But once that “stronghold” has been revealed do not compromise or give it sanctuary…tear it down and allow the Father to build a great fortification to His glory in your life.

Grace and Peace

JOSHUA